Ali Daqayeqi spoke at a news conference on Saturday during the third day of the 29th International Oil, Gas, Refining & Petrochemical Exhibition (Iran Oil Show 2025).

He said the company operates under the management of the Naftiran Intertrade Company (NICO) and the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC), with its primary mission being the execution of oil and gas projects and field development on land and at sea.

Referring to the in-field drilling of nine wells in South Pars, which began last year, he said the first well started production late last year, adding approximately 2 million cubic meters of gas per day to national output. Drilling of the second well is now underway, and a second rig—currently operated by the Iranian Offshore Oil Company—will soon join the South Pars projects.

Daqayeqi added that multiple onshore projects are in progress, including a 28-reservoir project in the oil-rich southern regions and fields such as Binak, Mansurabad, and Kaboud. New projects are also under review, with technical teams conducting numerous feasibility studies in recent months.

He emphasized that expanding the fleet—particularly offshore drilling rigs and increasing owned rigs—is a major priority. "We’ve held positive talks with NIOC and hope to purchase an offshore drilling rig in the first half of this year," he said. "Petro Iran can play a key role in managing rigs purchased by investors that lack operational capacity."

Regarding this year’s plans for oil and gas field development, he noted constructive negotiations with NIOC on major projects, particularly under the new model of oil contracts. "We hope these agreements will be finalized in the coming months," he said.

Daqayeqi said the second infill well in South Pars is being drilled horizontally using advanced technology. "This is one of our deepest wells, and despite technical complexities, operations are progressing faster than the first well."

On organizational restructuring, he said the company aims to place experts—particularly graduates of the Petroleum University of Technology—in key positions to create a more agile structure. Collaboration with employers, especially in southern oil-rich regions, continues to address project obstacles.

He also announced the revival of semi-active projects like Mansurabad and funding for the Bink project, adding, "Partnering with new technology-based firms is another priority. To this end, we’ve signed an agreement with the Iran University of Science and Technology to utilize technologies like artificial intelligence."