Russia says it hopes a controversial deal to supply grain and industrial equipment to Iran in exchange for oil will be reached soon.
Russian Economy Minister Aleksei Ulyukayev said in Tehran on November 30 that he is optimistic a deal can be finalized "in the near future."
Sources have said the oil-for-goods deal could be worth up to $20 billion.
The U.S. government has said such a deal would raise "serious concerns" and be inconsistent with talks between six world powers -- including Russia -- and Iran over its controversial nuclear program.
The Iran-Russia barter deal was revealed in January, when reports said Moscow could buy up to 500,000 barrels a day of Iranian oil in exchange for various goods.
Ulyukayev said Russia could send oil- and gas-industry equipment, agricultural machinery, cars, and planes to Iran.
