Pezeshkian Heads to UN, Vows to Defend Iran’s Position Amid US Tensions

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has vowed to firmly defend his country’s position as he travels to New York for the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly amid heightened tensions between Tehran and Washington.

Pezeshkian made the remarks on Tuesday before departing Iran, saying his government would use the international forum to present Iran’s position and address what he described as injustices against the country. His comments were broadcast on Iranian state television.

The Iranian president is scheduled to address the General Assembly on Wednesday. His trip comes as diplomatic tensions between Iran and the United States remain focused partly on the conflict and the disruption of shipping through the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

The United States has approved visas for Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, allowing senior Iranian officials to attend the UN gathering. However, Washington has imposed restrictions on the movement and purchases of members of the Iranian delegation while they are in New York.

Iranian officials have also said that visas were denied to members of Pezeshkian’s communications and media team. Iranian presidential spokesman Habibollah Abbasi described the decision as hostile, according to Iranian and regional media reports.

Pezeshkian is expected to use his appearance at the UN to outline Tehran’s position on the ongoing conflict and its dispute with Washington. His visit makes him the highest-ranking Iranian official to enter the United States since the conflict began, according to reports.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a major point of contention. Iranian officials have said they have conveyed conditions for reopening the waterway through Qatar, which has played a mediating role between Tehran and Washington. Reuters reported Tuesday that a senior Iranian official said Tehran could reopen the strait within seven days if the United States reduces its military presence and lifts its blockade of Iranian ports.

The developments have added significance to this year’s UN gathering, with Pezeshkian set to present Iran’s position before an international audience while diplomatic efforts continue around the conflict and the future of maritime traffic through the Gulf.