Iran condemns US travel ban as 'racist', vows to defend nationals

Iran on Saturday condemned a US decision to bar citizens of 12 countries, including Iran, from entering the United States, calling it a "racist and discriminatory measure" that violates international law.

The response came after US President Donald Trump signed a proclamation on Wednesday banning nationals from a dozen countries, including several Muslim-majority states, citing the need to protect against “foreign terrorists” and security threats.

Alireza Hashemi Raja, director general for Iranian Affairs Abroad at Iran’s Foreign Ministry, said the policy reflects “a supremacist and racist mindset” among American policymakers.

“This decision targets Iranian nationals solely based on their religion and nationality,” he said in a statement. “It constitutes racial discrimination and systemic racism within the American ruling establishment.”

He urged the United Nations and international human rights organizations to oppose what he called a clear violation of human rights norms, and said Iran would take “all necessary measures” to defend its citizens.