The Trump administration, following the denial of a visa to Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas, is considering new limitations on delegations from Iran, Sudan, Zimbabwe — and notably, Brazil — ahead of the U.N. General Assembly later this month in New York.
According to an internal State Department memo reviewed by The Associated Press, these restrictions could be implemented before the General Assembly convenes on Sept. 22.
Brazil’s inclusion is particularly surprising, as the country traditionally holds an honored position during the gathering of world leaders.
These measures are still under deliberation and align with the Trump administration’s ongoing broader visa crackdown, which involves scrutinizing both current visa holders and those seeking entry for the U.N. meeting.
One proposal would prohibit Iranian diplomats — who already face stringent restrictions in New York — from shopping at wholesale stores such as Costco and Sam’s Club without State Department approval.
Iranian diplomats have historically utilized these stores to purchase bulk goods unavailable at home and ship them back at a relatively low cost.
It remains uncertain if or when the shopping ban would come into effect. The memo suggested drafting regulations that would allow the State Department to impose conditions on wholesale club memberships for all foreign diplomats in the U.S.
It is also unclear whether any restrictions would be applied to Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva or other delegates attending the General Assembly.
Traditionally, Brazil’s president delivers the inaugural address on opening day, followed by the U.S. president.
Trump has had disputes with Lula over his prosecution of Trump ally Jair Bolsonaro for allegedly orchestrating an attempted coup.
Syria is expected to encounter fewer restrictions after its delegation received a waiver from travel limits that were imposed more than a decade ago.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the State Department for comment regarding these restrictions.