U.S. Imposes Shopping Restrictions on Iranian Diplomats
(MENAFN) The United States has imposed strict limitations on Iranian diplomats attending the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, barring them from shopping at major wholesale clubs like Costco and from purchasing luxury goods, the U.S. State Department announced on Monday.
"The United States took action this week to impose maximum pressure on the Iranian regime by restricting their UNGA delegation's movement and access to wholesale club stores and luxury goods," a statement from the department read.
Diplomats from Iran are now confined to only those areas essential for traveling to and from the UN headquarters, in order to carry out their official duties, according to the department.
The U.S. Office of Foreign Missions clarified that diplomatic access to wholesale club memberships and luxury items—such as watches, furs, jewelry, handbags, wallets, perfumes, tobacco, alcohol, and cars—are considered “benefits” that require explicit U.S. government approval. This information was outlined in a notice posted online by the office.
A public notice, set to be published in the Federal Register on Tuesday, details that Iranian diplomats and their families must obtain formal authorization from the U.S. State Department to "obtain or otherwise retain membership at any wholesale club store in the United States, including, but not limited to, Costco, Sam's Club, or BJ's Wholesale Club." The notice further restricts Iranian diplomats from acquiring any goods from these stores via any method without prior approval.
Additionally, Iranian diplomats are prohibited from purchasing goods exceeding $1,000 in value or vehicles priced over $60,000, local media outlets reported.
This move is the latest step in the Trump administration's tightening of visa restrictions on foreign diplomats accredited to the UN. During the 80th session of the UNGA, currently underway in New York with more than 150 world leaders in attendance, Iran stands as the only nation specifically targeted by these restrictions, media reported.
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