New York: Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has arrived in New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly, where he is leading the Iranian diplomatic delegation.

According to Iranian officials, Araghchi’s arrival comes at a time when the war between the United States and Iran and tensions in the region are continuing.

After arriving in New York, Abbas Araghchi also spoke by telephone with UN Secretary-General António Guterres. According to Iranian media, the two discussed the General Assembly’s agenda and the latest situation in the region.

Speaking to Iranian journalists, Araghchi said Tehran’s main objective is to use the UN’s global platform to highlight the rights and interests of the Iranian people and present Iran’s position.

During the General Assembly session, the Iranian foreign minister is also expected to hold meetings with officials and foreign ministers from various countries.

This is the first major visit by a senior Iranian official since the war began in the United States. Earlier, the US administration had approved visas for Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and the core Iranian delegation to attend the General Assembly. However, travel and other restrictions on the Iranian delegation remain in place.

Iranian media had earlier reported that President Masoud Pezeshkian would lead the delegation. However, according to the latest reports, Abbas Araghchi is leading Iran’s diplomatic delegation in New York. Pezeshkian is also expected to travel to New York to address the UN General Assembly.