The Obama administration is blocking Iran’s new ambassador to the United Nations from entering the United States to take up his post. The White House says it will not grant an entry visa to Hamid Aboutalebi because he allegedly belonged to the group behind the 1979 hostage crisis in Tehran. White House Press Secretary Jay Carney announced the decision.

White House Press Secretary Jay Carney: “We have informed the United Nations and Iran that we will not issue a visa to Mr. Aboutalebi. We certainly share the intent of the bill passed by Congress, as we have already told the U.N. and Iran that we will not issue a visa. We’ll review the legislation. We’re doing that now. And we will work to address any issues related to its utility and constitutionality. But we share the intent of the bill.”

Aboutalebi has previously served as Iran’s ambassador to Belgium, Italy, Australia and the European Union, and has denied playing a direct role in the hostage crisis. Iran has rejected the U.S. decision and says it will bring the matter before the United Nations.