‘Peace pipeline’ appears dead

Fresh opposition from the US looks likely to be the final nail in the coffin for the long-delayed Iran-Pakistan connection

The Iran–Pakistan gas pipeline was seen by some, at least at times over the past couple of decades, as a project that would bring a measure of harmony to the relationship between the two shipping and receiving countries. However, the development has once again been shelved—this time apparently under US pressure. Dawn, a Pakistani news outlet, reported Pakistani officials as saying the government is unable to go forward with the pipeline as long as sanctions against Iran are in place—or until the US signals tacit approval of the project. The latter appears highly unlikely.  Opposition from a foreign country has proved, over the years, to be less of an exception than a rule for the belea