Representatives of Shell and Total Enter Iran

MNA reported the arrival of representatives from oil companies Shell and Total in Tehran to negotiate with Iranian oil officials. This news agency reported on Saturday, January 26, that these representatives are scheduled to discuss with officials from the National Iranian Oil Company and the National Iranian Tanker Company on Sunday, January 27, during a conference. The goal of these discussions has been declared as 'developing bilateral cooperation.' Key topics include 'leasing Iranian tankers,' 'providing insurance coverage,' 'maritime transport services,' 'repairs,' and 'supplying spare parts.' Representatives from Shell and Total are among the participants in the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the National Iranian Tanker Company, which is expected to be attended by 600 domestic and foreign guests. Iranian officials hope that with the official announcement of the lifting of international sanctions against Iran, they can begin a new round of cooperation with major oil companies worldwide. Ali Akbar Safaei, CEO of the National Iranian Tanker Company, announced last week that 'negotiations with all major oil companies around the world, especially Europeans, have begun.' Following the comprehensive nuclear agreement in July of this year, Iran has initiated negotiations with both Shell and Total and is working to resume their activities in Iran. On October 1 of this year, Bijan Haj Mohammadi, head of the Fuel Station Owners Association, announced the issuance of permits for 100 new fuel stations for each of the French company Total and Shell in Iran. On November 30, Reuters reported that major oil companies are seeking better prices and more favorable conditions in new contracts for their return to Iran after the lifting of sanctions. The Iranian government announced in September that it had prepared drafts of international oil and gas contracts aimed at attracting foreign investors and oil buyers. Earlier, the Financial Times reported on meetings between executives from Royal Dutch Shell and Eni with Iranian officials in Tehran. Shell owes Iran over two billion dollars for oil purchases but is unable to repay due to banking sanctions.