US Treasury Designates Russia's VTB Bank Under Iran Sanctions Authority
💰 SANCTIONS — VTB built Tehran a ruble-rial bypass; Treasury just named the pipe. 📌 LOOK CLOSER: VTB's rial-ruble system gave Iran a dollar-free trade corridor as Hormuz was being shut — not coincidence. The designation adds secondary-sanctions exposure for any foreign bank still touching VTB, forcing a choice between Moscow and Western financial access. European banks already stressed by energy costs now face a compliance ultimatum arriving mid-crisis.
