Iran Aims to Restore Oil Refinery Capacity Within Two Months Following War Damage
Deputy Oil Minister Mohammad Sadiq Azimifar stated that the government is working intensively to bring damaged infrastructure back to approximately 70% to 80% of its pre-war production capacity. In an interview with the SNN news agency, Azimifar highlighted that refineries, transmission pipelines, oil depots, and aviation refueling centers across various parts of the country had been repeatedly targeted by hostile forces. Recovering from this extensive destruction and reactivating the energy sector is now one of Tehran's most critical challenges.
To expedite the recovery process, specialized technical teams have already been deployed to strategic locations, including the refinery on Lavan Island. These teams are currently focused on debris removal and the rapid replacement of sophisticated equipment destroyed during the conflict. The Deputy Oil Minister further revealed that, according to the current roadmap, at least one section of the targeted refineries is expected to resume partial operations within the next 10 days. This urgent mobilization indicates that Tehran is prioritizing the stabilization of its energy sector, which serves as the primary lifeline for the Iranian economy.
The damage to Iran's distribution system, caused by sustained aerial and missile strikes over the 40-day conflict, had significantly hampered its ability to meet domestic demand and fulfill international export commitments. By focusing on rapid repairs, Tehran aims to regain its footing in the global energy market and secure its internal fuel supply. Government officials emphasized that the restoration of these facilities is not just a technical necessity but a strategic priority to ensure national resilience.
The success of this reconstruction phase will be a decisive factor in determining Iran’s influence in Middle Eastern energy politics in the post-conflict era. Despite the collapse of recent high-level peace talks in Islamabad, the Iranian leadership appears determined to rebuild its economic strength independently. International energy analysts are closely monitoring these developments, as the return of Iranian refining capacity could have a stabilizing effect on regional fuel prices and shift the diplomatic leverage back toward Tehran as it enters future rounds of negotiations.
