Energy
Iran Misses Out on Caspian Oil and Gas Boom
While the Caspian Sea has emerged as a major hub for hydrocarbon development over the past three decades, Iran—despite being a coastal nation—is largely absent from the regional energy scene.
Latest Articles
Energy
Iran’s Use of Polluting Fuel Oil Tripled in Six Years, Leaked Report Shows
Iran’s domestic consumption of mazut — one of the dirtiest fossil fuels — has more than tripled in the past six years, according to a classified Oil Ministry report obtained by Iran Open Data.
Population
Khamenei Shifts Rhetoric After Israeli Strike
A data analysis of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s speeches reveals a striking shift in his language following Israel’s surprise attack on June 13. The rhetorical pivot suggests a broader change in tone — and possibly, political strategy.
Energy
Bushehr nuclear plant: Costly build, limited output
Despite official claims of global excellence, Iran’s only operational nuclear power plant in Bushehr has underperformed in both energy output and return on investment.
Population
Khamenei Among Oldest, Longest-Ruling Rulers Worldwide
Ali Khamenei, 86, is now among the oldest and longest-ruling authoritarian rulers in the world. For nearly four decades, he has held absolute authority in Iran — and amid the country’s war with Israel, he remains the commander-in-chief of the armed forces.
Budget and Government Spending
IOD Special: Iran’s Nuclear Program, A Multi-Trillion-Dollar Strategic Misfire
For over 15 years, Iran’s nuclear program drained billions and cost the economy up to $3 trillion in lost opportunities. Now, that costly pursuit has culminated in a devastating war with Israel.
Energy
Iran’s Energy Lifeline Faces New Risk After Israeli Strikes
Israeli drone strikes on key gas sites have exposed major cracks in Iran’s energy armor, threatening up to 10% of its processing capacity. Now all eyes are on Kharg Island — the lifeline for 90% of Iran’s oil exports — as fears grow of a far more crippling blow.
Banking and Finance
Iran’s Sovereign Wealth Fund Crumbles Amid Deepening Fiscal Mismanagement
Iran’s National Development Fund (NDF) has effectively ceased to function as a sovereign wealth entity, according to a damning new report by the Iranian Parliament’s Research Center.
Budget and Government Spending
Iran’s $120M Propaganda Budget Dwarfs Core Government Services
The Iranian government has allocated over 86 trillion rials (approximately $120 million) to Islamic propaganda in its 2025 budget — more than eight times the funding for civil aviation.
Energy
Iran Quietly Using Banned Chemicals in Gasoline to Plug Fuel Gap
Iran is increasingly blending hazardous petrochemicals—some banned in other countries—into its gasoline supply to offset production shortfalls, according to confidential documents obtained by Iran Open Data.
Economic Sector
Iran’s Nutrition Crisis Deepens: Meat and Dairy Consumption Plummet Amid Rising Poverty
Iran is experiencing a severe nutritional decline, highlighted by drastic reductions in meat and dairy consumption. In contrast to global trends, red meat consumption in Iran has plunged, down 40% over the past decade.
Energy
Iran’s Grid Faces Historic Power Deficit — Officials Warn of “Fan and Water Jug” Summer
Iran is facing a deepening electricity crisis, with a record 25,000-megawatt shortfall threatening homes, businesses, and the national grid itself. Daily blackouts are already becoming the norm, and with summer looming, energy officials are sounding the alarm.