Shana� Iran is in possession of nearly 7% of the world's oil rigs, a senior Iranian oil official said.

Roknoddin Javadi, deputy petroleum minister for supervision over hydrocarbon reserves, told an international drilling congress on Saturday that 7% of the world's drilling rigs are currently operating in Iran's oil and gas industry.

He said the drilling industry of Iran is moving forward at an acceptable speed, saying the industry plays an integral part in developing the country's oil and gas industry.

He said there are over 2,000 rigs operating in the world of which Iran owns over 140 ones.