Congressional Republicans are criticizing the Obama administration over its reassurances to Iran about new visa rules.

At issue is a new law tightening visa-free travel to the U.S. The measure was part of a spending bill passed by Congress last week and signed by President Barack Obama.

It requires visas for citizens of Iraq, Syria, Iran and Sudan, as well as recent visitors to those countries.

Iranian leaders complained in recent days that such requirements contradict elements of the landmark nuclear deal reached earlier this year.

In response, Secretary of State John Kerry offered assurances that the new rules would not impact legitimate Iranian business interests and suggested they could be waived.

That has led to criticism from top Capitol Hill Republicans who say they contemplated no such waiver.

(AP)