Iran sees foreign firms returning if U.S. lifts sanctions
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[November 24, 2020]
DUBAI (Reuters) - Iran expects
foreign companies to return to the country if U.S. sanctions are lifted
under President-elect Joe Biden and some firms have made initial
contacts already, Iranian government spokesman Ali Rabiei said on
Tuesday.
Major foreign companies left Iran after U.S. President Donald Trump two
years ago abandoned Iran's 2015 nuclear deal with world powers and
restored economic sanctions.
Washington has since blacklisted dozens of foreign companies accused of
cooperating with Iran.
"Recently, contacts about opening offices and the presence of foreign
companies in Iran have increased," Rabiei told a news conference that
was streamed live on a government website.
Rabiei said companies which did not leave Iran despite sanctions could
be given more opportunities in the future. He did not name any of the
firms.
"Some are considering reopening offices, but some companies... never
closed down completely. These companies will definitely have more
opportunities to operate," Rabiei said.
"...Certainly, with the... lifting of the oppressive sanctions and the
absence of Trump, the presence of foreign companies and a willingness to
invest in Iran will increase."
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An Iranian flag flutters in front of the United Nations headquarters
in Vienna June 17, 2014. REUTERS/Heinz-Peter Bader
Biden has pledged to rejoin the 2015 accord, agreed by Washington
when he was vice president, if Iran also returns to compliance.
But diplomats and analysts have said this was unlikely to happen
overnight as the distrustful adversaries would both want additional
commitments.
(Reporting by Dubai newsroom; Editing by Nick Macfie)
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