Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) at the U.S. Capitol on March 06, 2024, in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., is sharply challenging Turkey’s role as a U.S. ally after the Treasury Department imposed sanctions on a Turkish bank accused of facilitating financial transactions for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force.
“Turkey is NOT OUR FRIEND,” Scott wrote on X on Monday, arguing that the latest Treasury action demonstrates the security risks posed by Ankara’s dealings with Iran.
“Just this past week, @SecScottBessent had to crack down on them for actively funding Iranian terrorists who are killing our servicemen and women,” Scott wrote.
“This is about keeping our country and our families safe. We cannot rest until anyone with ties to the evil Iranian regime is held accountable—no matter who they are,” he wrote.
The Treasury Department announced Sept. 4 that, under Operation Economic Outcast, it designated Turkey-based Golden Global Yatirim Bankasi and two subsidiaries.
Treasury said the bank had facilitated tens of millions of dollars in transactions for the IRGC-Quds Force and provided Iran with correspondent banking access allowing it to move money internationally.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said financial institutions would face consequences for continuing to support Iran’s financial networks.
The department said the sanctions block the designated entities’ U.S.-linked property and prohibit U.S. persons from engaging in transactions with them, while warning foreign institutions of potential secondary-sanctions exposure.
Scott’s criticism carries particular weight because of his Senate responsibilities. He serves on the Armed Services Committee as well as the Foreign Relations Committee.
The dispute also comes as Turkey expands its military and political influence in sovereign Syria, where Ankara has supported forces and pursued a significant security role.
Israel has increasingly warned about Turkey’s activities in Syria, particularly amid reports concerning possible Turkish military deployments.
Israel recently struck a Syrian airbase after alleging it could host Turkish troops; Turkey denied plans for a permanent base.
Turkey’s increasingly confrontational position toward Israel has further complicated its relationship with Washington.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has described Israeli military operations in Syria and Lebanon as a threat to Turkey and has been among Israel’s strongest regional critics.
At the same time, Turkey remains a NATO member and hosts important U.S. military infrastructure, including Incirlik Air Base.
Turkey, however, denied use of its bases and facilities in America’s recent conflict with Iran.
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