Two Iranian diplomats were expelled from the US after allegedly defying a state department order to leave the country following the UN General Assembly, accordng to a report by Axios.
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The diplomats, who were part of Iran’s delegation to the UN General Assembly in New York, were asked on Monday to leave the US along with the rest of the delegation. However, they remained in New York for several days, the official said.
“Secretary Rubio means business. Two more members of the Iranian delegation were found still in New York long after the UN General Assembly had passed. They have now been kicked out of the country,” the US official said.
On Friday, the Iranian mission to the UN was informed that US authorities were aware the two diplomats were still in New York and were again ordered to leave immediately.
One of the diplomats left the US on Friday night, while the second departed on Saturday morning, according to the official.
The move comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran, with diplomatic efforts to end the war faltering and concerns growing over a possible resumption of fighting.
However, the Iranian mission earlier said the delegation’s departure was scheduled in advance and that the plan had been communicated to the US State Department.
"Araghchi had already been scheduled to leave New York on Monday night," reported AP. While US officials said that Rubio ordered Araghchi and his delegation to leave the city earlier than planned.
