Iranian diplomats and officials visiting the United States will no longer be allowed to shop at Costco or other wholesale retailers without prior approval from the State Department, according to new restrictions published in the Federal Register this week. The rules, which also apply to accompanying family members, prohibit the purchase of “luxury goods” without US clearance.The announcement came as world leaders gathered in New York for the annual United Nations General Assembly. Wholesale chains like Costco, Sam’s Club and BJ’s Wholesale Club were specifically listed under the new curbs. For years, visiting Iranian officials have been photographed loading up goods — including televisions and cereal boxes — during UN trips, images that circulated widely in Iran.“These measures are aimed at exploiting sensitivities in Iranian public opinion,” said Omid Memarian, an Iran expert at DAWN, a Washington-based research group. “For years, many Iranians have been dissatisfied — and even angry — that large delegations travel with presidents to New York, imposing significant costs on the nation in the midst of sanctions and economic austerity.”Iran criticised the move, calling it inappropriate for the host nation of the UNGA. Foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said the measures “were unprecedented” and contravened Washington’s obligations as a host.Analysts said the shopping ban was more symbolic than practical. “It is primarily aimed at deepening the wedge between the Iranian state and society,” said Ali Vaez, Iran project director at the International Crisis Group. He added that the step could also appear “petty” for “the superpower who hosts the UN to try to regulate the shopping of its international guests.”Iranian diplomats have long faced some of the toughest restrictions in the United States. In 2019, the Trump administration confined their movements to a narrow radius around Manhattan’s UN complex, forbidding travel beyond Kennedy Airport, the Iranian mission, or the ambassador’s residence. Former foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif was even barred from visiting a New York hospital where the Iranian ambassador was receiving treatment.The US has imposed similar curbs on other nations. Russian diplomats require approval to travel outside designated areas, while Chinese diplomats since 2019 must notify the State Department of any meetings held in the US.
