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Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/10/16/AR2010101602504.html
U.S. Deal with European Oil Firms Hobbles Iran Air
(Washington Post) Thomas Erdbrink - A recent agreement between four of Europe's largest oil companies and the U.S. aimed at further isolating Iran has left Iran Air, the Islamic republic's national carrier, unable to refuel its planes in most of Europe. Under the agreement, announced in Washington on Sept. 30, Total of France, Statoil of Norway, Eni of Italy, and Royal Dutch Shell of Britain and the Netherlands pledged to end their investments in Iran and avoid new activity in the country's energy sector. As a result of the canceled jet fuel contracts, all Iran Air planes are now forced to make lengthy fuel stops in Germany or Austria, where Total of France and OMV of Austria are still providing jet fuel until their contracts run out, possibly as soon as next month.