TEHRAN (FNA)- The CEO of the French energy giant Total, Christophe de Margerie, said lack of unity among the US officials over the world states' trade with Iran testifies that the US politicians see the issue as a political device to overcome their rivals in the battle of power in Washington.


Margerie said on Thursday that the US officials are divided over anti-Iran sanctions, which are hoped to be eased after the implementation of Iran’s nuclear deal with the six major world powers.

“I frankly think that it is a domestic problem between the president and his opponents, and he wants to mention that he will be strict on making sure the embargo is respected,” De Margerie stated.

De Margerie was reacting to warnings from US President Barack Obama and US Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Wendy Sherman over trade with Iran.

Last Saturday, Total voiced its readiness to resume operating Iran’s oil and gas projects.

Pierre Olinger, the company's vice president for the Middle-East, said at the time that Total’s Tehran office remains open although no activity is being done.

The French businessman, however, said his company is optimistic about future as sanctions are being eased against Iran’s energy sector.

Olinger noted that Total has never cut its cooperation with Iran’s Petroleum Ministry despite the sanctions.

Total struck a buy-back deal with Iran in the 1990s to develop the offshore Siri oil field in the Persian Gulf.

Total also operated phases 2, 3 and 11 of South Pars gas field before it was forced by sanctions to pull out.

Olinger expressed hope that Total will return to Iran to operate oil and gas projects anew.

By Fars News Agency 

 

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