According to a statement released by the Foreign Ministry’s Information and Press Bureau, Mottaki made the remarks in a meeting with ECO’s new Secretary-General here on Saturday. During the meeting, the minister further stressed Iran’s resolve for the strengthening of all-out regional cooperation.

Stephen Austen, managing director for the Middle East and North Africa for Standard Bank, said there was significant investor interest in Iranian shares despite the threat of US sanctions. “They are certainly the cheapest market in the region and probably one of the cheapest anywhere in the world, trading at …

The Bush administration has notified Congress that the United States would export parts for US-origin aircraft to Iran. Officials said State and Commerce have designated a company for the aircraft spare parts export license.