Saman Ghodousi, director general of public relations and spokesperson for Iran's Oil Ministry, highlighted a message conveyed by Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad in an article published in the state-run newspaper Iran.

In a post on the social media platform X, Ghodousi said the minister's message was clear: Iran is open to Western investment opportunities and will maintain its partnerships with Eastern countries, but the country will continue advancing its energy projects regardless of external participation.

"We are ready for Western investment and will continue cooperation with the East," Ghodousi wrote. "However, nothing will cause us to sit back and wait for others, nor will the prospect of foreign investment weaken our operational resolve."

The remarks underscore the Oil Ministry's position that foreign investment can play a constructive role in the development of Iran's energy sector, while emphasizing that domestic capabilities and ongoing projects will remain the foundation of the country's oil and gas industry strategy.