TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iranian state television is reporting that the Islamic Republic has invited Boeing Co. to Tehran to negotiate a possible aircraft purchase, just after the country signed a major deal with its rival Airbus.
The broadcaster, as well as semiofficial Iranian news agencies, said Transportation Minister Abbas Akhoundi made the announcement Thursday. He gave no timeline for the visit, but said U.S. officials gave Boeing "the green light" for commercial talks with Iran.
Chicago-based Boeing did not immediately return a request for comment early Friday.
The nuclear deal between Iran and world powers allowed for airplane manufacturers to sell aircraft to Iran's ailing airlines, which have relied on an aging fleet for years.
In January, Iran Air signed a 22.8 billion euros ($25 billion) deal to buy 118 aircraft from Airbus.
