US Threatens to Revoke Visas of Palestinian UN Delegation Over Vice President Bid

Washington, — The United States has threatened to cancel visas for members of the Palestinian delegation to the United Nations unless Ambassador Riyad Mansour withdraws his candidacy for Vice President of the UN General Assembly.
According to a leaked State Department cable reported by NPR and Reuters, US diplomats were instructed to pressure Palestinian officials to drop the bid or face “consequences,” including visa revocation. The cable describes Mansour as having “a history of accusing Israel of genocide” and warns that his election would “fuel tensions,” undermine President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan, and severely damage US-Palestinian Authority relations.
The message reportedly states that a “bully pulpit” for Mansour would not improve Palestinian lives and that Congress would view the matter with extreme seriousness. It holds the Palestinian Authority responsible if the candidacy proceeds.
State Department spokesperson declined to comment on the visa matter, citing privacy of visa records, but reiterated that the US takes its responsibilities under the UN Headquarters Agreement seriously.
Mansour had earlier withdrawn his candidacy for the more prestigious post of President of the General Assembly in February following US lobbying. The vice presidency election is scheduled for early June. Even in the vice presidential role, the position would allow him to preside over General Assembly sessions.
This is not the first time the Trump administration has used visa restrictions against Palestinian officials. Last year, the US revoked visas for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and dozens of other officials ahead of the UN General Assembly session.