Türkiye Halk Bankası AŞ could face a fine if it continues to fail to make an appearance in a criminal case accusing it of conspiring to violate U.S. sanctions against Iran, Reuters reported, citing a U.S. prosecutor.

The Turkish lender was in contempt after it failed to make an initial appearance, assistant U.S. attorney Michael Lockard said, adding that prosecutors will allow more time for the bank to respond to a summons to its U.S. lawyer, Andrew Hruska.

The bank will get an additional two weeks to respond, according to U.S. District Judge Richard Berman.

Lockard's statement comes after Hruska said he lacked authorization to accept a summons or appear on court on behalf of the bank, the news agency reported, citing an Oct. 21 court filing.