Export limitations in play.
Can’t sell a computer like iPad with the knowledge that the item will end up in Iran.
It is a restricted item subject to export regulations, prohibitions and sanctions (can’t send computers to Iran. . something to do with, what, nukes, I think. . .).
Perhaps the employee didn’t explain it correctly, or even didn’t know export law, but fact is, the employee acted lawfully.
If the person bought the iPad and never mentioned sending it to Iran then the sale would have gone through easily. . .I am quite sure of that.
Let’s say she bought the iPad, she could not send the item to her friend/family in Iran, as she would have to list the contents of her package on the Customs form and that would have stopped the shipment right there.
My response was directed at the company policy articulated by the employee, "Based on the language I hear you speaking, you're from a company the U.S. has 'bad relations' with so we can't sell you an iPad."