Robert Bryce: A Letter from Dubai

Peter Wells Provides Perspective on Iran

…My guess, and it is a guess, is that Khamenei will try to crush the opposition by intimidation

The oil and gas deals with foreign companies are side issues. Given US and UN sanctions, Iran has little choice but to award contracts to Chinese companies. This will not change whatever the outcome of the current political stand-off. Iran has a very good record of honoring foreign contractual obligations. The gas export pipeline to Pakistan is a strategic use of Iran’s gas as well as a means of generating jobs and wealth. No one would want to cancel this. Iran would much rather do business with US, UK, and European companies than Asian companies, but this is not a viable option. Some of the imperative for the deals is political (aimed at buying support), but it is also to obtain investment and access to markets.

Energy Tribune