In his message, Paknejad said that in the vast and strategic oil industry, which is constantly exposed to natural hazards, industrial risks and even enemy threats, observing safety and firefighting regulations is not only an operational necessity but also a cornerstone of energy security and sustainability.

He praised oil industry workers for their perseverance in maintaining production and managing emergencies during the recent 12-day war, noting that they showed readiness to sacrifice for the nation and energy facilities without expectation of reward. Their bravery, he said, revived memories of firefighters’ sacrifices in 1980.

Paknejad stressed that discipline, awareness and courage among firefighters and safety staff were key to sustaining production, successfully managing incidents and protecting employees and equipment during the crisis. He also warned that the experience underscored how energy infrastructure, especially in oil and gas, remains a prime target of military threats, making comprehensive preparedness essential.

Referring to several recent operational and process incidents, he said the need to follow safety protocols is once again clear. Safety, he added, must remain a vital priority and a shared responsibility, guiding all actions to achieve the goal of a “sustainable and incident-free oil industry.”

Paknejad concluded by honoring the memory of fallen firefighters and expressing gratitude for the dedication of all firefighters and safety specialists. He voiced hope that by strengthening preventive approaches, embedding safety into organizational processes, upgrading firefighting fleets, improving emergency preparedness and promoting a culture of safety, the oil industry will move toward greater resilience and protection of national interests.