Boeing says it has signed a sales agreement with Iran Air
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Boeing Co. has confirmed signing an agreement with Iran Air "expressing the airline's intent" to buy its aircraft.
In a statement on Tuesday to The Associated Press, Boeing says it signed the agreement "under authorizations from the U.S. government following a determination that Iran had met its obligations under the nuclear accord reached last summer."
Washington lawmakers disagreed on the announcement, with Rep. Dave Reichert saying it was a bad idea.
“I am disappointed a company that has given so much to our region and the country through its ingenuity and leadership has decided to sign a deal with Iran, who continues to be the world’s largest state-sponsor of terror and has proven time and time again to be undeserving of our trust,” Reichert said in a press release. “Companies doing business with Iran should keep in mind the enormous risk to the American people and our allies."
Rep. Rick Larsen said the federal government will look closely at the deal.
“Today’s announcement is good news for Boeing and hopefully means more jobs for Washington state," Larsen's statement read. "In the coming days the U.S. government will be taking a hard look at the specifics of the deal to ensure it is consistent with both U.S. interests and those of our international allies and I’ll be tracking those developments closely.”
Boeing offered no details on the sale.
Iran's national carrier, Iran Air, said Monday it wants to buy new generations of the Boeing 737, as well as the 300ER and 900 version of Boeing 777.
Iran's transportation minister said earlier Tuesday a possible deal between the Islamic Republic and Chicago-based Boeing could be worth as much as $25 billion.