Russia has not signed oil deals with Iran as of yet - ambassador
MOSCOW. Feb 3 (Interfax) - Russian companies have not concluded agreements on the possible procurement of Iranian oil so far; negotiations are in progress, Russian Ambassador in Tehran Levan Jagarian said.
"No deals have been concluded here so far; negotiations are underway," Jagarian said in an interview published by Kommersant on Monday.
As to whether Russia should bear in mind the U.S. concerns about the possible Iranian oil deal of Russian companies, the ambassador said, "Russia is an independent country, which is conducting an independent policy."
"As I have said before, Russia denies recognition to the unilateral sanctions of the U.S. and the EU against Iran. Certainly, we listen to what they tell us but we will make decisions exclusively on the basis of our national interests. I have said that more than once to my Western colleagues, who are asking this question," Jagarian said.
Not only Russian companies but also their rivals from other countries, among them Western, have demonstrated activity on the Iranian track, he emphasized.
"Indeed, everyone but the lazy has visited Iran. It is a step by step transformation into "a politico-economic Courchevel". Anyone is visiting here, even big businessmen from the countries that have imposed unilateral sanctions on Iran and are criticizing it for various courses of action," the ambassador said.