Washington, July 30 (IANS) The United States says it’s working with India on ways New Delhi could pay off arrears to Iran for its oil purchases without attracting sanctions.
‘We are working with the Indians to resolve the situation, and there are, we believe, options available that will help them do that that would not trigger sanctions,’ State Department spokesman told reporters Friday when asked about a reported deal on the issue between India and a bank in Turkey.
Declining further comment, he said US ‘Treasury, I believe, is focused on’ the issue.
Asked if the US would oppose India paying off Iran through the Turkish bank, Toner said: ‘Again, I don’t want to get into the details. I’m just saying we’re discussing options with India that will help resolve it.’
Asked if the issue was discussed during Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s recent visit to India, he said: ‘I wasn’t privy to her discussions there. I wasn’t on the trip, so I don’t know. I can’t confirm.’
(Arun Kumar can be contacted at arun.kumar@ians.in)
