Armenia and Russia have agreed on the supply of natural gas from Russia to Iran, according to Vahé Davtyan, a professor and energy security expert. Davtyan raised concerns about Iran’s intention to import natural gas through its shared border with Armenia in the first quarter of next year. The agreement between the two parties is a step towards formalizing the Russian-Iranian “energy dialogue,” which includes broader strategic decisions. One of the significant decisions is the implementation of a gas pipeline in Iran, connecting Russia and Iran and promoting energy security convergence. This program has also attracted Qatar and Turkey, who are competing for a new niche in the global gas market.

The creation of a gas pipeline in Iran brings about a new reality in the global gas market by providing an effective way to supply natural gas to the world’s top gas-consuming countries, namely Russia, Iran, Qatar, and Turkey. These countries, representing 50% of the world’s gas consumption, have agreed to cooperate. However, the United States is considering plans to undermine their dominance by increasing LNG supply and using it as a geopolitical tool.

There are risks associated with energy security, such as the challenges Qatar is facing with its “Southern Gas Corridor” project, aiming to transport Turkish natural gas to Azerbaijan and European markets. Additionally, restrictions on gas exports hinder Russian-Iranian gas cooperation. Nonetheless, discussions about the economic opportunities of gas pipeline construction between Azerbaijan and Russia are ongoing.

In terms of Iran’s interests, it is crucial to implement the “Gas OPEC” to determine market fundamentals, the political landscape, and the use of gas as a geopolitical tool, considering the contributions of its partners to the international market.

For Armenia, the gas pipeline is a priority in ensuring energy security, increasing its regional role, and leveraging Iran’s production potential and international market influence. The pipeline is planned to be constructed through Tsogh and reach Busher in Iran. However, considering the interests of international market participants, the Iranian gas pipeline may become a significant regional resource obstacle.