Sen. Ted Cruz has introduced legislation to block sanctioned Iranian officials from entering the United States for next week’s UN General Assembly, where major world leaders are expected to prematurely recognize a Palestinian state.
The Texas Republican unveiled the “Strengthening Entry Visa Enforcement and Restrictions (SEVER) Act” on Thursday, saying Iran’s regime should not be granted the privilege of stepping onto U.S. soil.
“The Iranian regime and the corrupt officials who run it are responsible for the murder, injury, and kidnapping of thousands of Americans,” Cruz told The Hill. “The Ayatollah means it when he chants ‘Death to America.’”
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi are slated to attend the high-level UN meetings beginning September 22. Under the 1947 UN Headquarters Agreement, Washington is obligated to issue visas for foreign delegations, though U.S. officials have broad discretion to impose travel restrictions once they arrive. Cruz’s measure would specifically bar officials tied to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, many of whom are already sanctioned under U.S. law.
“If you are a crony of the Ayatollah who has been sanctioned by the U.S., it means that you pose a threat to the safety and security of Americans, and you should not be allowed on American soil—let alone to engage in diplomacy at the United Nations General Assembly,” said Cruz.
A similar version of the bill was introduced in 2022 but stalled in the Senate. This time, Cruz is joined by Republican colleagues Tom Cotton, John Barrasso, Rick Scott, Ashley Moody, and Joni Ernst. A companion bill has also been filed in the House by New York Rep. Claudia Tenney.
“Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian, like his predecessors, is part of a regime that funds terrorism, destabilizes the Middle East, brutalizes the Iranian people, and has actively targeted Americans. No government official that is part of this despotic regime should ever be permitted to set foot on American soil to spread propaganda or legitimize tyranny,” Tenney said in a statement.
Reports also indicate the State Department is weighing new limits on the Iranian delegation, including confining their movement to New York City and requiring approval for basic activities such as shopping trips.
This year’s General Assembly is shaping up as one of the most contentious in years. France, Australia, Canada, and several other nations have announced they will formally recognize a Palestinian state during opening sessions, defying U.S. objections and sparking sharp criticism from Jerusalem.
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