In his first trip abroad as president, Masoud Pezeshkian reaffirmed Iraq’s central role in Iran’s foreign policy. Masoud Pezeshkian’s inaugural trip to Iraq from September 11-13 marked a pivotal moment in the evolving relationship between the two neighbors. The new president’s visit underscores Iraq’s strategic importance to Iran and reflects Pezeshkian’s commitment …
Read More »Mutual Interests and Geopolitical Considerations in Iran-Venezuela Energy Ties
Key PointsMutual interests and geopolitical considerations have long influenced the Iran-Venezuela energy relationship. Iran aims to increase Venezuela’s refining capacity by revamping its refining complex and reducing its reliance on US technology.Despite the rise in petroleum prices, trade and investment between Iran and Venezuela will continue to be limited due to their …
Read More »Obstacles and opportunities for closer Iranian-Chinese economic cooperation
Iranian-Chinese economic relations have grown steadily closer over the past four decades, with Beijing emerging as one of Tehran’s leading trade partners in recent years. Their economic relationship entered a new phase in the 1980s, when China started providing Iran with arms and technology during the Iran-Iraq War. But since …
Read More »A volatile year ahead for energy markets in the Middle East
Analysis: As the global economy recovers from Covid-19, oil production and prices are expected to surpass pre-pandemic levels. But with changing market dynamics and acceleration towards renewables, the energy market could be in for a volatile year. The economies of energy-producing countries in the Middle East will be heavily reliant …
Read More »The Iranian-Turkish Cooperation Roadmap: A Solution to Resolving Bilateral Problems and Tensions?
In recent months, Turkey and Iran seized an opportunity to try to reduce their long-running multifaceted tensions. Despite geopolitical and security-related frictions, the bilateral relationship is rosier when it comes to business and people-to-people ties. Iran is among the highest sources of tourists to Turkey every year (Sabah, September 11). …
Read More »Emirati-Turkish Economic Collaboration Could Lead to a Political One
n the short term, Turkey’s economic situation is a good incentive for Ankara to reach an agreement with Abu Dhabi, which could greatly alleviate Turkey’s economic problems; in return, a retreat from the ideological foreign policy can do much to alleviate tensions in relations between the two countries in the …
Read More »The Uncertain Future of U.S.-Saudi Energy Relations
Saudi Arabia is undoubtedly concerned by Biden’s emphasis on addressing climate change since this would mean a drop in the demand for crude oil, the backbone of Saudi Arabia’s economy. The stability of global energy markets has long been a major factor in U.S. relations with Saudi Arabia. Riyadh’s potential to increase …
Read More »Is Russia a Reliable Partner for Iran?
Russia does not want Iran to develop any relations with the West that could put distance between the two countries, or, crucially, allow Iran to export oil and gas to Europe in competition with Moscow. In the areas surrounding the Caspian Sea, it is assumed that Russia will continue to …
Read More »Iranian-Azerbaijani Relations Under the New Raisi Administration
Despite a rapprochement of sorts in 2019 (see EDM, March 20, 2019), Iran’s relations with the Republic of Azerbaijan faced new strains and challenges during the final year of Hassan Rouhani’s presidency (set to end on August 3, 2021), especially following the outbreak of the Second Karabakh War in late September …
Read More »How Will Ebrahim Raisi Deal With China?
To gain the most from the 25-year cooperation agreement, Raisi should pursue a conciliatory foreign policy, and the presidency should provide the conditions for the presence of all foreign companies in Iran, giving Chinese firms rivals from Europe and elsewhere in Asia. With the victory of Ibrahim Raisi in the …
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