A key development has taken place in the ongoing war between the United States and Iran. Even as tensions in West Asia have reached a peak, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s planned visit to the United States has become a sensation. Amid the war, Pezeshkian and other key Iranian leaders have prepared to travel to the US, with Washington approving visas for these leaders — a development already confirmed by the US State Department. There is a clear reason behind the Iranian leaders’ visit: the UN General Assembly’s high-level session is set to be held in New York City next week, with all UN member states taking part in the high-level meeting. As part of this, Iranian President Pezeshkian, along with the rest of his delegation, will attend the session, for which the US has granted the necessary approvals. “Consistent with our host country obligations, we have allowed the Iranian government delegation to participate in the meetings,” a State Department spokesperson said, adding that the number of Iranian representatives attending this year would be smaller than last year. Officials said the delegation would face travel restrictions and a ban on purchasing luxury and other goods.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump made clear that the war will end only if a strong agreement is reached with Iran, and that there will be no deal otherwise. Trump’s remarks carried added significance coming ahead of a key meeting with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) leaders planned around the UN General Assembly session, amid heightened tensions in West Asia. Trump stated firmly that any agreement with Iran would need to align with US expectations, and that there would be no room for negotiations otherwise. Notably, Trump made these remarks on the prospect of a deal with Iran during an interview with an international media outlet.
Trump also said that Iran wants an agreement with the US, but noted his assessment that Iran is not yet fully ready for such a deal. He made clear that the US would agree to any deal only if it met American expectations and security standards, adding that the US is moving in the direction of ending the war. As previously reported, Trump had earlier said the US had received direct signals from Iran regarding a possible agreement.