OMM Redaksiyası
Iranian Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad has resigned. State media reported that President Masoud Pezeshkian accepted the resignation and appointed Hamid Bovard, chief executive of the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC), as acting minister.
State media reported the development on Sunday but did not give a reason for Paknejad’s resignation. An official from the Presidential Administration said Bovard was appointed acting minister after Pezeshkian accepted the resignation.
Paknejad had served as minister since August 2024
Paknejad had served as Iran’s oil minister since August 2024. He led the energy sector of the OPEC member during a period of economic difficulties and geopolitical tensions.
Iran is facing economic pressure from a conflict with the United States that has continued for seven months. The war has affected the country’s economy, while rising costs have placed a burden on businesses and households.
Bovard to lead ministry on an interim basis
Hours before news of his resignation emerged, Paknejad sought to reassure the public about the country’s oil revenues. State media quoted him as saying: “Revenue from the oil we sell continues to come in and, God willing, this will continue.”
Bovard, who leads NIOC, will head the ministry on an interim basis until a permanent minister is appointed. The oil sector, a major source of revenue for Iran, is affected by conflict, sanctions and instability in the region.
No further information has been provided about the circumstances of Paknejad’s resignation.
