Despite being home to massive oil and gas reserves, Iran’s energy sector has been far from steady over the past few decades. Iranian energy has had more than its fair share of ups and downs thanks to extended periods of political turmoil following the major upset of the Iranian Revolution of 1978 and 1979, but even since the premiership of Mohammad Mossadegh in the 1950s patterns of volatility can be seen in the nation’s energy history. Now, thanks to the United States’ decision to fully reinstate sanctions on Iran since November 4th, Iran is likely to hit another, tougher rough patch when it comes to maintaining and further developing its high-potential, long-suffering energy industry. The political turmoil is not limited to Iran’s relationship with the United States–there is also considerable tension between the current Rouhani administration and its Iranian constituents, with longtime rivals in the Middle East, and different […]