The United States has expressed its disapproval of the Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline project, cautioning Islamabad about potential sanctions for engaging in business with Tehran.
State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller emphasized the risks associated with conducting business with Iran, citing the possibility of coming into contact with US sanctions. He stated, “We do not support this pipeline going forward,” echoing sentiments previously expressed by Assistant Secretary Donald Lu.
The State Department’s stance follows Pakistan’s announcement of plans to seek a waiver from the US for the gas pipeline project. Petroleum Minister Musadik Malik stated that Pakistan would present its case vigorously, seeking exemption from US sanctions through technical and political arguments.
Despite facing delays since 2014, Pakistan intends to proceed with the construction of the gas pipeline project. Iran had issued multiple notices urging Pakistan to fulfill its obligations under the project. However, Pakistan attributed the delays to US sanctions on Iran, a justification Tehran has contested.
Notably, Iran had already completed laying a significant portion of the pipeline, with the project agreement signed in 2009 and originally slated for completion by 2015.
In a separate development, the US condemned an attack on a convoy of Chinese engineers in Pakistan, expressing condolences for the loss of life and injuries sustained. Miller highlighted the shared suffering of the Pakistani people from terrorism and emphasized the need to combat such acts.
The attack, which occurred in Shangla’s Besham city, resulted in the tragic deaths of five Chinese citizens and a Pakistani driver when their vehicle was targeted by a suicide bomber. The incident underscores the ongoing security challenges faced by foreign nationals in Pakistan due to terrorism.
