Last Updated:
The move targets Iranian diplomats based in or visiting New York for the United Nations meetings and applies throughout the year
An American flag flies outside a Costco Warehouse in Cranberry, Pa. (AP file photo)
The Trump administration has imposed fresh restrictions barring Iranian diplomats in New York from shopping at wholesale clubs like Costco and buying luxury goods in the United States without prior approval from the State Department.
The move targets Iranian diplomats based in or visiting New York for the United Nations meetings and applies throughout the year. It comes amid ongoing tensions between the US and Iran, with the administration seeking to limit privileges enjoyed by Iranian officials abroad.
Recommended Stories
“We will not allow the Iranian regime to allow its clerical elites to have a shopping spree in New York while the Iranian people endure poverty, crumbling infrastructure, and dire shortages of water and electricity,” the US State Department said in a statement on Monday.
According to notices set to be published this week in the Federal Register, the Office of Foreign Missions declared that diplomatic memberships at wholesale clubs and purchases of luxury items such as watches, jewellery, handbags, perfumes, tobacco, alcohol, and cars are considered “benefits” that require US government approval.
Iranian diplomats have long used wholesale stores like Costco to buy large quantities of goods not readily available in Iran, which is economically isolated due to sanctions. These items are often sent back home.
“By preventing Iranian regime officials from exploiting diplomatic travel to the UN as a means to obtain goods unavailable to the Iranian public, we are sending a clear message: When the United States says it stands with the people of Iran, we mean it,” the department said.
In addition to wholesale club restrictions, Iranian diplomats and their families must seek permission before purchasing luxury items valued over $1,000 or vehicles costing more than $60,000.
Luxury goods include items such as watches, jewellery, designer clothing, cosmetics, electronics, fine art, antiques, alcohol, tobacco, and high-end home goods.
The move marks another step in the Trump administration’s visa crackdown, targeting even diplomats attending the United Nations. While world leaders gather this week for the annual UN meeting, the new US restrictions apply year-round to all Iranian diplomats posted to the international body.
(With inputs from agencies)
About the Author
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d…Read More
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d… Read More
United States of America (USA)
September 23, 2025, 17:31 IST
Loading comments…
Read More
