Bill Aims to Prohibit Entry for Officials Tied to Iran’s Supreme Leader and Regime, Citing National Security Concerns
In a push to strengthen national security, a group of Republican senators, led by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), introduced the Strengthening Entry Visa Enforcement and Restrictions (SEVER) Act of 2025.
The proposed legislation would bar Iranian officials from entering the United States for United Nations functions if they have been sanctioned by the U.S. for their ties to the Iranian regime’s Supreme Leader’s Office.
The bill, with companion legislation in the House sponsored by Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-N.Y.), is backed by several lawmakers who argue that sanctioned officials pose a direct threat to American safety.
Sen. Cruz stated, “If you are a crony of the Ayatollah who has been sanctioned by the U.S., it means that you pose a threat to the safety and security of Americans, and you should not be allowed on American soil.” Other senators co-sponsoring the bill include Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), and Ashley Moody (R-Fla.).
The Core of the Legislation
The SEVER Act directly targets the U.S.’s obligations under the United Nations Headquarters Agreement, which generally requires the host country to grant visas to representatives of member states.
The bill seeks to leverage existing sanctions against individuals and entities connected to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The U.S. Treasury Department has previously sanctioned a number of officials in his inner circle, including his chief of staff, one of his sons, and the head of Iran’s judiciary. These sanctions are often imposed in response to actions related to human rights abuses, terrorism financing, and the development of weapons of mass destruction.
Proponents of the bill argue that it provides a critical update to U.S. visa policy, ensuring that the country does not grant entry to individuals who actively work against its interests.
According to lawmakers, this measure is a logical extension of the “America First” policies and a necessary step to close what they describe as “dangerous loopholes” in the current visa and border security system. They contend that the U.S. should not provide a platform for diplomacy to those who chant “Death to America” and are linked to violence against U.S. citizens.
A Broader Strategy Against Iran
The introduction of the SEVER Act is part of a larger, ongoing effort by lawmakers to take a strong stance against the Iranian regime. This legislation comes on the heels of other recent actions, including a failed U.N. Security Council resolution to lift “snapback” sanctions on Iran. Sen. Cruz has also been a vocal advocate for various measures to counter Iranian activities, such as his support for military operations against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and missile strikes on its military bases.
The bill’s sponsors are urging their colleagues to pass the legislation quickly, emphasizing its role in protecting Americans and reaffirming a firm stance against Iran’s global agenda.
The outcome of the SEVER Act will likely hinge on its reception in both the House and Senate, where lawmakers will weigh its national security implications against existing international agreements.
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