“OPEC’s performance has been successful because the price of oil has risen from $16 in May to around $45 and has stabilised,” Bijan Zanganeh said.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies including Russia, a group known as OPEC+, agreed record output cuts to tackle the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Zanganeh said Iran’s oil industry has signed 13 contracts worth roughly 1.5 billion euros with 14 local firms to enhance and maintain the country’s oil production.

“We welcome the participation of all foreign companies in the development of oil industry projects except companies from Israel, but we will continue our work even without their participation in our projects,” Zanganeh said.

Fearing U.S. penalties, foreign companies have stayed away from investing in Iran. Tehran does not recognise Israel.

REUTERS