Timothy O'Toole commented on Iranian sanctions prior to their relaxation in connection with the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. Several high-profile Turkish figures have been charged with conspiracy to evade U.S. sanctions on Iran and the conduct under investigation occurred in 2012 and 2013. "[Prior to 2015,] If a foreign bank processed transactions relating to Iran, the U.S. would impose secondary sanctions — usually against the banks but also other companies — that would cut them off from the U.S. financial system," O'Toole said.