We've asked ZTE for comment and will let you know if it has a response, although it has already said that it was ramping down its Iranian business to avoid trouble. Whatever its answer, it's safe to say that these export limits could seriously hurt ZTE, especially its budding mobile device business. Some of the firm's American bigger partners include the likes of Intel and Microsoft -- it's going to have to scrounge for alternatives if it can't get key chips or software from US companies. While this doesn't mean that ZTE gear is going to disappear from stores shelves, it may have to take a roundabout route to get there.