Continued Controversy Over Zarif's Statements on Money Laundering; Ejei Demands Documentation

As criticism of Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif's statements about widespread money laundering in the Islamic Republic increases, it has been reported that the spokesperson of the judiciary has requested documentation on this matter in a letter to the Foreign Ministry. Last week, Zarif stated in an interview with 'Khabar Online' that the reason for the negative atmosphere against anti-money laundering bills is 'the interests of tens of thousands of billions for certain individuals.' Strong criticisms from several figures of the so-called conservatives against Zarif's statements have continued over the past few days, and according to reports, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, the first deputy and spokesperson of the judiciary, also called Zarif's statements 'incorrect' during a meeting with members of the 'Vali Representatives Fraction' on Sunday, November 27. Hossein Naqavi Hosseini, the spokesperson for this faction, told reporters that Mohseni Ejei announced in this meeting that he had written a letter requesting clarification and documentation on this issue. According to the 'House of the Nation' news agency, Mohseni Ejei stated: 'In my opinion, Mohammad Javad Zarif's remarks were incorrect and made by an official who must explain and provide documentation.' The 'Vali Representatives Fraction' includes representatives close to the Stability Front and opponents of Rouhani's government. The strong criticism of Zarif's recent comments about widespread money laundering in Iran has continued since the day of publication and has also reached the public session of the parliament on Sunday. According to Fars News Agency, Mohammad Dehghan, a representative from Chenaran, addressed Zarif in his speech, saying: 'You have tarnished the reputation of the Islamic Republic with unmeasured and immature remarks.' Mr. Dehghan, who is the vice president of the 'Vali Representatives Fraction,' noted that 'if there was any hope of Iran being removed from the FATF blacklist, that hope has been destroyed with this ugly and unfounded accusation,' adding that the meaning of the President's recent remarks was that besides the official ways of selling oil, 'there are also unofficial ways that we will use if necessary.' On the other hand, the Tasnim news agency reported that several members of parliament have signed a letter to the parliamentary leadership, demanding explanations from Zarif and considering his impeachment. An image published by Tasnim of this letter shows at least six signatures belonging to representatives close to the Stability Front. Hossein Ali Haji Deligani, one of the signatories, told Tasnim: 'Mr. Zarif has been given 48 hours to present his documents on this matter to the parliament... and if he does not provide his documents by Tuesday, we will initiate his impeachment process in parliament.' Additionally, Fars news agency reflected the comments of Mohammad Hosseini, the Minister of Culture in Ahmadinejad's government, who accused Zarif of 'abusive language' and 'making accusations of money laundering against the system.' Zarif: I Did Not Accuse Any Specific Entity of Money Laundering. According to the latest reports, Mohammad Javad Zarif responded to the criticisms by stating that he did not accuse any specific entity. According to Fars news agency, after attending a session of the National Security and Foreign Policy Commission of the parliament, he said: 'The tape is available... If I have accused somewhere, then they should come and ask me.' He also pointed out that critics should 'comment on what I said, not what they wanted.' He stated: 'They create a paper tiger and hunt this tiger very well.' Rouhani's government has presented four bills to the parliament in line with the policies of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), of which only one has received final approval from the Guardian Council, while the fate of the other three bills remains uncertain and faces severe criticism from conservatives. Opponents of Iran's accession to FATF regulations argue that this would block the way for financial assistance to groups like 'Hamas' and 'Hezbollah.'