ABSTRACT

Iran has always played a central role in the development of the oil industry in the Middle East. This chapter discusses the leading role that Iran has traditionally played in the development of the oil policies of governments in the Middle East. The policy and actions of the Iranian Government with respect to oil are marked by three outstanding characteristics. These include a deeply felt commitment and clear intention that Iranians shall increasingly participate in and eventually control their own oil industry; a high degree of skill, imagination and subtlety in approaching the objective; and a conviction that Iran is a natural leader for the Middle Eastern industry. The interplay of these three characteristics of Iranian policy in practice can be seen in almost every important move the Government has made. In the new oil agreements the assertion of a national right to ‘participation’ has taken a variety of forms, as is evident from any summary of their salient provisions.