The Counter Financing of Terrorism bill was passed in the Islamic Consultative Majlis (Islamic Republic’s parliament). Out of 271 members present, 143 voted for and 120 against and 5 abstained.

There was also a vote for public or secret voting, and the majority voted for a secret ballot.

Two members spoke in support of the bill and two in opposition.  Mohammad Dehghan spoke in opposition to the bill, saying: “Why don’t you ask how did the Dollar reach 19000 tomans and then dropped to 12000? Because the gentlemen (government) implemented the requirements of the FATF.”

Behrooz Nemati, a supporter of joining the CFT said: “Not joining CFT will give serious excuses to our enemies. When we don’t join, it means we don’t abide by it.”

He continued: “Even countries and friends who helped us during the sanctions, are telling us now that if you don’t join we cannot have any ties with you.”

In response to the opposition’s objection that joining CFT will reveal our classified information, Nemati said: “What information? Have we paid a dime (Dinar) to any terrorists?”

Nagahvi Hosseini, while opposing the CFT, doubted its financial effects and asked Rouhani to guarantee on paper that if we join CFT, our financial and banking problems will be resolved, and if they are not resolved, the Majlis can impeach him.

A group of protesters was gathered in front of the Majlis in opposition to the CFT.