The Trump administration is considering visa restrictions for Iranian diplomats, potentially barring them from shopping at wholesale stores like Costco ahead of the U.N. General Assembly.
The Trump administration is evaluating new visa restrictions for several countries, including Iran, Sudan, Zimbabwe, and surprisingly, Brazil, as the U.N. General Assembly approaches later this month in New York. This move follows the recent denial of visas to Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas and is part of a broader crackdown on visa issuance by the administration.
According to an internal memo from the State Department reviewed by The Associated Press, these restrictions could be implemented before the General Assembly convenes on September 22. The inclusion of Brazil in this list is particularly unexpected, given the country’s traditional role of honor during the assembly, where it often delivers the first address on opening day.
As the administration considers these measures, it continues to review both current visa holders and those seeking entry for the U.N. meeting. One notable proposal would prevent Iranian diplomats, who already face stringent restrictions in New York, from shopping at wholesale retailers such as Costco and Sam’s Club without prior approval from the State Department.
Historically, Iranian diplomats have utilized these wholesale stores to purchase bulk goods that are not readily available in their home country, allowing them to ship items back at a lower cost. However, the potential shopping ban raises questions about the extent of the administration’s restrictions on foreign diplomats.
It remains uncertain when or if the shopping ban would be enacted. The memo indicated that the State Department is considering drafting rules that would allow it to impose conditions on wholesale club memberships for all foreign diplomats residing in the United States.
Additionally, it is unclear whether any restrictions would specifically affect Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva or other delegates attending the General Assembly. The Brazilian president’s attendance is significant, as he typically addresses the assembly first, followed by the U.S. president.
Relations between President Trump and President Lula have been strained, particularly following Lula’s prosecution of Trump ally Jair Bolsonaro, who is accused of leading an attempted coup. In contrast, Syria’s delegation is expected to face fewer restrictions after receiving a waiver from travel limits that have been in place for over a decade.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the State Department for further comment regarding these potential restrictions. The situation remains fluid as the administration weighs its options ahead of the upcoming assembly.
Source: Original article