Addressing the eighth summit of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum in Moscow, Pezeshkian highlighted the impact of geopolitical developments on global energy security.
“The military aggression by the US and the Zionist regime against the Islamic Republic of Iran, carried out on two occasions in the midst of political negotiations, was one of the regrettable and dangerous events threatening global security. By destroying our country’s energy facilities and disrupting energy transmission processes, it has jeopardized energy security and the global economy,” he said.
Economic Terrorism Through a Naval and Air Blockade
Referring to unilateral sanctions, the president stated: “The imposition of unilateral sanctions on countries and the use of economic terrorism by the US against the Islamic Republic of Iran in the form of a naval and air blockade, as well as putting pressure on other countries to comply with this blockade, are further illegal measures that have seriously jeopardized the stability of energy markets. These measures must be condemned by the world’s major energy suppliers and effectively countered.”
US Military Interventions in the Persian Gulf Threaten Global Economic Growth
Pezeshkian also warned about the consequences of Washington’s military presence in the region.
“Today, US military interventions in the Persian Gulf region affect not only regional actors. By causing major shocks, they disrupt the processes of energy pricing, supply and transmission, and threaten economic growth around the world,” he said.
Iran Has Reached Gas Production Capacity of 280bcm by Relying on Domestic Capabilities
Highlighting Iran’s position in the global gas industry, the president said: “Despite years of unilateral sanctions, we have managed to increase Iran’s natural gas production capacity to 280 billion cubic meters by relying on domestic capabilities, while maintaining our position as the world’s third-largest natural gas producer.”
He added: “Iran is also one of the world’s leading countries in natural gas consumption, with gas accounting for 70 per cent of its energy mix. Currently, 95 per cent of Iran’s population is covered by the national natural gas network.”
Foreign Investors Invited to Tap Iran’s Potential Without Concern
Pezeshkian described Iran as the world’s second-largest holder of proven natural gas reserves and one of the founding members of the forum.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran declares its readiness to play a more active role in advancing multilateral diplomacy, exchanging knowledge and experience, and developing investment opportunities in gas infrastructure within the framework of the forum,” he said.
Addressing investors, he added: “Foreign investors can, without concern, benefit from the incentives and facilities offered in the oil, gas and petrochemical industries and make use of Iran’s exceptional potential within a framework of mutual interests.”
Gas Exporting Countries Forum: A Symbol of Multilateral Energy Diplomacy
Concluding his remarks, the president underscored the role of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum.
“Over more than two decades of activity, the Gas Exporting Countries Forum has become a symbol of multilateral gas diplomacy and a platform for dialogue, the exchange of experience and stronger cooperation among member states. It can play an effective role in addressing the world’s energy problems and bottlenecks,” he said.
