U.S. Imposes Iran-Related Sanctions on Russia's VTB

The U.S. Treasury Department announced sanctions against VTB, citing its role in facilitating transactions with Iranian entities. The bank, which is state-owned and one of Russia's largest financial institutions, has been under scrutiny for its ties to Iran's nuclear program and regional activities. The sanctions include asset freezes and restrictions on U.S. financial transactions. Reuters and the Wall Street Journal both reported the sanctions as part of a coordinated effort to pressure Russia into curbing its support for Iran. The U.S. has previously targeted other Russian banks for similar reasons, signaling a pattern of financial pressure on Moscow. No immediate response from Russia or Iran was reported in the available sources.