'Not even a pen': Iran's diplomats now can't buy at Costco and BJ’s like wholesale clubs in US without permission. Here's why

The United States has imposed strict new restrictions on Iranian diplomats posted to or visiting New York, barring them from shopping at popular wholesale stores like Costco without explicit permission from the State Department. The move is part of the Trump administration’s broader effort to tighten controls on Iranian officials’ activities in the U.S.

According to notices set to be published in the Federal Register this week, the State Department’s Office of Foreign Missions has determined that wholesale club memberships — including Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s — constitute a “benefit” that now requires prior government approval. In addition to bulk shopping memberships, Iranian diplomats must also seek approval before purchasing luxury goods or vehicles above specified price thresholds.

Clifton Seagroves, head of the Office of Foreign Missions, stated that Iranian diplomats and their dependents will need clearance before buying luxury goods worth over $1,000 or vehicles priced above $60,000. The items defined as "luxury goods" include watches, leather apparel and clothing accessories, silk apparel and clothing accessories, footwear, fur skins and artificial furs, handbags, wallets, fountain pens, cosmetics, perfumes and toilet waters, works of art, antiques, carpets, rugs, tapestries, pearls, gems, precious and semi-precious stones or jewelry containing them, precious metals, electronics and appliances, recreational sports articles, musical instruments, cigarettes and cigars, wine, spirits and beer.


The ruling singles out Iranian diplomats, who have been known to shop at bulk stores during their postings in New York to buy large quantities of goods not easily available in sanctions-hit Iran — often sending these items back home. The decision comes as world leaders gather in New York for the annual United Nations General Assembly, highlighting the administration’s ongoing pressure campaign on Tehran.

This move follows a series of visa restrictions imposed by the Trump administration, including denying entry to Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas and his delegation earlier this month. Officials have suggested that similar measures could be applied to other delegations, including those from Sudan, Zimbabwe, and Brazil.

By limiting Iranian diplomats’ access to both everyday goods and luxury items, the U.S. aims to further curb privileges Washington believes go beyond their official duties.