Iran says Egypt’s minister not visiting Tehran

The Islamic Republic of Iran has rejected reports over a surprise visit to Tehran by Egypt’s Petroleum Minister Tarek al-Molla.

Reports earlier said Molla plans to visit the Iran from Abu Dhabi where he was attending an oil conference on Sunday. 

Reuters quoted unnamed officials in Cairo as saying that the Egyptian minister was going to strike new oil purchase deals with Iran.   

State news agency IRNA on Monday quoted an informed source from the country’s Ministry of Petroleum as saying that the Ministry was not informed about the visit. 

Molla also later confirmed to Reuters that he was not going to Iran.

“No Iran visit. I am attending the conference,” he said. 

Reports over the visit to Tehran by Egypt’s petroleum minister followed indications that Egypt is trying to replace Saudi Arabia with new energy suppliers. 

This came after Riyadh suspend a crucial oil supply agreement with Cairo last month.

SS