Turkey's Halkbank Fails to Halt U.S. Prosecution for Aiding Iran

A federal judge rejected a request by Turkey's state-owned Halkbank to put a federal prosecution on hold. Halkbank is accused of helping Iran evade U.S. economic sanctions, including its role in the alleged transfer of $20 billion of restricted Iranian funds.

The U.S. Department of Justice said Halkbank engaged in transactions on Iran's behalf that would have exposed the bank to sanctions, including allowing revenue from oil and gas sales to be spent on gold, and facilitating sham purchases of food and medicine. The U.S. Department of Justice has charged nine people in the alleged scheme.

Matthew RJ Brodsky joined Sky News Arabia to discuss the ramifications of the case and how it might impact U.S.-Turkish relations.