Title: Iran Approves CFT Membership with Key National Safeguards in Place
In a significant political development, Iran’s Expediency Discernment Council has conditionally endorsed the country’s accession to the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism (CFT). The move marks a pivotal step in the nation’s ongoing engagement with global financial and legal frameworks.
Safeguarding National Sovereignty: The Core Conditions
The council’s approval is contingent upon two fundamental conditions designed to protect Iran’s legal and constitutional integrity. Mohsen Dehnavi, the council’s spokesman, elaborated that the parliament had previously stipulated that Iran would implement the CFT’s provisions strictly within the confines of its own constitution.
“A second condition was added in today’s council session,” Dehnavi stated. “The Islamic Republic will implement this convention within the framework of its constitution and its own domestic laws.” He emphasized that should any article of the CFT conflict with Iran’s internal laws, the latter would take precedence as the standard for action.
A Stalwart in the Fight Against Terrorism
Spokesman Dehnavi forcefully positioned Iran not as a newcomer, but as a leading veteran in the global struggle against terrorism. “Iran is the biggest victim of terrorism in the world,” he declared. “No other country has paid as high a cost in the fight against terrorism as Iran has.”
He cited historical and recent examples, including the early post-revolutionary era and last year’s assassination of a military advisor in Tehran, as evidence of the nation’s sustained sacrifices. This narrative frames Iran’s CFT accession not as a concession, but as a continuation of its long-standing policy.
Domestic Laws and International Engagement
Dehnavi further connected this step to Iran’s existing domestic legal architecture, pointing to the Anti-Money Laundering law passed by the parliament. “The fight against money laundering and the financing of terrorism was emphasized in this law,” he noted, indicating that the Islamic Republic has already initiated its own measures and considers itself a claimant in the fight against terrorism. He added that the onus is now on the opposing side to take necessary steps and build trust.
Pathway Forward with the FATF
Addressing the potential implications for Iran’s status with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the spokesman clarified the procedural context. He explained that the FATF had requested over 40 actions from Iran for its removal from a list of monitored jurisdictions, with joining the CFT and the Palermo conventions being two of them.
“Therefore, given the recent approvals by the Expediency Council,” Dehnavi concluded, “the relevant officials must now enter into negotiations with the FATF and follow up on the matter.” This sets the stage for a new phase of diplomatic and technical dialogue, underpinned by the specific national conditions affirmed by Iran’s leadership.
