Russia accused the United States of violating its obligations as host of the United Nations.
After Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Alimov was allegedly denied a visa to attend a UN Security Council meeting in New York.
Russia’s UN ambassador Vassily Nebenzia raised the issue during a Security Council session chaired by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Nebenzia said Alimov had been invited to attend the meeting, which focused on upholding the UN Charter and strengthening multilateral cooperation.
According to Nebenzia, repeated efforts to secure a visa for Alimov were unsuccessful. He described the move as a violation of the UN Headquarters Agreement, which requires the host country to facilitate access for representatives of member states attending UN activities.
A UN diplomat also said Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi appeared to have been denied a visa for the same meeting. The US State Department and the Iranian and US missions to the UN did not immediately comment on the matter.
UN spokesperson Farhan Haq said the organisation expects the host country to issue visas to all officials required to participate in meetings at UN headquarters.
The development came amid heightened tensions following recent US strikes in southern Iran, which Tehran described as violations of a ceasefire agreement. Wang urged all sides involved in the conflict to remain committed to de-escalation and dialogue.
During the meeting, Nebenzia also criticised Western countries, accusing them of applying double standards and undermining the UN-centred international order. He warned against growing militarisation in countries such as Germany and Japan, calling it a threat to global stability.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres told the Security Council that the world is facing the highest number of conflicts since the founding of the United Nations in 1945 and warned of rising risks to international peace and security.
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