"Inpex has shown interest in continuing cooperation with Iran. Therefore, the company can maintain its share in Azadegan oil field as we have no plans to change this share at present," Gholamhossein Nozari told Iran's Press TV.

Inpex in 2004 said it wanted a 75 percent stake in developing the field near the Iranian border with Iraq. Iranian officials in 2006 cut the share to 10 percent, saying Inpex officials delayed the project due to pressure from Washington.

Iranian officials estimate the Azadegan field has proven oil reserves approaching 33 billion barrels per day, making it one of the largest reserves in the world.

The full capacity of the field is estimated to increase to 40 billion barrels. Known oil reserves in Iran are second only to Saudi Arabia.