Hopes for increased economic cooperation between Iran and Saudi Arabia following last year’s diplomatic reconciliation have not materialized, due to historical and political factors Saudi Arabia and Iran have a long history of hostility, usually taking opposing sides in regional conflicts such as Yemen, Lebanon, and Syria. This competition, fueled by disruptive activities …
Read More »Iran’s Chabahar Space Center: Balancing Ambitions And Realities
Iran asserts that its space program is geared towards fostering scientific advancement, yet it undeniably bolsters its regional influence, and could enhance its hard power capabilities. Space is viewed as the paramount strategic vantage point, stemming from Iran’s missile program, whose advancement holds significant geopolitical implications. The inclusion of military satellites …
Read More »Iran’s Hydrogen Fuel Production Plans Face Significant Hurdles
Iran currently lacks a substantial presence in the burgeoning hydrogen industry, despite its abundance of natural gas and renewable energy potential. Utilizing renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power, “green hydrogen“ is produced by electrolysis, which produces hydrogen without any emissions. This contrasts with traditional techniques that release carbon dioxide. Experts anticipate …
Read More »Navigating New Horizons: The Gulf’s Dynamic Energy Landscape in 2024
In 2024, the Gulf’s energy sector is poised at a critical juncture, balancing the traditional reliance on hydrocarbons with ambitious strides toward renewable energy and economic diversification amidst global economic fluctuations and regional geopolitical tensions. The Middle East played a significant role in the global energy market in 2023, navigating the delicate …
Read More »Iran Becomes A Member Of BRICS, With Hopes And Challenges
Iran officially became a member of the China-led BRICS economic organization on Monday, as it seeks to overcome the impact of US sanctions and overcome it isolation. In its policy of finding shelter under Chinese and Russian-dominated international organizations, Iran achieved full membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in July 2022 and …
Read More »Iran Announces Questionable Oil Export Revenues
Iran announced this week that it exported $26.5 billion of oil during the past 9 months, a figure that contradicts both previous Iranian and international estimates. For years, Iranian administrations have not transparently disclosed their oil revenues, citing the illicit nature of shipments under the US sanctions regime. However, in …
Read More »GCC, Iran’s Northern Neighbors Expanding Financial Ties
As Iran grapples with a severe lack of foreign investment, its Arab neighbors are increasingly channeling funds into Iran’s northern regions, boosting trade turnover. On December 17, the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Azerbaijan jointly launched a substantial investment fund worth one billion dollars. This collaborative venture sees …
Read More »The Car Mafia’s Shadow In Iran-China Electric Vehicle Ventures
As Iran’s domestic carmakers lose money due to sanctions, a technological gap and mismanagement, officials are promising to boost the electrical vehicle production. The only avenue open to Iran is to make deals with Chinese companies and start EV assembly, like fossil-fuel vehicles it produces. China, dominating the global electric vehicle (EV) …
Read More »Gulf States’ Opportunities in Kazakhstan’s Emerging Economy and the Middle Corridor
As the world’s great powers and the GCC states cast their attention toward the region, the nations of Central Asia could play a major role in facilitating trade between Europe and China. When U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in San Francisco to patch up Sino-American …
Read More »Iran Sees Less Income From Oil And Gas Exports In The Coming Year
ran’s draft budget for 2024-2025, presented to the parliament, reveals a significant decline in oil and gas export revenues, and a surge in domestic energy prices. The bill outlines a projection of 1.35 million barrels per day for oil exports at an average price of €65 per barrel (approximately $71) …
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