US Official: Boeing Agreement Indicates Trade with Iran is Possible

A US official has stated that Boeing's agreement with Iran indicates that trade with Iran is open following the lifting of nuclear sanctions. Leslie Saab, senior advisor for Iran at the US State Department, said in an interview with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty on Thursday, June 23, that the agreement announced this week between Iran and Boeing shows that despite international companies' concerns over some sanctions that remain against Tehran, 'there is a possibility for trade with Iran.' The American aircraft manufacturer Boeing announced on Tuesday a historic deal with Iran under the nuclear agreement. If this deal goes through, it will be the largest commercial contract between Iran and the US since the 1979 revolution. Following the implementation of the nuclear agreement between Iran and six world powers, known as the JCPOA, nuclear sanctions against Tehran were lifted, but due to other US sanctions against Iran, banks and major financial and commercial institutions have shown little interest in trading with Iran, which Iranian officials have criticized. However, Leslie Saab stated on Thursday, 'We know that our sanctions can be complex, and I think many companies and businesses are concerned about this. But the agreement (with Boeing) shows that even (trade with Iran) can happen for an American company.' Reports indicate that the Iran-Boeing contract will be worth $25 billion. In this context, Boeing had previously stated that the execution of all or part of the contract with Iran is contingent upon the approval of the US government. The senior advisor for Iran at the US State Department also emphasized that Boeing has been in continuous contact with the US government regarding this agreement and will continue this contact and consultation as the agreement is implemented. Leslie Saab also mentioned that since the nuclear agreement was implemented in January of last year, they are still reviewing changes that have occurred in relations with Iran. She added, 'We have not had a relationship with Iran since 1979 (1358), and that is a long time to be without a relationship with another country. But enemies are not supposed to remain enemies forever. Of course, we acknowledge that some in Iran may not agree with this.' Regarding visas and human rights, Leslie Saab clarified that despite the de-escalation of tensions between the two countries, there will be no change in 'restrictions' for issuing US visas for Iranians. She stated, 'The reality is that many Iranians can obtain US visas. Sometimes the visa issuance process takes a long time, but they are able to come to the US for education, tourism, visiting family, and other reasons, and our expectation is that more will come, and we are eager for their presence here.' The senior advisor for Iran at the US State Department further noted that the US does not have animosity towards the Iranian people, but Washington does not see improvements in the human rights situation in Iran. Leslie Saab expressed concerns regarding the Iranian government's approach towards religious minorities, women, and the treatment of citizens in the country. She expressed hope that the Iranian government would improve the human rights situation in the country to pave the way for the lifting of human rights sanctions.