Iran’s Defense Minister Opposes Iran’s Accession to FATF
Iran’s Defense Minister opposed Iran’s accession to the FATF (Financial Action Task Force against money laundering).
The Islamic Republic of Iran’s membership in the “Financial Action Task Force” (FATF) has been one of the controversial issues in Iran, and Aziz Nasirzadeh, Minister of Defense and Support of the Armed Forces, last Friday, February 28, corresponding to Esfand 10, at a ceremony held in Tehran, while pointing out that this issue is a tool to pressure Iran, declared his opposition to Iran’s accession to this group.
In his remarks, he said: “Some say that if there is no FATF, our problems will not be solved. Whether we become a member or not, this issue is an excuse to pressure Iran.” While criticizing the fact that Iran is a permanent target of Western and American pretexts, he added: “No matter how much Iran concedes, they will still find a new excuse.”
Nasirzadeh also stated: “US President Donald Trump in the FATF document has brought thirteen items, and the issue is not just nuclear. Now you, the people, declare whether negotiating with such a wicked person is rational and intelligent.”
The Financial Action Task Force announced in a report in July that Iran will remain on this group’s blacklist in the field of combating money laundering and financing of terrorism.
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) was established in 1989 by the Group of Seven countries (United States, Japan, Germany, France, Britain, Italy, and Canada), and the purpose of its establishment is stated as creating international standards to combat money laundering and counter the financing of terrorism. Being listed in this group’s roster can reduce investment in that country and make global institutions and banks cautious about economic activities in that country, and in addition, it can also damage the country’s exports.
