Iran's proposed new ambassador to the United Nations Hamid Abutalebi is competent for the post, Iran 's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Marzieh Afkham said here on Tuesday reacting to the opposition by the US Senate for his entry to the United States.

Afkham made the remarks during her weekly press briefing when asked if Iran has any plan to replace him in the face of oppositions.

Iran has named Abutalebi as its new ambassador to the UN and has applied for his US visa through appropriate channels, she said, adding that her country believes its proposed diplomat is qualified for the UN post as shown from his appropriate performance in the past diplomatic missions in Europe and Australia.

The US Senate on Monday voted to deny entry of Aboutalebi for his alleged involvement in holding 52 Americans hostage in 1979.

The chamber passed by a voice vote the legislation introduced by Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz, who called Aboutalebi a member of a militant group that sieged the US embassy in Tehran on Nov. 4, 1979, and held 52 Americans for 444 days.

Iran is pursuing the issue through diplomatic channels and will make proper decisions after receiving response from official sources, Afkham said.