Archive · 22 Sep 2026
US Approves Security for Iran FM as Trump Signals Talks
The United States agreed to protect Iran’s foreign minister while he visits New York.
He is attending a large United Nations meeting.
President Donald Trump said he might meet Iranian officials if the situation is right.
Other US officials said they are open to talking, but only if talks could produce a useful result.
The US wants Iran to give up the ability to make a nuclear weapon.
At the same time, the US is keeping pressure on Iran with possible new sanctions.
Some people in Iran’s delegation were reportedly denied visas or had their movement restricted.
Iran plans to use the United Nations meeting to explain its views and defend its interests.
The US approved Diplomatic Security Service protection for Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in New York.
The decision came as President Donald Trump indicated he wanted to meet Iranian officials if circumstances were suitable.
The US restricted movement by Iran’s delegation, and some members reportedly were denied visas.
US officials said any meeting would need to support efforts to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon.
Washington simultaneously warned companies serving Iranian airlines that they could face secondary sanctions.
- Who
- The US administration, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, and other officials from both countries.
- What
- The United States approved security protection for Araghchi while signaling possible talks with Iranian officials, alongside continued restrictions and economic pressure.
- When
- During the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, with Araghchi arriving in New York on Tuesday.
- Where
- New York, during the United Nations General Assembly.
- Why
- The US said engagement would need to support its goal of ensuring that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon, while Iran intends to present its position and defend what it calls the rights and interests of its people.
Diplomatic Engagement
Pressure and Conditions
Potential US-Iran meeting
Diplomatic Engagement
US officials said Trump is open to meeting Iranian officials if a discussion could produce a positive outcome.
Pressure and Conditions
The administration insists that engagement must advance its goal of preventing Iran from ever having a nuclear weapon.
Treatment of Iran’s delegation
Diplomatic Engagement
The US approved security protection for Araghchi, allowing him to attend the UN General Assembly with a US security detail.
Pressure and Conditions
Washington also restricted the delegation’s movement and reportedly denied visas to several members.
Economic policy
Diplomatic Engagement
Possible talks suggest the administration is willing to engage directly with Iranian officials.
Pressure and Conditions
The administration continues applying pressure, including warnings that companies serving Iranian airlines could face secondary sanctions.
- US security decision
- The Diplomatic Security Service will protect Abbas Araghchi after a review of threats against him.
- Possible meeting
- Donald Trump has indicated he would like to meet Iranian officials if circumstances are right.
- US position
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio said talks would need the prospect of a positive outcome.
- Iranian delegation
- Araghchi is leading Iran’s delegation, while Masoud Pezeshkian is expected to address the assembly.
- Visa and movement restrictions
- The US imposed movement restrictions on the Iranian delegation, and several members reportedly were denied visas.
- Economic pressure
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that companies serving Iranian airlines could face secondary sanctions.
- United Nations contact
- After arriving in New York, Araghchi spoke by phone with Secretary-General António Guterres.