Iran criticizes US travel ban as discriminatory and racially motivated.
Iran has expressed strong disapproval following President Donald Trump’s recent executive order that imposes travel restrictions on travelers from a range of countries, including Iran. The Iranian government describes the directive as racially charged and indicative of long-standing hostility towards Iranians and Muslims.
The executive order, enacted earlier this week, restricts entry for individuals from 19 countries, specifically targeting several nations across Africa and the Middle East. This policy mirrors measures reminiscent of those implemented during Trump’s prior tenure in office between 2017 and 2021. The administration framed the move as a necessary precaution to bolster national security.
In a statement on Saturday, Alireza Hashemi-Raja, head of the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ department overseeing Iranians abroad, asserted that the travel ban reflects a “supremacist and racist mentality” prevalent among American policymakers. He further characterized the regulations as indicative of a deep-seated antagonism toward Iranian and Muslim communities.
The executive order encompasses nationals from Iran, Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Additionally, a limited ban is applicable to travelers from seven other countries.
Hashemi-Raja articulated concerns that these restrictions violate international legal standards, denying many individuals their fundamental right to travel based solely on their nationality or religious beliefs. He indicated that such policies would implicate the United States in international accountability.
Despite ongoing tensions, it is noteworthy that the United States is home to the largest Iranian diaspora globally, with an estimated 1.5 million Iranians residing in the country as of 2020, as reported by Tehran’s Foreign Ministry. This vibrant community contributes significantly to the cultural landscape of the US and fosters connections between the two nations.
The lack of formal diplomatic relations between the US and Iran since the Islamic Revolution in 1980 has not diminished the enduring connections formed by the Iranian community in America, illustrating the complexities of international relations and cultural interactions in an increasingly interconnected world.
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