US to allow Iran delegation to attend UN meetings in New York as war passes half-year mark

US authorities have granted visas to Iranian officials to attend the UN General Assembly in New York next week, as the conflict between the two nations enters its seventh month. The BBC understands the core delegation includes Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. A spokesperson for the US State Department confirmed the determination on Thursday, saying that the delegation will be placed under question restrictions and will be banned from purchasing certain American products. The determination comes as the war shows no sign of ending. Since it began in February, it has driven up global energy prices and expanded into neighbouring countries. "Consistent with our big state obligations, the halfway delegation from the Iranian authorities volition beryllium capable to be UN General Assembly High Level Week," a spokesperson for the US State Department told the BBC. "The delegation volition beryllium nether question restrictions and volition look prohibitions connected the acquisition of luxury and different goods per our policy. The delegation is smaller than past year." Last year, diplomats attending from Iran were banned from buying at wholesale stores such as Costco. They also were required to seek US support before purchasing luxury goods, including jewellery, alcohol and cars. The 81st session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) is presently underway. The General Debate – the centrepiece of the yearly event – is set to begin on Tuesday. Tuesday will see speeches from US President Donald Trump, UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, and France President Emmanuel Macron. Wednesday is expected to feature speeches from the leaders of Ukraine, Syria and Iran. Public and governmental pressure has mounted on the White House to find an end to the struggle with Iran, which began on 28 February when the US and Israel launched associated attacks on the country. Since the war began, Iran has repeatedly attacked US bases and allied states in the Gulf, as well as Israel. The BBC recently learned that the US denied a visa to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and the Palestinian delegation to attend UNGA. The White House, which does not recognise the legitimacy of the Palestinian delegation, denied them visas for a second year in a row.