Iran's Oil Minister Resigns, President Pezeshkian Appoints Caretaker

Iran's Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad resigned from his position, and President Masoud Pezeshkian accepted the resignation and appointed a caretaker minister, according to an announcement made on Sunday night. Seyyed Mehdi Tabatabaei, deputy for communications and information in the president's office, said in a post on X that Pezeshkian accepted Paknejad's resignation and issued a decree appointing Mohammad Sadegh Bovard as caretaker minister. No reason was given for the resignation.

In his decree, issued Sunday night, Pezeshkian cited Article 135 of the Constitution and Bovard's commitment, competence, and executive record in making the appointment. Article 135 of the Iranian Constitution deals with the appointment of caretaker ministers in the event of a vacancy.

Bovard previously served as managing director of the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC). The appointment comes amid ongoing challenges in Iran's oil sector, though the announcement did not specify any connection between the resignation and broader industry issues.

The resignation and appointment were announced by Tabatabaei on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. The post did not provide further details about the circumstances leading to Paknejad's departure or Bovard's immediate priorities as caretaker.

According to Mehr News, the resignation was announced on Sunday night, and President Pezeshkian issued the decree appointing Bovard as caretaker minister the same night. The report added that no reason was given for the resignation.