I am interested in acquiring a high quality 9-10x12 rug for my living room. It is my understanding that the best rugs have traditionally come from Iran, but that there are also good rugs from other areas. My budget is 2-3K.

I have found a beautiful local rug hand made w/ a very high knot count. It is 4.5 K. I offered 3.5 and the seller (I found it at a high end furniture store where I have purchased much of my home furnishings) declined, but I bet I can get it for 4 which of course is a bit overbudget. I also imagine that I good local rug specialist would be cheaper.

The only catch is that it was made in Pakistan. The seller claims that since the US embargo of Iran going back more than a decade that many of the best rug weavers from Iran have moved to Pakistan. True, or BS.

Any advice is appreciated.