TEHRAN (Tasnim) � A US Democratic lawmaker criticized opponents of a multi-billion dollar deal between Iran Air and giant aviation Boeing, calling for economic engagement with the Islamic Republic.





"I think it's appalling that people are marching a crusade against selling Boeing airplanes to Iran," said Oregon Congressman Earl Blumenauer on Tuesday, The Weekly Standard reported.

"That order would create about 100,000 American jobs over the next ten years,� he added.

Blumenauer stressed the "profound opportunities" available for "economic linkage" with Iran.

His remarks came after US lawmakers last month passed two amendments directed at Chicago-based Boeing, which had offered Iranian airlines three models of new aircraft to replace the country's aging fleet.

The legislation was added to a financial services spending bill that the House cleared by vote of 239-185.

Airbus has said it, too, requires Washington�s approval to export airliners to Iran because the planes involve US-made parts.

Iran and the Group 5+1 (Russia, China, the US, Britain, France and Germany) reached a landmark nuclear agreement on July 14, 2015. The deal ended international economic sanctions against Tehran, allowing airline manufacturers to re-enter the market.

Head of Iran's Civil Aviation Organization (CAO) Ali Abedzadeh said in June that Tehran and Boeing have reached a deal for the purchase of 100 aircraft in a bid to upgrade the country's aging fleet.

Back in January, Iran had also signed a major deal worth $27 billion with aviation giant Airbus to purchase 118 planes from the company. The deal with Airbus was sealed during a state visit to Paris by Iran�s President Hassan Rouhani.

Iran has a fleet of 250 aircraft, of which 90 are grounded due to the economy or missing parts, Managing Director of Iran Air Farhad Parvaresh said recently.

Of that total, 80 percent will need to be renewed in the next decade, he said, adding that growth could add even more jets to Iran�s shopping list.

By Tasnim News Agency