US says it expelled two Iranian UN delegates
Washington links the measure to an earlier order to leave the United States, but Iran denies this.
Follow-up to: Camp David talks heighten pressure over Iran and Yemen Saturday, 3 October 2026, 06:17
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The United States has expelled two members of Iran’s delegation to the United Nations, according to a US official. Iran says the delegation left as scheduled and calls reports of expulsions unfounded.
The two Iranian delegates were reportedly removed from the United States on Saturday, several days after the State Department ordered Iran’s UN mission to leave the country. A US official told Axios. The names of the two people involved and a specific reason for their expulsion have not been disclosed.
The measure follows an earlier order by Secretary of State Marco Rubio for the Iranian delegation to leave New York ahead of schedule. According to The Associated Press, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had initially planned to stay longer in New York for indirect talks about the conflict, the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear programme.
Iran’s UN mission denies that Washington expelled the delegation. According to the mission, the group left on the date previously notified to the US State Department: 17 September. Iran accuses Washington of subsequently spreading inaccurate reports.
There is also no single account of the matter at the United Nations. A spokesperson for Secretary-General António Guterres said the UN does not impose a fixed deadline by which visiting delegations must leave after the General Assembly. At the same time, visas are issued by the host country, and Washington can set conditions for stays in the United States.
The issue highlights the deteriorating relationship between Washington and Tehran, just as mediators are trying to keep talks between the two countries going. The available information does not make clear whether the two delegates were actually forced to leave or returned earlier than planned. It is clear, however, that the US government demanded the Iranian delegation’s departure and that Iran rejects this account.
One story, several perspectives
What is established
- The US government demanded the Iranian delegation’s departure.
- A US official says two members were later expelled.
- Iran’s UN mission says the delegation left as scheduled.
- The UN says it does not impose a fixed departure deadline for delegations.
Left
Arguments An expulsion without a public explanation increases the risk of further escalation and makes diplomatic talks more difficult. Washington should keep communication channels open, particularly during a conflict.
Values The emphasis is on de-escalation, international consultation, the rule of law and restraint in the use of power.
Consequences A tougher diplomatic line could put indirect negotiations under further pressure and increase the risk of misunderstandings.
Centre
Arguments The United States may set conditions for the stay of foreign delegations, but such measures must be verifiable, proportionate and clearly explained. At the same time, Iran’s denial must be taken seriously.
Values The institutional approach combines national powers with transparency, diplomatic continuity and verification.
Consequences A factual clarification by Washington, Tehran or the UN could prevent a procedural issue from developing into a new diplomatic crisis.
Right
Arguments The United States need not continue receiving representatives of a hostile state when their presence no longer contributes to negotiations or security interests.
Values The emphasis is on national sovereignty, security, deterrence and enforcing clear boundaries.
Consequences A firm measure could increase pressure on Tehran, but could also trigger retaliation and further closure of diplomatic channels.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
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This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The core is based on statements by a US official, AP and Iran’s UN mission. The text makes the conflict between these accounts explicit and does not present the expulsion as an independently established fact.
- confirmed A US official said that two Iranian UN delegates had been removed from the United States. — Reported by Axios based on a US official. source
- confirmed Marco Rubio ordered the Iranian delegation to leave New York early. — Reported by The Associated Press based on two US officials. source
- confirmed Iran says the delegation left according to a schedule reported in advance. — This account was reported by The National and attributed to Iran’s UN mission. source
- confirmed The UN does not impose a fixed departure deadline on visiting delegations. — Statement by a spokesperson for the UN secretary-general during a press briefing. source
Editor's note
It is certain that Washington demanded the Iranian delegation’s departure. It remains uncertain whether two members were formally expelled or, according to Iran’s account, left as scheduled.Sources
- Iranian diplomats 'kicked out' of U.S. after ignoring order to leave — Axios
- Rubio orders visiting Iranian UN delegation to leave NYC ahead of schedule — The Associated Press
- US 'kicks out' Iran's UN delegation as peace talks stall — The National
- Daily Press Briefing of the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General — United Nations
The story so far
- Friday, 2 October 2026, 00:01 US sends third aircraft carrier to Middle East
- Friday, 2 October 2026, 20:02 Saudi Arabia considers offensive against Houthis
- Saturday, 3 October 2026, 06:17 Camp David talks heighten pressure over Iran and Yemen
- Sunday, 4 October 2026, 00:57 US says it expelled two Iranian UN delegates (this article)
More on this in Dutch media
- de Volkskrant — „verenigde staten”
- RTL Nieuws — „verenigde staten”
- NOS — „verenigde staten”