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The Trump administration may impose new visa and travel restrictions on delegations from Iran, Sudan, Zimbabwe and Brazil during the UN General Assembly, expanding its broader crackdown on foreign officials in the US.
The UN flag flies on a stormy day at the United Nations during the United Nations General Assembly (Photo: AP)
New Delhi,UPDATED: Sep 5, 2025 04:28 IST
The Trump administration has already denied visas to Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas and may soon tighten restrictions on other foreign delegations attending the UN General Assembly this month.
An internal State Department memo reviewed by the Associated Press shows possible curbs on delegations from Iran, Sudan, Zimbabwe and Brazil. Restrictions could include tighter visa approvals and movement limits outside New York City.
Iranian diplomats already face strict travel boundaries. One proposal would prevent them from shopping at bulk retailers like Costco and Sam’s Club without State Department permission. These stores have long been used by Iranian envoys to purchase goods not available at home.
Brazil’s delegation may also face restrictions. It remains unclear whether President Luiz Incio Lula da Silva, who is scheduled to open the session Sept. 22, would be directly affected. Lula has drawn criticism from President Trump over the prosecution of former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro.
The proposals are part of a broader visa crackdown by the Trump administration, which has tightened entry rules for officials already holding legal permission to visit the US. They also highlight Washington’s shifting posture — waiving restrictions for Syria while weighing new limits on other governments.
Sudan and Zimbabwe were cited in the memo as possible targets, though no details were provided. The State Department declined comment.
- Ends
With inputs from Associated Press
Published By:
Rivanshi Rakhrai
Published On:
Sep 5, 2025
