WANA (Jun 11) – Iran’s Oil Minister has denied reports claiming a decline in the country’s oil sales, stating that such claims are unfounded.

 

Speaking to reporters, Mohsen Paknejad addressed the latest developments regarding the Arash joint oil field, saying: “From the Ministry of Oil’s perspective, the Arash field is technically suitable for the installation of drilling rigs.”

 

He added: “Naturally, before any operational steps are taken, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs must first pursue the matter diplomatically—through negotiations to determine maritime boundaries and reach a mutual understanding.”

 

The oil minister emphasized that once the Ministry of Foreign Affairs gives its green light, the Ministry of Oil stands ready to begin development operations in the Iranian section of the Arash field.

 

Regarding oil exports to Afghanistan, Paknejad clarified: “We have not exported crude oil to Afghanistan. However, there has been some diesel fuel transit, primarily coming from Turkmenistan and also from Iran’s western borders. This process is ongoing and there are no issues between Iran and Afghanistan in this regard.”

 

These remarks follow reports by some media outlets claiming that Iran’s oil exports to China—its largest oil customer—had declined, stating that in May 2025, Iran’s oil exports to China dropped to 1.1 million barrels per day.