NEW YORK (AP) – The Trump administration has implemented new restrictions on Iranian diplomats residing in or visiting New York. These limitations focus on their ability to shop at wholesale club stores like Costco and their access to luxury goods in the United States without prior authorization from the State Department.
In official notices set to be published in the Federal Register, the Office of Foreign Missions determined that membership in wholesale club stores, alongside the procurement of luxury items, constitutes a “benefit” that requires approval from the U.S. government. This ruling specifically targets Iranian diplomats, marking a notable shift in policy, as similar restrictions have not yet been imposed on other countries' diplomats.
Wholesale clubs like Costco have historically been popular among Iranian diplomats because they offer a variety of products at prices that are substantially lower than those available in Iran, a nation facing economic sanctions. These diplomats often purchased items in bulk to ship back home, benefiting from the diverse selection not readily available in their economically isolated country.
This development represents yet another stage in the Trump administration's broader crackdown on visa restrictions, which has included limiting access for diplomats and leaders wishing to participate in U.N. activities. The new rules are particularly relevant during the annual U.N. General Assembly gathering, where these limitations will apply continuously to any Iranian diplomats representing their country at the United Nations throughout the year.
The determinations, shared online on Monday and to be printed on Tuesday, state that Iranian diplomats and their dependents must seek approval from the U.S. State Department before obtaining or maintaining a membership in any wholesale club, including well-known chains such as Costco, Sam’s Club, or BJ’s Wholesale Club. Furthermore, they are required to acquire permission to purchase items from these stores through any means.
In addition to restrictions on membership, Iranian diplomats must obtain consent to purchase luxury items worth more than $1,000 or vehicles exceeding $60,000 in value. Clifton Seagroves, head of the Office of Foreign Missions, detailed the types of goods categorized as “luxury items.” This definition includes watches, leather apparel, clothing accessories, silk clothing, fur items, handbags, wallets, cosmetics, perfumes, art, antiques, rugs, jewelry, precious and semi-precious stones, electronics, and a variety of alcoholic beverages.
Prior to this announcement, U.S. officials had hinted at the potential restrictions. Seagroves signed the relevant determinations on September 16 and 18, laying the groundwork for these new measures. The administration has also denied entrance to U.N. events for Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas and his delegation while considering similar restrictions for delegations from Sudan, Zimbabwe, and Brazil.
This move underscores the Trump administration's ongoing focus on regulating the activities of foreign diplomats on U.S. soil, particularly those from nations perceived as adversaries. As geopolitical tensions continue to shape U.S. foreign policy, the impact of such restrictions remains to be fully assessed, and their implications for diplomatic relations will be closely monitored.
