US measures have no effect on Iran’s negotiations with int’l firms: Oil official

“On the reasons behind delays in the implementation of new contracts, Zamani Nia said Iran is a country with different political factions, so the process of reaching a final agreement takes time,” Amir Hossein Zamani Nia said.

International companies are keen to work with Iran, but the affairs move 'slowly' here in Iran, commented Zamani Nia.

“Based on the US Congress preliminary sanctions, American oil companies are not permitted to participate in Iran’s oil tenders,” he added.

“Iran has placed no limitations on American companies, but based on their own laws they are not allowed to attend oil tenders in Iran,” he said.

After lifting sanctions and the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in January, 2015, international oil companies held talks to participate in Iran’s oil industry as a result of which a number of MoUs were inked.

In spite of US President Donald Trump’s sharp remarks on Iran deal, a French oil delegation accompanied by French Foreign Minister was in Iran last week.

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