UNITED NATIONS: The expected arrival of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in New York is emerging as one of the most closely watched developments of next week’s United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), as the Iranian delegation prepares to attend the high-level session amid the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran. Pezeshkian is scheduled to address the General Assembly on Wednesday, a day after US President Donald Trump is expected to deliver his address. The Iranian president’s participation has drawn significant international attention because of the continuing conflict and its wider implications for regional security and the global economy. The United States has agreed to allow a core Iranian delegation to attend the UN General Assembly’s high-level week, while imposing travel restrictions and limits on the purchase of luxury and other goods. The delegation will also be smaller than Iran’s representation at last year’s gathering. The contrasting treatment of Iranian and Palestinian officials has added another diplomatic dimension to this year’s UNGA. Washington has again denied Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas a visa to attend the gathering in person, while the General Assembly has authorized him to address the session remotely. The US State Department said the restrictions on Palestinian officials were being maintained over what it described as the Palestinian Authority and Palestine Liberation Organization’s failure to implement reforms and activities that Washington believes undermine prospects for peace. Palestinian officials have rejected the decision, calling it unjustified and arguing that it could hinder efforts to improve Palestinian-US relations and advance peace. Palestinian diplomats already accredited to the United Nations will continue to represent Palestine, while Abbas will participate through a video address. The UNGA is expected to take place against the backdrop of several major international challenges, including the US-Iran conflict, the war in Ukraine, Israel-Palestinian tensions, the conflict in Sudan and climate change. Global economic pressures, inflation and affordability concerns are also expected to feature prominently in discussions among world leaders. Pezeshkian is expected to appear at the same gathering as Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, making the General Assembly an important diplomatic forum for discussions on the conflict and its consequences for regional stability, shipping and energy markets. For Pakistan, the Iranian president’s expected presence gives added significance to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s participation in the UNGA. Islamabad has maintained contacts with Iran and other countries involved in diplomatic efforts to end the conflict and has emphasized dialogue, restraint and a negotiated settlement. Pezeshkian and Araghchi’s presence in New York could provide Pakistan with an opportunity to continue diplomatic contacts on the sidelines of the General Assembly. Beyond Pezeshkian’s address, attention is also expected to focus on his meetings with other world leaders and the possibility of diplomatic engagement surrounding the UNGA. With the conflict continuing to affect regional security, energy markets and the wider global economy, the Iranian delegation’s participation is likely to remain a key focus of diplomatic discussions in New York.
