Iran criticises UAE OPEC exit, vows to uphold commitments

TEHRAN: Iran has criticised the United Arab Emirates’ decision to leave the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), calling the move “not constructive” and pledging to uphold its own commitments within the oil producers’ group.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said that any exit from OPEC driven by “negative or vengeful” motives toward other members would be counterproductive, as he reacted to Abu Dhabi’s announcement.

Baghaei also accused the UAE of “inappropriate behaviour” during the recent conflict, alleging it had assisted Israel and the United States, though he provided no evidence.

The UAE has said its decision to withdraw from OPEC and the wider OPEC+ alliance was based on national interests rather than political considerations. Abu Dhabi National Oil Company CEO Sultan al-Jaber said the move was intended to give the country greater flexibility in managing oil production policy.

The UAE’s exit, set to take effect on May 1, marks a rare rupture within OPEC, which has historically sought to maintain unity among its members despite differences over output quotas and pricing strategies.

Founded in 1960, OPEC — later expanded into the broader OPEC+ alliance with non-member producers such as Russia — plays a central role in shaping global oil supply and prices, accounting for a significant share of worldwide production.

The UAE, one of the group’s largest producers, joined OPEC in 1967 and has been a key player in production decisions. Analysts say its departure could weaken the cartel’s influence, particularly as the country is among the few members with substantial spare production capacity.

The move comes at a time of heightened volatility in global energy markets, with regional tensions disrupting key shipping routes including the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly a fifth of global oil supplies pass.

Oil prices have surged in recent weeks amid the conflict involving Iran, reflecting concerns over supply disruptions and geopolitical risk.

While the UAE said it valued its long-standing relationship with OPEC and wished the group success, Iran signalled it would remain committed to the organisation, underscoring divisions within the alliance at a sensitive time for global energy markets.