Dubai – The Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates announced that Iran's largest state‑owned bank, Bank Melli, is no longer permitted to carry out any financial transactions in the Emirates. The prohibition covers inbound and outbound transfers as well as the financing of trade deals.
The regulator said Bank Melli breached UAE laws aimed at preventing money‑laundering, terrorist financing and the spread of weapons. The move adds to the economic pressure on Tehran in the ongoing dispute between the United States and Iran.
Washington has recently rolled out a new round of sanctions intended to further isolate Iran. U.S. Treasury officials warned of secondary sanctions against any country or organization that continues to deal with Iran in sectors such as digital assets, technology, gold, aviation and shipping. In a televised interview, U.S. finance minister Scott Bessent said the United States is applying unprecedented pressure on Iran.
The UAE's action follows a decision taken in August to suspend all trade and financial dealings with Tehran. Since the start of the conflict, Iran has repeatedly targeted neighboring states allied with the United States, including the Emirates.
The ban underscores the widening financial front of the U.S.–Iran confrontation and signals that regional partners are aligning with Washington's strategy to curtail Iran's access to international markets.
