Boeing, General Electric after selling airliner parts to Iran

Two major American companies have applied for export licenses in order to sell airliner parts to Iran following an interim nuclear agreement between Tehran and world powers.

US officials said the aerospace manufacturers, Boeing and General Electric, are seeking permission from the Treasury Department after the nuclear deal reached last year, Reuters reported.

General Electric had been asking for permission to provide parts and maintenance for engines since 2004, according to GE spokesman Rick Kennedy.

He added that the company refiled its request after the sanctions relief came into force.

Boeing had also filed a request for permission to export parts to Iran, a source familiar with the matter said.

Virginia-based Teal Group analyst Joel Johnson said the move could help American firms to put themselves in a position to benefit if a broader softening of sanctions is agreed.

“It allows some US companies to get a foot in the door and restore relations that they have not had for over 20 years,” Johnson said.

Major world powers reached a six-month accord with Iran in November 2013 to offer Tehran modest sanctions relief in return for Iran taking steps to limit its uranium enrichment activities. The deal called for negotiation of a full agreement within a year.

The new round of talks aimed at reaching a final agreement resumed this week in Vienna.