Javad Owji told reporters he and a Pakistani official signed a contract 10 years ago but Islamabad refused to continue with the project due to concerns about the U.S. sanctions on Iran.

The minister also blamed the previous government of Iran for failing to follow up the issue seriously.

Iran’s incumbent administration has held talks with Pakistan, said Owji, reiterating the neighboring country is now willing to revive the international gas project.

“We are ready to make proper decisions immediately after the start of Pakistan’s executive operations at the zero point of border,” he underlined.

The Iran Gas Trunkline VII (IGAT-7) extending from Assaluyeh to Iranshahr and Chabahar in the southern part of the country has been selected for exporting gas to Pakistan, mentioned the top official, explaining it is a 56-inch pipeline, which transmits 120 million cubic meters of gas per day to the provinces along its direction and also exports a certain volume to Pakistan.