Iran says no obligation to buy US products with released funds

Central Bank of Iran Governor Abdolnaser Hemmati has responded to former US President Donald Trump's claim that released Iranian funds would be used to buy US products. In an interview with Tasnim news agency, Hemmati clarified that Iran has "no obligation to buy" agricultural products from the United States.

Hemmati explained that the agreement between the US and Iran specifies that the first $6 billion of the released funds can be used to purchase "basic goods and medicine." However, he added, "if the price and quality of American inputs are more suitable compared to other countries, we have no obstacle to purchasing from that country."

Regarding the remaining $6 billion, Hemmati stated that these funds "will not necessarily be spent on basic goods, but Iran can also purchase other non-sanctioned goods." This clarification comes amid ongoing tensions between the two countries and discussions about the use of Iranian assets held abroad.

The remarks by Hemmati aim to address misconceptions about the terms of the agreement and Iran's flexibility in utilizing the funds. According to the report by Mehr News Agency, the Central Bank governor emphasized that Iran will make decisions based on its national interests and the suitability of products available in the international market.