Oil and gas

03/04/2021 Asalouyeh, Iran. A view of refinery No. 2 (Phases 2, 3) of the? South Pars Gas-Condensate field in Asalouyeh Seaport, north of the Persian? Gulf in Iran.The South Pars Gas-Condensate field, the world's largest natural gas field, is shared with Qatar (North Dome) (Photo by Saeid Arabzadeh / Middle East Images / Middle East Images via AFP) (Photo by SAEID ARABZADEH/Middle East Images /AFP via Getty Images)

Analysis

New nuclear deal is no silver bullet for Iran's untapped gas reserves

Iran has an estimated 32 trillion cubic meters of natural gas reserves, but it has been unable to exploit them under the weight of international sanctions.

In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech

Iranians ride their motorbike past a huge banner of former Iran Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani ahead of the sixth anniversary of his assassination, in Tehran, Dec. 31, 2025.

Analysis

Why IRGC’s shadow empire is set to endure even as Iran’s economy spirals

With the ability to operate clandestinely, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps wields significant power across Iran's most important sectors — insulating the organization from current economic turmoil, according to experts.

Samuel Wendel

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Platform Edith, the largest of Chevron's USA's offshore production platforms, is seen off the southern California coast, on Oct. 6, 2021.

Syria to develop first offshore oil, gas field with US’s Chevron, Qatar’s UCC

In 2013, Russian firm Soyuzneftegaz signed a deal to explore for oil and gas in Syrian waters, but the project was dropped two years later due to the civil war.

YASSER AL-ZAYYAT / AFP via Getty Images

Kuwait to open offshore oil, gas fields to foreign firms: What to know

The Gulf country and OPEC member has made significant oil and gas discoveries since 2023.

Latest News

How US-India trade deal could impact Mideast energy, trade routes

US President Donald Trump shakes hands with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a joint press conference in the East Room of the White House in Washington, on Feb. 13, 2025.

UAE’s MBZ reportedly cancels Japan visit amid US-Iran standoff: What to know

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan arrives for a welcoming ceremony prior to talks with the Russian president at the Kremlin in Moscow, on Jan. 29, 2026.

United Arab Emirates

US-Iran tensions fan oil disruption fears as Gulf states confront retaliation risks

A general view of Saudi Aramco's Abqaiq oil processing plant on Sept. 20, 2019.

Oil climbs above $70 a barrel, hitting five-month high on Iran tensions

Old chemical barrels.

The headquarters of the UAE's state oil company, ADNOC, Dubai, July 27, 2022.

Analysis

After $20B deals unravel, will Gulf oil majors scale back abroad?

International deals pursued by Saudi Aramco and the UAE's ADNOC have collapsed in recent weeks, adding fresh complications for both national oil companies amid their drive to grow in new markets.

Samuel Wendel

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Mohammad Eslami, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, speaks during the 69th annual International Atomic Energy Agency general conference on Sept. 15, 2025, in Vienna, Austria.

Iran's nuclear chief in Moscow, eyes nuclear power plant deal with Russia

Mohammad Eslami’s visit comes just a week after Russia’s energy minister was in Tehran, and a month after the CEO of Rosatom confirmed ongoing negotiations with Iran to build new nuclear plants in the country.

The tallest solar power tower in the world at 260 meters is pictured at the concentrated solar thermal power Noor Energy 1 solar complex at Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, about 50 kilometers south of Dubai, on July 19, 2025.

IEA report: Mideast electricity generation to rise 50% by 2035 as renewables expand

The International Energy Agency said that oil and gas remain the main sources of energy in the Middle East and North Africa, but noted the region’s rising investment in alternatives and renewable energy potential.

Adam Lucente

By Adam Lucente

In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change

DIMITAR DILKOFF/AFP via Getty Images

As EU tries to wean off Russian gas, pipeline imports via Turkey rise

The European Union is importing more Russian gas via Turkey despite efforts to end imports from Russia.

ADNOC headquarters is pictured in this undated image, in Abu Dhabi.

ADNOC’s XRG abandons $18.7B takeover bid for Australia’s Santos

The consortium led by XRG made an $18.7 billion nonbinding indicative proposal in June to acquire Santos in an all-cash deal worth 8.89 Australian dollars ($5.76) per share.

In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech

This picture shows pumpjacks in an oil field and smoke plumes rising in the background, following reported Turkish drone strikes near the town of al-Qahtaniyah in Syria's northeastern Hasakah province, close to the border with Turkey, on Nov. 23, 2022.

Exclusive

UK-based oil firm victim of standoff between Damascus, Syria’s Kurds

Gulfsands Managing Director John Bell outlines his company’s plans and Syria’s energy prospects in an exclusive interview.

Amberin Zaman

By Amberin Zaman

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

Al Drago/Getty Images

US sanctions network smuggling Iranian oil diguised as Iraqi: What to know

The move come on the heels of the E3’s push to reimpose UN sanctions on Iran.

HUSSEIN FALEH/AFP via Getty Images

Syria exports first oil in 14 years after sanctions lifted: What to know

The shipment marks a major step forward for Syria, which has been embroiled in a civil war for 14 years and under Western sanctions for more than four decades.

Saudi companies signed agreements with Syria’s Ministry of Energy during the kingdom’s participation in the Damascus International Fair in Damascus, on Aug. 28, 2025.

ACWA Power, TAQA among Saudi firms backing Syria's energy comeback

Some 14 years of civil war have wiped at least $800 billion from the country’s gross domestic product, according to UN figures.

Saudi Investment Minister Khalid al-Faleh speaks during the fourth edition of the Future Investment Initiative (FII) conference at the capital Riyadh's Ritz-Carlton hotel on Jan. 27, 2021.

In China, Saudi investment minister looks to build on $100B+ trade ties

China is the kingdom’s largest trade partner, with bilateral trade between the two reaching roughly $107.5 billion in 2024.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, right, meets with US Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy to Syria Tom Barrack, in Baabda, east of Beirut, July 7, 2025.

Analysis

Lebanon key to Trump plan for turnaround in Middle East

The final "This Week" column reflects on US policy toward Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Gaza.

Andrew Parasiliti

By Andrew Parasiliti

In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, national security

Oil tankers and cranes at Merchants Harbor, Saint Petersburg, Russia.

Analysis

As Trump plays Russia oil sanctions gambit, will Middle East profit or pay?

A potential US crackdown on Russian oil buyers could disrupt global trade flows — and the Middle East stands to both benefit and lose.

Samuel Wendel

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech