Legal Analysis of Sustainable Development and Intergenerational and Transgenerational Considerations in Iran's Oil and Gas Industry

Document Type : ISI

Authors

1 Associate Profesor, Department of Law, Faculty of Law & Political Science, University of Tehran, Iran,

2 PhD Candidate in, Department of Public Law in (Oil and Gas Law), Faculty of Law & Political Scienecs, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

Introduction
The oil and gas industry plays a fundamental role in driving economic growth and shaping social and human development. However, its sustainability has become a major concern due to increasing environmental challenges and the depletion of natural resources. Sustainable development in this sector requires more than mere environmental awareness; it calls for an integrated approach that aligns economic, legal, technical, and social dimensions to ensure that both present and future generations can benefit equitably. In the context of Iran, where the petroleum industry remains a central pillar of the national economy, achieving sustainability depends on adopting a comprehensive and interdisciplinary legal framework that balances resource exploitation with long-term preservation.
This research seeks to analyze the legal aspects of sustainable development in the Iranian oil and gas sector through the TEFCEL model, which captures its multiple dimensions. By identifying and interlinking the economic, legal, technological, and environmental components, the study aims to propose a holistic framework capable of addressing the limitations of fragmented approaches. The ultimate goal is to highlight that true sustainability emerges only when law, policy, and technology converge to create a balanced structure—one that safeguards national interests while ensuring intergenerational and intragenerational equity.
Method
In the present research, legal texts, national regulations, and relevant scholarly literature are examined through a descriptive–analytical legal method. This approach enables a deeper understanding of the legal nature of sustainable development within Iran’s oil and gas sector and allows for the identification of its essential elements and challenges by systematically analyzing existing legal documents and international principles. The theoretical framework of this study is grounded in the principles of public law, particularly those emphasizing intergenerational equity, transparency, and the TEFCEL elements in the application of legal norms related to natural resource management.
Conclusions
This research concludes that the sustainable transformation of Iran’s oil and gas industry requires a paradigm shift from state-centered control toward an adaptive, transparent, and participatory governance model. Sustainable development cannot be realized under rigid institutional structures or static contractual regimes; rather, it depends on the dynamic interaction of legal, economic, environmental, and technological dimensions. Four strategic domains must be redefined to achieve this transformation:
Governance, through the decentralization of state authority and the empowerment of independent regulatory bodies;
Contractual frameworks, emphasizing flexibility, equitable risk allocation, and technology transfer;
Economic structure, focusing on the conversion of oil revenues into productive capital and the expansion of renewable energy investments; and
Technological innovation, prioritizing research, education, and sustainable production practices.
Ultimately, sustainable development in the Iranian petroleum sector can only be achieved through a comprehensive TEFCEL model that integrates all functional dimensions of the industry. Such a model not only reconciles economic growth with environmental protection but also ensures justice across generations—transforming oil wealth from a consumable asset into a foundation for long-term national prosperity.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Journal Of Researches Energy Law Studies
Volume 11, Issue 1
September 2025
Pages 1-25

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