formally barred Iranian diplomats based in or visiting New York from shopping at wholesale clubs like Costco or Sam's Club without explicit permission from the State Department. The new regulations, signed by Clifton Seagroves, head of the Office of Foreign Missions, on September 16 and 18, also require Iranian diplomats to seek approval before purchasing a wide array of luxury goods valued over $1,000 or vehicles priced above $60,000. The administration defines the ability to shop at these stores as a "benefit" requiring government oversight.
A Singular Focus on Iran
The restrictions notably single out Iran, as it is the only country specifically targeted by these measures. The policy appears to strike at a known preference of Iranian diplomats, for whom stores like Costco have been a favorite destination. These bulk retailers allowed diplomats to purchase large quantities of everyday products, often unavailable in Iran due to economic sanctions, at relatively low prices to send back home. The ruling effectively places a significant logistical hurdle on a practical aspect of their lives in New York.
An Exhaustive List of Controlled Luxuries
The State Department's definition of restricted "luxury goods" is remarkably thorough, leaving little room for ambiguity. The list encompasses items from watches, leather apparel, and perfumes to fountain pens, works of art, and even "toilet waters". This extensive catalog suggests a significant level of bureaucratic effort aimed at monitoring the spending habits of Iranian officials, covering nearly every conceivable non-essential purchase.
Broader Context of Diplomatic Pressure
This move is not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of restrictions under the current administration. It follows the recent denial of visas for Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas and his delegation seeking to attend the UN General Assembly. Furthermore, according to reports from early September, the administration was considering imposing similar travel and other restrictions on delegations from several other countries, including Sudan, Zimbabwe, and Brazil. The new rules for Iranian diplomats are set to apply year round, extending beyond the high profile UN gathering.