The United States government under President Donald Trump has barred Iranian officials attending the United Nations in New York from purchasing a wide range of goods in the country, including everything from bulk household items to luxury watches.
According to a notice published in the Federal Register on Tuesday, Iranian diplomats and visiting officials can no longer shop at wholesale retailers such as Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s Wholesale Club. Purchases of high-end items will now require special authorization from the U.S. State Department, France 24 reported, citing AFP.
The restrictions cover an expansive list: watches, electronics, and fountain pens worth more than $1,000 are restricted, while vehicles priced above $60,000 fall under the same category.
State Department spokesman Thomas Pigott defended the move as part of Washington’s “maximum pressure” campaign on Tehran.
“We will not allow the Iranian regime to let its clerical elites go on shopping sprees in New York while the Iranian people endure poverty, crumbling infrastructure, and dire shortages of water and electricity,” Pigott said.
The ban comes amid heightened U.S.-Iran tensions. Iran’s economy has been crippled by sweeping U.S. sanctions that have slashed oil exports and restricted imports of basic goods.
Since taking office earlier this year, President Trump has pursued an aggressive strategy to dismantle Iran’s nuclear program. In June, his administration ordered bomb and missile strikes on three nuclear facilities, escalating hostilities.
Analysts say the latest shopping restrictions are largely symbolic, aimed at signaling Washington’s intent to tighten the isolation of Iran’s leadership both diplomatically and economically.
