Boeing, Iran Sign $3 Billion Airliner Deal

Ground crew members escort a Boeing 737 MAX as it returns from a flight test at Boeing Field in Seattle, Washington, in January 2016.

U.S. aircraft manufacturer Boeing has inked a $3 billion deal to sell 30 commercial airliners to an Iranian airline.

The deal announced on April 4 was the first of its kind since Donald Trump became U.S. president and imposed new sanctions against the Islamic republic.

Under the deal, Iran's Aseman Airlines -- the country's third-largest carrier -- will buy 30 737 MAX airliners with an option to purchase 30 more. Boeing said the first delivery would come in 2022.

In December, Boeing signed a deal with Iran Air to sell 80 passenger jets for $16.6 billion.

The deals come in the wake of a landmark agreement between Iran and major world powers in 2015 under which Tehran agreed to curb its nuclear program in exchange for some sanctions relief.

Based on reporting by AP and AFP