WANA (Sep 23) – The U.S. government, under President Donald Trump, has imposed new restrictions on Iranian diplomats stationed in or visiting New York.

 

Under these restrictions, Iranian diplomats are prohibited from shopping at wholesale stores and purchasing luxury goods in the United States without obtaining special authorization from the U.S. Department of State.

 

According to notices that will be published this week in the Federal Register, the Office of Foreign Missions of the U.S. Department of State announced that diplomatic membership in wholesale stores, as well as the ability to purchase items such as watches, jewelry, handbags, wallets, perfume, tobacco, alcohol, and automobiles, are considered “benefits” and therefore require U.S. government approval.

 

These restrictions specifically target Iranian diplomats. This move is part of the Trump administration’s hardline policies on visa issuance, including for leaders and diplomats seeking to represent their countries at the United Nations.

 

As world leaders gather this week for the UN’s annual meeting, the new restrictions will be permanently enforced on Iranian diplomats representing their country at the United Nations.

 

According to the notices published online on Monday, and set to be printed on Tuesday, Iranian diplomats and their dependents must obtain authorization from the U.S. Department of State before “joining or maintaining membership in any wholesale store in the United States, including Costco, Sam’s Club, or BJ’s Club, and purchasing items from these stores in any form.”

 

In addition, Iranian diplomats in the United States must also secure approval to purchase luxury goods valued at over $1,000 and vehicles worth more than $60,000.

 

Earlier this month, U.S. officials announced that they were considering these restrictions. The Trump administration had also previously denied visas to Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian leader, and his large delegation for the UN General Assembly. In addition to Iran, the U.S. government has also been considering imposing restrictions on delegations from Sudan, Zimbabwe, and Brazil.

 

This move by the U.S. government has drawn criticism from some countries, including Russia, which described it as an abuse of the United States’ position as host of the United Nations.

Iran USA/U.S.