Iraqi: We Will Not Sacrifice Hezbollah for Anything

Abbas Araghchi, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, addressed the issue of Iran's disagreements with the U.S. and international bodies regarding the designation of terrorist groups on the first anniversary of the Iran nuclear agreement (JCPOA). He stated that Iran will not sacrifice Hezbollah for anything. Speaking on state television on Monday, July 21, he evaluated the performance of the JCPOA one year after its signing and six months after its implementation. In part of the interview, he referred to the disagreement between Iran and the U.S. over the issue of 'supporting terrorism,' saying, 'We share a common view with the U.S. regarding the terrorism of ISIS, Al-Qaeda, and the Al-Nusra Front, but our interpretation of other groups like Hezbollah does not align.' The head of the JCPOA Implementation Follow-up Committee emphasized, 'According to the Anti-Terrorism Financing Law, passed by the Islamic Consultative Assembly, groups that engage in anti-colonial and anti-racist activities are not considered terrorist groups, and the determination of terrorist groups is the responsibility of the Supreme National Security Council.' Araghchi also mentioned negotiations between Iran and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), which oversees the fight against money laundering globally, stating that in a letter from the Minister of Economy to the FATF, it was announced that the Islamic Republic of Iran cooperates with them within the framework of the constitution and laws passed by the parliament. The FATF recently decided to keep Iran on its blacklist of high-risk countries. Despite this decision, the organization stated that it welcomes Iran's promises for improvement and will suspend some restrictions for one year. The group announced that if Iran fails to improve its record on money laundering and financial support for terrorism as promised, severe measures will be taken. However, if Iran succeeds, more positive steps will be taken in the future. Meanwhile, Araghchi noted that Iran is expected to reach an understanding with the FATF regarding the concept of terrorist groups, stating that negotiations with this group will continue for another 18 months to determine which groups are terrorists and which are not. The Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister asserted, 'We will not surrender our security and national interests to anyone, and we will not sacrifice Hezbollah for anything.' Previously, a White House spokesperson had urged Iran to stop its support for Hezbollah, emphasizing that continued assistance would prolong Iran's problems in accessing international markets. Hassan Nasrallah stated that the new round of U.S. sanctions would not affect the group, as Hezbollah receives its financial needs directly from Iran, not from Lebanese banks. He asserted that as long as Iran has money, the group will receive funds and resources. On the anniversary of the signing of the JCPOA, Araghchi noted that both parties have adhered to the agreement so far, stating, 'The goals of the nuclear challenge we entered were far greater than lifting sanctions.' Regarding the non-nuclear sanctions imposed by the U.S. against Iran, he said, 'The Americans are serious about maintaining their primary sanctions, and as long as America is America, these sanctions will remain.' The Treasury Department has warned that these sanctions are ongoing. The head of the JCPOA Implementation Follow-up Committee clarified, 'The primary sanctions are outside the JCPOA but have their effects, and foreign banks remain concerned. We told the Americans that they should not warn the global community, as this contradicts the spirit of the JCPOA.' Araghchi also mentioned, 'One of the problems is the individuals who remain on the sanctions list, which includes about 200 to 300 individuals and entities.' He added, 'The U.S. has told all entities that when they conduct transactions with Iran, they must ensure they are not on the sanctions list. Over the past 10 to 12 years, banking regulations have become very strict.' Following the nuclear agreement with the six world powers, Iranian officials have stated that despite this agreement, Tehran has not been able to benefit sufficiently from the JCPOA and has requested the U.S. to remove obstacles to non-American banks' dollar transactions with Iran.