KEY POINTS
- US mulls stricter UN travel limits for Iran, Sudan, Zimbabwe and Brazil.
- Proposals include visa curbs and restrictions on shopping trips.
- Lula da Silva’s UN role may complicate Brazil’s case.
The United States may tighten travel restrictions on diplomats from Iran, Sudan, Zimbabwe and Brazil during the UN General Assembly in New York, according to a State Department memo reviewed by the Associated Press.
The measures, still under discussion, could extend to visa approvals and stricter controls on the ability of delegations to move beyond New York City. The Trump administration has already denied a visa to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, signaling a broader clampdown on visiting officials.
US UN travel restrictions target Iranian envoys
Iranian diplomats already operate under some of the tightest rules in the US. One new proposal would bar them from shopping at big-box retailers such as Costco and Sam’s Club without explicit State Department approval. Iranian envoys have long used these outlets to purchase goods scarce in Iran.
Brazil delegation faces uncertain impact
Brazil is also on the potential list of targets, though it remains unclear if President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva set to deliver the assembly’s opening address on Sept. 22 would be affected. President Donald Trump has previously clashed with Lula, citing his handling of investigations involving former president Jair Bolsonaro.
Sudan and Zimbabwe may be included
An internal memo identified Sudan and Zimbabwe as possible targets for new restrictions but gave no details. The State Department has so far declined to comment on the reported measures.
