Turkey and Azerbaijan are helping to meet growing industrial demands for energy and minerals in Iran. Contending with seven percent annual growth in electricity consumption, aging infrastructure, frequent power outages and U.S. sanctions, Iran has recently permitted large industrial facilities to import electricity from neighbors Turkey and Azerbaijan, according to the deputy CEO of the state-owned Tavanir company, Mohammad Allahdad. The decision in May marked a significant break from Iran’s long-standing energy self-sufficiency philosophy. Though billed as a short-term solution to stabilize grid operations, it reflects deeper structural problems and a growing openness to regional energy integration.
Iran Turns to Turkey and Azerbaijan Amid Energy Shortages • Stimson Center
