The New York Times reported that the World Bank has halted its trades with the Iranian regime.
The US sanctions have made the World Bank face problems in dealing with the Iranian regime’s four major banks. The US officials hope this matter exerts more pressure on the Iranian regime and intensifies its isolation.

The New York Times wrote: The payments for the World Bank projects have all gone through Bank Melli, one of Iran’s largest banks, but Bank Melli was accused last month by the United States of being involved in nuclear proliferation and terrorism. Also listed were two other institutions, Bank Mellat and Bank Saderat. Bank Saderat had already been listed by United States as being involved in financing terrorism.

Some Congressional critics of the administration’s Iran policies have called on the United States to block World Bank aid programs for Iran altogether.
The New York Times added: The Security Council has adopted two resolutions, one last year and another this year, calling on a freeze of assets in Iran deemed to be linked to its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. The aim of the resolutions is to get Iran to suspend its uranium enrichment activities, which Western experts say are part of a secret program to make a nuclear bomb.

Only one Iranian bank, Bank Sepah, has been identified by the Security Council as involved in nuclear and ballistic missile programs. According to information circulating among members of the Security Council, the bank has all but ceased to function.

In addition, the diplomats said the Dutch, French, Italian and German governments had begun reducing their state credits promoting trade with Iran. The Bush administration, however, is pressing them to do more.
Administration officials say they have pressed more than 40 banks worldwide to stop doing business with Iran, and most have taken at least some steps.