Iran Rejects US Claim of Diplomat Expulsions
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has rejected US claims that members of Tehran’s delegation to the United Nations General Assembly were expelled from the United States, saying the diplomats left New York according to schedule.
Iran Rejects US Claim of Diplomat Expulsions
Araghchi said all Iranian diplomats who attended the UN General Assembly, apart from one who departed earlier, left the United States as planned.
His remarks came after a US official claimed that the State Department had “kicked out” members of Iran’s UNGA delegation after they allegedly remained in the country beyond the permitted period.
Araghchi dismissed the account and accused Washington of misrepresenting what happened.
Two Iranian Delegates Reportedly Stayed Behind
The dispute centres on two members of the Iranian delegation who were reportedly still in the United States after the wider delegation had been asked to leave.
One reportedly departed on Friday night, while the second left on Saturday morning.
US officials portrayed their departures as enforcement of visa and diplomatic restrictions, while Tehran maintained that the movements were consistent with the delegation’s planned schedule.
US-Iran Diplomatic Tensions Continue
Araghchi said Washington’s claims reflected what he described as “desperation and defeat” and argued that the US position was inconsistent with its obligations as host country to the United Nations.
The exchange adds another layer of tension between Washington and Tehran after recent diplomatic contacts in New York failed to produce a breakthrough on the wider conflict and nuclear negotiations.
Both sides remain sharply divided over sanctions, military operations and conditions for renewed talks.
