Despite severe gas shortages at home, Iran is exporting gas to Iraq, continuing contracts even amid U.S. sanctions and Iraq’s $11 billion debt to Iran. CEO Saeed Tavakoli claims domestic consumption is prioritized, yet many Iranian homes suffer heating disruptions. The ongoing energy crisis has led to closed schools and government offices as public frustration mounts over the regime’s foreign energy focus.
In a period of extreme cold, Iranian officials confirmed the continuation of gas exports to Iraq, despite severe domestic gas shortages. The decision occurred amidst an $11 billion debt that Iraq owes to Iran for prior energy imports and ongoing U.S. sanctions. Saeed Tavakoli, CEO of the National Iranian Gas Company, stated Iran has extended a long-term gas export contract with Iraq, ignoring concerns about sanctions, asserting that domestic consumption remains prioritized.
While Tavakoli claimed that 72% of gas production serves local needs, many Iranian households are experiencing disruptions, leading to heating issues due to blackouts. Despite being the second-largest holder of natural gas reserves globally, Iran still imports gas, highlighting a paradox in its energy policy. The Iranian government’s energy agreements with Iraq continue, despite Baghdad’s failure to resolve its debt issue, further complicating the energy crisis.
The U.S. has hindered Iraq’s ability to import gas legally from Iran after President Trump revoked Iraq’s exemption from sanctions. Reports indicate Iraq relies heavily on Iranian gas to avert an electricity crisis, with officials indicating potential protests due to power shortages. Energy expert Harry Istepanian emphasized the need for alternatives to Iranian gas to prevent unrest.
Iran’s continued focus on international energy exports amidst domestic shortages has led to the closure of schools and government offices in 28 provinces. Authorities seem more concerned with regional energy deals than addressing local crises, heightening public discontent. This situation underscores Tehran’s policy of prioritizing foreign relations over the welfare of its populace, further aggravating their struggles during the harsh winter.
Iran is currently facing a significant energy crisis as millions of citizens experience gas shortages during one of the coldest winters on record. This crisis is more acute due to the government’s ongoing gas exports to Iraq, despite domestic needs not being fully met. The situation is complicated by the geopolitical landscape, particularly U.S. sanctions that impact both Iran and Iraq’s energy dealings, leading to public frustration over the government’s priorities.
The Iranian regime’s decision to continue gas exports to Iraq during a domestic energy crisis reveals a stark disregard for the needs of its citizens. Despite claims of managing energy stability, the reality on the ground indicates widespread shortages and public dissent. The government’s focus on maintaining international energy agreements at the expense of local necessities showcases a troubling trend that prioritizes foreign relations over domestic welfare, exacerbating the struggles of ordinary Iranians in this harsh winter.
Original Source: www.ncr-iran.org
