WANA (Sep 19) – A hardline Republican senator in the U.S. Congress has introduced a bill aimed at preventing Iranian officials from entering the United States to attend the UN General Assembly.

 

On Thursday, Senator Ted Cruz unveiled legislation titled the Strengthening Entry Visa Enforcement and Restrictions Act (SEVER). The proposal seeks to bar Iranian leaders from traveling to New York for the annual UN gathering.

 

In a statement, Cruz alleged: “The Iranian regime and the corrupt officials who run it are responsible for the killing, injuring, and hostage-taking of thousands of Americans. When the Ayatollah chants ‘Death to America,’ he means it. Sanctioned individuals should not be allowed to step foot on U.S. soil.”

 

The bill has drawn support from several other Republican senators, including Tom Cotton, John Barrasso, Ashley Moody, Rick Scott, and Joni Ernst. A similar version has also been introduced in the House of Representatives by Congresswoman Claudia Tenney, who claimed: “Iran’s president, Masoud Pezeshkian, like his predecessors, is part of a regime that funds terrorism and oppresses the Iranian people. No official from this regime should be allowed to enter our country to promote or legitimize tyranny.”

Masoud Pezeshkian's speech at Strengthening the United Nations’ Objectives. 23 Sep 2024 / WANA News Agency

Masoud Pezeshkian’s speech at Strengthening the United Nations’ Objectives. 23 Sep 2024 / WANA News Agency

The move comes as the 80th session of the UN General Assembly convenes in New York, with the first high-level meetings scheduled for Monday. Iran’s president and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi are expected to attend.

 

U.S. media have reported that the Trump administration has recently been weighing tougher restrictions on foreign delegations, including the Iranian mission. One proposal reportedly suggested that Iranian diplomats should require special permission from the State Department to shop at major retailers such as Costco or Sam’s Club.

 

This latest congressional push highlights Washington’s double standards and selective use of international law. While the UN is a global and independent institution, the host country is obligated to ensure access for all member states. By restricting the travel of Iranian officials, the United States risks violating its international commitments and undermining Iran’s right to voice its positions on the world stage.