![FILE - In this Jan. 22, 2014, file photo, a partially constructed gas refinery at the South Pars gas field is seen on the northern coast of Persian Gulf in Asalouyeh, Iran. Iran likely will further embrace Beijing as an alternative market for its crude oil and financial transactions amid uncertainty over the nuclear deal. That doesn’t mean China offers a safe haven to Iran without conditions. Analysts say Beijing will try to extract the maximum benefit, and there is growing concern that China may take advantage of Iran. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi, File)](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/XKYGB5BQAJA6VFA2DQ4PCJY7SM.jpg?smart=true&auth=7e86576e7930627df5c84dbbafbfde1ef234e673774005b52ae49b93ce9e897e&width=400&height=225)
A partially constructed gas refinery at the South Pars gas field is seen on the northern coast of Persian Gulf in Asalouyeh, Iran. AP
A partially constructed gas refinery at the South Pars gas field is seen on the northern coast of Persian Gulf in Asalouyeh, Iran. AP
Iran's losing game to sell oil may not be the only pain ahead
The country needs hard currency to buy goods and prop up a flailing currency
Dania Saadi
01 November, 2018