The United States plans to restrict the Iranian delegation attending the UN General Assembly meetings in New York from accessing wholesale markets and luxury goods shops, US State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott announced on Thursday.
Pigott said in a post on X: “While ordinary Iranians suffer brutal repression, shortages of water and electricity, and rising inflation, regime officials want to go on shopping trips in New York.” He added: “Iran’s regime elite will not be allowed to exploit the UN General Assembly for a luxury-goods shopping spree paid for by the suffering of the Iranian people, all while the regime funnels Iran’s wealth to support its proxies,” he said.
Proposal would require permission for wholesale shopping
The United States has imposed similar restrictions in previous years. Four years ago, former Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi faced criticism after his team returned to Tehran in a small lorry carrying souvenirs, nappies, nutritional supplements and kitchen appliances.
