The United States has announced new restrictions on the movement and purchasing activities of the Iranian delegation attending the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. These measures are part of a broader effort to increase pressure on the Iranian government.
According to Secretary Rubio, members of the Iranian delegation will be limited to areas necessary for transit to and from the UN headquarters for official business. The restrictions also prohibit access to wholesale club stores and luxury goods during their stay.
"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," Secretary Rubio stated.
He added, "The security of Americans is always our priority, and the United States will not allow the Iranian regime to use UNGA as an excuse to travel freely in New York to promote its terrorist agenda."
The U.S. government says these actions are intended to prevent Iranian officials from using diplomatic travel as an opportunity to obtain goods that are unavailable or restricted within Iran. "By preventing Iranian regime officials from exploiting diplomatic travel to the UN as a means to obtain goods unavailable to the Iranian public, we are sending a clear message: When the United States says it stands with the people of Iran, we mean it. Today’s actions affirm the United States’ unwavering commitment to supporting the Iranian people in their pursuit of accountability for the regime and for a better life," said Secretary Rubio.
These steps follow ongoing efforts by U.S. authorities aimed at supporting Iranians who face economic hardship amid reported shortages in essential services such as water and electricity.
