In a jointly released notification, presidential advisor Akbar Torkan and an unnamed Free Trade Zone High Council secretary informed deputy directors of Iran's Free Trade Zone Organization that the import of American cars is now officially banned. The notification follows previous announcements by government officials that the import of American cars would be banned, stopping a reported consignment of some 200 Chevrolets waiting at Iranian ports. The notification clarifies that the import of all American cars to FTZs is banned, according to Mehr News Agency and ISNA. Leader of the Islamic Republic Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said in April, "The American people, due to their excessive consumption of these cars, are not willing to purchase them anymore. Bearing this in mind, why should we buy American car brands that are facing bankruptcy?" The Leader noted that managers and officials should resist any covert pressure and prevent such incidents. The notification follows a recent order by Minister of Industries, Mining and Trade Mohammad Reza Nematzadeh who said the import of 24 Chevrolet models is a non-starter.
