US Bans Iranians At UN From ‘Free Shopping’

US Bans Iranians At UN From ‘Free Shopping’

Iranian officials attending the UN summit this week will be barred from shopping in New York as the US government has prohibited them from purchasing anything from bulk household items to luxury watches.

The State Department described these restrictions as part of its policy of “maximum pressure.”

“We will not allow the Iranian regime’s clerical elite to go on a shopping spree in New York while the Iranian people suffer from poverty, failing infrastructure, and critical shortages of water and electricity,” said Thomas Pigott, a State Department spokesperson.

The new measures prevent Iranian diplomats and officials from shopping at popular wholesale stores such as Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s Wholesale Club, according to a notice published in the Federal Register on Tuesday. Moreover, Iranian officials must seek approval from the State Department to buy luxury goods.

Items including watches, electronics, and fountain pens valued above $1,000 face restrictions, as do vehicles costing over $60,000, which are all classified as luxury goods.

The Iranian economy has been severely affected by US sanctions, limiting its ability to import goods and export oil and other products. Since taking office this year, President Donald Trump has aimed to cripple Iran’s nuclear program, including bombing three nuclear sites in June.

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