LIVE: Implications of Iran-Russia Energy Cooperation for the South Caucasus (video)
The Institute for War & Peace Reporting, in conjunction with the Public Journalism Club and the Media Center, is hosting a discussion to talk about how the geopolitics of the South Caucasus will be affected by the emergence of new Iranian-Russian ties in the energy sector. Russia’s energy giant Gazprom has been talking to Tehran about potential investments in Iran’s natural gas sector in the event that sanctions on Iran are lifted.Possible deals include a swap where Russia would supply gas to northern Iran via pipelines running through Armenia or Azerbaijan; and in return would take a share in liquefied natural gas exported from Iran’s Gulf terminals. A new energy axis between Russia and Iran would have multiple and differing implications for the countries of the South Caucasus, and would also impact political relationships in the region. The Georgian government says it is talking to Moscow about gas supplies, both increased purchases for itself and transit to other countries in the region. This would be a major shift since Georgia currently buys most of its gas from Azerbaijan’s Caspian fields and also hosts that country’s westward gas pipeline. Russian officials say they are still undecided on whether the final leg of future exports to Iran would go through Armenia or Azerbaijan. The speakers at this week’s event are Iran expert Sevak Sarukhanyan; Sergei Minasyan, head of the Political Studies Department at the Caucasus Institute in Yerevan; and Alexander Knyazev, a Middle East expert who will join via a video call from Moscow. An expert from Tbilisi is expected to join the discussion via video call. The discussion event will begin at 11:00 on Wednesday, November 11, at the Media Center.
