Apple scouts Tehran location for store, Iranian reports claim

The future possibility of easing sanctions has led to several direct meetings between Iranian representatives and multinational companies.

By HAGAI LAP
Is Apple coming to Rouhani's Iran? (illustrative photo) (photo credit: REUTERS)
Is Apple coming to Rouhani's Iran? (illustrative photo)
(photo credit: REUTERS)
As the negotiations between Iran and the world powers over its nuclear program reach a critical point, some western companies are doing their utmost to be first in line to enter the huge Iranian market.
The future possibility of easing sanctions has led to several direct meetings between Iranian representatives and multinational companies.
Apple is one of the companies that is eager to enter this huge, relatively untouched market, which has a craze for high-tech gadgets.
Initial negotiations have  already started and some reports in Iran say the company has started searching for a prominent location for its official Apple store or Iranian sellers to cooperate with. 
Apple denies the reports.
Apple's iPhones and iPads are already widely sold in Iran. The products are smuggled illegally into the country and then distributed by unofficial vendors. The current sanctions prevent any American company to deal directly with an Iranian counterpart.
The next round of nuclear talks will be held in Oman on November 11, and if there will be significant progress, a change in economic sphere may be seen in Iran before a political change occurs.