The United States has refused to issue visas to some members of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s delegation, including members of his communications team, ahead of Iran’s participation in the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Iranian state media reported the visa denials on Monday, September 21, describing the decision as a hostile move by the administration of US President Donald Trump. The reports were attributed to Iran’s state news agency, IRNA, and the Mehr news agency, which cited a spokesperson for the Iranian presidency.
The development comes as Pezeshkian prepares to travel to New York for the high-level UN meetings amid continuing tensions between Washington and Tehran.
Pezeshkian is expected to address the UN General Assembly on Wednesday, making his planned appearance one of the closely watched events of the week.
Despite the visa restrictions affecting some members of the delegation, the United States has authorised the core Iranian delegation to attend the General Assembly.
The Trump administration had earlier approved visas for Pezeshkian and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, allowing the two senior officials to participate in the high-level UN meetings. The State Department said the decision was consistent with US obligations as host country of the United Nations.
However, Washington has imposed additional restrictions on the Iranian delegation. The State Department said the delegation would be smaller than last year and would face travel restrictions as well as prohibitions on purchasing luxury and certain other goods.
The restrictions follow similar measures imposed on Iranian officials attending previous UN meetings.
The Iranian president is scheduled to deliver Iran’s national address during the General Debate of the 81st UN General Assembly.
The gathering begins its high-level week in New York amid major international disputes, including the continuing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, as well as tensions affecting global energy and shipping routes.
Pezeshkian’s attendance also makes him the highest-ranking Iranian official expected to enter the United States since the current Middle East conflict began, according to reports.
Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi, who is part of the delegation, reportedly left Iran on Sunday evening and travelled to Qatar as part of his journey to New York.
The visa dispute comes against the backdrop of continuing confrontation between Washington and Tehran.
Iran has said it conveyed conditions to the United States, through Qatar as a mediator, for reopening the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for international oil and gas shipments.
The United States has also imposed measures against Iranian ports, while tensions surrounding maritime routes and regional security remain a major concern for governments and energy markets.
The latest developments are expected to add further diplomatic tension to an already closely watched UN General Assembly, where Iranian and US officials will be present despite the ongoing confrontation between the two countries.
