ENERGY

Arco International President to Visit Iran: The president of Atlantic Richfield Co.’s international unit, Marlan W. Downey, is to fly to Iran later this week to discuss possible exploration and production deals. Downey is president of Arco International Oil & Gas Co. In a phone interview from Dallas, Downey said the visit was a “courtesy call.” “I’d like to be acquainted with all the senior people in oil producing regions,” Downey said. Iran has been cautiously encouraging foreign participation in offshore oil development. Sources close to National Iranian Oil Co. told the Dow Jones News Service that Arco has been negotiating for months to seek exploration rights for offshore development opportunities. Arco International is a unit of Los Angeles-based Atlantic Richfield Co.