Iran has accused the United States of maintaining a secret blacklist preventing government officials from obtaining visas, even as American authorities granted entry to the country's World Cup football team. The accusation, made by Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani, comes amid heightened tensions between the two nations. Kanaani claimed that US visa restrictions have hindered Iranian officials from attending UN meetings and other international events, describing the policy as "
discriminatory and politically motivated." The US State Department declined to comment on specific visa cases but reiterated that all applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The controversy unfolded as Iran's national football team successfully secured visas to travel to the United States for the upcoming World Cup matches.
The team's entry was seen as a rare moment of cooperation. However, Kanaani argued that the selective application of visa rules undermines diplomatic norms. They let our athletes in but block our diplomats.
This exposes the double standards of the American government," he said. The issue is likely to deepen the rift between the two countries, which have had no formal diplomatic relations since the 1979 hostage crisis.
The UN has previously raised concerns about US visa delays affecting the ability of member states to participate in its work. Iran's complaint follows a similar grievance from Russia earlier this year. With the World Cup set to begin in November, the visa dispute threatens to overshadow the sporting event and strain already fragile relations further.
