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China–UAE News
Source: TIKR.com

Mastercard Targets Near-100% UAE Debit Processing as Domestic Payment Infrastructure Expands

Mastercard Chief Financial Officer Ling Hai stated that the company expects to process nearly 100% of debit transactions in the UAE once its rollout with Al Etihad Payments is complete. Speaking at a Goldman Sachs event, Hai pointed to the UAE partnership as a strategic model for navigating national sovereignty payment initiatives, alongside references to operations in China. The UAE's domestic payments entity is also expanding cross-border acceptance and co-branded card ties with China's UnionPay International.

Policy & Legal Updates
Source: The News Pakistan

US Treasury Highlights Iran Economic Isolation as UAE Restricts Banking and Aviation

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that international pressure has deepened Iran's economic isolation, citing UAE flight suspensions and regional bank restrictions. The Central Bank of the UAE has barred local branches of Bank Melli Iran from conducting trade finance and fund transfers with Iran over compliance violations. Neighboring nations including Türkiye and Oman have also curtailed Iranian banking and aviation access following US diplomatic engagement.

Policy & Legal Updates
Source: Laodong.vn

US Reports Progress on Iran Isolation as UAE Restricts Flights and Banking Links

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that global diplomatic pressure has yielded restrictions on Iranian aviation and banking networks. The UAE has suspended all flights by Iranian airlines and blocked transactions via Bank Melli branches, while smaller Iranian carriers continue operating routes to China. Turkey and Oman have also halted flights from Mahan Air, and Turkey revoked Bank Mellat's operating license.

Policy & Legal Updates
Source: Newsmax

UAE and Turkey Bar Iranian Lenders and Ground Flights Amid US Pressure

The United Arab Emirates and Turkey have barred Iran's two largest private lenders from operating and grounded Iranian airlines amid an intensifying US economic pressure campaign. The UAE also moved to halt commercial exchanges and financial transactions with Tehran following maritime security tensions. The measures target a critical trade partner that supplied 31% of Iran's imports in 2024.

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