The United States has reportedly refused to issue 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 on Monday that the affected officials were among Pezeshkian’s high-level delegation.
Pezeshkian is expected to become the highest-ranking Iranian official to visit the United States since the Middle East war began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran in February.
Iran’s state news agency, IRNA, described the reported visa refusals as an “unprecedented hostile move” by the administration of US President Donald Trump.
The Mehr news agency also reported the development, citing a spokesperson for the Iranian presidency. It added that Pezeshkian is scheduled to address the UN General Assembly on Wednesday.
The United States has authorised the Iranian delegation to travel to New York for the General Assembly but is expected to impose restrictions similar to those introduced during last year’s UN meeting.
According to the US State Department, members of the Iranian delegation will not be permitted to purchase luxury goods or certain other items while in the United States.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who is part of the delegation, left Iran on Sunday evening and travelled to Qatar for a stopover.
Meanwhile, Tehran says it has communicated conditions to Washington, through Qatar as a mediator, for reopening the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil and gas shipments.
Iran has restricted shipping through the strait since the war began, while the United States has imposed what it describes as a counterblockade targeting Iranian ports.
