Speaking at a joint meeting with contractors and private sector experts involved in exploratory drilling operations on Sunday, Jafari highlighted the importance of such collaborative sessions.

"These meetings provide an opportunity to identify challenges and issues in drilling project contracts through consultation and collaboration, minimizing operational and financial risks for contractors," he said.

"By addressing these obstacles and adding new onshore and offshore rigs to our exploration fleet, the pace of hydrocarbon discovery will increase."

Jafari stressed that exchanging ideas and fostering collaboration are key to maximizing the technical capabilities of all parties involved in drilling operations, which is crucial for accelerating progress in oil industry projects.

He also underscored the importance of workforce training as a critical component of project execution. "Inadequate training and oversight in safety protocols can lead to irreversible harm to human capital and disrupt project timelines," Jafari said.

"Therefore, comprehensive, timely, and high-quality training, along with updated technical and safety protocols, is essential. Proper supervision of safety activities is also necessary to prevent such issues."

According to the report, contractors at the meeting raised concerns about operational risks in drilling activities and called for solutions to improve drilling operations and reduce waiting times.