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The United States is weighing new restrictions on several foreign delegations ahead of the upcoming UN General Assembly. Among the measures under review is a surprising one: banning Iranian diplomats from shopping at wholesale retailers like Costco and Sam’s Club during their stay in New York.
The proposal reflects the Trump administration’s wider crackdown on visas and foreign travel in the US.
Visa Restrictions Already in Place
Earlier this month, Washington denied visas to Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas and his delegation. Now, restrictions could expand to delegations from Iran, Sudan, Zimbabwe, and even Brazil.
According to an internal State Department memo seen by the Associated Press, the rules could be implemented before the UN General Assembly begins on September 22. While not final, the proposals show how far the administration is willing to go to limit diplomatic movement.
Why Wholesale Stores Are a Target
Iranian diplomats in New York already face strict travel limits. But one proposal would go further by stopping them from visiting Costco or Sam’s Club without explicit State Department approval.
For years, such wholesale clubs have been a favorite shopping destination for Iranian envoys. They can buy bulk products unavailable in Iran and send them home at affordable prices. Blocking access to these stores would cut off one of the few benefits Iranian diplomats enjoy while posted in the US.
The memo also suggests drafting broader rules to control wholesale club memberships for all foreign diplomats across the country.
Brazil Faces Uncertain Restrictions
Brazil could also face restrictions, though details remain unclear. Traditionally, Brazil holds a symbolic role at the UN. Its president is always the first to address the General Assembly, with the US president speaking second.
The uncertainty raises questions about whether President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva himself might be affected, or only lower-level officials.
Tensions between Washington and Brasilia are not new. President Trump has publicly criticized Lula’s government for pursuing charges against his ally, former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro.
Syria Granted Waiver
In contrast, Syria has received special treatment. According to the memo, its delegation was recently granted a waiver from long-standing US travel restrictions.
The move comes after the ouster of former Syrian leader Bashar Assad and reflects Washington’s attempt to reintegrate Syria into Middle Eastern diplomacy.
Silence From Key Players
The State Department has not yet commented on the memo. Requests for comment from the Iranian and Brazilian UN missions also went unanswered.
As of now, it remains uncertain when or if the Costco shopping ban and other proposed restrictions will take effect. What is clear, however, is that the Trump administration is preparing to tighten control over foreign delegations ahead of one of the most significant annual gatherings in global diplomacy.
