Why did Trump order a visa ban on Iranians?
Observers believe that this decision is a warning to Tehran from the new administration
US president Donald Trump is expected to issue an executive order to prevent the citizens of some countries from entering the United States - such as Iran that has improved its relationship with Washington during the nuclear deal negotiations in 2014. There was no official Iranian response to this decision. So, what is the visa history between the two rivals?
No affection between the two countries
There was no intention to lift visa between Iran and the United States. Before the Iranian revolution, Iranians were required to obtain a visa to travel to the United States, unlike many European countries, including France and Britain, which allowed Iranian passport holders to enter the country without a visa.
After the Iranian revolution, all European countries imposed a visa on Iranians entering their territory. The United States made the procedures to obtain a visa even more difficult, especially after a number of university students occupied the American embassy in Tehran.
Due to the tense relationship between the two countries and the absence of an American consulate in Iran, Iranian citizens who wish to visit the United States have to travel to other counties like the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Lebanon and Pakistan, to submit their applications to the American consulate. Despite this, the United States has become a favorite destination for Iranian asylum seekers, especially opponents of the regime and artists. There is a large Iranian community in Los Angeles.
The difficulty increases
Consequently, Iran prevented three deputies in the US Congress from travelling to Iran. The US president intends to challenge the Iranian regime, since Iran poses a threat to neighboring countries. Observers believe that this decision is a warning to Tehran from the new administration.
