Business deals and warm words flow as Iranian president visits Europe

Italy and Iran signed billions of dollars of business deals on Monday at the start of a visit to Europe by Iranian President Hassan Rouhani aimed at rebuilding his nation's relations with the West after years of economic sanctions.

Heading a 120-strong delegation of business leaders and ministers, Rouhani was scheduled to spend two days in Rome before flying to France on Wednesday, looking to polish Teheran's diplomatic credentials at a time of turmoil in the Middle East.

An Italian government source said the Iranians would sign up to $18.4 billion worth of deals in sectors from energy to infrastructure.