Prior to departing Tehran for Vienna on Monday morning, Zangeneh said to Shana, “Most OPEC members are our friends but some, despite the fact that we have never shown them any hostility, have chosen to act as the enemies towards the great Iranian nation.”

He said: “Iran supports cooperation with non-OPEC producers, but so long as certain OPEC members create tensions against other members including Iran, an understanding between OPEC and non-OPEC would be meaningless, leaving no space for cooperation and no one would regard contentious OPEC members as bona fide members.”

“OPEC had better ensure understanding between its members first,” he said, adding: “Some neighboring states should stop pugnacity against Iran and appreciate our hand of friendship. Otherwise, and without internal unanimity in OPEC, any other gesture in the origination would be fruitless.”

“An organization, where two members strive to challenge the interests of other members, is doomed to dissolution and talks of OPEC-non-OPEC agreements would be meaningless,” the official added.