Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s planned visit to New York has been cancelled after he was unable to obtain a US visa during travel preparations, according to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency.
As a result, he will not attend the upcoming high-level United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting. The development comes at a sensitive diplomatic moment, with Iran and the United States engaged in ongoing back-channel discussions aimed at easing regional tensions and exploring a possible framework for broader negotiations.
Iran criticises US stance on talks
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei criticised Washington’s approach, saying frequent shifts in the US position were complicating the negotiation process. He said that while some progress had been made, it would be premature to suggest that a final agreement was close.
Baqaei also indicated that discussions were currently focused more on ending hostilities rather than detailed nuclear negotiations, suggesting that technical-level talks on Iran’s nuclear programme had not yet fully begun.
US says talks still ongoing
Meanwhile, US officials have maintained that diplomatic engagement is continuing. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said negotiations were still in progress and that a potential framework was being explored, while cautioning that any agreement would take time and careful review.
He also noted that regional partners, particularly Gulf countries, support efforts to reach a diplomatic solution.
Trump reiterates cautious approach
Former US President Donald Trump also commented on the situation, saying Washington would not rush into any agreement with Iran and would only accept a deal that met US expectations. He added that diplomatic pressure would continue until a final and acceptable arrangement is reached.
Background to the tensions
The latest exchange comes amid continued US-Iran friction over nuclear-related issues and regional security concerns. Both sides have expressed willingness to keep diplomatic channels open, but differences remain over the scope and structure of any potential agreement.
The cancellation of Araghchi’s visit is expected to further complicate already delicate discussions at the United Nations level.
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