[68485] Political storm in Tehran surrounding a possible trip by Foreign Minister Araghchi to New York

The tension surrounding Abbas Araghchi's trip to New York

A political storm has erupted in Tehran following reports of a possible trip by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to New York. According to Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei, the minister received an official invitation to participate in a special session of the UN Security Council on international peace and security, held at the initiative of China, which is currently serving as the rotating president of the council. However, the spokesman emphasized that participation is not final due to the minister's tight schedule.

The reports sparked fierce opposition from conservative elements in the Iranian parliament. Ali Khezrian, a member of the National Security Committee, attacked the move sharply and claimed it is a strategic error. In a television interview cited by opposition sources such as Iran International, Khezrian expressed hope that "the news is false," and added: "Holding a meeting on 'enemy soil' regarding the Strait of Hormuz puts the Islamic Republic in a position of weakness."

While official and establishment news agencies, including Akhbar Fouri and Akharin Khabar, presented the trip as part of Tehran's legitimate diplomatic moves toward China, critical elements emphasized the political danger. Payam-e Iran Channel, which identifies with positions critical of the administration, cited Khezrian calling for policy on the Strait of Hormuz to be subject solely to the directives of the Supreme Leader and the Supreme National Security Council, rather than discussions in the international arena.

As of May 20, 2026, no final decision has been made by the Iranian Foreign Ministry regarding Araghchi's flight to New York, with the ministry clarifying that this is a diplomatic effort intended to serve national interests within the framework of the session organized by Beijing.