Iran has announced the discovery of more than 7.5 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of natural gas in southern Fars province, adding a major new gas resource to a country that already holds some of the world’s largest natural gas reserves.
Iranian Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad announced the discovery on August 23, 2026, saying the field contains more than 200 billion cubic metres (bcm) of natural gas.
The discovery was reported in southern Fars province, an area with an established oil and gas industry. Paknejad said the newly discovered gas is “sweet”, a classification referring to gas with relatively low levels of hydrogen sulphide.
Iran’s Existing Gas Production
The announcement comes against the backdrop of Iran’s large existing gas industry.
Iran estimated its pre-war natural gas production at approximately 650 million cubic metres per day, equivalent to around 8.4 Tcf per year.
Data from the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) show that Iran produced 275.57 bcm of marketed natural gas in 2024.
Iran is also among the world’s largest holders of natural gas reserves, making the new discovery an addition to an already substantial resource base.
War Has Hit Gas Output
The discovery was announced while Iran continues repairing energy infrastructure damaged during the ongoing conflict.
According to Reuters, Iranian officials said strikes since the war began in late February 2026 had reduced gas production by approximately 230 million cubic metres per day.
In July, a senior Iranian government official said the country expected to restore about 100 million cubic metres per day of natural gas production capacity in the following months.
The repairs are taking place alongside wider efforts to maintain Iran’s energy infrastructure during the conflict.
US Sanctions Add Pressure
The announcement also comes as the United States prepares additional sanctions targeting Iran’s economy and trading relationships.
Reuters reported on August 23 that planned US sanctions could add further pressure on Tehran. Iran has already been subject to extensive US sanctions affecting its energy sector and international trade.
The latest gas discovery is therefore being announced alongside developments affecting Iran’s broader energy industry, including damaged infrastructure and continuing international economic pressure.
Also read: ‘No NRC, No Census’: Meira Paibis Rally Across Imphal As Manipur Protests Intensify
