MasterCard does not have any direct links with Iran due to the primary sanctions still in place, said the Central Bank of Iran’s head of Communications and Information Technology Department.
“Although the US-based company provides no services in Iran, negotiations are underway with non-US international companies to offer international credit cards to Iranians, which will come to fruition next year,” Nasser Hakimi was also quoted as saying by ISNA.
Following reports about issuance of MasterCard in Iran, the company’s spokesman, Seth Eisen, said in August that “MasterCard does not have any activities in Iran, as sanctions remain in effect for US-based companies”.
The removal of sanctions started a new phase of international cooperation in various communication fields and consequently, Iranian banks are seeking a way to offer international credit cards to Iranian citizens.
