Kayhan Newspaper Reminds Pezeshkian Who Holds the Final Say on FATF in Iran
Written by
Amir Taghati
In a striking demonstration of the power dynamics within the Iranian regime, Kayhan Daily, a newspaper whose editorial guidelines are directed by the Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, recently issued a stern rebuke to Masoud Pezeshkian following his remarks about Iran’s potential accession to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). Pezeshkian, a figure who presents himself as a reformist but remains devoted to Khamenei, suggested that Iran should join the FATF to solve its economic issues and engage with the global community. His statements came conveniently ahead of his trip to the United States for the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), where he likely aims to sell a moderate image of the regime to the world.
Kayhan wasted no time in dismantling Pezeshkian’s rhetoric. In an editorial titled “A Believer Is Not Bitten From the Same Hole Twice,” the newspaper reminded him—and the public—that matters of state like FATF compliance are not for lower levels of the political hierarchy to decide. The piece emphasized that such critical issues remain firmly in the hands of Khamenei.
While Pezeshkian’s comments might seem like a call for economic reform, Kayhan made it clear that his statements are part of a well-worn strategy used by regime insiders to posture before international audiences.
The Kayhan also highlighted the failures of the regime’s previous international efforts, particularly under the Rouhani administration. As the daily claims, the government of Rouhani, despite implementing 37 out of 41 FATF recommendations—”a record no other FATF member country had matched”—saw no real benefits. The newspaper mocked Rouhani’s promises that the JCPOA would lead to economic growth, investment, and job creation, quoting him from 2015: “The oppressive sanctions must be lifted so that investment comes, the environment is fixed, youth employment is solved, and even our drinking water problems are addressed.”
#Iran’s Internal Power Struggle Escalates Following #Pezeshkian’s Press Stunthttps://t.co/2djDuWUYxw
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) September 18, 2024
Yet, the editorial underscored that none of these promises materialized. It quoted former Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who said in 2017, “We can’t even open a bank account in the UK,” and in 2019, admitted that “Iran’s oil sales had decreased compared to pre-JCPOA levels.” The editorial further reminded readers of Central Bank Governor Valiollah Seif’s statement in 2017, when he admitted that the nuclear deal had brought “almost no economic benefit” to Iran. The final blow came from Abbas Araghchi, then the lead negotiator of the JCPOA, who declared in 2018, “Iran gained close to nothing from the nuclear deal.”
The Iranian regime was placed on the blacklist of the #FATF on Feb21,after 3years of extending the deadline.This will have a serious economic &political effect on the regime,particularly after the #Iranian ppl #BoycottIranShamElections.#MyVoteRegimeChange https://t.co/kBlNJ6nany
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) February 26, 2020
Turning to the current government, Kayhan praised the Raisi administration for restoring thousands of production units and launching large-scale water projects, without the need for FATF compliance or the JCPOA. The newspaper claimed that despite ongoing sanctions, Raisi’s government revitalized Iran’s economy through “night-and-day efforts,” without relying on international agreements.
The editorial’s message to Pezeshkian was clear: decisions about the FATF are not his to make, and suggesting otherwise is merely a “political show.” Despite his attempts to present himself as a fresh face in Tehran, Pezeshkian, a perpetual conformist within the clerical regime, remains steadfastly loyal to a Supreme Leader whose approach to the world is rooted solely in aggression and confrontation.
Kayhan Newspaper Reminds Pezeshkian Who Holds the Final Say on FATF in Iran