Iranian Oil Minister Resigns from Post
Iran’s Oil Minister, Mohsen Paknejad, has resigned from his post as the conflict with the United States (US) continues. Paknejad is to be replaced by a top Iranian oil executive.
The Iranian presidency, as reported by AFP and Reuters on Monday (5/10/2026), announced that Paknejad resigned from his position due to “personal reasons,” which were not further elaborated. Paknejad had served as Iran’s Oil Minister since August 2024.
The Iranian presidency stated in a statement on Sunday (4/10) that Hamid Bovard, the executive head of the National Iranian Oil Company, a state-owned enterprise, will serve as the Acting Oil Minister.
Mehdi Tabatabaei, the Deputy of Communications at the Iranian presidency, told state television that Paknejad had actually submitted his resignation for personal reasons “some time ago.”
It was noted that the resignation was ultimately approved by President Masoud Pezeshkian following Paknejad’s own insistence.
“With the acceptance of Mohsen Paknejad’s resignation by Dr Pezeshkian, Hamid Bovard has been appointed as the Acting Oil Minister,” Tabatabaei said in a statement on Sunday (4/10), as quoted by the state media IRIB.
Paknejad’s departure from this critical position occurs amidst the economic pressures facing Tehran due to the war that has been raging for the past seven months with the US. It is known that Washington has recently blocked Iranian oil exports.
Before news of his resignation emerged, Paknejast was quoted by Iranian state media saying: “Revenue from the oil we have sold continues to flow, and it will continue to do so, God willing.”
In an Iranian news broadcast regarding Paknejad’s resignation, it was mentioned that his previous resignation request had been rejected and Pezeshkian had asked him to remain in office. However, Pezeshkian eventually accepted Paknejad’s decision to step down because he insisted on leaving.
It was also noted that Pezeshkian “appreciated the sincere efforts and dedication” shown by Paknejad during his tenure.