09:29 - 15.09.2026

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September 15, Fineko/abc.az. The US Department of the Treasury has designated Russia’s VTB Bank under Iran-related sanctions, accusing the major lender of facilitating Tehran's evasion of international restrictions.

According to official statements, VTB established correspondent banking relationships with sanctioned Iranian institutions, assisted in moving billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets, and set up national currency payment channels in rubles and rials.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized that Washington will not tolerate financial or technological backing for the Iranian regime. Furthermore, the US warned foreign financial institutions still transacting with VTB Bank that they face severe secondary sanctions risks and urged them to immediately sever ties.