Russia Accuses US Of Denying Visa To Official For UN Security Council Meeting

Russia has accused the United States of failing to meet 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 ambassador to the UN, Vassily Nebenzia, raised the issue during a Security Council session chaired by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The meeting focused on protecting the UN Charter and strengthening multilateral cooperation.

Nebenzia said Alimov, who oversees Russia’s relations with the United Nations, had been invited by China but was ultimately unable to attend because the US did not issue a visa despite repeated requests. He described the move as a violation of the UN Headquarters Agreement, under which the host country is expected to facilitate entry for representatives attending official UN meetings.

A UN diplomat also said Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi appeared to have been denied a visa for the same session. The US State Department and the US and Iranian missions to the UN did not immediately comment. UN spokesperson Farhan Haq said the organisation expects the host nation to provide visas to officials participating in UN activities at headquarters.

The controversy comes amid rising geopolitical tensions after Iran accused the US of violating a ceasefire through recent military strikes in southern Iran. Addressing reporters, Wang urged all sides to remain committed to the ceasefire and pursue dialogue.

During the meeting, Nebenzia also criticised Western nations for what he called double standards in global affairs and warned that increasing militarisation in countries such as Germany and Japan posed risks to international stability. UN Secretary-General António Guterres told the council that the world is witnessing the highest number of conflicts since the UN’s creation in 1945 and warned of growing threats to global peace and security.