US Grants Visas to Iran Delegation for UN Meeting Amid Ongoing Conflict

The US government has granted visas to Iranian officials to attend the UN General Assembly in New York next week, marking the war between the two countries' seventh month. The core delegation permitted to attend includes Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

The move comes as the war shows no sign of ending, having driven up global energy prices and expanded into neighboring countries since its February start. The US State Department confirmed the decision on Thursday, stating that the delegation will be placed under travel restrictions and banned from purchasing certain American products.

Last year, Iranian diplomats were banned from shopping at wholesale stores like Costco, and required to seek permission before buying luxury goods such as jewelry, alcohol, or cars. This year's delegation is smaller than last year's, with State Department Spokesman Tommy Pigott warning New York shops to 'be on guard' against selling goods to the delegation.