While Iran urges European countries to avoid the "instrumentalization" of the UN Security Council, the Donald Trump Administration prohibited Iranian officials residing or traveling to New York to participate in the UN from shopping at large wholesale stores such as Costco or acquiring luxury items without prior authorization from the State Department.

According to a new regulation published in the Federal Register by the State Department's Office for Foreign Missions, which applies to members of Iran's permanent mission to the U.N. and officials attending the General Assembly this week.

The regulation requires them to obtain approval before shopping or acquiring a membership at any wholesale store in the United States, including Costco, Sam's Club, and BJ's Wholesale Club.

In addition, they must be authorized to buy "luxury goods," such as watches, furs, jewelry, handbags, wallets, perfumes, tobacco, alcohol, and cars.

Although the United States and Iran do not maintain official diplomatic relations, the Islamic Republic has diplomats accredited to the United Nations, which obligates Washington to allow their entry and residence in the country, under the U.N. Headquarters Agreement, which establishes the United States as the host country.

It is worth mentioning that the relationship between the United States and Iran has deteriorated since Israel's attack on Iran's nuclear facilities are also currently experiencing the end of a 30-day period for the reimposition of UN sanctions, which is likely to mean that Tehran will face renewed pressure on its weakened economy amid heightened tensions in the Middle East due to the war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.