Iranian Diplomats Expelled From US After Overstaying UN Visit

Two Iranian diplomats were expelled from the United States after remaining in New York beyond the allotted time following the United Nations General Assembly meeting, a State Department official confirmed. The diplomats were reportedly asked to leave the country last Monday after the conclusion of the UN gathering but failed to do so.

The exact circumstances of their residence in New York and the method of their removal remain unclear. However, a State Department official stated, "Secretary Rubio means business. Two more members of the Iranian delegation were found still in New York long after the UN General Assembly had passed. They have now been kicked out of the country."

Iran's Foreign Affairs Minister, Abbas Araghchi, offered a different account on Sunday via X, asserting that all Iranian diplomats who attended the UNGA, with one exception who left earlier, departed as scheduled. Araghchi criticized the announcement of expulsions, calling it "inappropriate" and indicative of "desperation and defeat," and inconsistent with the obligations of a host nation.

This incident occurs amidst heightened tensions and a U.S. war with Iran, which has led to increased scrutiny and restrictions on Iranians present in the United States. Previously, during the World Cup hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico in July, then-President Donald Trump issued a warning to the Iranian team regarding their safety, and subsequently, nearly a dozen members of their delegation were denied visas.

Meanwhile, on Sunday, Iran reiterated its threat to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed unless its demands are met, stating there is "no military solution" to the ongoing situation. Tehran insists that the U.S. must comply with seven conditions outlined in an agreement from June. The closure of this vital strait in the Persian Gulf has significantly impacted global oil prices, causing substantial increases in diesel costs. In response to rising costs, G7 leaders agreed on Friday to release 100 million barrels of diesel and crude oil from their emergency reserves, reportedly under pressure from President Trump.

Iran's parliament speaker, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, warned that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the U.S. meets Iran's terms. He stated that while the U.S. has made proposals through intermediaries, the era of one-sided demands is over. Qalibaf affirmed that Iran's position is clear and firm: the Strait of Hormuz will not reopen until the seven conditions, based on the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, are fulfilled.