Iran trying to position as an alternative to Russian gas for Europe

Iran trying to position as an alternative to Russian gas for Europe:



"The European Union is looking for alternative gas supply sources as a result of Russian involvement in the Ukrainian crisis and it now seems that it may be looking towards Iran to fulfil this need. Russia is the largest supplier of gas for the EU but after the sanctions enacted by the EU against the country, based on its annexation of Crimea and support for separatists in eastern Ukraine, the EU runs the risk of falling victim to Russia’s use of gas as a political weapon.



An anonymous source from the European Commission that is involved in the development of EU energy strategy told Reuters that the EU is considering, first of all, lifting its sanctions on Iran over its disputed nuclear programme and, second, discussing the pipeline infrastructure that is needed to transport Iranian gas to Europe. The EU had tightened sanctions on Iran in 2012 by imposing an oil embargo and restricting the country’s access to financial services and energy technologies.



A paper prepared for the EU's Directorate-Generale for External Policies of the Union following Russia's annexation of Crimea stated, "High potential for gas production, domestic energy sector reforms that are underway, and ongoing normalisation of its relationship with the West make Iran a credible alternative to Russia". The document also indicated that current sanctions and large infrastructure deficiencies inhibit Iran’s ability to act as an alternative supplier in short term. "



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