U.S. Directs Tightening of Iran Sanctions Net via Turkey

As a financial data journalist, the U.S. government has directed intensified enforcement against Iran-linked financial networks within Turkey.

The U.S. Treasury and Justice departments should target financial networks in Turkey connected to Iran, including exchange houses and shell companies, and urge Ankara to shut down sanctioned entities such as Bank Mellat.

Furthermore, the U.S. should prepare to invoke Section 311 of the Patriot Act to designate financial institutions like Kuveyt Türk as having primary money laundering concerns, which would mean their cutoff from the U.S. financial system. This sends a clear signal that no bank can use American financial channels to fund Iranian operations without facing sanctions.