Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian departed for New York on Tuesday, September 23, to attend the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Before leaving Tehran, the President made a statement, seemingly dismissing speculation about a potential meeting with the US President, Donald Trump.
“There can be no dialogue with the one who resorts to bullying, coercion, and sabotage,” President Pezeshkian stated upon his departure.
President Pezeshkian is scheduled to deliver his address to the world body on Wednesday morning, New York time. His political aide, Mehdi Sanaei, confirmed that the President’s visit will also include a packed schedule of high-level diplomacy on the sidelines of the general debate.
Pezeshkian is expected to hold bilateral meetings with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the heads of state of various countries. His itinerary also includes meetings with think tankers, selected policy forums, and members of the Iranian expatriate community residing in the United States.
The President’s trip comes at a time of escalating tensions, particularly following the decision by the E3 (France, Germany, and the UK) to activate the “snapback” mechanism to reimpose UN sanctions on Iran. This context makes his address and sideline meetings critical opportunities for Tehran to present its case on the international stage.
The theme for this year’s UNGA is “Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights,” providing a platform for leaders to outline their national priorities and perspectives on global challenges.
Prior to his departure, President Pezeshkian participated in a traditional bell-ringing ceremony to mark the beginning of the new academic year in Iran. He also met with Iranian Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, a customary practice for Iranian presidents before undertaking significant international trips such as attending the UNGA.
