Iran oil minister resigns amid sanctions and US proposals

Iran’s oil minister, Mohsen Paknejad, has stepped down from his position, with President Masoud Pezeshkian accepting his resignation. The state-owned National Iranian Oil Company’s head, Hamid Bovard, has been appointed as the acting oil minister. The reason behind Paknejad’s resignation remains unclear, though it comes amid increasing pressure on Iran’s oil sector due to U.S. sanctions and a naval blockade.

In related diplomatic developments, Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf revealed that Washington recently sent proposals through a mediator, though he did not provide specific details. Earlier this year, Qalibaf led direct talks with the U.S., noting that American officials often contradict their public statements. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized Tehran’s willingness to continue diplomacy but warned of stronger responses to any renewed military confrontations.

Meanwhile, in Yemen, government forces have launched a major offensive against Iran-backed Houthi rebels, who have been pushing toward the outskirts of Taiz. The Saudi-backed Yemeni government has signaled its intent to confront the rebels, asserting its right to take deterrent measures. Additionally, a British maritime monitor reported explosions near the Bab el-Mandeb strait, though the crew of a commercial tanker involved was reported safe.