US Considers Visa Ban for Iran, Brazil at UN Meet

The United States is weighing new visa restrictions on delegations from Iran, Sudan, Zimbabwe, and Brazil ahead of the United Nations General Assembly session starting September 22. The move comes days after Washington denied entry to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and his delegation.

According to officials, one proposal includes restricting Iranian diplomats from shopping at membership-based wholesale stores such as Costco and Sam’s Club without prior State Department approval. These outlets have traditionally been used by diplomats to purchase goods not easily available in their home countries.

The potential inclusion of Brazil in these restrictions marks a striking shift. Brazil traditionally delivers the opening speech at the UNGA, and analysts see the measure as linked to strained relations between President Donald Trump and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

In contrast, the US has granted Syria’s delegation a travel waiver, signaling a notable change in Washington’s diplomatic approach following the ouster of Bashar al-Assad.

The proposed visa and movement limits are expected to heighten tensions as world leaders prepare to gather in New York for the annual UN session.