Iranians work on a section of a gas pipeline linking Iran and Pakistan after the project was launched during a ceremony in the Iranian border city of Chah Bahar on March 11, 2013. PHOTO: AFP
"We have serious concerns if this project actually goes forward; the Iran Sanctions Act would be triggered. We have been straightforward with Pakistan on this," said the spokesperson.
"We have also been working on alternative projects. We've heard this pipeline announced 10-15 times before in the past. If this project goes forward we have serious concerns that sanctions will be triggered."
Nuland said if the project went forward, it would take Pakistan in the wrong direction.
President Asif Ali Zardari along with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad inaugurated the multi-billion dollar pipeline in Chahbahar on Monday.
The contentious gas pipeline was inaugurated by Zardari as he pulled the rope to reveal the foundation-laying plaque on the Pak-Iran border for the 1,600 kilometre long pipeline.
The US has issued warnings to invoke economic sanctions already in place against Iran if Pakistan went ahead with its plans to import natural gas from the Islamic republic.
The United States has steadfastly opposed Pakistani and Indian involvement, saying the project could violate sanctions imposed on Iran over nuclear activities that Washington suspects are aimed at developing a weapons capability. Iran denies this.
COMMENTS (16)
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@Sarmad Hassan: It is about time that Pakistan eset its compass towards East and get ready to break with USA if it must to safeguard its national interests. Pakistan should refrain from the use of Nuclear energy fo civilian use, which Japan and Europe is abondoning in favour of solar energy.
Rex Minor
@ Catious, Perhaps they should, This may make them realize that threat and bullying will not work forever, US may be a super power but not the owner of Pakistan and its population. Being CAUTIOUS is not always be the way to go.
JAI ZARDARI ONLY A STRONG MAN LIKE HIM COULD ACHIEVE THIS DEAL LET USA BE DISAPPOINTED EK ZARDARI sab pe bhari
seems someone is burning guess who? above two indians ha ha
Either give Pakistan an alternative or stay quiet.....cosmetic statements that we r helping Pakistan in rehabilitating old power plants etc. does not work anymore. We have suffered enough, now it is time to stand up and do the right thing. No pain, no gain.
To the reader above, we already have civilian nuclear technology. Do you think we discovered the atomic bomb first? And then re-engineered everything else? We already have Chashma running which is a nuclear power plant. Do you honestly expect a third world country like us can safely utilize nuclear technology in the civilian setup?
I believe we are getting on the wrong side of saudi wonder how they would react.
I have concerns too. How could you sign a deal with a terrorist nation like Iran. US should take actions against both countries asap and I'm a Pakistani.
Perhaps the USA should cut off trade for one month while it reassesses it's relationship with Pakistan - might remind Pakistan that the USA is it's largest export market and is the engine that drives the Pakistan economy.
Great opportunity to kick the US..and gain freedom like Iran China venezuela Argentina Brazil North Korea..and so many other self-respecting nations. Time to ditch western ÈcultureÈ and ÈcivilizationÈ
And I have also very serious concerns as why US is interfering into internal affairs in Pakistan?
US should mind her own business, as US is not welcome in Pakistan.
Zardari just wants to create soft-corner in the heart of massess
ALLAH per eman rekho and push forward with the pipeline. We need to break through the American dependency. Bite the bullet now, much better in longer term
Dear US,
Either let us have civil nuclear technology or with all due respect shut your mouth. We are living in the dark and need all means of energy even if its Iran or any other country. This is the first step towards negating the dirty politics you play in the world.
Regards, Pakistan
PPP will bury their corruption and mismanagement of last five years with this pipeline and as bonus will earn few more seats in elections.