Iran MP reacts to US travel restriction

The US decision to bar people who are citizens of the 38 countries that participate in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) and who are also dual nationals from Iran, Iraq, Syria and Sudan from using the visa-free system is in contradiction with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) Iran has signed with P5+1, Iranian MP Alaeddin Boroujerdi said Sunday.

The following is the translation of part of the comments the deputy made as reported by Khabaronline.ir on December 20:

Boroujerdi, a member of the chamber’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, said the Americans have committed themselves to not imposing additional restrictions on Iran. The move may not amount to a direct restriction for our country, but the problem it causes for citizens of other countries in visiting Iran add up to restriction for Iran.

He further said that the US thought after conclusion of a deal with Iran, the stage would be set for its return to the country, but the comments of the Supreme Leader against their political and economic return to the country put the Americans in a passive mode, so they decided to play the visa and travel card.

He said despite such measures the nuclear deal Iran has struck with P5+1 would proceed according to plan. “American obstructionism won’t impact JCPOA. Our red lines remain the same ones the Leader set: closure of the PMD case and shipment of uranium which was properly taken care of by the Russians.”

The MP also said that in the meeting he had with French senators, they signaled Paris’ willingness to expand its economic and commercial ties with Iran and this latest US measure is in conflict with the policies of the Europeans.