Chapter Six: International Relations

Abstract

As described in the previous chapters, Iranian political institutions, and thus domestic politics, both influence and are influenced by international relations.

Particularly in regards to the integration of the Iranian natural gas market do external relations need to be considered. As energy projects have long lead times and run over longer periods (10-20 years), they create dependencies in the international context that need to be considered. A further aspect specifically impacting Iran’s ability to develop and export natural gas to foreign markets are international sanctions. Sanctions are the most critical variable in Iran’s ability to become a major natural gas superpower, as they influence all spheres of the four I’s (Institutions, Infrastructure, International Relations and Investment).