Israel’s Defence Minister, Yoav Gallant, on Wednesday formally designated Iran’s central bank a “terror organisation,” a move that signals escalating pressure on Tehran just a day after a ceasefire between the two rivals took effect.
In a statement from his office, Gallant announced the signing of a special order that labels the Central Bank of Iran, two other Iranian financial institutions, and a company linked to Iran’s armed forces as terrorist entities.
The designation is part of what Israeli officials describe as a broader strategy to disrupt Iran’s influence across the Middle East. “The decision targets the heart of the Iranian regime’s terror financing system, which funds, arms and directs terror throughout the Middle East,” the statement read.
Israel accuses Iran of backing militant groups including Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza, and various proxies in Syria and Iraq.
The development comes amid heightened regional tensions and ongoing diplomatic efforts to stabilise the Middle East following multiple flare-ups in recent months. While the ceasefire signals a temporary de-escalation, Israel’s latest move underscores its determination to cut off financial lifelines to what it considers hostile networks supported by Tehran.
