U.S. Weighs Banning Iranian Diplomats From Costco During U.N. General Assembly

The Trump administration is turning up the pressure on world leaders just weeks before the U.N. General Assembly kicks off. After already denying visas to Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas and his delegation, the U.S. is now preparing to impose new travel restrictions on diplomats from Iran, Brazil, Sudan, and Zimbabwe.

According to an internal State Department memo, Iran’s representatives could be barred from shopping at warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club. This move targets their routine bulk-buying trips. These visits have long been used to ship rare goods back home.

The U.S. may also draft rules controlling which diplomats can even hold memberships to such stores.

Brazil, typically the first country to speak at the U.N. opening session, could face its own hurdles. While it’s unclear if President Lula da Silva himself would be blocked, his clash with former President Jair Bolsonaro, Trump’s ally, has put him on Washington’s radar.

Syria, meanwhile, has been granted a surprise waiver, giving its diplomats rare travel freedom for the first time in over a decade.

State Department officials haven’t confirmed when these restrictions might take effect. Iran and Brazil’s missions have yet to comment.