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Bank Mellat's Turkish operating license revoked by BDDK
The Turkish Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BDDK) has revoked the operating license of the Istanbul main branch of Bank Mellat, an Iranian-based lender. The decision, published in the Official Gazette on September 19, 2026, was made under Article 71(b) of Banking Law No. 5411.
The regulator stated that the revocation was necessary because the bank's continued operations posed a risk to the rights of depositors and the stability and security of the financial system. While the official notice did not explicitly cite international sanctions as the reason, Bank Mellat has long been subject to financial restrictions and sanctions from the United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom due to alleged links to Iran's nuclear and missile programs.
Bank Mellat has maintained a presence in Turkey since 1982, with branches in Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir. The revocation comes amid increased economic pressure from the United States on Tehran and follows recent sanctions by the US Treasury on other Turkish entities. Political figures, including Yeniden Refah Party leader Fatih Erbakan, have criticized the move, suggesting it was a result of US pressure and warning it could increase costs for Turkish importers of Iranian goods, such as fertilizer.
Entities
Bank Mellat · Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency · Fatih Erbakan · Iran · Turkey · United States
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Yeniden Refah Party leader Fatih Erbakan claimed the decision was made due to US pressure. www.yenicaggazetesi.com
- [● 11 SOURCES] The revocation was based on Article 71(b) of Banking Law No. 5411. besniyenibakis.com · fr.iranfocus.com · alethonews.com · www.malatyaguncel.com · www.diken.com.tr · +6 more
- [● 11 SOURCES] The decision was made because the bank's continued operation posed a risk to depositors' rights and financial system stability. besniyenibakis.com · fr.iranfocus.com · alethonews.com · www.malatyaguncel.com · www.diken.com.tr · +6 more
- [● 11 SOURCES] The BDDK revoked the operating license of Bank Mellat's Istanbul Turkey Central Branch. besniyenibakis.com · fr.iranfocus.com · alethonews.com · www.malatyaguncel.com · www.diken.com.tr · +6 more
- [● 6 SOURCES] Bank Mellat has operated in Turkey since 1982. www.malatyaguncel.com · www.ortadogugazetesi.com · tr.euronews.com · besniyenibakis.com · iranfocus.com · +1 more
- [● 7 SOURCES] Bank Mellat is subject to sanctions from the United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom. alethonews.com · iranfocus.com · tr.euronews.com · news.gooya.com · fr.iranfocus.com · +2 more