Iranian Delegation Faces US Visa Hurdle Ahead of UNGA

The United States has denied visas to some members of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s delegation ahead of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

Iranian state media reported on Monday that members of Pezeshkian’s communications team were among those affected.

The development comes days after Washington approved visas for Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to attend the UN gathering. The approval covers the core Iranian delegation, although the US has imposed restrictions on its size, movement and purchases during the visit.

Iran’s state news agency, IRNA, described the latest visa denial as an “unprecedented hostile move” by the administration of US President Donald Trump.

“In an unprecedented hostile move by the US government, President Donald Trump has denied US visas to certain members of the president’s high-level delegation, including members of his communications team,” IRNA reported.

The semi-official Mehr News Agency also reported the visa denials, citing a spokesperson for the Iranian presidency. Pezeshkian is scheduled to address the General Assembly on Wednesday.

The Iranian president’s attendance will make him the highest-ranking Iranian official to enter the United States since the conflict between Iran, the United States and Israel began in February, according to reports.

Washington had earlier said it would allow a core Iranian delegation to attend the UN meeting in line with its obligations as host of the UN headquarters. However, the delegation is expected to be smaller than in previous years and will face restrictions while in New York.

The US State Department has also said Iranian delegates would not be allowed to purchase luxury goods and certain other items during their stay.

Araghchi left Iran on Sunday evening for New York, with a stopover in Qatar. Qatar has been involved in communications between Washington and Tehran during the conflict.

The visa dispute comes as relations between Washington and Tehran remain tense, with the two sides also dealing with the wider fallout from the conflict.

Iran has said it conveyed conditions to Washington through Qatar for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a major route for international oil and gas shipments.

Tehran has restricted shipping through the strategic waterway since the conflict began, while the United States has imposed a counterblockade on Iranian ports, according to reports.

Pezeshkian’s planned appearance at the UN General Assembly therefore comes against the backdrop of continuing military tensions, diplomatic contacts and restrictions surrounding the Iranian delegation’s presence in New York.