Iran says much of oil, gas refining capacity damaged in US-Israeli attacks rebuilt

Iran said Friday that much of its oil and gas refining facilities damaged in US-Israeli attacks since Feb. 28 had been rebuilt, Anadolu reports.

Speaking to Shana, the Iranian Oil Ministry’s news platform, Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad said the country’s crude oil exports continued throughout the war.

Addressing attacks on Kharg Island, home to Iran’s main oil export terminal, Paknejad said the island had been struck more than 550 times.

“This island, which covers an area of between 23 and 24 square kilometers (8.9 and 9.3 square miles), was subjected to more than 550 attacks, but our colleagues continued loading oil onto tankers even under bombardment,” he said.

Paknejad also provided an update on oil and gas refining facilities in southern Iran targeted during the US-Israeli attacks.

READ: Ghalibaf tells US Treasury chief oil prices and bond yields have put him ‘on the brink’

“The reconstruction of refineries following such incidents normally begins with removing the rubble,” he said.

“This process began about two to three days after the attacks, and a large portion of the reconstruction work has been completed.”

Paknejad said the results of the reconstruction work are expected to become visible within the next few months, adding that Iran aims to increase gas production.

Regional tensions have escalated since US-Israeli attacks on Iran began on Feb. 28, with Tehran responding with missile and drone strikes against Israel and US interests across the region.

Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding on June 18 concerning freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, but its implementation has stalled amid disagreements over security arrangements in the strait.

READ: Iran shifting military doctrine toward preemptive attack: Army spokesman