US blocks Iran’s nuclear chief from Vienna meeting

The United States has prevented Iran's nuclear chief, Mohammad Eslami, from attending a UN conference in Vienna due to US pressure, according to both Washington and Tehran. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated that Washington had applied pressure to stop Eslami from entering Austria, citing that he is a sanctioned individual and the US does not want sanctioned individuals evading sanctions.

Eslami and a delegation had reportedly taken a regular flight to Vienna on Saturday but were blocked en route due to US obstructions. Iranian state TV accused the US of employing "bullying political pressure" and warned that the incident sets a precedent that could affect others. The Austrian foreign ministry requested an exemption for Eslami, who falls under a UN travel ban, but the Security Council declined the request due to a lack of consensus.

Eslami was scheduled to attend the annual general conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), a UN body that runs until Friday. He had previously attended last year's event and delivered a speech on Iran's behalf despite the sanctions in place. In response to the decision to bar Eslami, Tehran summoned Austria's charge d’affaires, alleging that the Austrian government's refusal to issue visas was unjustified and a product of American pressure.

The United States and Israel initiated hostilities against Iran on February 28, and Iran has consistently denied allegations that it seeks nuclear weapons.