Conflicts with Iran delay Iraqi oil

BAGHDAD, July 6 (UPI) -- Lingering border disputes and clashes with Iranian forces have delayed or otherwise impacted production at Iraqi oil fields, government reports show.

A report from the Iraqi Oil Ministry suggests there are at least three oil fields along the border with Iran that are underutilized because they are operated by neighboring countries.

A copy of the report obtained the pan-Arab daily Asharq al-Awsat shows southern oil fields, including the Abu Gharb, al-Fakkah, Ratqah and Safwan fields, are in various states of production but have not been drilled because they are being used by Iran and other neighbors.

However, Iraqi border officials tell the news agency that armed clashes between Iranian and Iraq security forces have occurred following attempted inspections of the facilities by the Iraqi Oil Ministry.

Baghdad notes that skirmishes over various border disputes have occurred intermittently since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003, though they deny those are responsible for any delays in oil development.

Meanwhile, the Iranian state-funded broadcaster Press TV reported last week Iranian forces drove U.S. tanks out of Iran when the Americans attempted to lay around 300 feet of Iraqi-flagged pipelines in Iranian territory.