[Iran Press TV] Iran said on Saturday that it plans to purchase 114 civil aircraft from European aircraft maker Airbus.
The country's Transport Minister Abbas Akhoundi has been quoted by the media as saying that the early steps to make the purchases have been taken ahead of the anticipated lifting of international sanctions on Iran.
"We have taken the first step in agreeing with Airbus to buy 114 planes," Abbas Akhoundi has been quoted as saying by Tasnim news agency in a report that was also carried by Rooters.
Nevertheless, Airbus was quick to react to this and said it was not engaging in commercial talks with Iran until sanctions had been lifted.
Sanctions were expected to be lifted in the wake of a recent agreement on Iran's nuclear activities later on Saturday.
"Although Iran clearly has a need for new aircraft, we must conform strictly to the law and, until all measures concerning the embargo are lifted, no commercial discussions can take place," an Airbus front man said.
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