Israel's Defense Minister has officially designated Iran's state-owned Bank Melli as a terrorist organization. The move follows recommendations from security agencies and the National Bureau for Counter-Terror Financing, citing the bank's role in transferring funds to groups involved in terrorism across the Middle East and beyond. According to Israeli authorities, Bank Melli acts as a financial arm for Iranian security forces and is involved in money laundering and evasion of international sanctions. This step adds to previous actions taken by Israel against other Iranian financial institutions, as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt Iran's alleged terror financing activities.