Thu Feb 06 02:31:09 IST 2025: ## OPEC Unity Urged as Trump Renews “Maximum Pressure” Sanctions on Iran
**Tehran, Iran** – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has called for OPEC unity in the face of renewed US sanctions targeting Iran’s oil exports. The appeal follows a new executive order from former US President Donald Trump aiming to reduce Iran’s oil exports to zero, reviving his controversial “maximum pressure” campaign.
Pezeshkian made the plea during a meeting with OPEC Secretary-General Haitham al-Ghais, who recently visited Iran. The Iranian president expressed confidence that a united OPEC front could effectively counter US sanctions. He emphasized the need for self-reliance and regional cooperation to mitigate the impact of any potential sanctions.
Iran currently exports approximately 1.5 million barrels of oil per day, mainly to China. A complete halt to these exports would significantly impact global oil markets, representing roughly 1.4 percent of global supply.
Iran’s Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad echoed Pezeshkian’s concerns, stating that unilateral sanctions destabilize energy markets and harm global consumers. Paknejad also assured that Iran has developed strategies to address potential sanctions.
Trump’s previous “maximum pressure” campaign, implemented after withdrawing from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018, drastically reduced Iranian oil exports. This prompted OPEC and its allies to increase production to offset the shortfall. While sanctions remained under President Biden’s administration, Iranian oil exports had recently increased. The renewed sanctions threat marks a significant escalation and raises concerns about global energy security.
First Piper 