TEHRAN, Aug. 26 (UPI) -- The Iranian energy sector is interested in courting international partners to advocate a win-win scenario for oil and natural gas, a deputy minister said.
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani pledged to lead the country as a moderate. He took office in early August.
Mansour Moazzami, the Oil Ministry's deputy for international and commercial affairs, told the ministry's Shana website he was keen on expanding cooperation in the international arena.
He said Monday marginalization in the international arena created a zero-sum situation, where Rouhani was advocating a win-win situation for Iran and its potential partners.
Iran is one of the world leaders in terms of oil and natural gas reserves. Its production is curtailed by sanctions designed to rob Iran of oil revenue it could use to finance a controversial nuclear program it says is for peaceful purposes.
Moazzami said an upcoming visit with delegates from Oman would give Iran a chance to highlight its international ambitions.
"Job creation, energy diplomacy, industrial development and improvement of international communications could be realized if the petroleum industry is viewed correctly," he was quoted as saying.
