The latest geopolitical shifts have given Iran a good ground for active moves in its foreign policy, Deputy Director of the Caucasus Institute Sergey Minasyan told ArmInfo on Thursday.
He said that the geopolitical conflict between Russia and the West over Ukraine, the terrifying activities of the ISIL – all this is a good prerequisite for Iran's reconciliation with the West. First of all, Shi'ite Iran can become the West's partner against the ISIL.
"If Iran comes to terms with the US and the EU come on its nuclear program, it will become much stronger in the region and will be able to compete with Turkey, Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states. On the other hand, the EU's wish to become less dependent on Russian gas is pushing it towards Iranian oil and gas. So, Iran, with its huge oil and gas capacities, has all chances to turn into a new energy power," Minasyan said.
He quoted experts as saying that in the years to come Iran will supply Europe with 35bln-62bln c m of gas a year, while its daily oil supplies to the global market may amount to 5mln barrels. "This will be good for the US and the EU, who will become less dependent on Russian fuel, but this will be bad for Iran's relations with Russia. Already today the Russians are showing some changes in their position on Iran's nuclear program, with some experts fearing that at some point the Kremlin may even start torpedoing attempts to achieve progress in the talks," Minasyan said.