Feb 5 Treasury Department Makes Unprecedented Iran Sanctions Move

Esfandyar Batmanghelidj

Policy

For the first time, the Treasury Department has issued a letter of comfort to a foreign financial institution conducting sanctions exempt trade with Iran. This move, made in accordance with the launch of a new Swiss channel for humanitarian trade with Iran, could introduce a new tool for U.S. authorities which have struggled to provide credible sanctions relief.

Dec 13

Dec 13 Autoneum Deal Underscores Huge Potential in Iranian Auto Parts Industry

Esfandyar Batmanghelidj

Economy

◢ Swiss auto parts company Autoneum has entered into a new license agreement with Ayegh Khodro Toos to manufacture components for a new locally-produced Peugeot SUV beginning in 2019.

◢ The deal points to the potential in Iran's auto parts sector, where private sector companies, which are often SMEs with specific areas of expertise, dominate. Projections suggest exports of Iranian auto parts could rise to USD 6 billion by 2025.