Iran says refining capacity rebuilt after strikes

Iran's Oil Minister said most oil and gas refining capacity damaged since late February has been rebuilt, and crude exports continued throughout the conflict.

By Middle East Affairs
September 8, 2026
A worker in a red safety vest and hard hat stands on an industrial vessel deck overlooking a large oil refinery complex across the water, with smoke visible from industrial operations.
An Iranian oil facility worker surveys the refinery complex across the water. Iran's Oil Minister said most refining capacity damaged in recent strikes has been rebuilt and crude exports have continued throughout the conflict. (MEMO — Middle East)
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Iran said Friday that much of its oil and gas refining capacity damaged in attacks since late February had been rebuilt, according to Shana, the Iranian Oil Ministry's news platform. Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad told the outlet that the country's crude oil exports had continued throughout the conflict.

Paknejad addressed strikes on Kharg Island, which houses Iran's main oil export terminal. The island, covering 23 to 24 square kilometers, had been struck more than 550 times, he said.

"Our colleagues continued loading oil onto tankers even under bombardment," Paknejad said according to Shana.

Iran says refining capacity rebuilt after strikes | Middle East Affairs