The photographer who accompanied Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to the United States last week has applied for asylum, his lawyer said Monday. UPI/John Angelillo | License Photo

NEW YORK, Oct. 1 (UPI) -- The photographer who accompanied Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to the United States last week has applied for asylum, his lawyer said Monday.

Hassan Golkanbhan arrived with the Iranian delegation to photograph Ahmadinejad's address to the United Nations General Assembly Wednesday, and filed documents to remain in the United States, attorney Paul O'Dwyer said.


"Once you've filed, which Hassan has, you are legally allowed to remain in the U.S., so we've gotten him that initial protection," O'Dwyer said.

Golkanbhan's whereabouts are unclear, and O'Dwyer offered no other details, CNN said Monday.