Iranian expert: new US sanctions at risk

US sanctions against Iranchr("39")s metal industry are at risk, as their execution is difficult and time consuming, Keyvan Jafari Tehrani, expert of mining and mineral industries international markets, told ISNA.

According to Jafari Tehrani, the US sanctions against Iran's metal industry are repeat sanctions and there is nothing new about them.

He added that tensions have risen yet again between the US and China, due to the US having imposed taxes on imports of certain Chinese products. "This situation has caused China not to name the country importing oil from Iran. Moreover, that country will continue obtaining mining materials from Iran, including iron ore and copper," Jafari Tehrani said.

The Iranian expert noted that exports of Iranian steel also depend on the decisions of the target markets.

"Malaysia will not follow these policies [US sanctions]. But we have to wait for the reaction of Thailand, Taiwan and other countries in this region [South-East Asia]," he said.

Jafari Tehrani also noted that the new US sanctions will most likely affect Iranchr("39")s steel production and exports. But steel companies and businessmen may be able to find new markets, in his view.

Recently, the US imposed sanctions on Iranchr("39")s metal production, with the sanctions including such products as iron, steel, aluminum and copper.