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Iran says it has exported its first crude oil shipment to Europe since it reached a landmark nuclear deal with world powers, the official IRNA news agency reported Sunday, according to The Associated Press.
IRNA quoted Deputy Oil Minister Rokneddin Javadi as saying the shipment was the first in five years and marked "a new chapter" in Iran's oil industry, AP reports.
He did not elaborate but IRNA said several western tankers have loaded Iran's oil in recent days.
Iran plans to add one million barrels to its oil production following implementation of the nuclear deal, which lifted international sanctions in exchange for Iran restricting its nuclear activities.
Read alsoIran prepares to compete with Russia for European gas marketJavadi said Iran has already reached agreements to export oil to France, Russia and Spain.
Iran's total production currently stands at 3.1 million barrels per day, while the country plans to add to its production despite the drop in prices and says it should not be blamed for the further price drops.
Read alsoOil prices decline again In November, Tehran unveiled a new model of oil contracts aimed at attracting foreign investment in anticipation of the lifting of sanctions. Iran has sweetened the terms of the new model, hoping to bring in $30 billion in new investment. The new contracts last 15 to 20 years and allow for the full recovery of costs. The older model contracts were shorter term and investors complained of heavy risks and losses.