“As a country capable of supplying gas in very big volumes, Iran is always willing to be present in Europe’s market, either through pipeline or in LNG form,” Zanganeh told Shana.

He said Iran and European countries started gas talks nine years ago, adding, “As far as I know, these talks have been halted and no chance was provided for the continuation of these talks in recent years.”

Zanganeh said European countries have always shown interest in diversifying their gas resources.

The minister said that Iran would be able to meet domestic demand and have extra gas for exports once new phases of the gigantic South Pars gas field have come on-stream.

Zanganeh said more than 34 billion dollars have been invested in prioritized phases of South Pars.

He added that phases 12, 15&16 and 17&18 are expected to start gas production in the coming years.