Turkey’s Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency has revoked the operating licence of the Istanbul branch of Iran’s Bank Mellat.
The decision was published in Turkey’s Official Gazette and brings the Iranian lender’s local banking operations to an end.
The regulator relied on a provision of Turkish banking law permitting withdrawal of a licence when activities are judged to threaten depositor rights or financial-system stability.
The official notice did not directly connect the action to sanctions imposed by the United States.
However, the decision follows increasing American pressure on partners to restrict financial and commercial channels linked to Iran.
Earlier measures included U.S. sanctions against a small Turkish investment bank and subsidiaries, alongside decisions by Turkey and Oman to halt flights by Iran’s Mahan Air.
The closure may affect commercial settlements involving Iran and signals closer scrutiny of cross-border banking as regional tensions and sanctions enforcement intensify.
Source: Reuters
Featured photo by Engin Yapici via Unsplash.
Zeynep Aziz is a social-affairs specialist, writer and advocate with advanced academic qualifications in both Social Sciences and International Relations. Her multidisciplinary education has given her a strong understanding of society, public policy, human rights and the political forces shaping Turkey’s domestic and international development.
For many years, Zeynep has been actively engaged in social affairs and initiatives supporting the rights and well-being of Turkish citizens. Her work pays particular attention to social equality, democratic participation and the protection of vulnerable and disadvantaged communities.
Women’s rights remain central to her interests and advocacy. She works to raise awareness of the challenges faced by women in Turkey, including discrimination, violence, unequal opportunities and barriers to full participation in political, professional and social life. She strongly supports women’s empowerment, equal access to education and employment, and effective legal protection for women and girls.
Alongside her social work, Zeynep closely follows Turkey’s international relations and foreign policy. She takes a keen interest in Turkey’s relations with Europe, neighbouring countries and international institutions, as well as the impact of regional and global developments on Turkish society.
Through her writing and public engagement, Zeynep seeks to encourage informed discussion, strengthen respect for human rights and contribute to a fairer, more democratic and inclusive Turkey.
Zeynep Aziz
