According to a former UK ambassador to Russia, British companies are very keen to forge economic relations with Iran.

LONDON (Sputnik), Svetlana Alexandrova � UK business hopes to take advantage of the economic opportunities that Britain's re-engagement with Iran could bring, a former UK ambassador to Russia told Sputnik on Monday.

A thaw in UK-Iranian relations followed the signing of a historic nuclear deal between Tehran and six world powers last July that lifted economic sanctions from the Islamic republic, allowing it to return to the global market.

"We are very keen to get Iran to become a normal member of the international community and that includes building up economic relations. There are opportunities there for British companies and we are very keen to take advantage of them," Sir Tony Brenton said.

Brenton, who served as ambassador to Russia from 2004 to 2008, said the outcome of the Iranian negotiations was a "huge success" for the international community, including Russia.

A month after the nuclear deal was signed, the United Kingdom and Iran reopened their embassies in Tehran and London, respectively. They are now reportedly preparing to resume issuing visas next month.

By Sputnik News