Russia Urges Europe to Abandon Policy of Appeasing the U.S. Regarding Iran

The Russian Deputy Foreign Minister stated that if the European Union desires effective cooperation with Iran, it must abandon its policy of appeasing the United States. According to TASS news agency, Sergey Ryabkov told reporters on Monday, February 11, that the EU must do what is necessary and open the doors for practical cooperation with Iran. He noted that the EU has maintained a dual approach towards Iran. Ryabkov pointed out that there are clear signs that Europeans, despite taking steps to create conditions for normal economic cooperation—including the launch of INSTEX—have a dual approach towards Iran. On February 1, Germany, France, and the UK announced the official registration of a special financial mechanism for trade with Iran under the name 'INSTEX' (Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges), although they conditioned its operation on 'further work.' The statement emphasized that 'the establishment of INSTEX is a significant first step taken by these three European countries. The implementation of INSTEX will occur in stages.' In the statement from the foreign ministers of these three countries, Iran was urged to decisively implement all elements of the FATF so that this mechanism could be utilized. The Financial Action Task Force has given Iran several opportunities to approve and implement laws related to preventing money laundering and financing terrorism, but the approval of these bills has faced strong opposition from hardliners and the Revolutionary Guards. Previously, the White House warned Europeans about the registration and launch of the financial channel, stating that if they attempt to circumvent sanctions against Iran, they would face 'heavy penalties and sanctions.' Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department stated ahead of the announcement of the EU's financial mechanism (INSTEX) that it does not expect this entity to reduce 'maximum economic pressure' on Iran. According to TASS, Sergey Ryabkov also spoke about Russia's active participation in the 'INSTEX payment mechanism' and added that Moscow will continue its efforts in this area for direct communication with the countries designing INSTEX and managing this mechanism. This Russian official added that it should not be limited to sending food and medicine that have been excluded from the U.S. sanctions list. He also pointed out that this special mechanism has failed to operate for third countries. In another part of his remarks, the Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia announced plans to hold a meeting by a joint commission of the members of the nuclear agreement (JCPOA) next month, stating that many issues will be discussed. Ryabkov referred to sanctions that he claimed have been imposed on Iran by some European countries, calling this action unacceptable without further elaboration. He stated that Russia will explain the 'mistaken and counterproductive' nature of such actions at the JCPOA members' meeting. Donald Trump, the U.S. President, announced the U.S. withdrawal from the JCPOA in May of this year, stating that this agreement neither prevents Iran's nuclear activities in the long term nor stops the development of its missile program, the Islamic Republic's actions in the region, and other issues that Washington is concerned about. Since then, the U.S. has implemented extensive sanctions against Iran in two phases.