"The movements of Iranian diplomats are severely limited in New York, but one proposal being floated would bar them from shopping at big, members-only wholesale stores like Costco and Sam's Club without first receiving the express permission of the State Department. Such stores have been a favorite of Iranian diplomats posted to and visiting New York because they are able to buy large quantities of products not available in economically isolated Iran for relatively cheap prices and send them home."
"It was not immediately clear if or when the proposed shopping ban for Iran would take effect, but the memo said the State Department also was looking at drafting rules that would allow it to impose terms and conditions on memberships in wholesale clubs by all foreign diplomats in the U.S. For Brazil, it was not clear if any potential visa restrictions affect Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva or lower-level members of the country's delegation to the high-level U.N. gathering."
The U.S. denied visas for Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas and his delegation and is considering additional restrictions on delegations from Iran, Sudan, Zimbabwe and Brazil. Proposed measures would severely limit travel outside New York City for targeted delegations and could impose unique conditions such as banning Iranian diplomats from shopping at members-only wholesale stores without State Department permission. The State Department is reportedly examining rules to regulate wholesale club memberships for all foreign diplomats. The measures form part of a broader visa crackdown and a review of those holding or seeking entry to attend the U.N. General Assembly.
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