Speaking to reporters following a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, the official said announcing such information about the amount of Iran’s oil exports requires permissions from authorities.

“It is not clear why some persons disclose such information as it is not in line with national interests of the country,” he added.

The official further stated that he did not have a private meeting with his Saudi counterpart in Vienna earlier this month, adding during the 176th meeting of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), he had simply greeted with Khalid al Falih.