Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has vowed to “firmly defend” his country’s position as he travels to New York for the United Nations General Assembly.
Mr Pezeshkian is expected to address the UN General Assembly this week, becoming the highest-ranking Iranian official to enter the United States since the war between Iran and the US began early this year.
Speaking before his departure, Mr Pezeshkian said Iran would use the international forum to present its position on the conflict.
“We emerged with our heads held high, and this is a source of dignity and pride for all of us,” he said, according to Iranian state television.
“Therefore, we will firmly defend our positions in international forums,” he added.
The Iranian president said he would use the opportunity to highlight what he described as the difficulties facing his country.
“We will make the best possible use of this opportunity to convey Iran’s plight to the international community,” he said.
“We will firmly tell our adversaries that, despite all the unfairness and injustices, the Iranian people have stood their ground.”
US imposes restrictions on Iranian delegation
Washington has approved entry for a core Iranian delegation, including Mr Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, for the UN General Assembly. However, the delegation faces restrictions on its movement and activities while in New York.
Iran’s communications team has not been granted visas, according to Iranian officials and state media.
Presidential spokesman Habibollah Abbassi described the visa restrictions as “hostile”, Iranian media reported.
Mr Araghchi has already arrived in New York ahead of Mr Pezeshkian’s expected appearance at the UN.
The visit comes as Washington and Tehran remain locked in conflict, while diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis continue.
Strait of Hormuz remains key issue
The strategic Strait of Hormuz remains a major point of tension between Iran and the United States.
Iran has restricted shipping through the waterway since the conflict began, while the US has imposed a counterblockade on Iranian ports. Iranian officials have also linked the reopening of the route to conditions communicated through intermediaries.
The waterway is a crucial route for global energy supplies, making disruption there a major concern for international markets.
The UN General Assembly’s 81st session opened on 8 September, with the high-level week bringing world leaders to New York.
