Iran, Iraq Start Gas Pipeline Talks

Tehran and Baghdad have started a new round of negotiations over an agreement on supplying Iran's natural gas to Iraq and then resupply it to Europe through Syrian soil.

The two countries have agreed to build a pipeline that stretches for 170 kilometres in Iran and 190 kilometres in Iraq. The project is expected to cost about $450 million.

Managing Director of Iran's Gas Engineering and Development Company Ali Reza Qaribi said that building the pipeline will begin as soon as a new gas deal is signed between Iran and Iraq. 

Fars news agency reported that a final agreement on Iran's gas supply to Iraq is expected to be signed soon. A per the agreement Iran will supply about 20-25 million cubic meters of natural gas to Iraq per day through Western province of Ilam.