“Iran FM’s Plane Refuelling Case Not That Much Complicated”

In a Wednesday statement, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qassemi said the case was not as complicated as it was reported in the news.

“As FM Zarif’s visit to Munich was very short and there was a time limit for the FM and his accompanying delegation to head for Moscow, the fuel companies operating at the Munich Airport experienced unwanted delays and uncertainty.”

“Finally, in order to avoid facing any problems and to ensure the [on time] presence of FM Zarif in Valdai Club Conference, we followed up the case and coordinated the issue with the German foreign ministry. [Therefore], the problem was resolved and fuel was provided for the delegation’s aircraft,” added the spokesperson.

Qassemi further highlighted that all Iranian flights to international destinations, including Europe, are being carried out without any problems and on a daily basis.

The German paper Süddeutsche Zeitung reported on Wednesday that all German fuel companies refused to supply the Iranian FM’s plane fuel during Munich Security Conference held mid-February.

The report, which was published by a number of other German and English-speaking media as well, said the reason behind such a refusal was the companies’ fear of violating US sanctions.

In this regard, the head of Munich Security Conference Wolfgang Ischinger told the media that he difficultly managed to solve the problem, seeking help from Germany’s Ministries of Defence and Foreign Affairs.

Finally, Germany’s Air Force fuelled Zarif’s Airbus plane, Süddeutsche reported.