Ali-Mohammad Mousavi stated that increasing the exchange of oil and gas carriers through energy diplomacy is one of the strategies being pursued to address energy imbalances.

The oil industry is inherently international, and global changes directly and indirectly affect production levels, supply and demand, as well as the price of black gold. Therefore, attention to international relations in this field is essential. This is particularly significant for Iran, which holds the largest oil and gas reserves in the world. Additionally, Iran's strategic position in the Middle East further underscores the importance of focusing on regional and international relations.

Mousavi, noted that in 2025, Iran will simultaneously hold the rotating presidency of the OPEC Conference and the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF).

He mentioned that the Iranian Oil Minister will chair two regular ministerial meetings of the OPEC Conference, and Iran will actively participate as the rotating president of the OPEC Ministerial Conference at the 9th International OPEC Seminar in 2025.

The active involvement of the Ministry of Petroleum's delegation in regular and extraordinary OPEC+ ministerial meetings will be among the ministry's key international programs for the year.

He emphasized that the more successful Iran is in its foreign diplomacy and the broader its connections with other countries, the greater the potential for attracting foreign investment.

Detailed discussion on international developments in the oil industry in 1403 and plans for 1404 follows:

The Iranian oil industry experienced significant developments on the international stage in 1403. What were the major achievements in the oil industry during 1404?

The Ministry of Oil achieved numerous successes in 1403, particularly in the latter half of the year, including ensuring energy supply for the population during an exceptionally cold winter. Additionally, energy diplomacy was a priority for the ministry, with the Oil Minister holding meetings with foreign officials. Key meetings included those with the Secretary-General of OPEC, the Secretary-General of the GECF, the Deputy Prime Minister of Russia, the Russian Energy Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister of Azerbaijan, the Minister of Energy and Water of Tajikistan, and others.

Undoubtedly, the successful hosting of the GECF Ministerial Meeting on December 9, 2024, during a period of significant regional developments, with the notable presence of ministers from member and observer countries, was one of the Ministry of Petroleum's most important achievements in energy diplomacy. Concurrently, Iran's assumption of the presidency of both the OPEC Conference and the GECF Ministerial Meeting marked a major milestone in the international oil and gas sector. For 2025, increased energy diplomacy through planned bilateral and multilateral meetings is on the agenda.

What are your key plans for 1404 to strengthen Iran's international position?

The first step is the International Oil, Gas, and Petrochemical Exhibition in May, for which some international coordination and invitations to foreign guests have already been arranged and are being followed up. Additionally, developing oil and gas relations by identifying opportunities for increased cooperation with target countries is a priority for 2025. Other plans include the Iranian Oil Minister chairing two regular OPEC ministerial meetings, Iran's active participation as the rotating president of the OPEC Ministerial Conference at the 9th International OPEC Seminar, active involvement in regular and extraordinary OPEC+ ministerial meetings, strengthening the presence and role of Iran's Ministry of Petroleum representatives in OPEC and OPEC+ activities at various levels, and enhancing technical and expert cooperation with OPEC's research department in the context of global oil and energy market developments.

Given the defined goals, what do you see as the main challenges in achieving them, and what strategies are planned to address these challenges?

Similar to the previous year, energy imbalance remains one of the most significant challenges facing the country. To address this, plans have been made to increase the exchange of oil and gas carriers through energy diplomacy. However, I firmly believe that serious policies must be implemented to reduce demand, as no matter how much production increases, the rapid rise in domestic demand will negate its effects.

In light of global energy developments, what are Iran's policies to maintain and increase its share in global markets?

Global energy developments are continuously monitored and analyzed, and appropriate strategies and policies are being formulated. Additionally, regular meetings with relevant stakeholders within the Ministry of Petroleum and other domestic and international organizations, including OPEC, GECF, and the International Energy Forum (IEF), are ongoing.

Furthermore, increasing diplomatic engagement with OPEC and OPEC+ member countries, focusing on oil-producing nations at regional and international levels (with priority given to Iraq, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, and Algeria), is a key strategy. This includes discussions on OPEC+ agreements and challenges facing the market and oil-producing countries. Iran aims to solidify its position as OPEC's third-largest oil producer (after Saudi Arabia and Iraq) by maintaining and increasing daily crude oil production and boosting its share in OPEC's total output. Active and strategic participation in all OPEC+ supervisory and expert meetings is also a priority to stay informed about reports and decisions.

Regarding the GECF, one of Iran's key policies in developing the gas industry is increasing gas exploration, particularly in shared offshore and onshore areas, boosting investments to enhance production, and improving the capacity to export natural gas and LNG. Strategically, expanding gas diplomacy with neighboring gas producers and consumers, enhancing scientific cooperation and technological development, and pursuing joint ventures, especially in investments, are key priorities for Iran. Membership and participation in the GECF will be leveraged to achieve these goals.

Iran ranks first in the world in combined oil and gas reserves. For this capacity to translate into production and increased global trade share, investment plays a crucial role. What are your plans for attracting domestic and foreign investment in the oil industry in the new year?

The more successful we are in foreign diplomacy and the broader our international connections, the greater the potential for attracting foreign investment. This is a priority for us, and we are actively pursuing it. Additionally, necessary facilitations must be made, and legal, financial, and banking obstacles must be removed to create a conducive environment for foreign investment. For domestic investment, investment and business management in the main companies of the Ministry of Petroleum are being addressed, and this department is ready to cooperate fully in this regard.

How do you spend the Nowruz holidays? Do you have time to rest, or are you still engaged in oil industry matters?

The oil industry is a continuous and dynamic sector with no holidays. Our dedicated colleagues in oil and gas operational areas work 24/7 throughout the year, managing oil and gas facilities. We at the headquarters always support them. Given that the New Year coincides with the Nights of Qadr, I won't have the usual holidays this year, but I will spend time visiting family and paying respects to the families of martyrs.

This is my first year serving at the Ministry of Petroleum, and I haven't experienced a Nowruz in the oil industry before. However, whenever the topic of Nowruz holidays comes up, I think of our committed colleagues in the operational areas who work tirelessly, often away from their families, on oil and gas platforms in the continental shelf islands, Asaluyeh, and other parts of the country.

What is your Nowruz message for the oil industry employees and the people of Iran?

I hope that in 1404, we will witness significant achievements in the oil industry, similar to previous years, and that the limitations imposed by unjust sanctions in recent years will be lifted. May we see substantial progress and positive transformations in Iran's vast oil and gas industry.