Iran hopes oil, not security, will drive Bush policy

NICOSIA — The Iranian regime is hoping to get off on the right foot with the incoming administration of President-elect George W. Bush.

Iranian officials said they hope that Bush will see Teheran as an economic opportunity rather than a threat to the Middle East.

"An impression which is taking a momentum in American circles is that the policy of inhibition has not born expected results and that was the case while the American oil companies had intensified their pressures on the U.S. administration to lift sanctions against Iran," Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Ahani said.

Ahani, who is in charge of European and U.S. affairs, told the official Islamic Republic News Agency that Bush appears ready to launch confidence-building measures that would eventually allow U.S. oil companies to invest in Iran. He predicted an intensified lobbying campaign by the U.S. energy sector in the wake of a withdrawn bid by the Chevron company to develop the giant South Pars gas field in the Gulf.

"By this goodwill gesture, the oil companies intend to convince the new administration to lift sanctions and open a door for resumption of Iran-U.S. economic cooperation." the minister said.

Industry sources said Chevron withdrew from a bid to develop several phases of South Pars amid government pressure from Washington.

Iran voiced optimism of improved U.S. relations several times during the course of the Clinton administration. But each time the prospect of improved relations between Teheran and Washington were torpedoed by the ruling Islamic clergy in Iran.

Western diplomats don't forsee any change in U.S.-Iranian relations until after presidential elections in June. The incumbent, Mohammed Khatami, is expected to win reelection if he runs.