Reactions from Two Representatives to Zarif's Statements on Money Laundering: 'Malicious' and 'Unsubstantiated'

Mohammad Javad Zarif's statements regarding widespread 'money laundering' in Iran have provoked reactions from several members of parliament. Two representatives described the Iranian Foreign Minister's remarks as 'malicious' and 'unsubstantiated.' Zarif recently stated that the high level of money laundering in Iran 'is a reality' and that 'many benefit from this situation.' He further attributed the 'campaigns' against bills related to money laundering in Iran to the 'economic interests of tens of thousands of billions of tomans' of these individuals. His comments came after months of tension and extensive disagreements in Iran's political atmosphere regarding the Islamic Republic's accession to the United Nations Convention on Combating the Financing of Terrorism. Ali Akbar Karimi, a member of the Economic Commission of Parliament, deemed Zarif's remarks about widespread money laundering in Iran as 'a biased stance' and said: 'They cannot provide logical and clear reasons for rejecting CFT and not joining it, so they resort to such matters.' He criticized Zarif for using 'such keywords or terms like sanction profiteers' and added that the parliament will question Zarif to clarify this issue and explain what the instances of money laundering are so that we can also become familiar with this issue.' According to this representative, the anti-money laundering law in Iran 'has been approved for years,' and 'if, according to Mr. Zarif, a large volume of money laundering still exists in the country, this indicates the government's failure to implement the law.' Alireza Salimi, a member of the Education and Research Commission of Parliament, also expressed his 'surprise' at Zarif's statements and felt 'sorry' for him. He also urged the Iranian Foreign Minister to 'take a weighty, precise, and substantiated stance so as not to provide opportunities for enemies and hostile countries to exploit.' Salimi sarcastically suggested to Zarif that 'it is better not to say anything when he is tired' and 'instead of making unsubstantiated remarks, he should respond to the doubts of critics regarding FATF.' He stated: 'Unfortunately, it has become clear today that no one gives excuses to foreigners as much as Zarif himself.' This representative accused Zarif and some officials of only seeking to create fear in the public space and diverting people's attention from the main issues of the country on the verge of determining the fate of the CFT bill. He added: 'During the review of the JCPOA, some officials claimed that the treasury was empty, and now, during the review of the CFT, they claim that money laundering is widespread in Iran.' Commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and media affiliated with this institution, Friday prayer leaders, and other appointees of the Supreme Leader are the most serious opponents of the approval of bills related to the implementation of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) regulations. Meanwhile, the bill for Iran's accession to the Convention on Combating the Financing of Terrorism has recently been rejected by the Guardian Council. The 'High Supervisory Board for the Implementation of General Policies of the System,' which operates in the Expediency Discernment Council, has also raised objections to this bill. Opponents of Iran's accession to FATF regulations argue that this would block the way for financial assistance to 'Hamas' and 'Hezbollah.' Proponents of Iran's accession to this treaty argue that its opponents fear economic transparency and the prevention of banking corruption. The Financial Action Task Force expressed regret on October 19 that most of Iran's commitments remain unresolved, while extending Iran's suspension from the group's blacklist for another four months, which was welcomed by Islamic Republic officials. Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund has advised Iran to implement anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing measures before the February 2019 deadline (Financial Action Task Force).