Department of Research, Studies and International News 06-02-2025

Pezeshkian Calls for Collective Resistance as Trump Revives ‘Maximum Pressure’ Strategy.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has called on the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to present a unified front in the face of potential US sanctions targeting Iran’s oil sector. His appeal comes in response to former US President Donald Trump’s recent decision to reintroduce his administration’s “maximum pressure” sanctions campaign, aiming to reduce Iran’s oil exports to zero.

The Iranian leader’s remarks were made during a meeting with OPEC Secretary-General Haitham al-Ghais, who visited Iran as part of his official duties. Iran currently holds the rotating presidency of OPEC, giving it a significant role in the organization’s policy discussions.

Pezeshkian stressed that solidarity among OPEC members could prevent the US from exerting excessive pressure on any single oil-producing nation. According to Iranian state media, he emphasized that collective resistance within OPEC would be an effective strategy to counter unilateral sanctions imposed by Washington.

Iran’s Oil Exports and Strategies to Mitigate Sanctions

Iran, one of the world’s largest oil producers, currently exports around 1.5 million barrels per day (bpd), with the majority of shipments going to China. This volume constitutes approximately 1.4% of the global oil supply, making any disruption in Iranian exports a potential risk to international energy markets.

Pezeshkian laid out a range of measures aimed at ensuring economic resilience and stability despite US-imposed restrictions. He underlined that self-reliance and regional cooperation would be key in neutralizing Washington’s objectives.

“They believe our economy is entirely dependent on oil, and they aim to cut off our oil exports,” he stated. “However, there are numerous ways to counter their plans. By strengthening ties with our neighbors and adopting strategic policies, we can ensure a stable and dignified life for our people.”

The Impact of US Sanctions on Global Energy Markets

The latest escalation of tensions follows Trump’s past actions during his presidency (2017–2021), when he withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), commonly known as the Iran nuclear deal, and reinstated harsh sanctions on Iran.

Under the Obama-era agreement, Iran had agreed to limit its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. However, Trump’s withdrawal from the deal led to a dramatic decline in Iran’s oil exports, which at one point fell to as low as 200,000 bpd in 2020.

At the time, OPEC and its allies decided to increase oil production to compensate for the shortfall, following pressure from Trump. In contrast, under the Biden administration, Iran’s crude exports have gradually rebounded, reaching their highest levels since 2018, despite the continuation of US sanctions.

Iran’s Minister of Petroleum, Mohsen Paknejad, also weighed in on the issue, warning that imposing unilateral sanctions on major crude exporters would have far-reaching consequences for global energy security.

Speaking with OPEC Secretary-General Haitham al-Ghais, Paknejad criticized Washington’s policies, arguing that they could destabilize the oil and energy markets while also harming consumers worldwide.

“The depoliticization of the oil market is crucial for ensuring energy security,” he said, according to SHANA, Iran’s official oil news agency. “Placing unilateral sanctions on key oil-producing nations and pressuring OPEC will not only disrupt the global energy supply but will also have negative repercussions for consumers across the world.”

As Iran assumes a leadership role within OPEC this year, its ability to rally support from other oil-producing nations will be crucial in determining the organization’s stance on US sanctions. The coming months could see a more pronounced geopolitical struggle over oil markets, with Washington pushing for tighter restrictions on Iran while Tehran seeks to maintain its exports and economic stability through diplomatic engagement with OPEC members.

With oil prices already sensitive to global uncertainties, any significant disruption in Iran’s output could further escalate volatility in energy markets, making this a critical issue not just for OPEC but for the global economy as a whole.