Iran says under no obligation to buy A380s

Iran has once again emphasized that it may not proceed with purchasing A380 superjumbo jets from Airbus, raising questions over part of a landmark deal with the European planemaker.

"We have freedom to choose ... we have no obligation and commitment to buy A380 planes," said Iran’s Roads and Urban Development Minister Abbas Akhoundi, Press TV reported.

"This is part of a five-year plan for Iran's aviation ... and the Iranian official in charge of buying such planes will decide then," Akhoundi said.

The order for the double-decker jetliners grabbed attention in January as part of a preliminary deal signed in Paris for 118 Airbus planes worth $27 billion. Iran has also provisionally agreed to buy or lease 109 Boeing jets.

Reuters reported on Monday, however, that Tehran was having second thoughts about whether to take delivery of the order for a dozen A380 superjumbo jets.

"We always made clear this is an option," an Iranian official told Reuters, asking not to be identified.

"It is possible to switch to other models," the official added.

SS