Analysis of U.S. Strategies in the Gas Trade Sector and Their Impact on the National Security of the Islamic Republic of Iran
Abstract
Energy is currently considered one of the fundamental infrastructures for the development of any country, and in many cases, energy supply security is regarded as a component of national security. Therefore, oil and gas trade has always been linked to the political, security, and defense issues of countries in the international arena. Given that Iran is the second-largest holder of gas reserves and the third-largest producer of natural gas in the world, it holds significant potential in the gas trade sector. For this reason, paying attention to the strategies adopted by leading countries in gas trade, such as the United States, is of special importance.
In this article you read about:
The Current State of the Global Gas Market
Natural gas is the world’s third main energy source due to its affordability, cleanliness, and ease of use. The top gas producers are the U.S., Russia, Iran, China, and Qatar, while top exporters include Russia, the U.S., and Qatar. Despite Iran’s large reserves and high production, its export rank is low (13th).
Key features of the gas market:
- It is regional, not global, due to reliance on pipelines and high LNG transport costs.
- Gas prices are regional, unlike the globally priced oil.
- Most gas contracts are long-term and often linked to oil prices.
U.S. Strategy in the Natural Gas Trade
- Reducing Dependence on Iran and Russia:
The U.S. opposes pipeline projects from Iran and Russia (e.g., Nord Stream, Peace Pipeline) and promotes alternatives like the Southern Gas Corridor and TAPI to limit their influence. - Globalizing the Gas Market via LNG:
Since the shale boom, the U.S. has expanded LNG exports to diversify supply sources for allies, enhance energy security, and lower global gas prices. - Impact on Iran:
- Marginalization in the global gas market
- Loss of regional influence and economic opportunities
- Lower bargaining power and gas prices
- Recommendations for Iran:
- Maintain a regional gas market with Russia and Qatar
- Become a regional gas hub through balanced imports/exports
- Avoid deep involvement in the LNG market
This study was conducted at Amirkabir Think Tank In collaboration with Javad Soleimanpour, Amin Nourbakhsh, Mohammadamin Nabi Sarvestani in 2022.
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