Oil Deal with Iran: Chinese Firms Still at Risk, Analysts Warn

A U.S.-Iran agreement has sent oil prices falling, raising hopes for global markets. But analysts say Chinese companies that did business with Iran may not see quick relief from sanctions. “New purchases of Iranian oil ostensibly wouldn’t be subject to fresh sanctions,” said Lynn Song, chief economist for Greater China at ING. “But at the same time, I imagine we won’t see a rush to lift existing sanctions on Chinese importers of Iranian oil.” The deal, announced last week, signals a possible easing of tensions between Washington and Tehran. However, experts caution that many Chinese firms remain in a “grey area.” They face uncertainty over whether past violations will still be punished. For now, the plunge in oil prices reflects market optimism. But for Chinese companies caught in the middle, the path forward remains unclear.