European firms, fearing a loss of their U.S. market, have shied away from signing major contracts with Iran. European industry sources said British, French and German majors have refused the appeals by their governments to negotiate major contracts with Iran as part of an effort to woo Teheran away from the construction of nuclear weapons. The sources said these companies fear loss of their U.S. market upon signing any agreement with Teheran. "The EU has been too late," an industry source said. "The Americans have already warned European majors to keep out of Iran, or else." U.S. officials have confirmed that the Bush administration warned leading European companies of sanctions if they sign major deals with Iran. The officials said the administration wants to ensure a permanent halt in Iranian uranium enrichment and full International Atomic Energy Agency access to suspected nuclear facilities before easing a ban on trade with Teheran.