Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, on Wednesday officially designated Iran’s central bank a “terror organisation,” intensifying pressure on Tehran just a day after a fragile ceasefire took effect between the two countries.
According to a statement from Katz’s office, the designation also includes two additional Iranian banks and a company affiliated with Iran’s armed forces. The move is part of Israel’s broader effort to dismantle Iran’s financial support system for militant groups across the Middle East.
“This is part of Israel’s broader campaign against Iran,” the statement said. “The aim is to target the heart of the Iranian regime’s terror financing system, which funds, arms, and directs terror throughout the Middle East.”
The declaration comes in the wake of a 12-day conflict that saw Israel and Iran engage in multiple strikes, with Israel claiming its campaign was to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, an accusation Iran has repeatedly denied.
On Tuesday, both sides agreed to a ceasefire, ending nearly two weeks of military escalation. But Israeli military officials say the campaign is far from over.
“We have concluded a significant phase, but the campaign against Iran is not over. We are entering a new phase based on the achievements of the current one,” said Eyal Zamir, Chief of Staff of the Israeli military.
For years, Israel has been engaged in a shadow war with Iran and its regional proxies, including Hamas in Gaza, a conflict that escalated significantly since October 2023.
What you should know
A day after a ceasefire with Iran, Israel has labeled Iran’s central bank and affiliated entities as terror organisations, aiming to cripple Tehran’s financial support to militant groups. Israeli officials warn that the broader campaign against Iran is far from over.
