Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian accepted the resignation and appointed NIOC head Hamid Bovard as acting oil minister, according to a statement broadcast by state media outlet IRIB.
State television broadcast an interview with a spokesperson from the Iranian presidential office, who explained that Paknejad had previously offered to step down “due to personal issues”, though his initial departure request was declined.
Pezeshkian initially urged the minister to stay on duty, but ultimately approved the resignation after Paknejad maintained his stance. The president subsequently “commended his efforts and sincere service” following the departure.
The Strait of Hormuz has turned into a major flashpoint during the ongoing Middle East war. Prior to strikes carried out by the United States and Israel against Iran in late February, the vital maritime corridor managed 20 per cent of worldwide crude oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.
In response to Tehran restricting commercial shipping traffic and firing upon vessels deemed to have made unauthorised passages, Washington instituted a counterblockade targeting Iranian ports to halt petroleum exports.
The economic strain caused by American measures previously led to lengthy queues forming outside petrol stations across Tehran and various other Iranian cities.
