Ahead of Iran’s upstream opening, local exploration, production and services firms fear losing their niche in a post-sanctions Iran open to foreign involvement.

Ever since Iran and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council (UNSC) plus Germany struck the landmark nuclear accord last month, Tehran has been a hive of activity. In the three weeks that have followed the signing, the Iranian capital has already welcomed high ranking business and political delegations from three of Europe’s largest and most influential countries and Japan, among others. (CONTINUED - 1829 WORDS)