Washington: President Barack Obama has signed legislation aimed at blocking Iran`s chosen ambassador to the United Nations but says he`s only treating it as guidance.
The unusual legislation bars anyone from entering the US as a UN representative if they`ve engaged in espionage or terrorist activity and still pose a threat to US security.
It`s aimed at blocking Hamid Aboutalebi. He`s linked to the 1979 takeover of the US Embassy in Tehran.
Obama says he shares lawmakers` concern that terrorists could use diplomatic cover to enter the US But he says he will treat the legislation as advisory out of concern it could interfere with his discretion to receive ambassadors.
The White House has said Aboutalebi was an unacceptable choice.
The administration has refused to grant him a visa.
