Iran says it expects greater role in Caspian deals

TEHRAN, Iran (Reuters) -- Iran said on Tuesday it expected to play a bigger role in international energy deals in the Caspian Sea with an imminent Republican victory in U.S. presidential election.

"There seems to be a shift in efforts to bypass Iran in Caspian deals. Things are changing, especially with the developments in U.S. presidential elections," Iran's OPEC governor, Hossein Kazempour Ardebili, said on state television.

"Political motives used to deprive Iran as a route to transport Caspian oil (to the West) are losing their appeal, as well as efforts to impose costlier routes on regional countries," he said.

"We hope Iran can provide a cheap, constructive and sure way to transport oil from the Caspian Sea."

Many Iranian officials hope a Republican victory in the U.S. presidential elections will help ease oil sanctions on Iran, including efforts to keep Iran out of lucrative international deals in the Caspian Sea.

Democrat Al Gore, unable to get a hand count of disputed ballots, decided on Wednesday to end his protracted presidential race against Republican George W. Bush, Democratic sources said.

Republican vice presidential candidate Dick Cheney has said he supports the concept of lifting energy sanctions on the Islamic republic.

Iran says it offers the best and most economical route for Caspian oil and gas to Europe.

The United States broke diplomatic ties with Iran after the 1979 Islamic revolution which overthrew the U.S.-backed shah. Relations remain strained, with Iran subjected to U.S. economic sanctions.

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