“We will not allow the Iranian regime to allow its clerical elites to have a shopping spree in New York while the Iranian people endure poverty,” US state department says.
Iranian officials attending this week’s UN summit in New York will face tight restrictions on shopping following new US measures. The state department barred them from buying bulk household goods or luxury items, describing the move as part of “maximum pressure.”
“We will not allow the Iranian regime to allow its clerical elites to have a shopping spree in New York while the Iranian people endure poverty, crumbling infrastructure, and dire shortages of water and electricity,” spokesperson Thomas Pigott said.
According to a Federal Register notice, officials are prohibited from purchasing goods over $1,000, including watches, electronics, and fountain pens, and vehicles valued above $60,000. They will also require special permission to buy luxury goods.
Iran’s economy remains weakened by US sanctions that continue to impact imports, exports, and Tehran’s oil sales.