Executives from UK supermajor BP, France’sTotal, Eni of Italy and Russian stalwarts Lukoil and GazpromNeft were presentto hear an address from Rouhani on the sidelines of the Davos World EconomicForum in Switzerland on Thursday, Reuters reported.

Both Iran and international oil players arekeen for a resumption of industry operations in the sanctions-hit Middle Easthydrocarbons powerhouse. An interim deal on Iran’s nuclear programme reachedlate last year with world powers may eventually pave the way for foreign oilcompanies to once again begin working in and with the country.

Rouhani