INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
opinion and the political class within the country.Proponents of the initiative emphasize the economic and financial benefits of joining the
They argue that, in an interconnected world, integration into global infrastructures is key to facilitating international transactions,
attracting foreign investment, and alleviating the banking restrictions that have burdened Iran's economy
They also assert that advancing toward greater cooperation with international organizations is a necessary step to overcome economic
challenges and reduce the country's isolation.On the other hand, critics view the FATF as a tool of foreign pressure that could compromise
Some even refer to it as a "second Treaty of Turkmenchay," alluding to the 19th-century agreement that weakened Iran against Russia
They warn that membership could violate key articles of the Iranian Constitution, designed to prevent foreign interference in the country's
internal affairs.Beyond these opposing viewpoints, this article seeks to examine the potential implications of Iran's membership in the
FATF, both positive and negative, and provide an analysis of the role this organization plays in the international financial system.History
These entities, composed of sovereign states or other international institutions, play a key role in global governance and the shaping of
international public law.The FATF was established in 1989 at the initiative of the G7 member countries, with the initial purpose of
evaluating and strengthening regulations against money laundering in international financial markets
However, the September 11, 2001 attacks marked a turning point in its mandate
Since then, the organization has expanded its focus to include monitoring financial flows to detect and prevent the financing of groups it
but also require financial resources to sustain their activities
In response, the organization has developed ongoing monitoring mechanisms to identify and block their sources of funding.It is important to
note that the terror list the FATF refers to is at times controversial
will necessary to reform laws and regulations in the fight against money laundering and the financing of terrorism
Its mission, it says, is to establish standards and promote the effective implementation of legal and operational measures to combat these
threats and protect the integrity of the global financial system.Due to its broad mandate and powers, the FATF produces reports and
evaluation lists that determine the level of investment risk in various countries
These rankings not only influence financial decisions but can also have far-reaching political and economic implications.The FATF reports
serve as a key reference for financial institutions and international investors
Its impact is primarily driven by two factors: Reduction of investment risk by following the recommendations of a specialized organization,
and avoiding sanctions for non-compliance with FATF regulations, which can restrict access to global financial markets.Ultimately, the FATF
plays a pivotal role in regulating international financial flows
Its influence extends beyond the technical realm, making it a central actor in global financial and political architecture.Members of
FATFThe FATF consists of 39 members, including 37 countries and 2 regional organizations
Additionally, it has several observers, including important international organizations.The FATF member countries represent various regions
They include Germany, Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, South Korea, Denmark, Spain, the United
States, Finland, France, Greece, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mexico, Norway, New
Zealand, the Netherlands, Portugal, the United Kingdom, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, and Turkey.The Member
Organizations include the European Union (EU) and Persian Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) The FATF also has countries and entities with
observer status, including Saudi Arabia and Israel.Furthermore, several international actors collaborate with the FATF in overseeing and
enforcing global regulations
Notable organizations are the United Nations (UN), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and
These institutions work alongside the FATF in implementing financial regulations and strategies at the global level.In favor of Iran's
membership FATFProponents of Iran's accession to the FATF take a global and strategic view of the issue
They argue that joining the FATF is a necessary step in a broader process toward economic globalization
They contend that in an increasingly interconnected world, no country can afford to isolate itself without facing significant costs and
losses.Additionally, they highlight that Iran has been a victim of terrorist acts and has suffered considerable damage due to the threat of
From this perspective, they argue that FATF membership would provide the country with more effective tools to combat terrorism and mitigate
its internal impact.Another key point raised by supporters is the need to facilitate international financial transactions
Joining the FATF would allow Iran to better integrate with global banks, reducing the risk of sanctions and financial restrictions
They argue that without this membership, the country could face severe limitations in its commercial relations, affecting foreign
investment, exports, and imports.Ultimately, supporters believe that Iran needs to be part of a well-regulated global financial system to
enhance its economic stability and reduce pressure from international actors.Against Iran's membership in the FATFOpponents of Iran's
accession to the Financial Action Task Force primarily criticize the organization's lack of transparency
They argue that accepting its regulations would amount to self-imposed sanctions, as it would force the country to align with a set of rules
They fear that this data could be used to develop strategies against Iran, as has occurred in the past with leaks of sensitive information
and the impact on the Resistance Axis in the region
They fear that membership could compel the country to limit or sever ties with strategic allies, undermining its foreign policy.Middle
ground perspectiveBeyond the extreme positions, some experts take a more balanced approach, acknowledging both the benefits and risks of
cooperating with the FATF
They argue that engagement with the organization could offer economic opportunities but also present political and strategic challenges that
require thorough analysis by both the government and parliament.While the FATF has developed a regulatory framework with 40 recommendations
Terrorism and the Palermo Convention (on Transnational Organized Crime)
The approval of these laws would be a critical step toward Iran's removal from the Financial Action Task Force blacklist, with far-reaching
implications for both its access to the global financial system and its geopolitical standing.The Iranian Parliament has already discussed
On Sunday, February 2, the representatives debated Iran's membership in the FATF, though their role in the final decision was limited
According to Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, the body had approved joining the organization in a previous legislature, but
disagreements with the Guardian Council blocked the process, shifting the matter to the Expediency Discernment Council
However, after a year of deliberations, no definitive conclusion has been reached, and the deadline for review has expired.The debate on
Iran stands at a crossroads, where it must carefully weigh the benefits and risks before making a decision that could redefine its economic
