IRNA: Europe's Special Financial Channel is in Final Stages of Launch

The official news agency of the Islamic Republic, IRNA, reported on Thursday, January 17, citing one of the "spokespersons of the European Union," that the special financial channel for trade with Iran is "on the verge of being launched." IRNA added that this spokesperson, who preferred to remain anonymous, provided this information in an exclusive interview with the agency. Since the identity of this European official is not known, Radio Farda cannot independently confirm this report. The spokesperson added on Thursday: "The European Union has considered strong measures to preserve the JCPOA." IRNA quoted him as saying: "We have updated the blocking regulations and financial facilities of the European Investment Bank. Additionally, the European members of the JCPOA, France, Germany, and the UK, are committed to maintaining effective financial transactions with Iran, especially for establishing the special financial channel." The IRNA report emphasizes that "the SPV is now in the final stages of launch." This report comes as Iranian officials have repeatedly criticized the delay in launching this special financial mechanism for trade between Iran and Europe and warned the EU about not fulfilling its promises. Iran's anger over the delay in launching the SPV reached a point where Ali Akbar Salehi, head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization, warned that the Islamic Republic could resume 20% enrichment within three or four days. The ISNA news agency also reported on Wednesday, citing its sources, that Iran is likely to soon cut its cooperation with the EU in combating drug trafficking and migration. This comes amid warnings from U.S. officials to European countries regarding continued trade activities with Iran, which has led none of these countries to accept hosting this special financial mechanism. Previously, Iranian Foreign Ministry officials stated that for this reason, European countries are secretly taking necessary actions in this regard. Mr. Salehi had previously stated that the financial mechanism would be operational starting in 2019. Although the EU opposes Iran's missile activities and has condemned and punished the Islamic Republic's "terrorist" actions on European soil, it has consistently stated that it remains committed to its obligations under the JCPOA. On January 7 of this year, Maya Koutsiantsi, spokesperson for the EU's foreign policy chief, stated that work to establish a special mechanism for trade with Iran is progressing "well" and that this action is part of the EU's broader efforts to preserve the JCPOA. Meanwhile, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic had previously advised the Rouhani government not to rely on Europe due to the delays in launching the special financial mechanism. Following Ayatollah Khamenei, Ahmad Jannati, head of the Assembly of Experts, also criticized Europe on Thursday, stating that "the Europeans are procrastinating on the JCPOA; they will never do anything in our favor, and they are no less hostile to the Iranian people than the Americans." He added: "This same France, which is now in trouble, hosts anti-Iranian terrorists and hypocrites; therefore, truly relying on Europe is foolishness." Following the U.S. withdrawal from the JCPOA and the reimposition of sanctions against Iran, Hassan Rouhani's government has tried to justify to its internal political rivals that the rift between Europe and the U.S. may provide opportunities for Iran regarding the JCPOA.