US veto blocks Iran's nuclear chief from UN meeting
The US blocked Iran's nuclear chief from a UN atomic watchdog meeting in Vienna. It opposed a visa exemption for him.
Iran's Mohammad Eslami was set to speak at the International Atomic Energy Agency's annual conference in Vienna this week. Austria revoked his visa after first granting it.
The US had opposed exempting him from UN sanctions. The US said Eslami is targeted by snapback sanctions that returned after President Donald Trump withdrew from Iran's 2015 nuclear deal in 2018.
Iran and Russia say the US is blocking Iranian officials from global travel to sideline them. Austria said the UN sanctions committee rejected the exemption request.
The US claimed his presence would let Iran use the forum for propaganda rather than nuclear cooperation.
- Mohammad Eslami
- Iranian nuclear chief
- Vienna, IAEA conference
- Location
- 2018
- Year US withdrew from deal
- Snapback sanctions
- Sanctions mechanism
Why it mattersThe standoff shows how US sanctions can isolate Iranian officials from global forums. It deepens diplomatic tensions over Iran's nuclear program.
AustraliaNo direct Australian effect yet, but reflects ongoing nuclear diplomacy tensions Australia observes through its security partnerships.
Corroborated byperthnow.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 9 d ago
