Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has signed an order designating the Central Bank of Iran, along with other entities, as terrorist organizations.
Katz also designated two additional Iranian banks, a company affiliated with Iran’s armed forces, and three of its senior officials as terrorist organizations and operatives. This action was undertaken at the request of Israel’s intelligence service, according to the defense ministry.
The order “aims to target the heart of the Iranian regime’s terror-financing system, which operates, funds, and arms terrorism across the Middle East via the Quds Force and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps,” the ministry stated. It further described these groups as a key financial pipeline supporting Iranian proxies throughout the region.
In addition to the Central Bank, the designation includes Shahr Bank and Mellat Bank, as well as Sepehr Energy Jahan, a company owned by Iran’s Armed Forces General Staff.
The Iranian Central Bank is already subject to US sanctions.
Key Designations:
- Central Bank of Iran: Designated terrorist organization.
- Shahr Bank: Designated terrorist organization.
- Mellat Bank: Designated terrorist organization.
- Sepehr Energy Jahan: Company owned by Iran’s Armed Forces General Staff, designated terrorist organization.
- Several individuals also designated as terrorists and operatives.
Iran May Rethink Membership of Key Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty
Iran could be reconsidering its membership in the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), a landmark agreement designed to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons, following alleged US and Israeli strikes on its nuclear sites, according to Iran’s Foreign Minister.
“The attack on our nuclear facilities will certainly have serious and profound repercussions on Iran’s future course,” Abbas Araghchi told the Qatari news outlet Al Araby Al Jadeed.
The NPT monitors and prevents the global spread of nuclear weapons and promotes the peaceful use of nuclear technology. Signatories without nuclear weapons are prohibited from pursuing them.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), a UN nuclear watchdog monitoring NPT adherence, has issued reports in recent months stating that Iran failed to provide answers to questions regarding its nuclear program.
While Iran has maintained that its program is peaceful, it began enriching uranium to near-weapons grade after US President Donald Trump withdrew the US from the 2015 agreement between Tehran and international powers.
Allegedly, last weekend, Trump ordered a strike on Iran’s nuclear program, although a leaked Pentagon report suggests the attacks only set it back by months, despite Trump’s claims.
“We have worked for many years to demonstrate to the world that we are committed to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and willing to work within its framework, but unfortunately, this treaty has not been able to protect us or our nuclear program,” Araghchi stated.
Iran’s top diplomat noted that it was still too early to determine Iran’s reaction but imagined that Iran’s view of the nuclear program and the non-proliferation regime will undergo changes, the direction of which he cannot yet determine.
Key Points:
- Potential NPT Withdrawal: Iran is considering withdrawing from the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
- Reasoning: Possible US and Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
- IAEA Concerns: The IAEA has raised concerns about Iran’s nuclear program transparency.
- Uranium Enrichment: Iran has enriched uranium to near-weapons grade after the US withdrew from the 2015 agreement.
- Alleged US Strike: A purported strike on Iran’s nuclear program is said to have had limited impact.
