The United States has refused to issue visas to some members of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s delegation ahead of this week’s United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Iranian state media reported the development on Monday, saying members of Pezeshkian’s communications team were among those denied visas.
Pezeshkian is expected to be the highest ranking Iranian official to visit the United States since the Middle East war began with US and Israeli strikes on Iran in February.
Iran’s state news agency IRNA described the visa denial 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.
Pezeshkian is scheduled to address the UN General Assembly on Wednesday.
The United States has approved the Iranian delegation’s visit for the UN meeting but will impose some restrictions, similar to those placed on the delegation last year.
The US State Department said on Thursday that members of the Iranian delegation would not be allowed to purchase luxury goods and certain other items during their stay.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who is part of the delegation, left Iran on Sunday evening and travelled to Qatar as part of his journey to the United States.
The visit comes amid rising tensions between Iran and the United States.
Iran says it has sent conditions to Washington through Qatar, which is acting as a mediator, for reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran has restricted shipping through the strategic waterway since the war began. The route is important for the global supply of oil and gas.
The United States has responded by imposing a counter blockade on Iranian ports.
