Iran insists Vienna talks to focus on removal of oil sanctions

By Sibel Morrow

ANKARA (AA) - Iran on Tuesday urged that the US and its allies promise to enable Tehran to export its crude oil as talks to restore the bottlenecked nuclear deal resume.

Speaking to the reporters in Tehran, Iranian foreign minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said that his country is pressing its position ahead of talks on renewing the landmark 2015 nuclear deal.

The talks have stalled and were delayed earlier this month after a round marred by tensions over Tehran's fresh demands.

Iran wants the next round of negotiations to focus on its sanctioned oil industry, according to Amirabdollahian.

He said that the goal is to get to a "point where Iranian oil can be sold easily and without restrictions, and the money can be deposited in Iran's bank accounts."

Iran was granted sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on its nuclear program as part of a historic deal with Western powers.

In 2018, however, then-US President Donald Trump pulled out of the agreement and placed sweeping sanctions on Iran, particularly on its oil sector, which is the lifeblood of the country's economy.

Iran's crude exports have plunged, and international oil corporations have canceled contracts with Tehran, putting the country's economy in jeopardy.

As the nuclear deal's participants prepared to meet, Amirabdollahian stated that Iran planned to "enjoy all economic concessions under the nuclear deal."