Persian Gulf Energy Corridor
Intro
Stretching along Iran’s southern coastline, this corridor integrates refineries, petrochemical facilities, pipelines, and port infrastructures. It is essential for national revenue and global energy markets.
Background
Iranian energy development concentrated in this region throughout the 20th and 21st centuries due to proximity to major reserves and maritime access. The corridor is sensitive to geopolitical tensions involving the United States, Gulf states, and maritime security actors.
History
The corridor evolved through successive modernisation phases during the Pahlavi era and continued under the Islamic Republic. Conflicts, sanctions, and global oil markets shaped its expansion and constraints.
Present Day
The corridor remains central to Iran’s export capabilities. Diversification efforts, including links to the Gulf of Oman, aim to reduce bottleneck vulnerabilities.
Future Outlook
Map
Articles
Why Iran Is Running Out of Water
Iran’s water crisis is driven by groundwater depletion, inefficient agriculture, and climate stress.
Iran’s Retaliation in Cold War Mode
How Tehran could turn confrontation in the Gulf into a strategic cost trap.
Event Timeline
Israeli Strikes in Tehran Killing Larijani
On the night of 16-17 March 2026, Israeli airstrikes in the Tehran area killed Ali Larijani (Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council and de facto leader) and Gholamreza Soleimani (commander of Iran’s internal Basij militia).
Nationalisation of Iranian Oil and the Mossadegh Crisis
From 1951 to 1953, Iran nationalized its oil industry under Prime Minister Mossadegh, leading to an international crisis and the eventual 1953 coup.
Iran Hostage Crisis
In 1979, Iranian students seized the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, holding 52 Americans hostage for 444 days and transforming U.S.-Iran relations.
Iranian Revolution
In 1979, a mass movement removed the Pahlavi monarchy and established the Islamic Republic, redefining Iran’s political and ideological system.
Reform Movement and the Khatami Presidency
From 1997 to 2005, Iran experienced a reform era focused on civic openness, political participation, and institutional debate.
The Green Movement
In 2009, large-scale protests challenged the presidential election outcome, marking one of the most significant political mobilizations since 1979.
Collapse of the Safavid Order and Afghan Conquest of Isfahan
In 1722, Afghan forces from Kandahar captured Isfahan, ending effective Safavid rule and opening a prolonged phase of political fragmentation across Iran.
