German company negotiating gas deal with Iran

German utility E.On AG said Tuesday it was in talks with Iran about a potential deal to buy liquid natural gas - a step that could help Germany ease its dependence on Russian gas amid concern about whether Moscow is a reliable supplier. Iran is one of the countries E.On has been considering as it seeks a source of liquid natural gas, said Tatjana Dreyer, a spokeswoman for E.On Ruhrgas, E.On's gas division. "In our dealings with the country, we are strictly complying with the rules and requirements set out in the German government's policy," Dreyer said. "To this end we are in close contact with the responsible government offices." The company's comments appeared to acknowledge the political sensitivity of exploring a gas deal while Iran is under pressure from Western countries - including Germany - to abandon its uranium enrichment program.