The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has imposed sanctions on the UAE branches of Bank Melli Iran, banning them from conducting any financial transactions to or from Iran, including trade finance and fund transfers.
The measures, announced on September 23, were taken under Article 168-1-C of Federal Decree-Law No. 6 of 2025, which governs the Central Bank, financial institutions, and insurance business.
The CBUAE said the action follows examination findings that revealed violations of UAE regulations, including obligations under legislation related to combating money laundering, terrorism financing, and proliferation financing.
The prohibition covers all Bank Melli Iran branches operating in the UAE and applies to the full scope of Iran-linked financial activity conducted through those branches.
The central bank said it will continue to strengthen its supervisory framework and take necessary measures to protect the integrity of the UAE financial system, and to ensure that institutions under its oversight meet the highest compliance standards in line with international best practices.
