UN

I cut my teeth doing energy-related deals in the Soviet Union and still spend a lot of time consulting in Russia and the Caspian Sea basin. These days, my work takes me all over the globe. But the part of the world where my career began still holds the key for future oil supplies.

Especially the Caspian.

This land-locked body of water borders five countries, each having major oil-and-gas reserves.

One of those countries is Iran - the focus of the latest problem that's cropped up in the global energy sector.

And that "problem" - Iran oil sanctions - is certain to bring about an increase in the price of crude oil.