Iran’s EAG delegation tasked with networking to normalize FATF case
The Iranian deputy economy minister and head of Iran’s Financial Intelligence Unit (IRIFIU) said that the country’s participation in the 42nd meeting of the Eurasian Group (EAG) holds significant importance, citing “networking to normalize Iran’s case within the Financial Action Task Force (FATF)” as a key mission for the delegation.
The EAG is a FATF-style regional body comprising Belarus, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, India, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. It focuses on combating money laundering and financing of terrorism.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the meeting in Moscow, Hadi Khani noted, “This session is critical for Iran in multiple ways. First, it fosters knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and operational alignment with other nations. Most importantly, it provides Iran an opportunity to present its efforts in combating money laundering and terrorism financing.”
The deputy economy minister said, “Iran began presenting reports on its initiatives and programs from the first day of the meeting (Monday),” adding, “During the main session on Thursday and Friday, Iran will outline its anti-money laundering measures and decisions.”
The head of Iran’s delegation also affirmed, “On the sidelines of this meeting, we will hold discussions with anti-money laundering chiefs of BRICS member states.”
He further highlighted, “At Iran’s proposal, a working group focused on combating money laundering and drug trafficking among Caspian littoral states was formed during the previous session. This group will convene again here.”
He noted, “At the previous EAG meeting in India, we secured a resolution from the plenary session, with member states unanimously agreeing to assist Iran in exiting FATF’s list of high-risk and non-cooperative jurisdictions.”
“This issue was revisited during Sunday’s meeting with the chair and deputies of the 42nd EAG plenary session,” he continued.
Khani stated, “With the Expediency Council’s ratification of the Palermo Convention and the ongoing review of the CFT Convention, there is renewed optimism and motivation within the EAG secretariat and member states to expedite resolution of Iran’s FATF case and restore normalcy.”
Referring to bilateral meetings with other delegations, he added, “We will leverage the expertise of EAG member states that are also FATF members — such as India, Turkey, China, and observer countries like Japan — to build networks. Their support will help mitigate FATF’s restrictive countermeasures against Iranian nationals in global financial transactions.”
The 42nd EAG meeting commenced on Monday, in Moscow, with Iran attending as an observer. Over 200 representatives from more than 15 Eurasian, Middle Eastern, African, and Southeast Asian countries, alongside 20 international organizations, are participating.
Iran’s delegation, led by Khani, includes representatives from the Foreign Ministry, Economic Security Police, and Financial Intelligence Center.