Iranian Oil Minister Rostam Qasemi says the imposition of anti-Iran sanctions is indicative of the country’s might, emphasizing that such ‘antagonistic’ measures prompt further progress for the nation, especially in the oil industry.

Addressing a graduation ceremony for students at Abadan’s Petroleum College on Wednesday, Qasemi added that despite the sanctions on Iran during the nation’s eight-year sacred defense against the Iraqi imposed war in the 1980’s, committed employees of the oil industry fought alongside Iranian soldiers and demonstrated their rightful and positive presence in the fronts.”

The oil minister referred to Abadan’s crude refinery, which was repeatedly targeted by Iraqi forces during the imposed war, as one of the prime examples of resistance by the nation’s oil industry workers.

“Today,” the oil minister emphasized, “the Islamic Iran is a leader in economic warfare; the oil industry is powerfully standing tall against all pressures and sanctions by hostile powers,” he told the newly-grads in the southwestern Iran city.

The senior official added that attempts by the enemy and the global hegemony to block Iran’s access to world oil markets have reached a deadlock.

Qasemi noted that further preservation of joint oil fields as well as adjusting oil industry outlook, in terms of promoting innovations in the new year, are among the oil ministry’s major plans for the current Iranian calendar year (began March 20).

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