Switzerland opens 'humanitarian aid' channel to Iran
A new payment system was developed in Switzerland in order to provide humanitarian aid to Iran, after sanctions came into force as the US withdrew from the Nuclear Agreement.
A new payment system was developed in Switzerland in order to provide humanitarian aid to Iran, after sanctions came into force as the US withdrew from the Nuclear Agreement.
The Swiss Ministry of Economy said in a statement that as a result of the negotiations with the American and Iranian authorities, a new system was developed to facilitate aid in the fields of food, pharmacy and medical. Accordingly, before the humanitarian aid is sent to Iran, the necessary permissions will be required by the American Treasury Department.
After the Ministry of Treasury has granted financial assistance, Swiss companies or banks will have to transmit all information regarding their commercial ties with Iran to Washington. In this way, it will be understood whether financial aid to Iran is really used for humanitarian purposes.
According to the Swiss Ministry of Economy, the first humanitarian aid was transferred to Iran on 27 January as part of the settlement reached. The payment made by a Swiss pharmacy company allowed Iran to get drugs for cancer treatment and organ transplants.This was the first payment for 'trial' purposes.
US President Donlad Trump has decided to withdraw from the Nuclear Agreement, which was signed by his predecessor Barack Obama in 2015.
After this decision, sanctions came into force last year, targeting companies trading with Iran. Due to Trump's pressure, most of the companies doing business with Iran decided to withdraw from the country for fear of sanctions.