Enabling the Iranian Gas Export Options

This book investigates one of the most pressing, yet neglected subjects in the field of global energy politics: the integration of the Iranian gas market. Possessing the world s second-largest proven natural gas reserves (on top of ranking fourth globally in proven oil reserves), Iran is a hypothetical energy giant-in-waiting. Yet over three decades of internal divisions, coupled with crippling international sanctions, left Iran unable to capitalize on its vast energy potential. However, an increasing global demand for natural gas and a government in constant need of finding new sources of revenue to meet the needs of a fast-growing population should cause Iran to eventually wake up from its slumber and become a large-scale gas exporter. How this could take place and what the implications for global gas markets would be are the two central research questions tackled by this study. The author analyses and interprets primary and secondary data collected in Germany, Iran and in the U.S. and draws on interviews with Iranian experts, policy makers, and key decision makers. The study allows a look beyond international politics, Iranian political decision making, Investment laws, and pipeline games.