Iranian Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad’s visit to Kharg Island comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and Israel, following Iran’s missile attacks launched in retaliation for the deaths of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Iranian General Abbas Nilforoushan in a strike attributed to Israel.
Israel has since indicated that it is preparing a response to these developments, which has raised concerns about possible military actions, including airstrikes on strategic sites such as Iran’s vital oil facilities.
Kharg Island, which is Iran’s main oil export terminal, is a crucial part of the country’s oil infrastructure, and any attacks on it would significantly impact Iran’s oil exports.
Despite these concerns, Paknejad downplayed the risks during his visit, stating on state television that the trip was part of normal business operations and expressing confidence that Iran could manage any potential crisis.
Kharg Island, located on the Gulf, is home to Iran’s largest crude oil export terminal.
During his visit, Paknejad also met with Mohammad Hossein Bargahi, the Guards’ naval commander for the region, IRNA state news agency reported.
Paknejad hailed the Guards for “continuous efforts in maintaining the security” of Iranian oil platforms in the Gulf, the agency added.
Paknejad’s visit follows Israel’s announcement that it was preparing a response to Iran’s missile attack Tuesday on its territory.
On Thursday, US President Joe Biden said he was “in discussions” with Israel about possible strikes on oil facilities in Iran.
Following the statement, oil prices surged.
But on Friday Biden advised Israel against striking Iran’s oil facilities, telling it to find “other alternatives”.
Following the Israeli threats, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Saturday warned of “a proportional and similar reaction from Iran, and even stronger” should Israel strike Iran.
AFP
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