Ambassador to France Ali Ahani said European auto manufacturers missed the opportunity to do business with Iran following the easing of international sanctions against Tehran which came as part of the Geneva agreement in 2013.
"Regrettably, European car manufacturers, particularly French companies, could not take advantage of that exceptional opportunity because banking cooperation has been put on hold (as a result of sanctions)," Ahani said in an interview with France Culture Radio on Friday.
Ahani also said, "Another salient point is that (foreign) companies can't turn a blind eye to Iran's huge car market and automakers from Asia, America and Europe want to have a share of this market. Of course, Renault and Peugeot have a higher chance for such cooperation due to their long-standing partnership with Iran."
Under a deal between Iran and the P5+1 (the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany), Tehran agreed to temporarily scale down parts of its nuclear activities in exchange for a limited easing of sanctions.
The diplomat said, "Iran wants to have a peaceful nuclear program under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency. And this is the main aim of the talks between Iran and the other party. We have already assured the other party that our nuclear program will remain peaceful forever.
"In addition we want the unjust sanctions against the Iranian nation be lifted … fortunately both parties are serious since they believe reaching a final comprehensive agreement benefits all of us, but one should not waste the opportunities," the ambassador stated. Ahani also underlined that Tehran has close cooperation with Damascus and Baghdad governments in their fight against terrorist groups.
He noted, "Since the outset of the crisis in Iraq and Syria, we have announced our official stance, and that is we oppose the criminal and terrorist actions of these (terrorist) groups. That is why Tehran is cooperating closely with the Iraqi government and military which reflects our resolve in dealing with this regional and international threat."
