Iran FM Rejects ‘Shameful’ Claim about Deal with US on General Soleimani

In a recent audio file circulated in Iranian social media, the hard-line former lawmaker Mahmood Nabavian claims that one of President Hassan Rouhani’s ministers has promised to hand over the IRGC Quds Force Commander Major General Qassem Soleimani handcuffed to the US in exchange for the removal of banking restrictions on Iran.

Nabavian said the Iranian general’s name is clearly mentioned in the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), which Rouhani’s government has committed the country to its implementation.

In response, Zarif on Wednesday described the remarks as ‘shameful’ and urged Nabavian to officially apologize for making such claims, as they are false accusations.

“As his younger brother, I strongly recommend that he repents of making such remarks,” Zarif said, adding that he would legally pursue Nabavian’s claims if he does not apologize.

Zarif said he is not generally interested in filing lawsuits for the numerous accusations raised against him, but in this particular case, considering the good relations between him and General Soleimani, he would legally pursue the issue unless Nabavian apologizes and repents.

Earlier, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qassemi had also slammed Nabavian for his comments and threatened to file a legal complaint against him.