Turkey-U.S. Relations Overshadowed by the Reza Zarrab Sanctions Evasion Case
Turkey-U.S. Relations Overshadowed by the Reza Zarrab Sanctions Evasion Case

Author(s): Karol Wasilewski
Subject(s): International relations/trade, Geopolitics
Published by: PISM Polski Instytut Spraw Międzynarodowych
Keywords: Turkey; USA
Summary/Abstract: The trial in the U.S. of a Turkish banker charged with helping Iran evade American sanctions has heard testimony from Reza Zarrab, a gold trader who pleaded guilty to helping the banker and became the prosecution’s star witness. The trial is criticised by Turkish politicians who apparently are afraid it will reveal their role in the operation. The trial will boost anti-Western rhetoric in Turkey and will deepen the crisis in Turkish-American relations. Because of Turkish state lender Halkbank’s supposed participation in the dealings, it may also affect Turkey’s economy. The prolonged difficulties in Turkey-U.S. relations constitute a challenge to NATO unity.

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