Work to re-complete a well at the strategically important Rhum gas field in the UK North Sea has been postponed while current operator BP and prospective buyer Serica Energy assess the full impact of the US decision earlier this month to renew sanctions against Iran.

Serica agreed in November to acquire BP’s 50% interest in Rhum, which produces about 5% of UK gas and in which Iranian Oil Company, a subsidiary of National Iranian Oil Company, is the 50% non-operating partner.