WANA (Jan 30) – The U.S. Department of State has announced that senior officials of the Islamic Republic of Iran and their family members will be prohibited from entering the country. This measure is part of Washington’s new immigration policies and is justified by what the U.S. describes as “human rights violations” in Iran.
A State Department spokesperson, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stated that senior Iranian officials and their families should not benefit from the U.S. immigration system. The department cited recent domestic developments in Iran as a key reason for this decision.
This announcement comes amid protests in Iran over economic concerns, including rising currency and gold prices. While initially peaceful, Iranian authorities claim these demonstrations were later hijacked by organized groups, leading to violence, damage to public infrastructure, and fatalities among civilians.
The Iranian government has repeatedly rejected U.S. allegations of human rights violations and accused the United States and its allies of interfering in Iran’s internal affairs. Tehran maintains that the narrative presented by Washington does not reflect the realities on the ground.
As of this report, the U.S. State Department has not provided further details regarding the individuals affected by the ban or the exact timing of its implementation. The move could further escalate diplomatic tensions between the two countries, which have historically had strained relations.
The state bank building burned during Iran’s protests, on a street in Tehran, Iran, January 19, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)