Tehran, Iran, April 3
By Mehdi Sepahvand -- Trend:
Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has said that the country does not mean to resolve the US dollar restrictions that hamper its international business.
"The issue has to be resolved in bilateral relations with the US which are not what we wish for," he told IRIB TV channel April 2.
The Islamic Republic was freed from nuclear-related sanctions early this year following a deal with six powers the US, UK, France, Russia, China, and Germany.
This week reports said Washington plans to ease the limits imposed on Tehran in using US dollars in business transactions.
The proposal comes in response to Iran's growing criticism that the nuclear agreement reached last year with the global powers hasn't brought the country sufficient economic benefits.
According to the WSJ, the US Treasury is considering issuing licenses to offshore clearing houses allowing legitimate Iranian transactions in dollars. The step would avoid using the US banking system, which is currently illegal.
"Our big problem is that the primary sanctions, which include the use of the dollar in trade, are in place," Araqchi said.
"We are neither willing nor allowed to carry out two-sided talks with the US. The agreement that is made with the West does not mean animosities are put aside. We have not changed. The Islamic Republic is the same as before," the diplomat added.
He blamed the US for not helping major international banks build trust and start business with Iran.