Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi to miss UN talks over US ‘visa-related issue’

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will not travel to New York City for a United Nations Security Council meeting due to “overall circumstances and US visa-related issue,” according to Iran’s Foreign Ministry.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei confirmed the decision on Monday, saying Araghchi had been invited to attend a China-backed meeting at the United Nations Security Council focused on international peace and security.

The session is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, according to the UNSC calendar.

The announcement comes amid continued tensions between Iran and the US over diplomacy, sanctions and regional security issues.

Last week, the US State Department told CNN that “all visa applications are adjudicated on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act and other applicable laws.”

The department also said visa records are confidential and that details surrounding individual applications cannot be discussed publicly.

It remains unclear whether Iran will send another representative to attend the meeting in Araghchi’s place.