Iran’s Economy Ministry Slams US Sanctions on CBI Chief
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The Iranian Ministry of Economic Affairs and Finance condemned the US Treasury for imposing sanctions against Governor of the Central Bank of Iran (CBI) Valiollah Seif, saying the move is yet another proof of Washington’s non-commitment to international norms.
In a statement released on Tuesday evening, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Finance described the sanctions against Seif as illegal and contrary to the international regulations.
“This behavior of the United States is a violation of international conventions and aimed at creating a negative psychological atmosphere against the Iranian banking system,” the ministry said.
However, Iran's financial and banking system, despite such moves, powerfully continues its interactions with international financial institutions without any problem, the statement added.
Last Tuesday, US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin announced sanctions on Seif, accusing him of covertly funneling money on behalf of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), through Al-Bilad Islamic Bank “to enrich and support the violent and radical agenda of Hezbollah.”
The US Treasury also blacklisted Ali Tarzali, assistant director of the CBI’s international department, and the chairman of Iraq-based Al-Bilad Islamic Bank, Aras Habib.
The fresh sanctions came a week after US President Donald Trump pulled his country out of the 2015 nuclear deal and said he would impose sanctions on Iran.
Iran and the remaining parties -Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany- have launched negotiations to save the nuclear agreement in such a way that Tehran’s benefits from the deal are secured.
