US denies visas to members of Iranian president’s UN delegation

US officials have refused to grant visas to certain members of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian's delegation, including personnel from his communications office, according to Iranian state news outlets. The decision, which has been labeled as "unprecedented" by IRNA, comes as the Iranian leader prepares to attend the UN General Assembly in New York.

Pezeshkian's trip marks the highest-ranking Iranian official's visit to the United States since conflict erupted between Washington and Tehran in February. The visa denial, reported by Iran's Mehr news agency, is part of a series of restrictions the US has imposed on the Iranian delegation, mirroring those introduced during last year's visit.

Members of the delegation will be barred from buying luxury goods and certain other items during their stay. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, also part of the delegation, left Iran on Sunday and flew to Qatar for a layover. Tensions between the two nations are high, particularly over the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial oil and gas shipping route.

Iran has requested that the US reopen this vital waterway, which it has closed since the conflict began. In response, the US has implemented a counterblockade on Iranian ports, intensifying the already tense situation.