US revokes visa of Brazil’s ambassador to Washington in escalating row

The United States has revoked the visa of Brazil’s ambassador to Washington, triggering a diplomatic standoff just months before Brazil's presidential election. The US State Department official explained the move would be reversed if Brazil approved US nominee Daniel Perez's appointment as ambassador to Brasilia. Brazil's envoy Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti was not declared persona non grata but the US insisted on a prompt and positive response to their request.

Brazil's response was swift, condemning the US move as part of a deliberate escalation of hostile measures. The US downgrade in ties with Argentina coincided with this, following Argentine President Javier Milei's insults to Brazil's leader Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Brazil is set to hold its presidential election in October, with incumbent Lula facing right-wing candidate Flavio Bolsonaro.

The US also denied visas to two officials who sought to meet with Brazilian election authorities, citing the risk of political exploitation. This comes after Brazil denied visas to two US officials last month, alleging the risk of political exploitation. The US State Department spokesperson dismissed any insinuation of undermining Brazil's election as a baseless lie.