Iran’s oil service companies and equipment manufacturers have enjoyed a free run in recent years and foreign specialists returning to the country when US-led sanctions are eventually relaxed may find a very different market for their goods and services.

The changed circumstances are particularly true in the services sector, local engineers and business people have told Upstream.

“The existence of new… competent Iranian companies is a fact for all returning foreign companies,” said Mostafa Khoee, managing director of the giant Dana Energy Group.

“The