US Ambassador to Germany Describes INSTEX as 'Disrespect' to Washington's Policies

Following a warning from the US Ambassador to the European Union regarding users of the financial mechanism for trade with Iran, the US Ambassador to Berlin also described this financial channel as a 'disrespect' to his government's policies. Richard Grenell, the US Ambassador in Germany, spoke about the European financial mechanism for trade with Iran in an interview published on February 10 in the Sunday edition of the German newspaper 'Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.' Mr. Grenell told the German newspaper that this financial channel, known as 'INSTEX', is unconstructive and inconsistent with the efforts of Donald Trump, the President of the United States, to increase pressure on Tehran to return to negotiations on a range of various issues. On February 11, three European countries involved in nuclear talks with Iran during Barack Obama's presidency announced the official registration of a special financial mechanism for trade with Iran under the name 'INSTEX' (Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges); however, they conditioned its activation on 'further work.' Donald Trump exited the nuclear agreement with Tehran last spring, as he believed that this agreement neither prevents Iran's nuclear activities in the long term nor halts missile development, the Islamic Republic's activities in the region, and other issues that Washington is concerned about. Extensive US sanctions against Tehran have been reinstated twice. Richard Grenell stated that Trump's policies, which he referred to as the 'Trump Doctrine,' are to 'use the strongest possible sanctions while simultaneously proposing negotiations to see if the behavior of some countries changes.' The Islamic Republic of Iran has accused Washington of violating an agreement that the UN Security Council also issued a resolution in support of. Iran has not shown willingness to engage in new negotiations. On the other hand, Washington has repeatedly emphasized that Tehran's continued missile tests violate the resolution. European countries that seek to preserve the JCPOA have joined Washington in protesting and criticizing missile tests. Tehran claims it does not intend to negotiate its missile program, which it describes as 'defensive.' The US Ambassador in Germany is not the first official from that country in Europe to take a stance on the launch of 'INSTEX.' On February 9, Gordon Sondland, the US Ambassador to the European Union, stated in an interview with Bloomberg that the United States would sanction those who use the European financial mechanism for anything other than humanitarian cooperation. In a statement from European ministers, it was stated that 'INSTEX supports legitimate EU trade with Iran, focusing mainly on sectors that are vital for the Iranian people—such as medicine, medical equipment, and food.'