As international companies are awaiting the practical consequences of the implementation of the interim nuclear deal between Iran and world powers, one issue is certain: Gas will be at the core of Iranian developments over the next decade.
With 33.6 trillion cubic meters (about 18% of global reserves) of proven gas, Iran is, next to Russia, one of the top two countries with regard to conventional gas reserves. In terms of natural gas production, the country ranks first in the Middle East, and third in the world after the United States and Russia. Nonetheless, sanctions, mismanagement and wasteful domestic energy consumption have all suppressed the potential of Iran's gas sector.