According to the Iraqi Government, Oil Minister Hussein al-Shahristani approved the project at a meeting with a visiting Iranian delegation led by Iranian deputy oil minister Jawad Ouji.

“We are ready to facilitate the laying of gas pipeline across the territory of Iraq to Syria and reach the Mediterranean Sea,” Mr Shahristani has said.

Both sides have agreed to form a committee to study the route the Iranian gas pipeline will take through Iraq to Syria and the Mediterranean Sea.