SHANA -- Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Ghasemi denied rumors that Chinese investors had backed down on bankrolling projects in Iran�s oil industry.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Ghasemi reacted to rumors that a Chinese company had decided to cancel its investment plans in oil and gas projects in Iran, saying, �Until we receive an official letter from the Chinese company concerning the matter, we shall consider such rumors as psychological war.�

He confirmed US pressure on major companies that intend to invest in Iran, but did say that final judgments in this regard should be made with more patience.

�The Iranian Ministry of Petroleum will release the latest updates about such [oil-related] issues,� the official added.