Iran’s top leadership is heading to New York for the United Nations General Assembly even as Tehran and Washington remain locked in an ongoing conflict. The Trump administration has approved visas for President Masoud Pezeshkian, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and other members of Iran’s core UN delegation, but strict travel and purchasing restrictions will remain in place. Iranian UN officials, visiting delegates and their dependents are barred from buying luxury goods or obtaining wholesale-club memberships in the United States. State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott declared “not on our watch” and warned New York-area retailers against facilitating prohibited purchases. The unusual UNGA showdown comes as Donald Trump weighs whether to resume major military operations against Iran. Iranian leaders can address the world in New York, but Washington is making it clear their freedom outside the UN will remain heavily restricted.
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