The Trump administration is reportedly planning to impose stricter travel and movement restrictions on several foreign delegations attending the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in New York, which begins on September 22. Following the denial of visas for Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas and his delegation, the U.S. is now considering similar restrictions for delegations from Iran, Sudan, Zimbabwe, and unexpectedly, Brazil.
According to an internal State Department memo obtained by The Associated Press, these measures could severely limit delegates’ ability to travel outside New York City during the high-level meeting. Among the proposed restrictions is a potential ban on Iranian diplomats shopping at large members-only wholesale stores like Costco and Sam’s Club without prior approval from the State Department. These stores have traditionally been favored by Iranian diplomats in New York as they provide access to bulk goods unavailable in Iran due to economic sanctions.
The timing and implementation of the proposed shopping ban remain unclear. The State Department is also reportedly exploring broader rules that would impose terms on wholesale club memberships held by all foreign diplomats in the U.S.
For Brazil, the details of possible visa restrictions are uncertain, including whether they would affect President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva or other delegation members. Notably, Brazil traditionally holds a place of honor at the General Assembly, with its president delivering the first speech of the session before the U.S. president. President Lula has been a particular target of President Donald Trump due to his government’s prosecution of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro over an alleged coup attempt.
In contrast, Syria will face fewer restrictions, with its delegation granted a waiver from longstanding limitations on their UN-related travel.
