Report: Jordan rejects Iran oil offer

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AMMAN, Jordan, Nov. 23 (UPI) -- Jordan has rejected Iran's offer to provide it with oil for 30 years in exchange for helping Iran with increased trade and tourism, Jordanian officials said.

Citing official Jordanian sources it did not identify, CNN Arabic reported Friday Jordan sees Iran's offer as "a political deal ... oil for religious tourism and certain political attitudes toward the Syria crisis serve the Iranian position."

Mostafa Mosleh-Zadeh, the Iranian ambassador to Jordan, said Wednesday his nation would supply Jordan with oil and other energy considerations for 30 years in exchange for goods Iran requires and for allowing Shiites to visit religious sites in Jordan.

Several sites of religious significance for Shiite Muslims -- including the tomb of Ja'far ibn Abi Talib, who Shiites believe was the first Imam -- are in Jordan, the Jerusalem Post said.

Jordan has experienced widespread protests following a decision several weeks ago to cut fuel subsidies as well as the loss of financial backing from gulf states including Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia provided Jordan with $1.4 billion at the end of 2011 but has not made a similar payment this year, the report said.