Iran-Armenia Energy Plans Focus on Stability Over Sanctions Evasion

Tehran and Yerevan are making progress on several energy-related projects, including turning Armenia into a transit corridor for Iranian gas. Energy security specialist John Roberts says these plans are not about evading international sanctions but rather maintaining stable relations with an important neighbor.

The initiative involves setting up a joint working group on energy between Iran and Armenia, as well as building a refinery to process Iranian crude in Armenia. This would allow Armenia to both use the oil domestically and export it. The project also includes constructing a second border bridge between the two countries.

Roberts points out that similar arrangements exist with other neighboring countries, such as Türkiye, which still has a major gas supply agreement with Iran. He notes that these agreements are more about maintaining economic relationships than evading sanctions.