Mohammad-Hossein Daneshfar made the remarks Sunday during a visit to the media office of the Ministry of Oil’s Public Relations Department on the final day of the 29th International Oil, Gas, Refining & Petrochemical Exhibition (Iran Oil Show 2025).

Thanking media staff for their efforts, he said: “Initially, we did not expect the drilling operations in the Roudsar structure of Block 18 in the Caspian Sea to receive such significant attention. However, we are pleased it drew domestic interest and even some international reactions.”

Highlighting the importance of expanding operations in the Caspian Sea, he emphasized: “Returning to deepwater drilling in the Caspian is a priority. The semi-submersible platform, fully suspended since 2014, will resume operations after repairs.” He noted that board discussions and planning efforts since November of last year have been directed toward this goal.

Daneshfar also reported 95% progress in the Gorgan Plain seismic project, stating: “The project, which began last November with about 30% progress, is now just 5% away from completion.”

Expressing hope for consolidating Iran’s oil presence in the Caspian Sea, he stressed: “We have been active in this region for years. Despite suspensions since 2013, returning to deepwater operations signifies the reinforcement of our sovereignty in the Caspian and aligns with the developmental activities of neighboring countries.”

The 29th International Oil, Gas, Refining & Petrochemical Exhibition (Iran Oil Show 2025), which opened May 8 at the Tehran Permanent International Fairgrounds, concluded today.