Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi was recently allowed by the Biden administration to enter the U.S. for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York City on Monday, a decision U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) called "disgraceful."
Raisi has been criticized for his role in funding international terrorism, and he has been accused of sending military equipment to Russia in the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Britt said allowing Raisi to visit was not only a sign of "weakness" by the Biden administration but also a "clear message to the world that the United States of America supports terrorism."
"This weakness endangers our national security, insults the Americans and allies struck by Iranian-backed terrorism across the globe, and abandons oppressed people in Iran who hunger for liberty, peace, and safety," she said in a statement Monday, "We achieve peace through strength, not placation. The safety and security of all Americans is gravely imperiled by President Biden's continued blunders on the global stage."
Last week, Britt and other senators sent a letter to Biden urging him to deny visas to Raisi and his staff after Raisi's visit last month to the home of Asadollah Assadi, a known convicted terrorist. The letter expressed concern over President Raisi's alleged record of publicly tolerating terrorism and continued threats against American officials.
Britt also recently joined other senators in condemning the administration's decision to pay $6 billion in "ransom money" to Iran in exchange for American prisoners.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
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