Iran this week signed a preliminary crude oil sales agreement with South Africa that could see the African state resume imports of Iranian crude for the first time since early 2012, when US-led sanctions on the purchase of Iranian oil came into effect.

This comes as Iran looks to breathe new life into its energy sector following the signing of a landmark nuclear deal with the international community in mid-July, which could see sanctions on its key financial and energy sectors lifted by the start of next year. (CONTINUED - 455 WORDS)