Iranian Oil Minister: Oil Exports Continued Despite War, Blockade

Sana'a: Iranian Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad confirmed on Thursday evening that his country's crude oil exports did not cease throughout the 40-day war, noting that sales and deliveries continued despite the military situation and the naval blockade. According to Yemen News Agency, Paknejad stated that oil exports continued from February 28th until the announcement of the temporary ceasefire. He emphasized that the oil sector maintained its operations despite several of its facilities being bombed and a number of its workers being killed. He explained that Iran took special measures to ensure the continued export and delivery of oil to buyers, pointing to the transfer of large quantities of crude oil during periods of calm to areas far from the blockade zones. In a related context, the minister confirmed the continuation of projects to increase oil and gas production, noting the commencement of a project to raise oil production by 250,000 barrels per day, of which approximately 70,000 to 80,000 barrels per day have been achieved so far. He also noted the continued development work at the South Pars field, where more than 30 new wells have entered the production phase, contributing to an increase in natural gas production.