New electronics reach Iran, but prices soar as government fees and US sanctions hit

The latest iPhone 18 models went on sale in Tehran within days of their US release, despite Apple's absence from Iran and the US naval blockade of the country's southern ports. Imports, often routed through Dubai, have been disrupted by the war involving Iran, the US and Israel, as well as the UAE's suspension of trade and financial exchanges with Iran announced on August 19. Some traders turned to passengers arriving from Oman to bring in phones, but US sanctions on Iranian airlines and their service providers have reduced flights into the country. Sellers say importing devices has become more complicated, time-consuming and costly, driving up prices.