Bessent questions Iran oil minister's role amid export halt and US pressure
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has publicly questioned the role of Iran's newly appointed oil minister, Hamid Bovard, after Tehran failed to load any crude oil onto vessels since August 25. In a post on X, Bessent asked, "Considering Iran has not loaded a single barrel of crude onto a vessel since August 25th, what is the oil minister managing?" This criticism follows the resignation of Iran's previous oil minister, Mohsen Paknejad, who cited personal reasons for stepping down.
The leadership change in Iran's oil ministry comes amid intensifying US pressure on the country's energy sector. Bessent also highlighted the sharp decline of Iran's currency, the rial, attributing it to what he called "Operation Economic Outcast." Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump claimed that the Strait of Hormuz has seen a significant recovery in oil traffic, with "millions of barrels" moving through the strategic waterway.
Iranian officials have acknowledged the economic challenges. Central Bank Governor Abdolnaser Hemmati admitted that Iran is facing an "economic war" but asserted that Tehran has strategies to withstand the financial pressure. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf indirectly criticized the US, suggesting that Washington is escalating tensions with Iran at the expense of higher crude prices and other economic issues.