Iran's UN Delegation Holds Extensive Diplomatic Meetings Amidst US Pressure
While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit and speech at the UN General Assembly were marked by low attendance during his address and limited diplomatic encounters, Iran's delegation experienced a significantly more productive diplomatic agenda. Iran was represented by President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who remained in New York following the assembly. According to CNN, Araghchi met with representatives from at least 24 countries, including foreign ministers from major European powers. In contrast, Netanyahu met with nine leaders, including the presidents of Argentina and Slovenia, and the prime minister of Greece.
Araghchi's meetings included discussions with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell and his counterparts from the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, Poland, Russia, and Ukraine. He also met with Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi shortly after Iran attacked U.S. targets within Jordan. President Raisi met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Western media representatives.
A key event for Iranian diplomacy was Araghchi's meeting with a representative of former U.S. President Donald Trump, Steve Witkoff. Araghchi presented a new proposal for negotiations between Tehran and Washington, though reports indicated Trump rejected it and prepared for further military action. For Iran, the significance lay in the meeting itself.
During other meetings, Araghchi received firm messages regarding Iran's actions. British Foreign Secretary David Miliband reportedly conveyed the UK's "uncompromising determination to combat threats from Iran-linked entities on British soil, including attacks against the British Jewish community." Other foreign ministers urged Iran to ensure freedom of maritime navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and emphasized the need for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict with the United States.
The article also highlights escalating U.S. economic pressure on Iran. A senior U.S. Treasury official reportedly visited European and Middle Eastern countries, urging them to "choose sides, either Tehran or Washington." Recent actions include Iran's airlines being cut off from vital regional routes and its leading commercial bank being barred from conducting transactions in the UAE and Turkey. These measures add to existing sanctions and a U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports. A British lawyer specializing in Iran sanctions noted this is the most significant pressure on Iran's banking and aviation sectors in two decades, with the U.S. achieving more in weeks than in previous years.
President Raisi acknowledged the impact of U.S. sanctions during his UN speech but asserted they would strengthen Iran's resolve, stating, "The steadfastness of the Iranian nation will only increase in the face of sanctions. We will never bow our heads or bend our knees."
