Turkey Tightens Measures Against Iran Ahead of Erdoğan–Trump Meeting
Turkey has t
aken a series of steps affecting Iranian-linked financial and aviation interests ahead of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s expected meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in New York this week.
Turkey has suspended flights operated by Iranian airline Mahan Air connecting Turkey and Iran. Ankara has also revoked the operating authorization of Bank Mellat, an Iranian state-linked bank, for its operations in Turkey.
Separately, Turkey’s banking regulator has formally taken control of Golden Global Bank, which had previously been sanctioned by the United States over allegations that it helped Iran circumvent U.S. financial sanctions.
The moves come as Erdoğan prepares to meet Trump, potentially signaling Ankara’s efforts to demonstrate greater alignment with Washington on Iran-related financial and sanctions issues.
The measures could also be viewed as an attempt by Erdoğan to reduce uncertainty over Turkey’s position and address any concerns in Washington about Ankara’s economic and strategic relationship with Tehran.
However, the actions do not necessarily indicate a broader Turkish break with Iran. Turkey maintains significant economic, security and diplomatic interests in its relationship with Tehran, and the long-term implications of the measures remain to be seen.