A US State Department spokesperson confirmed the decision to Turkish news agency Anadolu, saying the measure was taken in response to Brazil’s actions.

“This is a reciprocal action. Should the ambassador leave the country, she would need to reapply for a visa,” the spokesperson said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The spokesperson accused the Brazilian government of repeatedly delaying the approval process despite weeks of diplomatic engagement.

“We communicated continually with the Brazilian government for weeks and have given the Brazilian government every opportunity to do the right thing, yet they have continually delayed and obfuscated,” the spokesperson said.

Washington stressed that the visa revocation does not amount to declaring the ambassador persona non grata but warned that additional diplomatic measures remain under consideration if Brazil continues to delay or refuses to grant agrément for the US ambassadorial nominee.

“President Donald Trump has the right to determine who represents the American people and interests around the world. We reject any effort by foreign countries to interfere in our domestic processes,” the spokesperson added.

The latest diplomatic row stems from Brazil’s decision last month to deny visas to US Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labour Riley Barnes and Deputy Assistant Secretary Samuel Samson, citing concerns that their visit could influence the country’s presidential election scheduled for October.

The United States has rejected those allegations, saying the two officials intended to meet Brazilian government representatives and civil society groups to discuss election integrity, religious freedom and freedom of expression.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is expected to face Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, the eldest son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, in the country’s October 4 presidential election.