Parliament’s Secret Session Next Week: Key Discussion on FATF Review, Says Lawmaker
Tehran’s Parliament is preparing for a significant closed session to discuss the implications of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) next Sunday. This meeting is crucial as it addresses the ongoing debate surrounding Iran’s potential membership in this international organization.
According to Ali Nikzad, the vice-speaker of Parliament, the session is scheduled for February 2. The discussion will center on various concerns related to the FATF and its impact on Iran’s financial sovereignty.
The debate over FATF membership has been contentious, with key points of contention including:
- Foreign Interference: Many lawmakers worry that joining the FATF could lead to increased foreign influence over Iran’s financial matters.
- Support and Opposition: While the Iranian administration appears to favor FATF membership, there are notable factions within Parliament that strongly oppose it.
- FATF Overview: Established in 1989, the FATF is an inter-governmental organization focused on combating money laundering, terrorism financing, and other threats to the global financial system. It describes itself as a “policy-making body.”
Recently, President Masoud Pezeshkian indicated that the Expediency Council would revisit bills related to FATF, emphasizing the ongoing importance of this issue in Iranian politics.
