Iran Starts Restoring Oil, Gas Facilities Damaged During Conflict

TEHRAN, May 7 (Bernama-Sputnik/RIA Novosti) -- Iran has begun restoring oil and gas facilities damaged during the conflict with the United States (US) and Israel, Sputnik/RIA Novosti reported, citing Iranian officials.

"During the 40-day war, oil facilities were damaged and hit. The priority is to restore them as quickly as possible, and the process has been proceeding properly until today," Iranian Petroleum Minister Mohsen Paknejad told Iran's state broadcaster.

National Iranian Gas Company Director Saeed Tavakoli also told the broadcaster that four gas processing stations at the South Pars field were damaged during the conflict with the US and Israel.

"Based on the authorities' decision, and with account for the opinion of the petroleum minister, the task of restoring two refineries has been entrusted entirely to the National Gas Company... restoration work has already begun," Tavakoli said, as quoted by Iranian TV.

On February 28, the US and Israel launched strikes on targets in Iran, resulting in damage and civilian casualties. On April 7, Washington and Tehran announced a two-week ceasefire. Subsequent talks in Islamabad ended inconclusively, and US President Donald Trump said he extended the cessation of hostilities to give Iran time to come up with a "unified proposal."

The escalation has nearly halted traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for the delivery of oil and liquefied natural gas from Persian Gulf countries to global markets, driving up fuel prices.

On Sunday evening, Trump announced Project Freedom to assist ships blocked in the Strait of Hormuz and seeking to leave it. On Tuesday, Trump said he decided to pause the operation for a short period of time to see whether the peace deal with Iran can be achieved.

-- BERNAMA-SPUTNIK/RIA NOVOSTI