Speaking to Tasnim on Monday, Hemmati responded to recent statements by US officials claiming that Iran would be required to buy agricultural products only from the US following the conclusion of a Pakistani-mediated memorandum of understanding on ending the war.
“Based on the memorandums that have been signed, there is no obligation for us to purchase agricultural inputs from the US,” he said.
The top banker explained that the framework governing the use of the “first $6 billion” is based on the text of an agreement signed between Iran and the US in the Iranian year 1402 and covers essential goods and medicine.
Hemmati added that if the price and quality of American agricultural inputs prove more competitive than those offered by other countries, Iran would face no restrictions in purchasing from the US.
He noted that, in principle, in recent years purchases by Iran’s Agriculture Ministry have often been carried out through major American and European companies.
The governor of the Central Bank further said Iran annually requires the purchase of billions of dollars’ worth of essential goods and medicines and that the source of payment is not the main concern.
“It makes no difference to us from which source we finance the purchase of essential goods,” Hemmati said.
“If we can use the Central Bank’s blocked resources for these purchases, current and future oil revenues will replace those consumed reserves. Therefore, what matters is the Central Bank’s access to its foreign exchange resources and the procurement of the essential goods and medicines needed by the people,” he explained.
Hemmati stated that the remaining blocked funds, including the second tranche of $6 billion and other frozen assets, will not necessarily be limited to essential goods.
“Iran will also be able to purchase other non-sanctioned goods,” he said.