The Islamic Republic of Iran has strongly rejected any linkage between a trade mechanism set up by the EU to boost trade with Iran, and Iran joining the FATF (the Financial Action Task Force), saying any such linkage is totally unacceptable.

Iran Press/Iran news: According to Iran Press, in a statement released by European Union Monday night, European countries backed some US claims against Iran, moving in the same direction as the US, although the Europeans did oppose Washington’s abrogation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan Of Action (JCPOA).

In a statement released on Tuesday in response to EU's recent statement, Iranian Foreign Ministry called on EU to take serious steps regarding 'INSTEX' or 'Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges' as soon as possible, especially because of the delay in the launch of the trade mechanism, and since honouring of the European sides' commitments vis-a-vis JCPOA will be a basic criterion for future relations between Iran and EU.

Related news:

Europeans must take steps through their commitments: Zarif

Iranian Foreign Ministry also rejected baseless claims by the EU, such as plotting terrorist acts in Europe, stressing that Iran itself is a major victim of terrorist attacks. The Foreign Ministry stressed that Iran has led the way in the fight against terror groups such as ISIS (also known as Daesh) and that Tehran expects EU to take a realistic approach towards terrorism, avoiding double standards and duplicity. 

Elaborating on the defense activities of Iran, Iranian Foreign Ministry said Iran's defense activities are of a deterrent nature, and that Iran will never compromise on its defenses, and that 'the defense of the country is not negotiable'.

The statement mentioned further: "Iran strongly condemns any kind of use of the issue of human rights as a political tool against independent countries". The statement also said: "In a region where the main crisis is the Zionist regime's crimes and occupation, and the Saudi coalition's crimes in Yemen, the stance taken by the EU is invalid and incorrect."

Iran foreign ministry calls on EU for more action on INSTEX

Iran foreign ministry also advised the Europeans not to be affected by the regional currents which are against peace and sustainable stability in the region and also oppose the expansion of relations between the nations and the governments.

Earlier Iranian Parliamentarian and senior member of the national security and foreign policy commission said that Iran won't accept any condition for INSTEX implementation.

INSTEX, a trade mechanism by France, Germany, and the UK will allow non-dollar trade with Iran and is being described as facilitating humanitarian goods-related transactions only, including food, medicine, and medical equipment.

Related news:

EU launches INSTEX to facilitate trade with Iran

Following months-long preparations, foreign ministers of France, Germany, and Britain finally unveiled the mechanism--officially called the Instrument in Support of Trade Exchanges (INSTEX)--on Thursday following a summit in Bucharest. 104/ 211 /209