Two months after the Jan. 16 implementation day of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the lifting of nuclear-related sanctions has yet to usher the normalization of banking relations with Iran. To put pressure on the United States to uphold its commitments to facilitate the implementation of sanctions relief, it appears that the Iranians are now turning to Britain. In other words, the Islamic Republic is turning to "Little Satan" to do what "Great Satan" isn’t.
Speaking at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) in London on March 10, Mohammad Nahavandian, the chief of staff to President Hassan Rouhani, implored Britain to take the lead on resuming banking relations with Iran. Of note, while other European nations involved in the nuclear negotiations with Iran have been quick to forge major business deals with the Islamic Republic, British firms have largely remained out of the limelight. “British companies have not been the first in line,” Nahavandian said. “I think time is of the essence. Those who act quickly get the best results.”
