Zarif Says Sanctions on Iran CBI Chief Sign of US Fury
BRUSSELS (Tasnim) – Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif slammed Tuesday’s move by the US to impose sanctions against Governor of the Central Bank of Iran (CBI) Valiollah Seif and said it shows Washington’s fury.
Zarif, who was in Brussels for talks with European countries on saving the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) after Washington’s withdrawal, said the measure has its roots in the anger of the US administration.
On 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 days 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.
