Iran is exporting gas to Iraq while its citizens face serious shortages amid winter. Despite U.S. sanctions and Iraq’s unpaid debts, officials assert that these exports will persist. The situation reflects a significant energy crisis in Iran, where many remain without heating as the government prioritizes foreign contracts over local needs, leading to public dissent.
Iran continues to prioritize gas exports to Iraq despite significant domestic gas shortages amid harsh winter conditions affecting millions of its citizens. Iranian authorities, led by the National Iranian Gas Company’s CEO Saeed Tavakoli, have confirmed the ongoing gas supply, even in the face of U.S. sanctions and Iraq’s $11 billion debt for past energy imports.
Tavakoli emphasized that Iran had extended a long-term export contract with Iraq, suggesting that the U.S. sanctions did not broadly impact these transactions. He asserted that 72% of gas production is still consumed domestically, yet many citizens face challenges due to gas shortages and power outages, with inadequate heating during extreme cold events.
The Iranian government’s commitment to energy agreements with Iraq raises concerns, particularly given Baghdad’s failure to resolve its multi-billion-dollar debt. Iraqi officials have indicated that payments are pending due to international sanctions, hindering any alternative energy solutions while Iraq remains reliant on Iranian gas imports.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent memorandum revoked Iraq’s exemption from sanctions that allowed for Iranian gas imports, exacerbating regional energy supply concerns. Experts predict that without immediate alternatives, Iraq could face protests, further destabilizing the region as Iraqi officials struggle to meet the demand for the gas they typically receive from Iran.
Compounding these issues, Iranian citizens contend with an increasingly dire energy crisis, requiring the closure of government offices and schools. In contrast, the regime’s focus on maintaining gas exports to Iraq has only intensified public dissatisfaction as priorities appear misaligned, leading to growing unrest in the populace amid freezing temperatures.
The context of this article revolves around Iran’s energy crisis, where the country, despite holding substantial natural gas reserves, struggles to meet domestic demand. This paradox is heightened by the regime’s policies favoring international gas exports over local supply. Amid sanctions and financial debts affecting bilateral energy transactions, the situation highlights the broader political and economic instability within the region, particularly concerning Iraq’s reliance on Iranian gas. The article sheds light on the implications of U.S. sanctions on Iraq’s ability to import gas legally, which not only affects Iraq’s energy supply but also intensifies social tensions within both countries. As Iranian households face repeated blackouts and shortages, the government’s strategy of prioritizing export agreements collectively poses significant challenges.
In summary, Iran’s decision to maintain gas exports to Iraq despite its own citizens facing severe shortages illustrates a significant disconnect between government policies and domestic needs. The continuation of these exports amidst rising challenges raises questions about the prioritization of international relations over citizen welfare. As energy crises deepen, public frustration mounts, revealing the potential for civil unrest driven by unmet energy demands.
Original Source: www.ncr-iran.org
