ABSTRACT
Iran has always aspired to be at the centre of global energy. Possessing enormous energy resources and sitting right in the centre of an energy-rich neighbourhood, Iran remains a target of hostile external forces. Occupation, exploitation, economic strangulation through sanctions is the relevant tools that the conquerors employ with changing times. Iran’s oil industry confronts significant challenges. The oil geography and geology in Iran are less than fortunate. Its domestic oil pipes have to pass through mountain ranges rather than flat terrain. More recently, Iran has openly defied the US sanctions and sent oil tankers to Venezuela escorted by Venezuela navy and air force. Iran has entered into a comprehensive agreement with China that takes in energy issues. Iran has signed a long-term strategic partnership with China. The pipeline details are subsumed in the deal and remain to be worked out.
