Germany

Mammut Khodro Co. is the official distributor of Volkswagen in Iran.

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As of May 17, 2021, Iowa's Public Employee's Retirement System lists Volkswagen on its Iran Scrutinized Companies List.

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Volkswagen is listed as a prohibited company in the March 2020 and March 2021 Report to the New Jersey Legislature Iran Divestment Act. 

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As of August 15, 2019, the state of Iowa listed Volkswagen on its Iran scrutinized companies list.

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Volkswagen is listed in the March 1, 2019, Report to the New Jersey Legislature Iran Divestment Act. 

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Carmaker Volkswagen AG (VOWG_p.DE) rejected on Thursday a report suggesting it had decided against doing business in Iran after coming under pressure from Donald Trump’s ambassador to Germany, saying its position on the country had not changed. ("VW rejects Trump envoy's take on Iran pullout," Reuters, 9/19/2018.)

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In 2018 the U.S. state of Iowa listed Volkswagen as an Iran restricted company rendering Volkswagen ineligible for investment and/or state contracting.

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"Volkswagen will begin the sale of vehicles in Iran in August. Initially, Volkswagen's Tiguan and Passat models are to be imported under a contract concluded with the Iranian automotive company Mammut Khodro. The Volkswagen brand will thus again have a presence in the Iranian market after more than 17 years, and is systematically developing further worldwide market potential." (July 4, 2017)

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"Volkswagen distributor in Iran Mammut Khodro started presales of two models,  Tiguan and Passat, in Tehran last week. The cars found a warm welcome." (January 14, 2018).

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"The production line of a newly formed joint venture between Volkswagen and the Iranian automotive company Mammut Khodro will be launched by the end of the current Iranian fiscal year that ends in March, according to the company's director. The CEO and owner of Mammut Group,  Mehrzad Ferdos told reporters, “A deal has been concluded between Mammut and the German automaker Volkswagen,” asrekhodro.com a local automotive website reported at the weekend. “The two company’s first joint production line will be launched by the end of the current Iranian year.” Several VW models will be produced through the JV, he said but he did not name any models." (Financial Tribune, "Volkswagen to Launch Iran Plant by March," 1/24/2017).

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German auto giant, Volkswagen, has signaled keenness to ground up natural gas vehicles (NGV) in Iran, an official said. Director of the CNG project of the National Iranian Oil Products Distribution Company Ali Mehrabi has told a press conference on Sunday that foreign companies, including Germany's Volkswagen have welcomed projects to manufacture NGV parts in Iran.  "In order to manufacture and sell car parts in Iran, foreign companies must build factories inside the country," he said. (Fars News Agency,  "Germany's VW Keen on Building NGVs in Iran," 12/19/2016). 

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"[T]he auto sanctions were lifted earlier this year after an interim nuclear agreement was reached between Iran and world powers and a final accord is still on the horizon, raising the prospect of better times for the industry. That will draw international suitors to Tehran on Monday for the second consecutive Iran Auto Show. Mercedes Benz, Volkswagen, Renault, Peugeot, Kia and Toyota have confirmed [they will attend]...'The day the nuclear deal is signed... business will pick up,' said a foreign auto expert who claims a preliminary agreement with Volkswagen's Skoda has already been made." (Agence France-Presse, "Foreign automakers find Iranian market has gone local," 11/30/14)

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"Last week, Qorbani announced that Benz, Volkswagen, Volvo, Fiat, Rover, Skoda, Renault, Peugeot, Kia and Toyota would take part in the Iranian auto expo, adding that the US car-manufacturers would also join the event. 'In case of desirable conditions, General Motors and Ford companies will also attend the event.' He continued that some leading car parts makers, including Siemens, FORD Mendo, Busch, FRW and ACI would attend the gathering. The event will start work on December 10." (Fars News, "55 Giant Int'l Carmakers, Part-Makers to Participate in Iranian Auto Expo," 11/2/14)

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Lamborghini is owned by Volkswagen. 

"So far Fiat, which owns Maserati, and Volkswagen Group, which owns Lamborghini, have not responded to The Algemeiner’s request for comment." (The Algemeiner, "Activists Call on Maserati and Lamborghini to End Business in Iran," 10/23/2012) 

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Suzuki is an affiliate of Volkswagen

Suzuki's Iranian partner Iran Khodro produced 4,393 Suzuki Grand Vitara vehicles during the Persian year ending March 19, 2012.  (Best Selling Cars, "Iran March 2012: Last good showing for Peugeot," 4/18/12)

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MAN SE is a subsidiary of Volkswagen

MAN SE lists six Iranian dealers for its commerical vehicles. (MAN Website, "MAN Dealership Search: Iran")

"German truck makers such as MAN SE and Daimler have been recalcitrant about ending their lucrative trade relationship with Iran. Dominique Nadelhofer, a MAN spokesman, told the Post his firm had dealt with its Nazi history and so met its responsibility toward Israel's security." (Jerusalem Post, "Berlin bans sale of trucks to Syria, Iran," 6/23/09)

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Audi is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Volkswagen

"Two European makers of luxury cars, Sweden's Volvo and Audi AG from Germany are reportedly to launch production lines in Iran by the next year.  As Khabar Online correspondent reports, the representatives of the two companies are currently in Tehran negotiating with a team of directorsof Iranian automaker companies and Iranian government representatives to reach an agreement on initiating production lines." (Khabaronline, "Volvo, Audi to launch production lines in Iran," 2010)

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Scania is a subsidiary of Volkswagen 

"Scania is a well know brand within Iran for more than 40 years...Scania works closely together with their two Iranian distributors, Oghab Afshan our distibutor for Scania bus chassis and industrial engines and Mammut Diesel our distributor for Scania trucks." (Scania: Iran)

The Scania global website lists a total of 34 dealers in Iran. (Scania Website, "Locate a Dealer:Iran")

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"Several renowned German companies are involved in major Iranian infrastructure projects, especially in the petrochemical sector, like Linde, BASF, Lurgi, Krupp, Siemens, ZF Friedrichshafen, Mercedes, Volkswagen and MAN." (Payvand Iran News, Iranian Exports to Germany rose 50% last year, 1/9/08)

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"Assembly plants manufacturing Peugeot, Citroen and Volkswagen (VW) models from imported completely knocked down (CKD) kits are also experiencing a sharp drop in production volumes. As a result of the sanctions covering dual-use technologies and the failure to provide letters of credit due to US pressure on European banks, Iranian carmakers are struggling to import parts from Europe." (Report Buyer, Iran Autos Report Q3 2008, July 2008)

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The Wolfsburg-based carmaker, Volkswagen is implementing plans to develop business on the market in Iran. A production plant is due to be set up by the end of this year in the Special Economic Zone Arg-e-Jadid near the city of Bam, which will assemble over 20 000 vehicles per year. (World Car Fans, Volkswagen taps into Iranian Market, 7/5/04)
 

ThyssenKrupp Industrial Solutions participated in the February 20, 2017 Vereinigung der Bayerischen Wirtschaft e. V. (“vbw”) meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Dr. Mohammed Javad Zarif and Ambassador S. E. Ali Majedi. Prospective engagement with the vbw Economic Liaison Office in Tehran, where the Tehran Chamber will serve as a local partner. Troublingly, the Tehran Chamber is affiliated with the Iran Development and Renovation Organisation (“IDRO”). (vbw Website, “Round Table mit dem iranischen Außenminister Dr. Zarif”).

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"In a cabinet meeting in late November, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that the new submarines were absolutely necessary to ensure Israel's existence. The Dolphin-class submarines, made by Germany's ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), are to conduct reconnaissance missions off the coast of Iran. They could also see action should there ever be a military conflict between the two countries... But one country will profit from the deal immediately: Iran. Israel's archenemy is one of ThyssenKrupp's investors, and it has been so since 1974... With its coffers overflowing after the oil crisis of the early 1970s, Iran went on an international shopping spree. At the time, Iran invested $400 million (383 million euros) in Germany's Krupp corporation, purchasing 25 percent of its shares... Under pressure from the US, the conglomerate ThyssenKrupp eventually bought back shares from Iran. The company saw to it that Iranian investments made up less than 5 percent of its equity share." (Deutsche Welle, "Iran to profit from Israel's submarine deal with ThyssenKrupp," 12/21/2016).

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"German steel and machinery company ThyssenKrupp AG says it is halting its business dealings in Iran. The company said Thursday it will fade out its existing Iran business and won't enter any new contracts, a move meant to support the international sanctions against Iran. Spokesman Alexander Wilke said Iran business in the last fiscal year amounted to barely 0.5 percent of the company's revenue of euro40 billion ($53 billion), totaling around euro200 million." (Associated Press, "Germany's ThyssenKrupp halting its Iran business," 9/23/10)

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"ThyssenKrupp AG, a sprawling German industrial conglomerate, itself does no business in Iran but has offshoot companies that do, said Dr. Jürgen Claassen, the company's executive vice president. Sales to Iran accounted for less than 0.5 percent of total group sales, or 40 billion euros, in fiscal year 2008-2009, he said, and did not involve sales to either the defense or nuclear sectors."

From 2000-2009, the company was the recipient of $115.7 million US federal funds.  Their activities in Iran are currently active. (The New York Times, "Profiting from Iran, and the US," 3/6/2010)

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Several renowned German companies are involved in major Iranian infrastructure projects, especially in the petrochemical sector, like Linde, BASF, Lurgi, Krupp, Siemens, ZF Friedrichshafen, Mercedes, Volkswagen and MAN. (Thai Press Reports, IRAN/GERMANY IRANIAN-GERMAN TRADE UP 78%, December 8, 2008)

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The bill, which roped in companies with even small engagements with Iran, affected not only Honda, but DaimlerChrysler AG, Bridgestone Corp., Siemens and ThyssenKrupp AG, all of which have factories in Ohio. The pension funds estimated that the targeted companies employed more than 45,000 workers in the state. (The Associated Press, Should states sell stocks to protest links to Iran, Neil King, JR, June 14, 2007)

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Last Friday, Thyssen-Krupp, a steel-making conglomerate, said a representative of Iran - the companys third biggest shareholder - no longer would hold a seat on its supervisory board. In remarks to shareholders, Thyssen-Krupp supervisory board chairman Gerhard Cromme said he regretted having to remove the Iranian, but failure to do so would have created considerable economic disadvantages for the company. Thyssen-Krupps move came as BP chief executive officer John Browne reiterated that the oil company would refrain from exploring business opportunities in Iran. (The Globe and Mail, Two big EU firms ease ties with Iran, Matthew Karnitschnig, January 28, 2005)

Mercedes-Benz AG (“Mercedes-Benz”) was listed as a participant at the 16th International Exhibition of Transportation Urban Services & Related Industries (“ITUF”), which took place at the Tehran International Permanent Fairground from January 2-5, 2019. (ITUF 2019, “Exhibition Profile”).

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"Daimler (DDAIF) said in a statement that Iran's automotive markets have been significantly weaker than expected, and it had not yet resumed production or sale of Mercedes cars or trucks in the country. The company has not sold cars in Iran since 2010." (CNN Money, "Daimler abandons its Iran plans over US sanctions," 8/7/2018).

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"Emdad Khodro Iran has signed a deal with Setareh Iran, Mercedes-Benz's distributor in the country, to offer mobile emergency services to the products of the German manufacturer. Owners of Mercedes-Benz vehicles can purchase an Emdad Khodro subscription and make use of services, including rescue dispatchers, fuel supply, auxiliary battery and car transport, IKCO Press reported." (March 15, 2018)

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"Iran Khodro (IKCO) CEO Hashem Yekehzare announced that his company as the biggest car manufacturer in the Middle East has finalized five contracts with German automaker Mercedes Benz. "Iran Khodro and Mercedes-Benz have signed three contracts and two other contracts have been fully finalized," Yekehzare told reporters on the sidelines of a ceremony in Tehran on Saturday. He said that the details of the contracts between Iran Khodro and the German carmaker will be publicized soon." (Fars News Agency, "IKCO, Mercedes Benz Finalize 5 Joint Venture Contracts," 1/28/2017). 

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"The Iranian car manufacturing company Iran Khodro and the German Daimler concern signed an agreement on the start of production of Mercedes-Benz cars in Iran from the Islamic new year (late March), the ISNA news agency reported on Friday." (January 20, 2018).

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"Iran Khodro expects to sign a commercial deal with Mercedes-Benz within the next six months, the CEO of the Middle East’s biggest carmaker says. The two sides have already reached an agreement on production of commercial
vehicles and passenger cars in Iran. 'The current letter of intent will get down to signing in the first half of the next
(Iranian) year,' beginning on March 20, Iran Khodro Chief Executive Hashem Yekke-Zare said on Sunday." (Press TV, "Iran Khodro sees imminent Mercedes deal," 3/13/2016).

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"Iran Khodro Industrial Group (IKCO) and Germany’s car manufacturer Mercedes-Benz officially started a new round of cooperation with opening their joint company in Tehran. Setareh Iran company was inaugurated in a formal ceremony attended by German Ambassador to Iran Michael Freiherr von Ungern as well as a group of top managers from IKCO and Mercedes Benz….For his part, the CEO of Mercedes Benz Middle East Office, Steffen Boumann praised IKCO as the largest car manufacturer in the region saying IKCO’s
production lines enjoy a high quality. He emphasized the necessity of conducting new research into the regional markets, adding: 'We are of the opinion that IKCO has an enormous potential to produce Mercedes Benz vehicles.'
He concluded that the German company will enhance its cooperation with IKCO after conducting feasibility studies and establishing new production lines at IKCO sites in the near future." (Fars News Agency, “Iranian Automaker, Mercedes Benz Start New Round of Cooperation,” 2/27/2016).

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Mercedes Benz is listed as a participating company at the 14^th International Exhibition of Transportation & Urban Services & Related Industries which takes place October 27-30^th, 2016 in Tehran Iran. (Participating International Companies)  

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“Iranian car manufacturing company Saipa is in talks with France's PSA Peugeot Citroen and Renault, Germany's Mercedes-Benz, and Sweden's Volvo to finalize deals on joint production of cars in Iran, Saipa officials announced on Tuesday.  Saipa CEO Saeid Madani announced that the company is in negotiations with PSA Peugeot Citroen to sign a deal, but at the same time noted that any deal would depend on the ongoing talks between Tehran and world powers over the country's peaceful nuclear energy program…CEO of Saipa Diesel Za'far Tanhapour, who was also attending the ceremony, announced that the company has started talks with Germany's Mercedes-Benz, and expressed the hope that the talks would be finalized by the end of the current Iranian calendar year (mid-March).  Mercedes-Benz can be a good partner for Saipa Diesel, Tanhapour stressed, adding that joint projects for the development of products are high on Saipa's agenda.” (Tasnim, "Iran's Saipa Negotiating with European Automakers," 5/12/15)

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"[T]he auto sanctions were lifted earlier this year after an interim nuclear agreement was reached between Iran and world powers and a final accord is still on the horizon, raising the prospect of better times for the industry. That will draw international suitors to Tehran on Monday for the second consecutive Iran Auto Show. Mercedes Benz, Volkswagen, Renault, Peugeot, Kia and Toyota have confirmed [they will attend]." (Agence France-Presse, "Foreign automakers find Iranian market has gone local," 11/30/14)

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"Last week, Qorbani announced that Benz, Volkswagen, Volvo, Fiat, Rover, Skoda, Renault, Peugeot, Kia and Toyota would take part in the Iranian auto expo, adding that the US car-manufacturers would also join the event. 'In case of desirable conditions, General Motors and Ford companies will also attend the event.' He continued that some leading car parts makers, including Siemens, FORD Mendo, Busch, FRW and ACI would attend the gathering. The event will start work on December 10." (Fars News, "55 Giant Int'l Carmakers, Part-Makers to Participate in Iranian Auto Expo," 11/2/14)

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Iran Khodro Company (IKCO) will start cooperation with Germany's Mercedes-Benz Company once the sanctions on Iran's car industry are completely lifted, the Managing Director of IKCO Hashem Yekke Zareh said on December 1. 'We will start negotiations with French Peugeot Company in the coming days in order to restart the two companies' cooperation,’ the Mehr News Agency quoted Yekke Zareh as saying. (Trend, Iran Khodro Co. seeks cooperation with Germany’s Mercedes-Benz, 12/1/2014)

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"The nuclear deal struck by Iran and six world powers will put more rubber on the road in the Islamic Republic. The country’s major carmakers stand ready to start receiving parts again from French firms PSA Peugeot Citroen and Renault when the sanctions ease. That could see Iran’s stalled car production again take off, proving a boon to local automakers and potentially draw in more foreign investment from other manufacturers hoping to break into the market…Iran Khodro’s manager, Hashem Yekeh Zare, said his company is considering a joint project with Daimler AG’s Mercedes-Benz, but didn’t elaborate. Zare said his company is seeking greater self-sufficiency and is interested in importing auto parts and licenses for joint production." (Washington Post, "Iran nuclear deal hits gas pedal for carmakers," 11/30/13)

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The Setare Iran Company is currently negotiating with Mercedes-Benz to reopen the German company's production line in Iran, the Managing Director of Setare Iran Company Seyyed Reza Hosseini said on Friday. ‘The Iranian Top Khodro Company previously used to manufacture Mercedes-Benz sedan cars in Iran, but the production line is now at a halt. In the event of the negotiations succeeding and sanctions lifted, we can open the line,’ the Fars News Agency quoted Hosseini as saying. ‘Iran Khodro Diesel was also active in the production of Mercedes-Benz models, especially the E-Class series in Iran,’ he said, adding that Iran is still the exclusive base for production of the German company's model in the Middle East. (Trend, Iranian firm negotiates to reopen Mercedes-Benz production line in Tehran, 10/25/14)

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"The Trade Promotion Organization of Iran has announced the list of cars which are allowed to be imported in the current Iranian year, but renowned brands such as Porsche, Benz, BMW, Maserati, and Nissan are not in the list, ISNA news agency reported." (Azer News, "Iran bans imports of renowned car brands," 5/27/2013)

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Setareh Iran lists itself as the exclusive distrbutor of Mercedes-Benz in Iran.

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"The Iranian National Petrochemicals Co. (NPC) and Lurgi GmbH, part of Air Liquid Engineering & Construction, have signed an agreement for a 500,000 tonne propylene production unit, using the company’s methanol-to-propylene (MTP) technology." (August 2017)

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"Minister of Petroleum Bijan Zangeneh says Iran plans to splash out $180 billion to revive and renovate its oil, gas and petrochemical industries by 2022. Addressing an energy security summit in Berlin, the minister said Iran has always been a reliable energy supplier, adding the country wants to regain its position in the energy market... Zangeneh held important talks with German leaders, including Energy Minister Sigmar Gabriel on Thursday. The minister was reportedly set to hold more talks with energy giants, including Siemens, Linde and Lurgi, about the release of Iranian LNG equipment and parts seized by German companies under the European sanctions regime. According to Zangeneh, Germany was Iran's prime energy partner in the downstream oil industry as well as its petrochemical, refinery, turbines and industry parts sector before sanctions. The three energy companies have a history of two decades of operation in Iran's giant South Pars gas projects. Linde had undertaken to build equipment for gas liquefaction of Iran's LNG plant. According to CEO of National Iranian Gas Company Ali Reza Kameli, the company has completed construction of the equipment but is refusing to deliver it because of sanctions." (Press TV, Iran plans $180 billion energy investment, 5/7/15)

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Several renowned German companies are involved in major Iranian infrastructure projects, especially in the petrochemical sector, like Linde, BASF, Lurgi, Krupp, Siemens, ZF Friedrichshafen, Mercedes, Volkswagen and MAN. (Payvand News, "Iranian exports to Germany rose 50% last year", December 8, 2008)

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Lurgi has also agreed to supply its MTP technology to Fanavaran Petrochemicals at Bandar Imam, Iran. That project is also experiencing delays, sources say. (Chemical Week, Chinese Firm to Commercialize MTP Technology, Natasha Alperowicz, November 17, 2008)

The Iranian company Diesel Motor A.F.Z. (“Diesel Motor”) cites Linde as a customer on its company website. (Diesel Motor Website, “Home”).

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In 2018, Linde was listed as a divested security by the Michigan State Retirement System for active business in Iran.

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In a letter to CalPERs dated November 29, 2017, the company confirmed it is not engaged in the business activities targeted by the California Divest from Iran Act. 

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In 2017 the U.S. state of California listed Linde as a company under review for potentially investing in petrochemical projects in Iran.

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In 2017 the U.S. state of Minnesota, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee listed Linde on its Iran restricted companies list rendering Linde ineligible for investment and/or state contracting.

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Linde participated in the February 20, 2017 Vereinigung der Bayerischen Wirtschaft e. V. (“vbw”) meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Dr. Mohammed Javad Zarif and Ambassador S. E. Ali Majedi. Prospective engagement with the vbw Economic Liaison Office in Tehran, where the Tehran Chamber will serve as a local partner. Troublingly, the Tehran Chamber is affiliated with the Iran Development and Renovation Organisation (“IDRO”). (vbw Website, “Round Table mit dem iranischen Außenminister Dr. Zarif”).

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"German industrial gases group Linde has revived plant-engineering contracts in Iran that lay dormant for years under sanctions but cannot act on them until there is a way to transfer money out of the country, its chief executive said. "We have already signed engineering contracts to resuscitate projects from years ago but the banking system has to be fixed first before we can start performing on these contracts," Aldo Belloni told analysts on a conference call on Thursday." (Reuters, "Linde Revives Iran COntracts, Waits For Banking System," 3/10/2017).

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In February 2016, Linde announced that it was considering a joint venture with the Japanese company, Mitsui, to invest $4 billion in Iran’s oil sector. (Press TV, “Linde, Mitsui plan $4 billion Iran investment,” 2/1/2016).

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"A new player has been created in Iran’s industrial gas industry, as The Linde Group and Delvar Afzar Industrial Gases have teamed up in a joint venture. The Tier One corporation and Delvar Afzar Industrial Gases, part of the Delvar Afzar Industrial Group, have united under the name ‘Linde Delvar Afzar Industrial Gases’ (LDAIG). It is understood that in pooling strengths and leveraging the assets of both parties, LDAIG aims to become a leading supplier of industrial merchant gases and healthcare gases in the Middle Eastern country. The company also aims to implement an industrial gas culture and develop new sales for molecules including both liquids and gases. Delvar Afzar’s facilities will provide the majority of the company’s liquid gases supply. Linde CEO Professor Dr. Aldo Belloni, Linde Board Member Bernd Eulitz and Dr. Iraj Ghorbani, CEO of Delvar Afzar Industrial Group, signed the agreement to establish the new organisation on 17th January in Iran." (Gasworld, "Linde and Delvar Afzar Unite in New Iranian Industrial Gas 'Game-Changer,'" 1/19/2017).

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"Officials of German Linde Company in a meeting with directors of Iran's Bandar Imam Petrochemical Company voiced their willingness to cooperate with Iran. Bandar Imam Petrochemical Managing Director Reza Amiri said that Linde has opened up its office in Iran. "The officials of the two companies got together to consider opportunities of investment, transfer of technology and partnership in Iran's projects," Amiri added. Amiri said Linde had launched activity in various domains like petrochemical section after the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)." (Fars News Agency, "Germany Comapny Mulls Investment in Iran's Projects,"  11/22/2016).

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"German Linde Group has received green lights from Euler Hermes, a credit insurance company to become the greatest contractor of Iran’s LNG projects. New round of Iranian officials and Germany’s Linde Group sat to discuss the LNG projects. The former had signed a deal to provide technical support for Kian Petrochemical Complex earlier and signaled its participation in country’s greatest petrochemical projects during new round of talks with the Imam Khomeini Petrochemical Complex. New investments, technology transfer, training, and research and development projects constituted the topics of discussion. The new rise in German company’s willingness is attributed to assurances Euler Hermes Credit Insurance Co., which would provide insurance coverage to enterprises acting in Iranian setting, which would have been impossible without provisions of JCPOA." (Mehr News Agency, "Germany's Linde major contractor of LNG project," 11/19/2016).

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"Minister of Petroleum Bijan Zangeneh says Iran plans to splash out $180 billion to revive and renovate its oil, gas and petrochemical industries by 2022. Addressing an energy security summit in Berlin, the minister said Iran has always been a reliable energy supplier, adding the country wants to regain its position in the energy market... Zangeneh held important talks with German leaders, including Energy Minister Sigmar Gabriel on Thursday. The minister was reportedly set to hold more talks with energy giants, including Siemens, Linde and Lurgi, about the release of Iranian LNG equipment and parts seized by German companies under the European sanctions regime. According to Zangeneh, Germany was Iran's prime energy partner in the downstream oil industry as well as its petrochemical, refinery, turbines and industry parts sector before sanctions. The three energy companies have a history of two decades of operation in Iran's giant South Pars gas projects. Linde had undertaken to build equipment for gas liquefaction of Iran's LNG plant. According to CEO of National Iranian Gas Company Ali Reza Kameli, the company has completed construction of the equipment but is refusing to deliver it because of sanctions." (Press TV, Iran plans $180 billion energy investment, 5/7/15)

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In 2012, Linde was added to the Pennsylvania Treasury's List of Scrutinized Companies Determined as Having Involvement in Iran because it was determined to have new involvement in Iran but then it was removed after clarifying its involvement. 
 

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Linde Material Handling, a subsidiary of Linde, works in Iran through its Iranian sales partner, Mehrizan Industrial Development. Troublingly, Linde Material Handling manufactures explosion protected products. (Mehrizan Website, "Linde") 

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Linde Hydraulics, a subsidiary of Linde, works in Iran through its Iranian sales partner, Rahbord Hydraulic Sepand Co. Ltd. (Linde Hydraulic, "Sales Partners") Linde Hydraulics also works in Iran through another Iranian partner, Mehrizan Industrial Development. On its website, Mehrizan advertises Linde Hydraulics products. (Mehrizan Website, "Homepage")

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"German group Linde will halt all business operations in Iran due to political developments there, the world's number-two industrial gases producer said on Monday." (Reuters, "Linde says to pull out of Iran," 9/13/2010)

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"Germany's Linde AG has sold LNG technologies to another Iranian LNG project, which is nearing completion. But a spokesman said Wednesday that "given the current political environment, we do not consider new business opportunities in Iran."" (Wall Street Journal, "Iran curbs LNG-Export Ambitions", 8/12/2010)

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Germany's trade ties to Iran stretch back to the Middle Ages, and many of the companies currently there have been active in Iran for decades. Some 85 German companies have operations in Iran, from chemical maker BASF AG to Deutsche Lufthansa AG and Bayer AG, and others such as Linde AG and Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler AG are active there, according to the Hamburg-based German-Iranian Chamber of Commerce. More than 7,000 companies conduct business there through local representatives. Germany has become such a big trading partner for Iran because so many of its companies provide the machinery and engineering prowess Iran needs to improve its infrastructure.(The Wall Street Journal, "German Firms Feel Pressure Over Tehran Trade," 10/3/09)

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"Several renowned German companies are involved in major Iranian infrastructure projects, especially in the petrochemical sector, like Linde, BASF, Lurgi, Krupp, Siemens, ZF Friedrichshafen, Mercedes, Volkswagen and MAN." (Payvand News, "Iranian Exports to Germany rose 50%," 12/8/08)

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"There is also the question, not mentioned by De Margerie, of where Iran would source LNG technology. Most key components used in projects around the world are manufactured in the US. NIGC says it has been negotiating with European firms, including Linde and Technip, but it is hard to see either working closely with Iran until the political situation improves." (Petroleum Economist, "The struggle to market," 4/07)

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"GIANTS WITH A FOOT IN TEHRAN: Total, Shell, Statoil, BNP Paribas, Commerzbank, MTN, UPS, Linde, Technip, Nokia, Ericsson, Peugeot, Renault, OMV, Societe Generale, ENI, Mitsubishi, Sumitomo, Siemens, LG, Samsung, Bosch, Valeo, Nestle, Unilever, BAT, Japan Tobacco." (The London Times, "American pressure threatens UK firms," 5/27/06)

"Founded in 1968 in Tehran, Evonik Iran AG was from the first Evonik legal entities established outside of Germany. The specialty chemicals company’s local office has been active for over 50 years.

With a highly motivated professional team consisting of 27 employees, Evonik Iran AG supports 19 business lines, one of the reasons that Evonik is reputable in the region. " (Evonik Iran)

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The company has an office in Tehran, Iran. (Company website)

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"Evonik, a chemical manufacturer that is also in the power generation business, has been operating in Iran since at least 2007."  From 2000-2009, the company has been the recipient of $316,186 of US federal funds.  Their activities in Iran are currently active. (The New York Times, "Profiting from Iran, and the US," 3/6/2010)

According to its Annual Report filed with the SEC for fiscal year 2019: "We had a representative office in Tehran, Iran, which we discontinued on December 31, 2007. Our remaining business with Iranian counterparties consisted mostly of participations as lender and/or agent in a few large trade finance facilities arranged before 2007 to finance the export contracts of exporters in Europe and Asia. As of December 31, 2018, those loans were fully paid back, subsequently the majority of the remaining Iranian business consists of legacy contractual obligations related to guarantees. We do not believe our business activities with Iranian counterparties are or had been material to our overall business, with the aforementioned guarantees having notional amounts of substantially less than 0.01 % of our total assets over recent years. As of December 31, 2019, the revenues from such activities represented substantially less than 0.01 % of our total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2019.

Payments Executed. Deutsche Bank continuous to severely restrict its policy on Iran and consequently the execution of such payments.

Incoming Payments. In 2019, we received 10 payments adding up to approximately € 2.0 million in favor of non-Iranian clients of which the majority were channeled through Iranian intermediary banks. Revenues for these incoming payments were less than € 100. These figures include relevant transactions for Iranian Embassy-related offices not included in the section on Iranian Consulates and Embassies below and in favor of our non-Iranian clients.

Outgoing Payments. In 2019, we executed 1 payment with an amount of € 100, in favor of an Iranian Embassy-related office not included in the section on Iranian Consulates and Embassies below. Revenues for this outgoing payment were less than € 10.

Operations of Iranian Bank Branches and Subsidiaries in Germany. Several Iranian banks, including Bank Melli Iran, Bank Saderat, Bank Sepah, and Europäisch-Iranische Handelsbank, have branches or offices in Germany, even though their funds and other economic resources had been frozen earlier under European law. As part of the payment clearing system in Germany and other European countries, when these branches or offices needed to make payments in Germany or Europe to cover their day-to-day operations such as rent, taxes, insurance premia and salaries for their remaining staff, or for any other kind of banking-related operations, fund transfers from these Iranian banks had been accepted through Target2.

In 2019, we executed approximately € 4.2 million in (almost only in-coming) transfers through Target2 across approximately 900 transactions and credited the relevant amounts to our non-Iranian clients. The gross revenues derived from these payments were approximately € 4,500."

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"Germany’s Deutsche Bank passed a new financial policy on Wednesday which will prevent any money transfer to Iran in cash." (8/2/2018)

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"Iran says Germany’s Deutsche Bank has started to provide financial services related to the country’s oil trade – an announcement that could show the ice in doing business with the Islamic Republic in a post-sanctions era is already thawing. Iran’s Deputy Petroleum Minister for International Affairs Amir-Hossein Zamaninia was quoted by domestic media as saying that the new phase of cooperation between Deutsche Bank and Iran had started last week after a halt of about 10 years. Zamaninia added that Iran expects to see several other major European banks to follow suit and resume cooperation with the country over its oil-related financial transactions. “Previously, merely certain small European banks were ready to cooperate with Iran over its oil-related transactions,” the official told Mehr News Agency. Still, a larger number of European banks – particularly major ones – are today approaching Iran, he added. Zamaninia further emphasized that several important European banks are set to start providing services to Iran “within the next few days.” (Press TV, "Iran, Deutsche Bank resume oil partnership," 10/24/2016).

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On October 23, 2016, Iranian press, in quotes attributed to Iran’s Deputy Petroleum Minister for International Affairs Amir-Hossein Zamaninia, had reported a “new phase of cooperation between Deutsche Bank and Iran had started last week after a halt of 10 years.” (Press TV (Tehran), “Iran, Deutsche bank resume oil partnership,” 10/23/2016).

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"Deutsche Bank is bracing for more than 300 million euros (256 million pounds) in charges linked to suspected violations of U.S. sanctions on Iran, a German weekly reported on Sunday. Deutsche Bank, Europe's biggest bank by assets, on Wednesday increased its provisions for litigation by 600 million euros to 2.4 billion euros, citing mortgage-related lawsuits and other regulatory investigations... Deutsche Bank on Wednesday declined to lay out in detail why it had increased provisions. On Sunday, it would not comment on the magazine report... Der Spiegel said that apart from the Iran probe, Deutsche Bank's 2.4-billion-euro legal provisioning included 500 million for a probe of suspected manipulation of interbank lending rates. Several sources familiar with the investigation told Reuters on Thursday that German markets watchdog Bafin is set to rebuke Deutsche Bank over how it supervised its contribution to the setting of the lending rates." (Reuters, "Deutsche Bank braced for £256 million Iran sanctions charges - report," 3/24/2013)

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"Federal and state prosecutors are investigating Deutsche Bank and several other global banks over accusations that they funneled billions of dollars through their American branches for Iran, Sudan and other sanctioned nations, according to law enforcement officials with knowledge of the cases . . . The Deutsche Bank investigation is the latest in a series of cases against global financial firms since 2009 that suggests the practice of transferring money on behalf of Iranian banks and corporations flourished under a loophole in United States policy that ended in 2008. A spokesman for Deutsche Bank declined to comment, but noted that the German bank decided in 2007 that it would “not engage in new business with counterparties in countries such as Iran, Syria, Sudan and North Korea and to exit existing business to the extent legally possible . . . The investigation into Deutsche Bank is still in its very early stages, according to the law enforcement officials. So far, there is no suspicion that the bank moved money on behalf of Iranian clients through its American operations after 2008, the officials said.” (New York Times, "Deutsche Bank’s Business With Sanctioned Nations Under Scrutiny," 8/17/12)

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"President Barack Obama signed into law new sanctions on Iran that, for the first time, will bar from the American market foreign companies that work with Iranian businesses charged with aiding Tehran's nuclear program and the suppression of democracy.

Among those that could face legal challenges and fines are Japan's Big Three banks—Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc., Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group and Mizuho Financial Group Inc.—as well as European firms such as Commerzbank Bank AG and Deutsche Bank AG, all of whom have businesses inside Iran.

A Deutsche Bank spokesman said most of its existing contracts in Iran have durations of more than 10 years and the bank is legally obligated to fulfill them.

A recent report by Avi Jorisch, a former Treasury Department intelligence official, details how the Big Three Japanese banks, Deutsche Bank and Commerzbank continue to maintain bank accounts for Bank Sepah, Iran's oldest financial institution.

Bank Sepah has been blacklisted by both the U.N. and the U.S. in recent years for its alleged role in assisting Tehran's development of weapons of mass destruction.

Ronald Weichert, the spokesman for Deutsche Bank, said the bank is or has been 'engaged in a limited amount of business with counterparties, including government-owned or controlled counterparties, in certain countries which the U.S. State Department has designated as state sponsors of terrorism, including Iran.'

He said the bank's 'existing business with Iranian counterparties consists mostly' of participation 'as lender and/or agent in a few large trade finance facilities arranged some years ago to finance the export contracts of exporters in Europe and Asia.'" (Wall Street Journal, "U.S. Adds Its Own Sanctions on Iran," 7/2/2010)

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"Deutsche Bank announced in July 2007 that it had cut all ties to Iran, saying that it had deemed its business there too time consuming and expensive. While the bank was operating in Iran, RREEF Alternative Investments, a global alternative investment management business of Deutsche Bank's Asset Management division, rented properties to the U.S. government." The Company has received $2.6 million from the US government for their investments in Iran during 2000-2009.  They have withdrawn their investments from Iran. (The New York Times, "Profiting from Iran, and the US," 3/6/2010)

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“Evidence of Iran's efforts to acquire sensitive materials also is emerging from investigations by state and federal prosecutors in New York into whether a number of major Western banks illegally handled funds for Iran and deliberately hid Iranian transactions routed through the U.S….Documents detailing Iran's metals acquisition efforts are being reviewed by U.S. law-enforcement and intelligence officials, people involved in the matter said. Manhattan District Attorney Robert Morgenthau said he is conducting a broad inquiry into illegal transactions by Iran. Last week, Lloyds TSB of London agreed to pay $350 million to settle U.S. sanctions-busting charges with Mr. Morgenthau's office and the Justice Department. The bank admitted it violated U.S. law but said the practice has ceased. There are nine other banks that we think were doing this, said Mr. Morgenthau in an interview, including Barclays PLC of the U.K. A Barclays spokesman had no comment beyond a prior disclosure confirming the inquiry. Other banks under scrutiny in the probe include Credit Suisse and Deutsche Bank, people with knowledge of the inquiries said." (The Wall Street Journal, "Fresh Clues of Iranian Nuclear Intrigue," 1/16/09)

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"Another step the Obama administration should take is to sustain American pressure on foreign banks and oil companies to halt their dealings with Iran's energy sector. This effort has led such major firms as Germanys Deutsche Bank and Commerzbank, Englands HSBC, Credit Suisse and Royal Dutch Shell to halt or limit their business with Iran. (The Baltimore Sun, "FACING THE IRANIAN THREAT," 12/9/08)

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"U.S. outreach to foreign banks and to oil companies considering investing in Iran's energy sector has reportedly convinced more than 80 banks and several major potential oil-field investors to cease all or some of their business with Iran. Among them: Germany's two largest banks (Deutsche Bank and Commerzbank), London-based HSBC, Credit Suisse, Norwegian energy company StatoilHydro, and Royal Dutch Shell. (The Wall Street Journal, "How To Put The Squeeze On Iran," 11/13/08)

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"European giants HSBC, Deutsche Bank and Credit Suisse have pulled out of Iran while BNP Paribas, Commerzbank and Dresdner Bank have severely curtailed their business with the Islamic republic." (Gulf Daily News, "US imposes sanctions on major Iran banks," 5/1/08)

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Listed by U.S. Government as doing business in Iran. (U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, List of Companies Doing Business With State Sponsors Of Terror, Removed from the internet in July of 2007)

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"Commerzbank AG, Germany's second-largest lender, will pay at least $1.4 billion to settle federal and state claims that it violated U.S. sanctions, a person briefed on the matter said. The settlement, part of a deferred-prosecution agreement that would also resolve a separate money-laundering matter, may come as soon as this month, said the person, who asked not to be identified because the discussions aren't public... The accord is the latest settlement with a global bank over dealings with blacklisted countries, including Iran and Sudan. In June, BNP Paribas SA pleaded guilty to violating U.S. sanctions laws and agreed to pay a record $8.9 billion to resolve the case." (Bloomberg, Commerzbank Said to Near $1.4 Billion U.S. Settlement, 3/5/15)

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"Commerzbank AG's expected settlement with authorities over alleged violations of U.S. sanctions and anti-money laundering laws is likely to exceed $1 billion (636.42 million pounds) in penalties, according to a person familiar with the probes. The settlement is still being negotiated, and a deal before the end of the year is unlikely, two sources said. Margarita Thiel, a spokeswoman for Commerzbank, Germany's second-largest lender, declined to comment. Commerzbank was close to an agreement in September with U.S. prosecutors and regulators over its dealings with Iran and other countries subject to U.S. sanctions, Reuters has reported, citing sources." (Reuters, "Commerzbank settlement with U.S. likely to exceed $1 billiion - source," 12/11/14)

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“German lender Commerzbank AG is expected to pay between $600 million and $800 million to resolve investigations into its dealings with Iran and other countries under U.S. sanctions, sources familiar with the matter said. The penalty, previously reported to be more than $500 million, includes a demand from New York's top banking regulator, Benjamin Lawsky, for more than $300 million from the bank, the sources said… Among the violations being investigated are Commerzbank's transactions for the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines, one of the sources said. The state-sponsored shipping company was designated for economic sanctions by the United States in 2008 for allegedly supporting Iran's proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. The source said Commerzbank was alleged to have done business with the company despite knowing that it was sanctioned.” (Reuters, "Exclusive: Commerzbank may pay $600 million-$800 million to settle U.S. probe - sources," 7/9/14)

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“State and federal authorities have begun settlement talks with Commerzbank, Germany’s second-largest lender, over the bank’s dealings with Iran and other countries blacklisted by the United States, according to people briefed on the matter. The bank, which is suspected of transferring money through its American operations on behalf of companies in Iran and Sudan, could strike a settlement deal with the state and federal authorities as soon as this summer, said the people briefed on the matter, who were not authorized to speak publicly… The contours of a settlement, which the authorities have only begun to sketch out, are expected to include at least $500 million in penalties for Commerzbank, the people added.” (New York Times, "U.S. Scrutiny for Banks Shifts to Commerzbank and Germany", 7/7/14)

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“As part of talks in Geneva over the nuclear question, Tehran is pressing world powers to speed up trade finance arrangements on humanitarian deals involving both Western and Iranian banks, according to an Iranian government document seen by Reuters and sources familiar with the initiative. Iranian government officials and international trade sources say Tehran wants to simplify complex trade finance arrangements potentially worth billions of dollars, which would alleviate pressure on the country's sanctioned banking system…Iranian government officials said the document, which has been sent to Iran's Supreme National Security Council, tasked with safeguarding Tehran's interests, listed the following banks as ‘available for further actions’: Standard Chartered Bank (London), Societe Generale (Paris), Banque de Commerce et de Placements (BCP) (Geneva), UniCredit Bank (Munich), Commerzbank (Frankfurt), United Bank (Zurich) and BHF Bank (Frankfurt). It was not clear whether these banks had been approached to provide finance. Two business executives familiar with the initiative said they were aware that Standard Chartered, Societe Generale, Commerzbank were among those on the wish list. Commerzbank, Societe Generale, United Bank and BCP all declined to comment. A spokeswoman for Standard Chartered said the bank was not involved and would not get involved in any transaction with any party from Iran.” (Reuters, “Western banks cold-shoulder Iran trade finance scheme,” 3/13/14)

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“The broader banking sanctions still in place [under the interim deal] are creating some ambiguities. The senior banker said Iranian authorities told businessmen that seven European banks including Commerzbank and Société Générale had been designated to transfer the $4.2bn in blocked funds but 'some kind of dilemma' remained over which Iranian banks could receive the money as most are affected by the broader banking sanctions still in place.” (Financial Times, “Easing of sanctions raises hopes for Iranian economy,” 1/19/14)

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"Several other banks - including Deutsche Bank, Germany's second biggest lender Commerzbank, UniCredit's German unit HVB, and French banks BNP Paribas and Credit Agricole - have said they have received inquiries from U.S. authorities or are reviewing transactions to check whether they are potentially in breach of U.S. sanctions, suggesting any investigations are at an early stage." (Reuters, "Analysis: StanChart hit may not dog other banks as much as feared," 9/4/2012)

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"President Barack Obama signed into law new sanctions on Iran that, for the first time, will bar from the American market foreign companies that work with Iranian businesses charged with aiding Tehran's nuclear program and the suppression of democracy.

Among those that could face legal challenges and fines are Japan's Big Three banks—Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc., Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group and Mizuho Financial Group Inc.—as well as European firms such as Commerzbank Bank AG and Deutsche Bank AG, all of whom have businesses inside Iran.

A spokesman for Commerzbank declined to comment on the effect of the law, saying the bank wasn't familiar with its details. He said Commerzbank has been reducing its exposure to Iran since 2007.

A recent report by Avi Jorisch, a former Treasury Department intelligence official, details how the Big Three Japanese banks, Deutsche Bank and Commerzbank continue to maintain bank accounts for Bank Sepah, Iran's oldest financial institution.

Bank Sepah has been blacklisted by both the U.N. and the U.S. in recent years for its alleged role in assisting Tehran's development of weapons of mass destruction.

Spokesman Reiner Rossman declined to comment on any relationship Commerzbank had or has with Bank Sepah."

(Wall Street Journal, "U.S. Adds Its Own Sanctions on Iran," 7/2/2010)

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"Another step the Obama administration should take is to sustain American pressure on foreign banks and oil companies to halt their dealings with Irans energy sector. This effort has led such major firms as Germanys Deutsche Bank and Commerzbank, Englands HSBC, Credit Suisse and Royal Dutch Shell to halt or limit their business with Iran." (The Baltimore Sun, "FACING THE IRANIAN THREAT," 12/9/08)

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"U.S. outreach to foreign banks and to oil companies considering investing in Irans energy sector has reportedly convinced more than 80 banks and several major potential oil-field investors to cease all or some of their business with Iran. Among them: Germanys two largest banks (Deutsche Bank and Commerzbank), London-based HSBC, Credit Suisse, Norwegian energy company StatoilHydro, and Royal Dutch Shell."(The Wall Street Journal, "How To Put The Squeeze On Iran," 11/13/08)

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"European giants HSBC, Deutsche Bank and Credit Suisse have pulled out of Iran while BNP Paribas, Commerzbank and Dresdner Bank have severely curtailed their business with the Islamic republic." (Gulf Daily News, "US imposes sanctions on major Iran banks," 10/26/07

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"GIANTS WITH A FOOT IN TEHRAN: Total, Shell, Statoil, BNP Paribas, Commerzbank, MTN, UPS, Linde, Technip, Nokia, Ericsson, Peugeot, Renault, OMV, Societe Generale, ENI, Mitsubishi, Sumitomo, Siemens, LG, Samsung, Bosch, Valeo, Nestle, Unilever, BAT, Japan Tobacco." (The London Times, "American pressure threatens UK firms,"  5/27/06)

• the website, iran-bosch.com, features the sanction-designated Iranian financial institution, Bank Mellat.

• BOSCH is advertised as a Partner of the Iranian firm, Ezam Automotive Parts Group (“EZAM”), “The Largest Auto Parts Manufacturer in Iran.” According to the EZAM website, “Obtaining reliable licenses and establishing technical cooperation with the latest technologies from world’s recognized brands such as MANDO, MAHLE, BOSCH… are some of the Ezam Group’s achievements…”

• One of the senior officials of Germany`s Bosch Auto Spare parts company announced that the company sought to expand its business in Iran and its priority was to domestic production in the country. (February 13, 2018).

• On March 5, 2017, the Tehran Times conducted an exclusive interview with CEO Robert Bosch, who said, “[r]esources of Iran and Germany are amazing, so we are looking for partners for cooperation….  [W]e see huge potential and after the trip we will try to make plan for the further cooperation.”  (Tehran Times, “Robert Bosch Foundation Seeking Partners in Iran – CEO,” 3/5/2017). 

• Bosch Group opened an office in Tehran in 2016 as the group’s automotive division “sees growing potential in Iran’s car market following the lifting of international sanctions.”
• Bosch is listed as a company participating as part of the German delegation visiting Iran September 27-28,2016. (Participating Companies).
• "'Companies are already trying to sign letters of intent with Iranian trading partners to get a foot in the market,' said Juliane Emami, project manager at conference organizer Management Circle AG... Some industrial giants such as automotive parts producer Bosch GmbH, which signed its first contract, are already venturing back. ‘We've already signed our first contracts,’ said spokeswoman Trix Böhne. 'But this is all at very early stages and we will have to see how things develop.'" (The Wall Street Journal, "German Business Looks to Renew Iran Contracts," 8/3/14)
• According to Bosch's Turkey website, the Bosch representative in that country provides services to Bosch units and divisions both “in Turkey and Iran.” (Bosch Turkey Website, “Our Company: Representative of Turkey”)
• The Bosch Packing Technology division lists a local Iran agent on its website. (Bosch Packing Technology Website, “Your Bosch Packaging Technology Contact: Iran”) 
• Bosch's subsidiary, Bosch Power Tools, lists Abzarsara Co. as its Iran dealer while the Abzarsara Co. website advertises Bosch products and lists Bosch as a supplier. (Bosch Power Tools Website, “Bosch dealer”; Abzarsara Co. Website, “Home”; Abzarsara Co. Website, “Suppliers”)
• Bosch's subsdiary, Bosch Rexroth, maintains a relationship with Iran through the Iranian company Narvan Arra Ltd. (Bosch Rexroth Website, “Contact Service Hydraulics: Iran”).  On its Company Website, Narvan Arra states that “as the Sole Distributor and Service Partner for the entire Bosch Rexroth Group, [it] provides high quality components, modules or complete system solutions for Bosch Rexroth in Hydraulics, Pneumatics, Service Automation, Electric Drives and Controls, Linear Motion and Assembly Technology.” (Narvan Arra Website, “Homepage”) Rexroth AG manager Wolfgang Paul Rexroth is listed as a member of the German-Iran Chamber of Commerce election committee. (AHK Website, “AHK Iran: Board Elections”)
• "Dozens of European businesses have visited the country in recent months in anticipation of a thaw in relations over Iran’s nuclear programme that could rehabilitate the oil-rich country as a destination for business investment. Iranian and western businessmen say some tentative deals have been prepared, ready for signature once the interim nuclear agreement struck in Geneva last month is implemented…Bosch, the German technology and services conglomerate, said it was 'carefully monitoring current developments' in Iran. 'In general, we see good potential opportunities for our business, provided that the future political and legal framework will make this possible without restrictions,' it added." (Financial Times, "Merck tests ground for Iran partnership to produce medicines," 12/26/13)
• "Bosch, a supplier of building and industrial technology and consumer goods, markets its products in Iran through contract partners, according to its website, but does not have an office in Iran. 'We're doing very little business and this is handled through Turkey,' said Christian Fromek, a company spokesman. 'Our businesses have a civil purpose in providing auto components as well as consumer goods, such power tools and spark plugs. All of our activities respect current regulations in place.'"  The company has received $90.3 million in revenue and benefits from the US government for their investments in Iran during 2000-2009.  The company's activities in Iran are currently active.  (The New York Times, "Profiting from Iran, and the US," 3/6/2010)
• "GIANTS WITH A FOOT IN TEHRAN: Total, Shell, Statoil, BNP Paribas, Commerzbank, MTN, UPS, Linde, Technip, Nokia, Ericsson, Peugeot, Renault, OMV, Societe Generale, ENI, Mitsubishi, Sumitomo, Siemens, LG, Samsung, Bosch, Valeo, Nestle, Unilever, BAT, Japan Tobacco." (The London Times, "American pressure threatens UK firms," 5/27/06)

BASF’s participated in the 4th International Conference and Exhibition on Masterbatch & Polymer Compounds (“IMCPA” 2019), which will took place from February 17-29, 2019 in Tehran, Iran. (IMCPA 2019, “About”).

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Will maintain a business presence in Iran, but has committed to complying with all U.S. sanctions; had aimed to invest in Iran’s oil and gas industry via its oil exploration subsidiary, Wintershall; booked about €80 million in revenue in Iran in 2017. ("BASF commits to complying with US sanctions on Iran," Politico, September 18, 2018.)

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In recent days, Wintershall AG, a German energy firm, told its Iranian partners it may not find funding for Iranian oil projects because it relies on its parent company, BASF AG , which has huge chemical operations in the U.S., according to a person familiar with the matter. A Wintershall spokesman said it strictly complies “with all national and international laws and regulations.” (May 16, 2018).

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In 2018, the U.S. state of Michigan listed BASF on its state list of Companies Doing Business with Iran rendering BASF ineligible for investment and/or state contracting.

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In his interview with Rambler News, Wieland further emphasized that Iran was part of Wintershall’s strategy for targeting key regions. He reminded that the company had signed a memorandum of understanding with the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) for certain projects – what he said was in line with the same strategy. (January 29, 2018).

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Lists an office in Tehran, Iran on its company website.

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"BASF said it was in talks with Iran over a possible investment of its oil and gas division in the country but no decision was on the cards because of uncertainty over the status of economic sanctions. 'We can't see that the lifting of sanctions is being implemented at the speed that was initially expected,' BASF Chief Executive Kurt Bock told a news conference after the release of 2016 earnings. 'We are trying to assess whether it's possible for our oil and gas business to gain a foothold in Iran. We have been invited by the national authorities. The evaluation process is ongoing,' he said, adding the outcome was uncertain. He specified that such talks were limited to investments in oil and gas exploration and production and did not extend to downstream petrochemical processing plants." (Reuters, "BASF Says Iran Investment in Limbo amid Uncertainty over Sanctions," 2/24/2017).

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BASF’s Wintershall oil and gas exploration subsidiary has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC), it said on Tuesday, confirming a media report. (April 12, 2016).

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According to its own reporting as of 2013, BASF maintained two wholly-owned subsidiaries in Iran, BASF Iran (PJS) Company and BASF Polyurethanes Pars (PJS) Company. (BASF Website, “BASF Report 2013: BASF Group List of Shares Held 2013 pursuant to Section 313(2) of the German Commercial Code”) 

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Burkhard Weimer, Managing Director at BASF Polyurethanes Pars, is listed as a member of the Board of Directors of the German-Iran Chamber of Commerce. (Deutsche-Iranische Industrie-unde-Handelskammer, “Board of AHK Iran”; LinkedIn, “Burkhard Wiemer: Managing Director at BASF Polyurethanes Pars,” accessed 4/22/14)

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"Islamic Republic of Iran Ambassador to Berlin Ali-Reza Sheikh-Attar said here Thursday despite the unjustly imposed western sanctions the economic relations of Iran and Germany have grown well on a continuous process... Several renowned German companies are involved in major Iranian infrastructure projects, especially in the petrochemical sector, like Linde, BASF, Lurgi, Krupp, Siemens, ZF Friedrichshafen, Mercedes, Volkswagen and MAN." (Zawya, "Envoy: Iran-Germany Economic Ties Growing Well Despite Sanctions," 7/11/2013)

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"BASF first started doing business in Iran in 1959, a spokesman for the company said.  He said the company continues to operate in the country  and that it monitors its business activities in Iran to assure compliance with all legal requirements and trade regulations. The company also has sold chemical products to the United States military." The company has received $12.7 million in revenue and benefits from the US government for their investments in Iran during 2000-2009.  The company's business in Iran is currently active. (The New York Times, "Profiting from Iran, and the US," 3/6/2010)

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"Germany's trade ties to Iran stretch back to the Middle Ages, and many of the companies currently there have been active in Iran for decades. Some 85 German companies have operations in Iran, from chemical maker BASF AG to Deutsche Lufthansa AG and Bayer AG, and others such as Linde AG and Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler AG are active there, according to the Hamburg-based German-Iranian Chamber of Commerce. More than 7,000 companies conduct business there through local representatives. Germany has become such a big trading partner for Iran because so many of its companies provide the machinery and engineering prowess Iran needs to improve its infrastructure." (The Wall Street Journal, "German Firms Feel Pressure Over Tehran Trade," 10/3/09)

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"Several renowned German companies are involved in major Iranian infrastructure projects, especially in the petrochemical sector, like Linde, BASF, Lurgi, Krupp, Siemens, ZF Friedrichshafen, Mercedes, Volkswagen and MAN." (Payvand Iran News, "Iranian exports to Germany rose 50% last year," 12/8/08)

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Listed by U.S. Government as doing business in Iran. (U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, List of Companies Doing Business With State Sponsors Of Terror, Removed from the Internet in July 2007)