Envoy: FATF decision ensures expansion of Iran banking ties

EghtesadOnline: Iran’s envoy to Britain said the decision by the international anti money-laundering body on continuing suspension of punitive measures against Iran, will clear the way for reestablishing of Tehran’s global financial ties, as one of the main goals of the nuclear deal.

News ID: ۷۴۲۳۵۶

24 June 2017

“The global agency against money laundering and financing terrorism lauds Iran's banking standards and suspends counter-measures against Iran,” wrote Hamid Baeidinejad on his twitter account on Friday, referring to the decision by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) on the Islamic Republic.

“In light of Iran’s demonstration of its political commitment and the relevant steps it has taken in line with its Action Plan, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has decided to continue the suspension of counter-measures,” the international anti-money-laundering body announced in a statement published on its website.

“The decision by the European nations, US and major global economies ensures the expansion of banking, financial relations with Iran as provided by the JCPOA”, the ambassador added, referring to the landmark nuclear agreement signed between Iran and major world powers, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

Despite the call by US radical circles, asking US President Donald Trump to block the decision, Washington joined the consensus and acknowledged Iran's effective measures, wrote Baeidinejad in his tweets.

An informed source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said on Thursday that US President Donald Trump and some of its regional allies tried hard to use the FATF against Iran but like the previous year, they failed to prevent improvement of Iran’s status, IRNA reported.

Officials affiliated with United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) are also using the US media, including the Wall Street Journal to encourage FATF anti-Iranian measures, the source added.