Iranian state media says members of Masoud Pezeshkian’s communications team were among officials denied entry documents ahead of the UN General Assembly.
The United States has reportedly refused 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 the development on Monday, September 21, 2026, saying members of Pezeshkian’s communications team were among those affected.
The reports came days after Washington announced that a core Iranian delegation, including Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, would be permitted to attend the UN General Assembly despite continuing tensions between the two countries.
Iran Condemns Visa Decision
Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency described the reported visa refusals as an “unprecedented hostile move” by the US government.
The semi-official Mehr news agency also reported the development, citing a spokesperson for the Iranian presidency.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei criticised the decision and linked it to recent restrictions imposed by the Trump administration on some US media organisations.
Baghaei argued that restricting access for journalists and members of the Iranian president’s communications team would limit the ability of the delegation to present its position during the international gathering.
The comments represent the Iranian government’s characterization of the decision. The US government has not publicly confirmed all the reported individual visa refusals.
US Had Approved Core Iranian Delegation
The reported visa dispute comes after the US State Department announced on September 17 that a core Iranian delegation would be allowed to attend the UN General Assembly.
The decision allows Pezeshkian and Araghchi to travel to New York for the high-level UN meetings.
Reuters reported that the State Department cited US obligations as the host country of the United Nations in permitting the core delegation to attend.
However, Washington imposed restrictions on the Iranian delegation.
The restrictions include limits on where members can travel while in the United States and restrictions on purchasing luxury goods and certain other items.
The Iranian delegation is also smaller than in previous years, according to reporting on the US decision.
Pezeshkian Set to Address UN Assembly
Pezeshkian is scheduled to address the UN General Assembly on Wednesday.
His appearance comes against the backdrop of heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
His planned visit is significant because it represents a rare opportunity for Iran’s president to address a global audience from the United Nations while relations with Washington remain highly strained.
The US approval of the core delegation means Pezeshkian will be able to participate in the high-level meetings despite the restrictions placed on members of his wider delegation.
Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi has already travelled toward New York. Reports said he left Iran on Sunday evening and stopped in Qatar before continuing his journey.
Strait of Hormuz Adds to Tensions
The visa dispute is unfolding alongside a separate disagreement involving the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important routes for oil and gas shipments.
Iran has reportedly communicated conditions to the United States through Qatar, which is acting as a mediator, for reopening the strategic waterway.
The issue has become part of the broader confrontation between Tehran and Washington.
Reports say Iran has restricted shipping through the strait since the conflict began, while the United States has imposed countermeasures targeting Iranian ports.
The developments have also contributed to uncertainty in global energy markets. Reuters reported on September 22 that oil prices rose as markets watched for possible US-Iran diplomatic discussions during the UN General Assembly week.
Diplomatic Tensions Follow US-Iran Conflict
The latest disagreement follows months of heightened tensions between the two countries.
The US decision to permit the core Iranian delegation to attend the UN gathering reflects Washington’s obligations as host of the United Nations, while the restrictions demonstrate the limits placed on the delegation during its stay.
Iran, meanwhile, has criticised the restrictions and the reported denial of visas to members of the wider delegation.
The two governments therefore remain sharply divided over several issues, including the conflict, sanctions, maritime access and diplomatic engagement.
The UN General Assembly is providing an opportunity for the two sides to present their respective positions before an international audience.
Pezeshkian’s speech on Wednesday is expected to attract particular attention because of the circumstances surrounding his visit and the restrictions affecting his delegation.
For now, the reported visa refusals concern members of the wider Iranian delegation rather than the core group that Washington previously approved for the UN meetings.
