TEHRAN — Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and a high-level delegation have traveled to New York for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), seeking to articulate Tehran’s position on the ongoing conflict with the United States while exploring diplomatic off-ramps. Pezeshkian departed from the capital on Tuesday, accompanied by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and other senior officials, ahead of his scheduled address to the 193-member assembly on Wednesday.
The trip comes against the backdrop of a war initiated by the US and Israel on February 28, which has disrupted shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and destabilized global energy markets. President Trump recently signaled consideration of further military strikes on Iran but stated he wishes to consult regional Arab leaders first. Consequently, Trump is set to meet with representatives from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain in New York in the coming days.
Before boarding, Pezeshkian told reporters that the delegation’s mission is to “express the plight of the Iranian nation, the crimes that have been committed against it, and the distrust that has been created.” He warned that any renewed military action by Iran’s adversaries would be counterproductive, adding, “We will make the enemies disappointed.”
Foreign Minister Araghchi, who arrived in New York earlier, emphasized that his primary objective during sideline meetings is to “defend the rights and interest of the Iranian people.” He also criticized the UN’s record, stating that trust in the organization has eroded due to its “ineffectiveness in establishing international peace and security.” Araghchi indicated that Iran would raise specific incidents at the assembly, including the US-led bombing of a school in Minab and the assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on the first day of the conflict.
Diplomatic efforts to de-escalate are underway through regional mediators, including Pakistan, Qatar, Oman, and Turkiye. Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, revealed that Tehran has communicated seven conditions to the US for reopening the Strait of Hormuz. These demands include an end to hostilities on all fronts, the release of frozen Iranian assets, the lifting of port blockades, a cessation of military attacks on Iranian soil, and noninterference in Iran’s internal affairs.
Despite these diplomatic channels, internal debate within Iran persists regarding the path forward. Some factions favor negotiation, while hardliners advocate for intensified conflict. Hossein Mohebbi, a spokesman for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), told local media that Iran remains prepared to deploy new weapons systems against US forces if necessary, citing recent attacks on American warships, but confirmed openness to negotiations if national interests demand it.
Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who also serves as chief negotiator, cautioned against both perpetual war and surrender. “The first keeps the country in a state of perpetual crisis and the other offers national resources and dignity to the enemy on a platter,” Ghalibaf said, arguing that both extremes serve the enemy’s goal of dividing Iranian society.
Rezaei additionally warned that Iran could abandon the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) depending on future US actions. The delegation is scheduled to remain in New York for five days before returning to Tehran on Saturday. However, access has been restricted; the US has denied visas to Pezeshkian’s press corps and imposed limitations on their movement. Iranian delegates are also barred from purchasing luxury goods during their stay.
While President Trump suggested he might be open to meeting Pezeshkian, Iranian state media dismissed the remark as “propaganda.” Domestic reactions among Iranians have been largely skeptical. One resident in western Tehran told Al Jazeera that while the president’s attendance is preferable to abstention, there is little hope for a breakthrough. Another capital resident agreed, stating that while a political opening is possible if leaders desire it, current sentiments suggest otherwise. Meanwhile, the conflict in Yemen has escalated, with Iran-aligned Houthi forces expanding control over the Bab al-Mandeb strait following recent advances in western Yemen.
The Minab school bombing and Khamenei assassination claims are serious if true. The UN’s inaction speaks volumes about its current relevance and effectiveness.
Seems like empty gestures if the US continues strikes. How can diplomacy work when the other side is already attacking? Skeptical about any real off-ramp here.