Iran rejects handover of its energy sector to US — Reuters

Iran will not hand over control of its oil and mineral resources to the United States, a senior Iranian official told Reuters.

The official said that a diplomatic solution delivers economic benefits for both Tehran and Washington, Caliber.Az cites the Western outlet.

"Within the economic package under negotiation, the United States has also been offered opportunities for serious investment and tangible economic interests in Iran’s oil industry," the official noted.

However, he said Tehran will not hand over control of its oil and mineral resources.

"Ultimately, the U.S. can be an economic partner for Iran, nothing more. American companies can always participate as contractors in Iran’s oil and gas fields."

The Iranian official added that his country’s right to enrich uranium under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons must be recognized. 

For the record, Washington views enrichment inside Iran as a potential pathway to nuclear weapons.

By Khagan Isayev