Saeidi Aqli added fire caused by the blasts was extinguished and repair work will end overnight.

Earlier in the day, he said two explosions struck the gas transmission pipeline in western and southern Iran at around 1 a.m. local time on Wednesday (2130 GMT), hitting the lines in Borujen, western province of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, and Safa-Shahr, southern province of Fars.

A crisis management session was immediately held and attended by Oil Minister Javad Owji, his deputies, and senior security officials.

Minister remarks

Owji said the enemy’s goal of cutting off gas in Iran’s large provinces will not be achieved.

“Given the recent developments in the region and huge 22 Bahman (11 February) rallies [held across Iran to mark the 45th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution's victory], we were ready for possible terrorist acts of enemies and fully prepared to act quickly in case of sabotaging the oil and gas pipelines,” he continued.

The oil minister said no casualties were reported.