Iran would consider Total for gas project

Head of the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) says the door is open for France's oil giant Total to participate in Iran's South Pars gas field project.

Seyfollah Jashnsaz, however, said that Total must first secure the consent of China's CNPC, which became Iran's main overseas partner when Total fell behind with its commitments due to political pressure from the US.

"Because of Total's procrastinations, the contract for the upstream sector was signed with the Chinese company and this company is considered as the operator of this project," Jashnsaz said, according to a report on the website of Public Relations Department of Iran's Oil Ministry.

Jashnsaz said that Iran is interested in developing ties with countries throughout the world, but "regarding its petroleum industries, it will not keep waiting for any company."

“The world is not limited to a few European countries and the USA; many countries are keen to negotiate and cooperate with us,” he added.

Following long delays from Total, Iran set a deadline for the company to reevaluate its negotiations with Iran. When Total failed to respond, the country signed a $4.7 billion deal with China last month.

Total CEO Christophe de Margerie recently described negotiations with Iran as being "at standstill," but said there was still a possibility for cooperation.END