TEHRAN: Iran's news agency IRNA reports Iran and Portugal have signed a provisional Memorandum of Understanding allowing Iran Air and Euro Atlantic Airways (EAA) to operate services between the two countries.

The news comes as the U.S. and Iran continue to discuss an agreement on Iran's nuclear program prior to a November 24 deadline.

Alireza Jahangiri, head of Iran's Civil Aviation Oganization, said it was the first time in 35 years the country has signed a new air services agreement with an EU member state.

Currently, Iran Air operates restricted frequencies between Tehran and several EU airports including Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Frankfurt and Heathrow.

Jahangiri said Portugal has agreed on a protocol to allow daily flights between Lisbon and Tehran plus an unlimited number of charter flights.

Euro Atlantic was founded in 2000 as an ACMI provider by its current chairman and CEO Tomaz Metello. According to its website the company operates a Boeing fleet of 777,767,757 and 737 aircraft including one B767 freighter. The new protocol between Portugal and Iran mentions operations by Iran Air Cargo.