The cancellation of the long-term oil sale contract between Iran and seven Chinese refineries is a subject that requires further investigation. Ahmad Bakhshaei Ardestani, a member of the National Security and Foreign Policy Commission of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, stated in response to a question about the impact of this cancellation on Iran-China relations that this issue will be discussed in the Energy Commission meeting of the parliament.
Investigating the Reasons for the Cancellation of the Contract
Bakhshaei Ardestani pointed out that it must be clarified why the Ministry of Oil has canceled its contract with these seven refineries. He mentioned two possibilities: one is whether these refineries received crude oil and did not pay for it, and the other is whether sanctions have prevented payments to Iran. This member of parliament emphasized that if the actual payment is made and commitments are fulfilled by the Chinese companies, the dimensions of the issue will be different and should be carefully examined.
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Emphasis on National Interests in Relations with China
Bakhshaei emphasized the importance of structuring Iran's relations with China based on national interests, stating: "We must structure our relationship based on national interests." He added that this does not mean that Iran's strategic relationship with China is at risk. He also referred to the 25-year contract between Iran and China, in which we are committed to selling our oil to China, making China one of Iran's main oil customers.
This member of parliament also mentioned some of China's considerations in its foreign relations, stating: "Sometimes, China's security considerations and national interests in relation to Arab countries lead it to take actions that are not favorable to our people."
Bakhshaei also referred to the government's Eastward policy and stated that this policy has been developed during the presidency of Martyr Raisi, especially with the signing of a 20-year contract with Russia and a 25-year contract with China. He added: "These contracts are separate from military discussions and should be taken seriously."
The Impact of Management Changes on Contracts
This member of parliament also referred to claims about the presence of individuals close to Bijan Zangeneh in the Ministry of Oil and its connection to the cancellation of oil contracts with China. He said: "Mr. Paknejad, the resigned Minister of Oil, was a student and disciple of Mr. Zangeneh. This matter could affect relations between Iran and China."
Bakhshaei continued by mentioning changes in the management team of the Ministry of Oil, stating: "The newly appointed team may have a greater inclination to cooperate with the West, just as Mr. Rouhani's team had a tendency to cooperate with the West." He pointed out a turning point in the history of Iran-China relations, stating that the Chinese have realized that whenever a liberal government comes to power in Iran, there is a greater inclination to cooperate with the West.
Finally, Bakhshaei pointed out that a thorough examination of management changes and their impact on national interests is essential and should be carefully considered.
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