[haffast]

The pipeline situation may be a good motivation for Iran to acquire Iraqi soil in the Kurdistan Region (see map below). Iran needs new access to oil energy. But, it is not the only motivation. I can see Iran expanding its power through northern Iraq through Syria, to the Mediterranean for port access. That would give Iran military access for more sinister efforts.

I'm not a ME expert, nor did I stay in a Holiday Inn last night.

Iran is not "seeking access to oil energy", it wants to continue selling the oil and natural gas it has to Europe.

The US and its allies (Europe) consider Iran a state supporter of terrorism and has applied economic sanctions on them to choke the ever loving nuclear crap out of them. Iran's economy is a mess. Their people are suffering.

Until Iran gives up the nukes, Europe's not buying, and not a market for Iran's oil. Iran has no need for a pipeline right now, and no funds to build it.

The uses and limits of Iran sanctions By David Frum, CNN Contributor
updated 10:35 AM EDT, Mon October 15, 2012
http://www.cnn.com/2012/10/15/opinion/frum-iran-sanctions

A History Of U.S. Sanctions Against Iran
January 17, 2012
http://usforeignpolicy.about.com/od/alliesenemies/a/A-History-Of-U-S-Sanctions-Against-Iran.htm

Israel is our largest export market in the region and our closest ally. We'll $ide with them and promote the development of their newly found natural ga$/oil wealth.

[jonrick46]

Iran’s electricity production is growing about eight percent a year. It has struggled to keep up with demand and has used that problem to justify its nuclear program. It does have a large amount of oil and natural gas, but would rather sell it to other countries. So, a pipeline would make sense for such exports. My idea that the pipeline would bring oil and natural gas into Iran was mistaken.

Iran says it wants to make use of nuclear technology for electricity. The Iranian government argues that seven gigawatts of nuclear power generation would free up 190 million barrels per year of oil, equivalent to 13 percent of the country’s current production, or $7 billion annually (depending on what the market price is). However, if Iran would put more investment in its fossil fuel resources, it would meet its energy needs as well as its export supply in a way that is more economical than a reliance on nuclear energy. Also, Iran does not calculate the fact of its limited Uranium capacity. It will soon run out of Uranium and will need to import enough to meet its needs.

I now see the pipeline running through Iraq and into Syria as a strategic component to Iran’s future energy market.