US blocks Iran nuclear chief's visa for Vienna conference

Tehran has lodged a formal complaint against Washington, accusing the United States of exerting pressure on Austria to cancel the visa of Mohammad Eslami, a senior Iranian official slated to attend a conference in Vienna. Iran’s foreign ministry said the alleged intervention breaches the sovereign rights of an EU member state to determine its own visa policy and constitutes an unwarranted intrusion into the internal affairs of a fellow United Nations member. The statement, issued on Thursday, did not provide evidence of the U.S. lobbying but referenced recent diplomatic exchanges in which American officials expressed concerns over Eslami’s participation due to his role in Iran’s nuclear and missile programs.

Austria’s foreign ministry confirmed that the visa revocation was decided after a review of security considerations, but declined to comment on any external influence. The United States has not responded to the accusation, while European officials have emphasized the autonomy of each member state in handling visa matters. Iran warned that such actions could further strain relations with the West and called for respect of international norms governing diplomatic travel. The episode adds to a series of recent tensions between Tehran and Washington over Iran’s nuclear activities and regional policies.