Speaking at the inauguration ceremony for Hamid Bovard as acting oil minister, Aref said the oil industry should remain a cornerstone of Iran’s development plans and take a leading role in implementing technology-based projects.

“The Oil Ministry must not only play an effective role in the country’s development but also lead the implementation of technological projects and accelerate the country’s technological advancement,” Aref said.

He praised the performance of former oil minister Mohsen Paknejad and oil industry managers during what he described as two recent imposed wars, saying their commitment helped maintain the industry’s operations under difficult circumstances.

Aref said Paknejad had made significant contributions to the government during his tenure, including providing 50 trillion rials ($about 50 billion at the government’s cited rate) in five days when the government faced difficulties financing subsidies. He also said the Oil Ministry had provided support for the health and medical sector.

Addressing the leadership transition at the ministry, Aref said management changes should not disrupt the ministry’s performance.

“The changes in management should not cause any damage to the performance of the ministry or other government bodies,” he said, adding that the government expects the Oil Ministry’s performance to improve continuously.

Aref described Bovard as a well-regarded oil industry professional with extensive knowledge of the ministry and expressed confidence that his leadership could contribute to a significant improvement in its performance.

He also said Iran was not concerned about sanctions, arguing that the country had gained experience in dealing with them.

Aref urged the Oil Ministry to strengthen cooperation with universities and expand efforts to train skilled personnel, saying modern conflicts increasingly depend on technology.

He pointed to the approval of 117 technological projects in the oil, gas and petrochemical sectors by a special technology development body and called on the Oil Ministry to take the lead in implementing them.

Aref also said the reconstruction of oil, gas and petrochemical facilities damaged during recent conflicts should be accompanied by modernization and upgrading.

He urged the ministry to continue pressure-boosting projects, accelerate development of shared fields and ensure that national development programs do not fall behind schedule.

“The government stands ready to support the Oil Ministry so that the path ahead can be pursued with greater speed,” Aref said.