Iran Denies Media Reports on Oil Barter Deal with Russia
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iran's Deputy Oil Minister for International and Trade Affairs denied the recent media reports on a $20-billion oil deal between Tehran and Moscow.
Ali Majedi said reports carried by some foreign media about Russia signing a $20- billion agreement to purchase Iranian oil are incorrect.
Moscow and Tehran signed a five-year memorandum of understanding on Monday aimed at boosting bilateral economic cooperation.
Later, the Reuters News Agency claimed that it included an oil-for-goods agreement worth up to $20 billion which would see Moscow buy Iranian oil in exchange for Russian equipment and goods.
Meanwhile the White House has said such a deal would raise "serious concerns" and would be inconsistent with the nuclear talks between world powers and Iran.
US Treasury’s Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence David Cohen on Thursday said Washington may introduce sanctions against Russian companies due to the recently signed oil deal between Moscow and Tehran.
Cohen added that Washington had warned Russia against such a deal under the threat of additional US sanctions.
