Iran appeals to US to ease up on European finances for trade

Iran’s foreign minister appeals to the United States to refrain from “retribution” against European banks that want to do business with his country as it opens up to global trade ties.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says the United States should “do far more … (and) provide assurances to the banks that this will not take place.”

Zarif was speaking during a news conference in Helsinki with Finnish counterpart Timo Soini at the start of a regional tour of Finland, Sweden and Latvia.

Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and Finnish Foreign Minister Timo Soini shake hands at a press conference in Helsinki, May 31, 2016. (Vesa Moilanen/ Lehtikuva via AP)

Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif (left) and Finnish Foreign Minister Timo Soini at a press conference in Helsinki, May 31, 2016. (Vesa Moilanen/ Lehtikuva via AP)

Earlier this month, European financers complained to US Secretary of State John Kerry during a visit to London they fear that doing business in the Islamic Republic would trigger US sanctions.

— AP