The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Finance (MEAF) of Iran has implemented a prohibition on the exportation of Coca-Cola products from the country. This decision is based on the stipulations outlined in a contractual agreement between the United States-based corporation and its designated representative in Iran.

Ali Akbar Shadmani, the esteemed Head of MEAF’s Department of Exports, issued an official executive order on Saturday. This order enforces a ban on the exportation of Coca-Cola products from Iran by Khoshgovar, a bottling company situated in the northeastern city of Mashhad.

The directive states that Khoshgovar has acquired the exclusive license from Coca-Cola to distribute and market their products within the territorial boundaries of Iran.

This statement is a result of a formal request submitted by the Trade Promotion Organization of Iran, a governmental entity tasked with overseeing and facilitating export-related activities within the country.

The MEAF announced that the new ban will apply to all varieties of non-carbonated beverages from Coca-Cola, which are manufactured under license in Iran by Khoshgovar.

The ban was implemented following Iran's recent enforcement of stricter trade regulations on the import and re-export of goods produced by companies associated with the Israeli government or its supporters.

No clear connections have been established between trade restrictions issued in late 2023 and the recent ban on exports of Coca Cola products from Iran.

 Activists and groups supporting Palestine’s struggle against the Israeli regime have repeatedly urged for a complete ban on brands like Coca-Cola in Iran, claiming that companies like Coca-Cola have shown support for the Israeli regime in its harsh war on Gaza.

There is no available information on the duration of Khoshgovar's export of Coca-Cola products from Iran and its financial gains.

The Iranian company, which employs over 7,500 people, has denied involvement in direct business with Coca-Cola on multiple occasions.

Nevertheless, the SNN news agency asserted in a commentary on Saturday that the prohibition on exports of Coca-Cola products from Iran demonstrated that Khoshgovar had been implementing trade policies issued by the parent company in the United States.

It stated that the reference to th” contract between Khoshgovar and Coca-Cola in MEAF’s executive order substantiated allegations that Coca-Cola had been utilizing a special waiver from US sanctions on Iran to conduct business and generate profit in the country.