An investigation by Iran International based on leaked documents reveals that US-sanctioned Bank Parsian used its foreign-exchange arm, Parsian Exchange, to move funds abroad via intermediaries between November 2022 and May 2023. Leaked instruction letters directed roughly $36 million in UAE dirhams, Chinese yuan, and US dollars to overseas bank accounts designated by Iranian importers. The transactions utilized Iranian export proceeds held overseas to obscure ties to sanctioned Iranian institutions.
Iraqi authorities have closed several border crossings with Iran, suspending passenger and commercial freight transit via the Al Sheeb crossing. An adviser to Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi cited security breaches, smuggling, and unauthorized entries. The sudden closures prompted protests by lorry drivers in Maysan province.
Russian government bodies have reinforced warnings advising citizens to avoid travel to Iran, covering both tourism and transit trips through Iranian airports. The travel notices follow escalating regional conflict and widespread airspace restrictions that have prompted commercial flight rerouting across the Middle East. Official updates for neighboring states such as the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia urge travelers to monitor spillover risks rather than halting travel.
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.
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