Iran Condemns US Travel Ban Targeting 12 Countries
Iran has vehemently criticized the recent United States travel ban that restricts entry for citizens of 12 primarily Middle Eastern and African countries, including Iran. The Iranian government described the policy as indicative of a "supremacist and racist mentality", emphasizing that it reflects deep-rooted hostility towards Muslims and Iranians.
Background and Implementation of the Travel Ban
The US travel restrictions, effective from June 9, were reinstated through an executive order citing national security concerns following a violent incident at a pro-Israel rally in Colorado. The ban affects citizens from the following countries:
- Iran
- Afghanistan
- Myanmar
- Chad
- Congo-Brazzaville
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Haiti
- Libya
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Yemen
In addition, seven other countries face partial entry restrictions under the new policy.
Official Iranian Response
Alireza Hashemi Raja, director general for the Department of Iranian Affairs Abroad at Iran’s foreign ministry, condemned the ban, stating it represents the dominance of a supremacist and racist mindset among American policymakers. He underlined that the decision to exclude Iranian nationals solely based on their religion and nationality violates fundamental principles of international law, including prohibitions against discrimination and breaches of basic human rights.
Hashemi Raja further asserted that depriving hundreds of millions of people of the right to travel solely due to nationality or religion exemplifies systemic racism entrenched within the American ruling establishment. He warned that these discriminatory actions would lead to international accountability for the US government.
Diplomatic Context and Implications
Diplomatic relations between Iran and the US have been severed since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, with persistent tensions since. The United States remains home to the largest Iranian diaspora worldwide, with approximately 1.5 million Iranians residing there as of 2020.
The reinstatement of the travel ban followed a firebomb attack at a pro-Israel rally in Colorado that caused over a dozen injuries. The suspect, an Egyptian national, overstayed a tourist visa.
Iran's Commitment to Protect Its Citizens
The Iranian foreign ministry affirmed that it will undertake all possible measures to safeguard the rights of its citizens affected by the US government's discriminatory travel restrictions.
