U.S. authorities have confirmed that the Iranian delegation will be allowed to travel to attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York, but Palestinian representatives will be banned for the second consecutive year.
On Thursday, 17 Sep 2026 GMT+7, a U.S. State Department spokesperson revealed that the United States has agreed to permit the Iranian delegation to attend the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) meeting in New York next week, despite the war entering its seventh month.
A source close to the matter confirmed that this permission also includes Mr. Masoud Pezeshkian, the President of Iran.
“In accordance with its obligations as the host country, the main Iranian government delegation will be able to participate in the annual high-level UN General Assembly meeting,” the U.S. State Department spokesperson said.
However, officials added that this year's delegation will be smaller than last year's and will face travel restrictions, including bans on purchasing luxury goods and other products.
Meanwhile, fighting between the U.S. and Iran has intensified again in recent weeks, while shipping remains restricted in the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait off Yemen’s coast, areas controlled by Houthi rebels.
Nevertheless, this U.S. move came after sources confirmed on Wednesday that Washington denied a visa to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to attend the UN General Assembly, marking the second consecutive year of such denial.
This measure, first introduced by President Donald Trump's administration last year, has forced Palestinian leaders—who regularly attend the UNGA—to deliver their speeches to world leaders via video instead.
The U.S. State Department stated in a release without directly naming Abbas that visas will be denied to members of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and officials of the Palestinian Authority (PA).
The statement said the reason was “failure to reform the organization, which violates agreements made with the U.S., as well as activities that undermine the ongoing prospects for peace.”
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Source:cna