[Lebanon Joins the Move to Restrict Iran's Financial System, Revokes Local License of Export Development Bank of Iran] According to a report by Golden Finance, on October 15, as the United States increased pressure on countries to sever commercial ties with Iran, Lebanon's central bank revoked the operating license of one of Iran's largest banks—the Export Development Bank of Iran—in Lebanon this week. Lebanon's central bank governor, Karim Souaid, stated in an interview that this move aims to "send a clear signal to the outside world, demonstrating our determination to protect the domestic banking sector and prevent any institution that could pose a risk of contagion from impacting it." Souaid noted that Lebanon's action follows the example of central banks in regional countries such as the UAE and Turkey, which have tightened restrictions on Iran's financial system, coinciding with the U.S. ramping up its pressure on Iran globally. The Export Development Bank of Iran is one of Iran's oldest commercial banks and operates multiple branches overseas. Last month, the United Kingdom announced it would reject new license applications from Iranian banks subject to U.S. sanctions, including the Export Development Bank of Iran. The bank has a branch located near the Bank of England in London's financial district.