US denies visas to members of Iranian president’s UN delegation

The United States has denied visas to some members of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s delegation, including members of his communications team, ahead of this week’s United Nations General Assembly in New York.

 

Iranian state media reported the development on Monday, describing the decision as an “unprecedented hostile move” by the US government.

 

State news agency IRNA said the affected officials were part of Pezeshkian’s high-level delegation. The Mehr news agency also reported the development, citing a spokesperson for the Iranian presidency.

 

Pezeshkian is scheduled to address the UN General Assembly on Wednesday and would be the highest-ranking Iranian official to visit the United States since the Middle East war began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran in February.

 

The United States has authorised the Iranian delegation to travel to New York for the General Assembly but is expected to impose restrictions on its activities, similar to those applied during last year’s visit.

 

The US State Department said members of the Iranian delegation would, among other restrictions, be prohibited from purchasing luxury goods and certain other items.

 

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who is part of the delegation, left Iran on Sunday evening and travelled to Qatar for a stopover.

 

The development comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran following the outbreak of the conflict.

 

Iran has said it conveyed conditions to the United States through Qatar, which is acting as a mediator, for reopening the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a major route for global oil and gas shipments.

 

The United States, meanwhile, has imposed a counterblockade on Iranian ports.