Not Wanting Terrorism Agenda To Be Spread, US Provides Maximum Pressure Limiting Access To Iranian Delegations During UN Sessions

The atmosphere at the Presidential Assembly of the United Nations (UN)/(/ANTARA/Kuntum Riswan.

JAKARTA - The United States has restricted the movement of Iranian delegations attending the United Nations General Assembly only around the United Nations headquarters and banned their access to wholesale shops and luxury items.

"The US is taking steps to put maximum pressure on the Iranian regime by limiting the movement of their UNGA delegations as well as access to wholesale shops and luxury goods," US State Department Spokesman Tommy Pigott said in an official statement, quoted via Antara, Tuesday, September 23.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also determined that Iranian delegations could only be in the areas needed for travel from and to the United Nations headquarters in New York.

The security of American citizens has always been our top priority. The US will not allow the Iranian regime to use the UNGA as an excuse to move freely in New York to spread its terrorist agenda," the statement continued.

The move comes amid rising tensions between Washington and Tehran, particularly over Iran's nuclear program and its support for militant groups in the Middle East.

Restrictions on the travel of foreign delegates in US territory are the federal government's authority, particularly when attending international forums such as UNGA.

Iranian delegates have previously been subject to similar restrictions in recent years, but this time includes an additional ban on certain commercial access.

Until now there has been no immediate response from the Iranian government regarding the latest restrictions.