Overview

• His visa was rejected on May 22 without justification, raising questions about his dual Franco-Iranian nationality and his leadership role in La Digue.
• A formal note verbale from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs prompted the US consulate to overturn the refusal on June 20.
• He is scheduled to depart June 22 for a weeklong visit in Washington to meet Democratic lawmakers, intellectuals and activists on resisting neo-fascist influence.
• The US consulate has not provided a public rationale for the initial denial, fueling diplomatic unease between Paris and Washington.
• Other La Digue members will travel to Budapest for Pride and visit Italy to engage with opposition figures amid rising right-wing governments.