Washington: The US on Wednesday imposed visa restrictions against 18 Iranian officials in the communication sector for alleged involvement in inhibiting Iranians' rights to freedom of expression over the last couple of months.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the restrictions were announced by Secretary Rubio under the authority of Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The targeted individuals include Iranian regime officials and telecommunications industry leaders, as well as their immediate family members, marking a significant diplomatic action by the US government.
State Department's Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott stated in a press release that the visa restriction policy aims to target individuals who are complicit, or believed to be complicit, in serious violations of human rights. These violations are primarily related to inhibiting the right of Iranians to free expression and peaceful assembly. With this new action, a total of 58 individuals have been targeted by the policy.
The imposition of these visa restrictions follows closely on the heels of the second round of US-Iranian talks in Geneva, which were mediated by Oman. The first round of these discussions took place in Muscat on 6 February.