Speaking to reporters on Monday, Ghasemi reacted to rumors that a Chinese company had decided to cancel its investment plans in oil and gas projects in Iran, saying, “Until we receive an official letter from the Chinese company concerning the matter, we shall consider such rumors as psychological war.”

He confirmed US pressure on major companies that intend to invest in Iran, but did say that final judgments in this regard should be made with more patience.

“The Iranian Ministry of Petroleum will release the latest updates about such [oil-related] issues,” the official added.