SHANA � Iranian Minister of Petroleum Bijan Zangeneh says Tehran is in serious talks with domestic and international developers for concluding 10 major oil and gas deals by the end of the current Iranian calendar year to March 10.

Speaking to state radio channel, the official expressed optimism that at least a number of the talks will be concluded by the end of the current Iranian calendar year to March 20.

Asked what projects are the Ministry of Petroleum's top priorities in the talks, the official said South Pars Oil Layer, Azar joint oilfield, Sohrab Oilfield, Ab Teymour and Mansouri fields are among the fields whose developments are being discussed in the talks.

He also said Iran is in talks with German company Wintershall for developing three projects in Iran.

Zangeneh further added that almost all of the financial discussions regarding the deals have been concluded and contract articles are almost finalized, but they are waiting for the result of technical assessments.

"This is while last year this time we had not made such progress in the talks," he said.

"Technical negotiations regarding every field is specific to that single project," which hinders progress of talks especially in Azadegan development project.