Response of the Financial Information Center to the claim by Fars News Agency regarding the incorrect translation of the CFT text.

The Financial Information Center responded to the Fars News Agency article titled “The Deputy of the Ministry of Economy Incorrectly Translated the CFT Text.”

In the text of the Financial Information Center’s response, it was stated:

1. From top to bottom, UN Security Council Resolution 1373 focuses on combating terrorism and terrorist financing. Regarding its binding nature, the resolution explicitly states that it falls under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, meaning non-compliance entails enforcement actions.

2. Resolution 1373 consists of seven main sections, with sections one and two, as the most important parts, precisely using the word “shall” and the phrase “all states shall,” obliging all UN member states to prevent and suppress terrorist financing and activities, and not to support entities or persons involved in terrorism. Therefore, the claim that the resolution is not under Chapter VII and merely “calls upon” states is completely incorrect according to the resolution text.

3. Several clauses in Resolution 1373 refer to countries joining relevant terrorism conventions. Clause 3 calls upon countries to accede to these conventions. Given that Resolution 1373 is binding for all countries, this call effectively imposes an obligation. Consequently, apart from Iran and a few countries like Chad, Somalia, Eritrea, Burundi, and Tuvalu, 190 countries have joined the CFT convention and updated their domestic laws accordingly. Therefore, the convention has effectively shifted from a legal convention to a customary international norm. Since Iran has already incorporated all clauses of this convention into domestic law, non-membership effectively makes Iran an exception globally.

4. The Financial Information Center noted that the similarity between the CFT Convention and UN Security Council Resolution 1373 is from a substantive perspective, not structural. Both documents emphasize combating terrorist financing and identifying and seizing terrorist assets. Resolution 1373 requests countries to join the CFT convention to enhance cooperation, and both use the term “shall” regarding these obligations.

5. What Iran commits to under the CFT Convention is already fully covered by domestic laws and regulations, and in some cases, Iran’s domestic measures are even stricter and more comprehensive than the convention itself.

6. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the reference authority for expert review of treaties and international documents. The Financial Information Center’s views on reservations and Articles 20 and 22 of the CFT Convention are based entirely on inquiries made to the Ministry. According to Article 19 of the Vienna Convention and the principle of state consent and sovereignty, governments may condition their commitments to a treaty unless:
   a) The convention prohibits reservations: CFT does not explicitly prohibit reservations; over 60 countries have made reservations, which are publicly available on the UN website. Even if Iran’s reservations are contested, only the clauses affected by the reservation would be limited under Article 21(3) of the Vienna Convention 1961.
   b) The convention allows reservations only in specific cases: CFT allows reservations unless explicitly prohibited, and Article 24 only emphasizes the sensitivity of accepting ICJ jurisdiction.
   c) Reservations contradict the object and purpose of the convention.

7. Egypt, Jordan, Namibia, Syria, and Kuwait have made reservations regarding the definition of terrorist acts under Article 2. Article 21 of the CFT Convention explicitly states that none of its provisions affect state rights, obligations, and responsibilities under international law, humanitarian law, or other conventions. Recognition of the right to self-determination is a human rights obligation, reinforced by Articles 1 and 55 of the UN Charter and Article 1 of the International Covenants on Human Rights.

8. Iran’s ratification and accession to the CFT Convention provides the following benefits:

• Participation in international standard-setting processes on preventing terrorist financing and promoting Iran’s positions.

• Obligating other states, especially European members, to cooperate in combating terrorist financing.

• Enhancing Iran’s image as a victim and opponent of terrorism and countering hostile narratives.

• Benefiting from other countries’ experiences in combating terrorist financing within a legal framework.

• Enabling prosecution of criminals abroad and holding host countries accountable for terrorist groups acting against Iran.

Finally, the Financial Information Center invites all media outlets to adhere to professional principles and hopes Fars News Agency will participate in joint meetings with the Center to ensure accurate reporting focused on national and economic interests.