Trump Takes Hardline Before UN Meet: Iranian Delegates Barred From Shopping in U.S. Retail Stores

As the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) prepares to convene in New York on September 22, the Trump administration has announced a series of tough new restrictions on foreign delegations—particularly targeting Iran. The move is seen as part of Washington’s broader strategy to isolate Tehran diplomatically and economically on the global stage.

U.S. Plans Fresh Sanctions on Multiple Countries

According to a State Department draft, the new measures will not only restrict the travel of delegations but also impose curbs on their ability to make purchases within the United States. The list of countries facing such restrictions includes Iran, Sudan, Zimbabwe, and Brazil, whose officials are expected to attend the high-level UN session.

Traditionally, foreign diplomats attending UN meetings in New York are allowed limited movement within a 25-mile radius of Manhattan. Under the new proposals, their activities may be curtailed further, extending to daily essentials and shopping rights.

Special Rules for Iranian Delegates

Iranian diplomats already operate under tight movement restrictions in New York. Now, the Trump administration is reportedly considering barring them from shopping at popular U.S. wholesale chains like Costco and Sam’s Club without prior State Department approval.

These stores have long been favored by Iranian envoys as they offer bulk goods—ranging from household supplies to food items—that are often unavailable in Iran and can be purchased at lower prices. Officials frequently send these products back home, which Washington sees as a loophole.

If enforced, the rule would mean that Iranian diplomats cannot even purchase basic household goods in the U.S. without explicit clearance. The proposal is still being finalized, and the exact implementation timeline remains unclear.

Broader Diplomatic Tensions

This latest move comes amid escalating U.S.–Iran tensions, with Washington continuing to pressure Tehran over its nuclear program, regional influence, and alleged support for proxy groups. By tightening restrictions on Iranian diplomats ahead of the UNGA, the U.S. is signaling its intent to limit Iran’s presence and influence on American soil.

The State Department has also confirmed that it is reviewing the membership rights of foreign diplomats at American retail chains, suggesting that all delegations could face conditional shopping permissions in the future.

Palestinian Delegation Denied Entry

In a related move, the Palestinian delegation led by President Mahmoud Abbas has been denied U.S. visas to attend the UN meeting. The Trump administration has repeatedly clashed with Palestinian leadership, especially after recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in 2017. The refusal signals another setback in U.S.-Palestine ties and underscores the administration’s uncompromising stance on Middle Eastern politics.

Brazil, Sudan, and Zimbabwe Also on Watch

While the draft mentions Brazil, it is still unclear whether the restrictions will apply to Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva or his delegation. By convention, Brazil’s president delivers the opening address at the UNGA each year. However, President Trump has openly criticized Lula for the prosecution of former President Jair Bolsonaro, accusing Lula of political bias.

Sudan and Zimbabwe are also listed, but the specific sanctions against their delegations remain undefined. A State Department spokesperson declined to elaborate, saying only that “reviews are ongoing.”

Syria Faces Minimal Restrictions

Interestingly, Syria—long subject to U.S. sanctions—will face the fewest restrictions. Just last week, the Trump administration lifted part of a decade-old travel ban on Syrian officials, granting them special exemptions to attend the UN meeting.

What This Means Ahead of UNGA

The Trump administration’s decision to clamp down on foreign diplomats, especially Iranians, is likely to heighten tensions during the UNGA session. Critics argue that such restrictions undermine the spirit of the United Nations, which is meant to provide a neutral platform for global dialogue.

However, the White House defends its approach as a necessary security and foreign policy measure, claiming that these limits will prevent misuse of diplomatic privileges while reinforcing America’s tough stance against regimes it deems adversarial.

With the UN General Assembly just days away, the stage is set for a tense gathering in New York—where not only global policy debates but also America’s hardline diplomacy will take center stage.