The story: Iran’s deputy oil minister has said the Islamic Republic is examining the possibility of exporting natural gas to Europe as the continent moves to end dependency on Russian energy. However, Iranian analysts say there are several barriers to such exports. These obstacles include US extra-territorial sanctions that obstruct foreign investment and target energy sales, not to mention the challenges posed by the high domestic gas consumption in Iran.

The coverage: The Iranian oil ministry’s media affiliate covered comments made by Deputy Petroleum Minister Majid Chegeni on May 15 at the International Oil, Gas, Refining, and Petrochemical Exhibition in Tehran.

• Chegeni said in response to a question about exports of natural gas to Europe, “Iran is studying this matter, but we have not reached a conclusion yet.”...