US warns of sanctions risks, opposes Iran-Pakistan pipeline project

WASHINGTON: The United States (US) Department of State Spokesperson Matthew Miller warned Pakistan against engaging in any agreements with Iran, including the proposed Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline project late on Tuesday.

Addressing a press briefing in Washington, the spokesperson advised Pakistan to exercise caution in its dealings with Iran. He cited the opposition of the United States to such initiatives.

“The US in not in favour of the Iran gas pipeline project,” he said. Miller warmed of the “risks” associated with conducting business with Iran, cautioning that such actions could lead to sanctions from the United States.

Read more: Envoy suggests ways to complete Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline project

“We always advise everyone that doing business with Iran runs the risk of touching upon and coming in contact with our sanctions. [We] advise everyone to consider that very carefully,” Miller said.

The spokesperson said that the United States “[does] not support this pipeline going forward”.

The proposed Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline project was started to address Pakistan’s chronic energy shortages. The project aimed to link Iran’s gas reservoirs with Pakistan’s distribution network. The project was planned to stretch over 1,800 kilometers and transport a reported annual volume of 22 billion cubic metres of gas.

However, several issues has hindered the projects for years, including international sanctions on Iran by the US.

While the Pakistan’s caretaker government in February approved the construction of an 81-kilometre long gas pipeline from the Iranian border to Gwadar, Pakistan cannot proceed with the project in any capacity until a concession is approved by the US. Pakistan stated it would ask for a waiver from the sanctions plaguing Iran for the project.

Meanwhile, Miller also condemned a recent terrorist attack targeting Chinese engineers in Pakistan on Tuesday.

Miller expressed sadness over the loss of life and urged vigilance against terrorism. The spokesperson reiterated his country’s stance on terrorism, stating that “no country should fall victim” to such acts of violence. Miller said that the US is “saddened by the loss of life”.

Read more: Entire nation stands in solidarity with our Chinese brethren: ISPR

Meanwhile, the Chinese embassy demanded a thorough investigation into the terrorist attack in Pakistan that killed five Chinese nationals in Bisham, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

A statement issued by the Chinese embassy said that “a Chinese company’s bus carrying staff on the Dasu Hydropower Project in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province was hit by a terrorist attack. [Five] Chinese citizens and [one] Pakistani citizen were unfortunately deceased.”

“The Chinese Embassy and Consulates General in Pakistan strongly condemn this terrorist attack, express deep condolences to the victims and sincere sympathy to the bereaved families, and are making every effort to handle the aftermath together with the Pakistani side”, the statement added.