Russia not currently discussing oil contracts with Iran - Novak
ATYRAU. Sept 30 (Interfax) - Russia is not currently discussing oil contracts with Iran, Energy Minister Alexander Novak told journalists.
"I said this [Russian companies trading Iranian oil] was theoretically possible, but specific contracts of the sort are not currently being discussed," he said.
Novak has said that Russia could participate in the organization of Iranian oil shipments, including to Russia, per Iran's request. This type of cooperation is conditionally referred to as "oil in exchange for goods" among business circles of both countries. This includes Russia purchasing Iranian oil and Iran subsequently using the proceeds to buy what it needs from Russia. The U.S. Treasury Department expressed concern over statements that Russia and Iran could carry out an oil-for-goods deal. The department said that such an agreement could lead to sanctions against any company or individual connected with such operations.
Novak later said that such talks were not underway. "In fact, oil deliveries to Russia are not being discussed. At the same time Iran independently sells its own oil, and it has the opportunity to sell. We have proposals that our traders participate in this. For now we actually are not discussing this but we may talk, this has theoretically not been ruled out. There is such a possibility," he said.