Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, reiterated that Tehran will continue to maintain its presence at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, emphasizing that the country's attendance is a sovereign right rather than a concession from the United States. Baghaei made the remarks during a televised interview, stating that the location of the UN headquarters holds no particular allure for Iranian officials but represents a "trench that must not be abandoned."
According to the Iranian News Agency (IRNA), Baghaei highlighted that Iran was among the original fifty nations that founded the United Nations, underscoring the legal basis for its ongoing participation in the General Assembly. He framed the issue as a matter of international law, asserting that Iran’s involvement is grounded in its status as a founding member rather than any discretionary permission from external powers.
The spokesperson’s comments come amid broader diplomatic tensions between Tehran and Washington, where the United States has frequently expressed criticism of Iran’s regional policies and nuclear program. While the United States has not formally barred Iran from UNGA sessions, the Iranian official’s remarks suggest a perception that any perceived allowance could be construed as a political favor.
Baghaei’s statements reaffirm Iran’s commitment to engage in multilateral forums despite strained bilateral relations with the United States. By invoking the historical foundation of the UN, the foreign ministry seeks to position Iran’s participation as an immutable right under the charter of the organization.
The remarks were reported by Middle East Eye, citing the IRNA agency, and reflect Tehran’s broader diplomatic narrative that emphasizes sovereignty and legal entitlement in the face of external pressures.
Reporting attribution: based on reporting by Middle East Eye — original source: https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/baghaei-says-attending-unga-meet-irans-right-not-favour-granted-us.