TEHRAN: Iran’s Oil Minister Javad Owji said on Wednesday that Iranian oil exports will continue regardless of the outcome of the upcoming US presidential election, addressing concerns that a potential return of Donald Trump to the White House could impact Iran’s crude sales.
“Whatever government comes to power in the United States will not be able to prevent Iranian oil exports,” Owji was quoted saying by Iran’s official news agency, IRNA. His comments reflect Iran’s determination to maintain its oil trade despite potential international challenges.
In 2018, then-President Donald Trump withdrew the United States from the 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran and reinstated sanctions that severely impacted Iran’s oil industry. As a result, Iranian oil production plummeted to 2.1 million barrels per day (bpd). However, under the administration of President Joe Biden, who took office in 2021, Iran has gradually increased its oil production to 3.5 million bpd and has significantly boosted its exports.
Owji emphasized that Iran has successfully expanded its oil trade with China, which has helped mitigate the effects of past sanctions and increased its export volumes.
The announcement comes amid a period of political transition in Iran, with a new presidential election scheduled for June 28 following the death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash in May. The outcome of this election could influence Iran’s domestic and international policies, including its oil sector strategies.
In the United States, the presidential election is set for November 5, and the potential return of Trump to power has raised questions about future US-Iran relations and the impact on Iran’s oil exports. Nonetheless, Owji’s statement underscores Tehran’s stance that its oil trade will remain unaffected by changes in US leadership.
