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NEW YORK, September 22, 2026: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has travelled to New York for the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly as Tehran prepares to press its case on the war, stalled diplomacy and regional security.
Pezeshkian said Iran would present its positions “forcefully” at international forums, according to Iran’s ISNA news agency.
He said Iran would raise what he described as the suffering of the Iranian people, the consequences of the conflict and the loss of trust created by recent developments.
The president also said Iran had repeatedly entered negotiations and signed agreements. He alleged that some of those commitments were later disregarded.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has also arrived in New York for the UNGA. He is expected to hold talks with foreign officials during the gathering.
Araghchi said Iran would use the UN platform to present what he called the country’s legitimate positions.
According to Iranian state media, he said the delegation would highlight the Iranian casualties and the impact of the recent conflict.
Araghchi has also criticised the United Nations over what he described as a failure to maintain international peace and security.
He argued that the organisation faces a crisis of credibility at a time when the UNGA is meeting under a theme centred on restoring trust.
The Iranian foreign minister said Tehran’s main objective was to defend the rights and interests of the Iranian people.
He also held discussions with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres after arriving in New York, according to Iranian media cited by Al Jazeera.
Iran’s UNGA appearance comes as diplomatic efforts continue around the wider regional conflict.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a major concern for governments because of its importance to global energy shipments.
France has discussed freedom of navigation in the strait with both India and Pakistan. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot also welcomed Pakistan’s mediation efforts between Iran and the United States.
France said negotiations should involve as many relevant parties as possible. Paris also stressed the need to address concerns involving Iran’s nuclear, ballistic and regional activities.
The issue has also featured in discussions between France and Gulf Cooperation Council countries. Paris said it supports efforts to guarantee freedom of navigation and pursue a diplomatic solution.
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Pressure on Tehran has also increased over the conflict in Yemen.
G7 foreign ministers called on Iran to end what they described as its arming and support of the Houthis. They also urged the Yemeni group to halt military actions and attacks against civilian shipping.
The G7 said the attacks threatened international trade and global stability.
Iranian officials have rejected accusations that Tehran should bear responsibility for the wider regional crisis.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei has also criticised US statements linking Iran to rising fuel prices and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz.
His remarks reflect Tehran’s broader effort to present its position directly to the international community during the UNGA session.
The UN gathering is taking place amid continued military and diplomatic tensions across the Middle East.
The Houthi conflict has added another layer to concerns over commercial shipping in the Red Sea and nearby waterways.
France has separately discussed cooperation with India on freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb.
European officials have also warned that instability around the region could affect supply chains and energy security.
Against this backdrop, Iran’s participation in UNGA gives Pezeshkian and Araghchi an opportunity to present Tehran’s position directly to world leaders.
Their meetings are also expected to focus on diplomacy, regional security and the prospects for renewed negotiations.
