US again restricts Iranian delegation’s access to luxury goods at UN

The United States is once again imposing strict restrictions on the Iranian delegation attending the U.N. General Assembly in New York, including limits on access to wholesale stores and luxury goods, State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said Thursday, September 17.

“While ordinary Iranians endure brutal repression, water and electricity shortages, and soaring inflation, the regime's officials want to go on shopping sprees in New York,” Pigott wrote on X.

“Not on our watch. We will not let the Iranian regime's elites exploit [UN General Assembly] for a luxury retail splurge paid for by the Iranian people’s suffering, all while the regime funnels Iran's wealth to support its terrorist proxies.”

The United States imposed similar restrictions on the Iranian delegation in 2025. In previous years, purchases made by members of Iranian delegations during visits to New York have also drawn criticism.

Four years ago, former Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi faced criticism after members of his delegation returned to Tehran with a small truck loaded with souvenirs, baby diapers, dietary supplements and kitchen appliances.

Many of the goods purchased by Iranian officials in the United States are difficult or expensive to obtain in Iran. International sanctions have had a significant impact on the country’s economy, while many Iranian families rely on relatives and friends travelling abroad to bring back medicines and other goods.

The latest restrictions come as the United States and Iran remain at war. The conflict began in February, when the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran, prompting retaliatory strikes by Tehran.

By Tamilla Hasanova