t spokesperson Tommy Pigott stated that the Iranian delegation will not be permitted to engage in luxury shopping during their visit. Writing on the social media platform X, Pigott noted that ordinary Iranian citizens face economic hardships, inflation, and a lack of basic facilities, while Iranian officials seek to shop in New York. He emphasized that the US will not allow Iranian officials to use the UN General Assembly as an opportunity for “luxury retail.”
According to the US State Department, restrictions remain in effect prohibiting Iranian mission officials, visiting Iranian dignitaries, and their dependents from purchasing luxury items and certain wholesale club memberships. Merchants in New York have also been warned against violating these restrictions.
Meanwhile, the US has approved visas for Iran’s core delegation to attend the high-level week of the 81st UN General Assembly. The State Department stated that this decision was made in accordance with the host country’s obligations under the UN, though the delegation will face travel restrictions and limitations regarding purchases.
Reports indicate that the Iranian delegation includes President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Ar عراقچی (Araqchi), and the size of this year’s delegation has been kept smaller compared to last year.
This US move comes amid persistent high tensions between Washington and Tehran. Despite this, allowing the Iranian leadership to attend the General Assembly session represents an important diplomatic development amidst the ongoing conflict between the two nations and the host country’s international obligations.
