Top Russian diplomat rejects US warnings against striking oil deal with Iran
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A senior Russian diplomat has rejected U.S. warnings against striking an oil-for-goods contract with Iran.
Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said Wednesday in remarks carried by the RIA Novosti news agency that an increase in Russian-Iranian trade is a "natural process that doesn't involve any elements of political or economic challenge to anyone."
Russian business daily Kommersant has reported that Moscow plans to buy 500,000 barrels of Iranian oil a day, a deal that would shatter an export limit defined by an interim nuclear agreement world powers and Iran reached last year.
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Ryabkov said he was unaware of any specific agreements, adding that a "normal exchange of opinions with Iranian colleagues has been going on to determine which sectors of economy are best suited for further development of ties."