Pezeshkian: OPEC members unity to offset US sanctions on oil producers
Iran’s oil exports hit record high in decade, minister says
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Wednesday called for unity among OPEC member states to foil attempts by the United States to impose sanctions on oil producers.
“I believe that if OPEC members stand united and act cohesively, the US will not be able to sanction or pressure any single member.” Pezeshkian told Haitham al-Ghais, the secretary-general of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, in Tehran, according to IRNA.
“Keeping OPEC out of political games is a key principle,” he added.
The president urged OPEC members to “operate in a way that their actions do not harm one another.”
Ghais hailed Iran’s “positive role” in the organization as one of the founding members of OPEC.
“I have tried to steer OPEC toward securing the interests of all members while ensuring market stability and sustainability,” he said.
“We have worked to strengthen cooperation among member countries, treating one another like a family in the pursuit of collective interests,” the OPEC chief added.
Ghais noted that improved relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia, as two key OPEC members, enabled the organization to play a more powerful role in the market than ever before.
Unilateral sanctions destabilize oil markets
Iran’s Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad also held talks with Ghais during which he warned that “unilateral sanctions” against major oil producers would threaten global energy market stability and harm consumers worldwide.
Paknejad stated that depoliticizing the oil market is critical for energy security, particularly for the oil market and its stakeholders.
He argued that imposing unilateral sanctions on major oil producers and pressuring OPEC directly undermines the stability of oil and energy markets, ultimately hurting consumers globally.
During the meeting, Paknejad highlighted the historical role of OPEC+ member countries in ensuring market stability and supporting global economic growth.
He praised the OPEC for fostering solidarity among OPEC+ producers and promoting constructive engagement with energy consumers worldwide.
The minister stressed the importance of continuing this collaborative approach, noting that the OPEC and non-OPEC cooperation framework, built on fundamental principles, has created a model for sustainable and stable relations among member countries.
This cooperation, he said, has been instrumental in supporting and maintaining long-term stability in the global oil market.
Paknejad, who will chair the OPEC Conference in 2025, reiterated that depoliticizing the oil market is essential for energy security.
He warned that unilateral sanctions and pressure on OPEC destabilize oil and energy markets, harming consumers across the globe.
The minister also pointed to the challenges facing the global oil industry, particularly the need for investment in upstream and downstream sectors to ensure energy security in both supply and demand.
Paknejad attributed concerns among major energy consumers about market stability and supply security to political decisions aimed at pressuring OPEC+ and imposing regulatory restrictions on new investments in the oil industry’s upstream sector.
As one of OPEC’s founding members, Iran remains committed to supporting the organization’s decisions to achieve sustainable market stability, Paknejad said.
In his role as OPEC Conference President in 2025, he pledged to strengthen unity among member countries and enhance cooperation with non-OPEC allies to benefit oil producers’ interests.
Iran breaks 10-year oil export record
On the sidelines of a cabinet meeting Wednesday Paknejad announced that Iran broke a 10-year record in oil exports last month, attributing the achievement to the efforts of oil industry workers and strong will.
Paknejad said that the milestone was reached in January despite ongoing sanctions.
“I am pleased to share this good news with the people of Iran,” Paknejad said. “With the hard work of our oil industry employees, the 10-year oil export record was broken this January.”
He also revealed that one of the largest contracts in the history of Iran’s oil industry will soon be signed in the presence of the president.
The details of the contract, which addresses a key demand of both the public and officials, will be disclosed to the people after its signing.
Regarding the ministry’s plans to counter sanctions, Paknejad emphasized that Iran is prepared to achieve its goals under any circumstances, whether sanctions remain in place or are lifted.
“Necessary measures have been taken to address maximum pressure, and this strategy has failed,” he said.