Energy Strategy & Foreign Policy

Despite a persistent and alarming deficit in its natural gas production, Iran recently chose to renew gas export contracts with Iraq – a decision that can have severe consequences for its own energy needs. While Iran boasts having the second largest natural gas reserves in the world, its production capacity …

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 …

On the heels of its latest forum in Algiers, the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) has grown substantially in size and influence, highlighting the essential role of natural gas in balancing global energy, promoting sustainability, and addressing market volatility, technological challenges, and geopolitical tensions. The 7th Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) Summit in Algiers …

As Qatar sets higher ambitions for its gas output, Iranian officials scramble to justify their under-performance in developing the South Pars field, resorting to statistical maneuvers to deflect criticism. Sakhavat Asadi, the chief executive of Iran’s Pars Special Economic Zone Organization, has claimed that Iran’s natural gas production from the …

Bijan Zanganeh, Iran’s former oil minister, has made bold assertions regarding Iran’s potential to significantly increase its oil production, despite minimal investments and limited access to technology. Iran’s crude oil production stood at an estimated 3,163,000 barrels per day as of January 2024, showing a slight decrease from December 2023’s output of …

Turkey and Iran have expressed a clear interest in improving their bilateral economic relations, but remain divided over a range of geopolitical and security issues, to which answers remain elusive. EmailPrintFriendlyPaylaş Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, left, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan leave after a joint news conference following their …

The Gaza-Israel conflict has significant implications for Iran’s already strained economy, characterized by currency devaluation, reduced government revenues, and high inflation. Iran’s involvement in the regional conflict hinders its economic growth efforts, further reduces the value of the Iranian rial, and decreases government income. Additionally, it has worsened economic problems such as …

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 …

The military collaboration between Iran and Russia has significantly intensified since the invasion of Ukraine, with Tehran delivering offensive weapons used against civilian targets. The recent revelation by the Prana Network of Iran’s clandestine arms deal with Russia, valued at $1.75 billion, has sparked concerns about its implications on global security …

Iran’s recently stated plan to build four more nuclear power reactors has raised questions about its feasibility as the country wrestles with economic crisis and isolation. According to early estimates, work has started in the southern region with a five-thousand-megawatt total capacity in mind. With 4,000 employment prospects and an estimated …