Iran's Khamenei advises parliament to pass own anti-money-laundering law

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei delivers a speech during a ceremony marking the death anniversary of the founder of the Islamic Republic Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, in Tehran, Iran, June 4, 2017. TIMA via REUTERS

BEIRUT (Reuters) - Iran's Supreme Leader said on Wednesday that parliament should pass legislation to combat money laundering according to its own criteria in a speech that could make it harder for the country to attract foreign investment.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's advice makes it less likely that parliament would use the global Financial Action Task Force's criteria as the basis for its bill. Foreign businesses say a bill that includes FATF guidelines is essential if they are to increase investment.