U.S.Tightens Restrictions on Iranian Diplomats, Requiring Approval for costco Memberships and luxury Purchases
NEW YORK (September 25, 2023) – The U.S. State Department has implemented new restrictions targeting Iranian diplomats stationed in and visiting the United States, requiring pre-approval for memberships at wholesale club stores like Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s Wholesale Club, as well as for purchases of luxury goods exceeding $1,000 and vehicles valued over $60,000.
The determinations, posted online Monday and slated for publication tuesday, stipulate that Iranian diplomats and their dependents must “obtain approval from the Department of State prior to… obtaining or otherwise retaining membership at any wholesale club store… and acquiring items… through any means.” Clifton Seagroves, head of the office of foreign Missions, confirmed the policy.
The move comes as part of the Trump administration’s broader crackdown on visas, including those for leaders and diplomats seeking to represent their countries at the United Nations. Iranian diplomats have frequently utilized wholesale stores like Costco to purchase goods unavailable in their economically isolated country at lower prices, then ship them home.
Luxury items subject to the new restrictions include watches, leather apparel, silk clothing, footwear, furs, handbags, wallets, cosmetics, perfumes, artwork, antiques, jewelry, precious metals, electronics, recreational sports equipment, musical instruments, tobacco, and alcoholic beverages.
The restrictions apply permanently to all iranian diplomats representing their country at the U.N. year-round. Earlier this month, U.S. officials indicated they were considering these measures, wich were formally signed by Seagroves on September 16 and 18.
The administration has already denied visas for Palestinian leader Mahmoud abbas and his delegation to attend the U.N. General Assembly and was also considering restrictions on delegations from Sudan, Zimbabwe, and Brazil.
