The United States has denied visas to some members of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s delegation ahead of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, Iranian state media reported on Monday.
The affected officials reportedly include members of Pezeshkian’s communications team.
Pezeshkian is expected to address the UN General Assembly on Wednesday and will be the highest-ranking Iranian official to visit the United States since the war between Iran and Israel began in February.
Iranian state news agency IRNA described the visa denials as an “unprecedented hostile move” by the US administration.
The Mehr news agency also reported the development, citing a spokesperson for the Iranian presidency.
The United States has, however, authorised the core Iranian delegation to attend the General Assembly while imposing restrictions on its activities in the country.
The restrictions include limits on where members of the delegation can travel and what they can purchase.
The State Department said the Iranian delegation would not be allowed to purchase luxury goods or certain other items.
The decision comes amid heightened tensions between US and Iran following the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who is part of the delegation, left Iran on Sunday for Qatar before continuing to New York.
Iran has also been using Qatar as a mediator in communications with Washington over conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a major route for global oil and gas shipments.
The United States has imposed a counterblockade on Iranian ports, according to the report.
The 81st UN General Assembly brings world leaders and senior officials to New York amid conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, as well as discussions on global issues including artificial intelligence and climate change.
The US has previously maintained that its obligations as host country require it to facilitate access to the UN headquarters, while also applying security and travel restrictions to foreign delegations.
