Ghasemi made the remark in his press conference on Monday, while discussing the latest development regarding EU’s promised Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), a mechanism which is supposed to bypass US sanctions against Tehran.
The mechanism is part of the EU’s efforts to encourage Iran to remain in the nuclear deal following the unilateral withdrawal of the US back in May, by offering an alternative payment channel to keep trade flowing with Iran in defiance of US sanctions.
“The case is clear, as are Iran’s expectations from the other sides,” Ghasemi said. “Due to some reasons, the framwork of the payment channel has notfully formed in certain areas, and we insist on a faster result given the commitments of the other sides.”
Ghasemi voiced hope that the sides would come to an agreement regarding the implementation of the trade mechanism as soon as possible.
The special payment channel needs a host country to come into effect. According to a report by the Wall Street Journal on Nov. 26, France and Germany – as the two remaining European parties to the JCPOA – are the likely candidates to host the SPV.
“Arriving at the desired result for the trade mechanism will take time,” said Ghasemi. “But we see the commitment on the European side, and the only reason that the implementation process is taking so long is because of the US’ immense pressure on Europe that has complicated the case.”
It is too early to say who would host the SPV, Ghasemi said, adding “some countries had their own reasons for not hosting the mechanism, and some other countries told us they are ready to host it. At any rate, we will wait for the European side to make the final announcement on this matter.”
Ghasemi went on to stress, however, that the US’ pressure on European countries is a “serious” matter and has caused them a lot of concerns.
Asked to comment on the recent remark by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Iran’s missiles being a threat to European countries, Ghasemi said the remark came as Iran is in extensive talks with Europe for the trade mechanism. He added that the US seeks to hurt and possibly cut off the relations between Iran and EU by any means necessary, but it will not get any results.
About Iran’s defense program, Ghasemi once again stressed that Tehran will not negotiate its missile program with any side, saying the issue is the Islamic Republic's principled position.
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