TEHRAN (Tasnim) � Iran is going to think again about engagement with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the policy-making body of the international financial system, following concerns that an agreement with the watchdog could risk Iran�s national interests.





In the wake of media uproar surrounding Iran�s cooperation with the FATF and announcement of the parliament�s decision to intervene, an order has been issued by relevant Iranian supervisory bodies to review the agreement and deter any threat to the country�s national interests, informed sources told Tasnim.

According to the order, negotiations should be held with the foreign parties to modify the agreement for the good of the country�s national interests.

Meanwhile, a number of regulatory bodies in Iran have demanded a halt to implementation of the deal with FATF until the reconsideration process would produce ultimate results.

In late June, FATF hailed Iran�s adoption of an action plan to address shortcomings in its anti-money laundering policies and its decision to seek assistance with implementation.

In its plenary meeting in South Korea, the body took into account Iran�s implementation of an anti-money laundering law and its membership at the Eurasian Group, a FATF-style regional body.

Iran, however, will remain on the FATF blacklist until the full implementation is complete, the body said. Moreover, if it fails to demonstrate �sufficient progress� at the end of the yearlong suspension, the restrictions will be re-imposed.

The body is under the influence of the US, which is keeping pressure on Iran by maintaining sanctions despite coming into force of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), a lasting nuclear deal between Tehran and the Group 5+1 (Russia, China, the US, Britain, France and Germany).

By Tasnim News Agency