Iran aims to deliver gas to Oman

Iran aims to deliver natural gas to Oman through a pipeline through the Persian Gulf by the start of the Iranian New Year in March, an energy official said. Iranian energy officials said they were optimistic that gas exports to Oman were forthcoming following a series of negotiations last year. Oman is in need of natural gas and liquefied natural gas for its industries. Natural gas from Iran is slated for delivery to markets in Oman through a 124-mile pipeline along the floor of the Persian Gulf planned for 2012, the country's Petroenergy Information Network reports. Javad Oji, the deputy oil minister in Iran and managing director of the National Iranian Gas Co., said parts of the pipeline were already built in southern Iran. The project could be completed by March, the start of the Iranian year. Iran sits on some of the largest natural gas deposits in the world. Tehran is pressing for export options for its vast reserves though economic pressure from Western adversaries complicates the country's energy ambitions.