In a message marking Passive Defense Week, Paknejad highlighted the importance of passive defense in the country’s strategic energy sectors.

“Dear colleagues, Passive Defense Week is an opportunity to reaffirm the importance and necessity of this vital principle in the strategic oil, gas, and petrochemical industries,” he wrote. “Passive defense encompasses all non-military measures—based on natural, technical, and engineering methods—that reduce the vulnerability of facilities, equipment, and personnel to threats, ensuring the continuity and stability of production.”

Paknejad praised the dedication of industry workers, noting that the oil sector has stood firm as both the driving force of the national economy and a defensive stronghold against external pressures.

He expressed appreciation to employees who, during the recent “12-Day Sacred Defense,” protected the nation’s energy infrastructure through their relentless efforts in oil and gas fields, refineries, petrochemical complexes, and distribution networks.

“When the enemy targeted our nation’s peace, oil industry personnel demonstrated the true meaning of passive defense—maintaining services under the toughest conditions,” he said. “Thanks to their sacrifices, the supply of gas and fuel to our people was never interrupted, not even for a moment.”

Calling the achievement a lasting chapter in Iran’s oil industry, Paknejad said it was made possible through precise planning, resilient infrastructure, and above all, skilled and committed personnel. “You have proven that hardware alone cannot guarantee resistance—it is the iron will and devotion of our workforce that form the most unbreakable shield against any threat,” he added.

He urged all managers and operational units to strengthen passive defense practices by reviewing lessons from the 12-day conflict, identifying areas for improvement, and updating emergency response, crisis recovery, and business continuity plans.

Quoting Iran’s Supreme Leader, he concluded, “Implement effective measures in the field of passive defense.”

Paknejad wished continued success and good health to all oil industry employees.