Tehran, September 20, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei has said Iran’s participation in the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York is a “legal right” and not a privilege that can be granted or denied by another country.
Speaking to state-run IRIB TV, Baghaei said Iranian representatives had little interest in being in New York but described the UNGA as an important platform that Iran should not abandon.
“Being present in New York holds absolutely no appeal for Iran’s representatives. However, it is a stronghold that must not be abandoned,” Baghaei said.
“Iran’s participation in the UNGA’s session is a legal right, not a favor to be granted to us by someone. Iran is one of the UN’s 50 founding members,” he added.
Baghaei said it was the responsibility of Iranian representatives to attend the international gathering and present what he described as the Iranian people’s position to the world.
He accused “the other side” of using various means to prevent the Iranian delegation from participating, according to Xinhua news agency.
The Iranian spokesman said such “obstructionism and negative propaganda” would not persuade Tehran to give up what it considers its legitimate right to attend the UNGA and articulate its positions.
The United States said on Thursday that it would issue visas to Iran’s “core delegation” for the UN General Assembly, consistent with its obligations as the host country.
“The delegation is smaller than last year,” the US State Department said in a statement.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump is expected to focus on Iran’s nuclear programme during his United Nations diplomacy next week. Trump is scheduled to address the UN General Assembly on Tuesday before meeting leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council in New York.
US officials said Iran would be a major subject of discussion, although they did not confirm whether Trump or other US representatives would meet Iranian officials.
US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz said Trump’s speech would stress the importance of ensuring that Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon, adding that the demand has also been reflected in repeated UN Security Council resolutions.
Waltz said the address would also cover diplomatic agreements and unresolved conflicts, along with progress on Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan.
Asked about the possibility of US-Iran talks, the official declined to comment on the final schedules of the President or Secretary of State.
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