Tehran: Iran on Saturday issued a sharp condemnation of the new U.S. travel ban, calling it a reflection of a “racist mindset” and hostile intent toward Iranian and Muslim communities.
In a statement, Alireza Hashemi-Raja, Director General for Iranian Expatriate Affairs at the Foreign Ministry, described the policy—set to begin on June 9—as “a clear indication of the influence of supremacist and racist thinking among U.S. decision-makers.”
He further added that the decision, “shows deep hostility toward the Iranian and Muslim people.”
The criticism comes days after U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order reviving sweeping travel restrictions similar to his first-term ban. The White House has defended the move, citing national security concerns following a firebomb attack at a pro-Israel rally in Colorado.
The ban applies to nationals from Iran, as well as Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo-Brazzaville, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Additionally, a partial ban affects travelers from seven other countries, though the administration has yet to provide full details.
The renewed policy has drawn criticism from human rights groups and diplomatic circles, warning it may deepen tensions and harm legitimate travel and humanitarian efforts.