Let Zarif address the U.N.

As the world waits for the next step in the battle between Iran and America (I'm calling it a battle now), and the United States waits for President Donald Trump to address the nation after Iran attacked military sites in Iraq, foreignpolicy.com has reported Mohammed Javad Zarif, Iran's Foreign Minister was to address the United Nations tomorrow about, "the importance of upholding the U.N. Charter."

The United States blocked Zarif from entering the United States and, in the process, prevented him from visiting the United Nations. Zarif's request was made on December 20th, one day after the meeting was announced. Federal Law states that visa fees are waived if a foreign minister wishes to enter the country in order to conduct business at the United Nations.

Zarif should be allowed to address the United Nations. I would hope if President Donald Trump is not there to hear him speak, then Vice President Mike Pence or Secretary of State Mike Pompeo or another high-ranking American official would be there. I would also hope there would be some dialogue between the countries after the world hears what Zarif has to say.

Now is the most opportune time for Zarif to speak and be heard. President Donald Trump has met with Kim Jong-Un of North Korea about relations between the countries. He has met with Xi Jinping of China about trade. It would make perfect sense to meet with the representative of a country that has traded military blows.

President Trump should personally restate this invitation for Zarif to visit the United States to speak. He should then work to prevent the battle for getting worse. Trump has said he doesn't want war. No one does, of course. Allowing Zarif to address the United Nations would show how much he doesn't want it.