A US diplomat says Washington opposes the Iran-Pakistan (IP) gas pipeline project and is exerting maximum efforts to prevent its construction.

Iran’s state oil company the NIOC awards contracts worth some $13 billion to domestic companies.

Iranian companies have signed contracts worth $20 billion to boost gas pressure at the giant South Pars (SP) field in the Persian Gulf, in a plan which is expected to generate $900 billion in revenue.

Pakistan dismisses the United States' objection to its decision to start work on a joint pipeline project between the country and Iran.

Iran is currently best placed to become the gas hub of the region, given the challenges and restrictions which Russia faces for exports of its gas due to the Ukraine war.

The Pakistani energy minister says the US sanctions against Tehran may not apply to the gas pipeline project with neighboring Iran.

In a significant step towards enhancing energy cooperation between Pakistan and Iran, Islamabad has given the green light for advancing much-delayed work on gas pipelines within its territory.