During the High-level Week of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in New York, the United States has imposed strict retail restrictions on the Iranian diplomatic delegation. The move bars them from accessing wholesale club stores—such as Costco, Sams Club, and BJs Wholesale Club—and purchasing a range of luxury items.
According to a public notice from the State Departments Office of Foreign Missions, diplomatic memberships at wholesale clubs and the ability to buy watches, furs, jewelry, handbags, wallets, perfumes, tobacco, alcohol and cars are considered a benefit requiring U.S. government approval. Iranian diplomats and their dependents now need explicit permission before joining any wholesale club or acquiring goods through these outlets.
Additional restrictions include obtaining approval for any purchase valued over $1,000 and vehicles priced above $60,000. Delegation members are also confined to the corridors strictly necessary for transit to and from the UN headquarters district to conduct their official business.
In the State Departments words, The United States took action this week to impose maximum pressure on the Iranian regime by restricting their UNGA delegations movement and access to wholesale club stores and luxury goods. This measure follows earlier visa restrictions by the Trump administration on diplomats representing Iran at the UN, making it the only delegation singled out among more than 150 heads of state and government attending the General Assembly.
For young global citizens, business travelers, and tech enthusiasts tuning into international affairs, these restrictions mark a notable shift in diplomatic norms. As the world watches the evolving landscape of USIran relations, any change in perks and privileges for foreign missions could influence future negotiations on trade, travel, and cultural exchange.
Will this new level of scrutiny ripple into other diplomatic circles? Stay connected as we track how these pressure tactics reshape global diplomacy and the daytoday realities of international representation.
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U.S. restricts Iranian diplomats from wholesale clubs, luxury buys
cgtn.com
