Why it matters:
Iran’s oil exploration in the shallow waters of the Caspian Sea could open new fronts for the securing country's energy sector.
The big picture:
The last exploration well in the Caspian’s shallow waters was drilled in 1997, and deep-sea operations have been suspended since 2014.
Reviving both exploration operations is part of a broader push by Iran to boost its energy independence and explore untapped offshore reserves, especially as international energy markets remain volatile.
What he's saying:
Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad, who inaugurated the operations during the 29th International Oil, Gas, Refining, and Petrochemical Exhibition, emphasized the strategic significance of restarting exploration in Rudsar:
“This drilling marks a renewed commitment to evaluating the Rudsar reservoir structure and developing our offshore energy potential.”
Key points:
- Drilling resumed in Caspian block 18, near Rudsar, in 70 meters of water.
- The exploratory well will reach a final depth of 5,077 meters.
- The project is being led by North Drilling Company.
- Deep-water exploration, paused since 2014, is also on the Ministry of Oil’s agenda, following repairs in Iran's Amir-Kabir platform.
Go deeper:
The restart of oil exploration operations in the shallow waters of the Caspian Sea signals Iran’s intent to diversify oil production and tap underexplored offshore zones.
The Caspian region remains geopolitically sensitive, with overlapping interests from Russia, Azerbaijan, and Turkmenistan.
Iran’s renewed activity could reshape regional energy dynamics and add pressure to global supply debates.
Hossein Vaez
