The deal was signed in Assaluyeh, Iran, by Iranian Acting Minister of Petroleum Mohammad Aliabadi, Iraqi Oil Minister Abdolkarim Luaibi and Syrian Oil Minister Sufian Allaw.

The pipeline will transport Iranian gas from the South Pars gas field to Europe, passing through Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and the Mediterranean region.

According to the Shana news service, National Iranian Gas Company Managing Director Javad Oji said that more than 20 expertise sessions had already been held with Turkey, Iraq and Syria on gas exports via their territories, and that all of them had given written permission.

The Shana news service also quoted Mr Oji as saying that the pipeline would take three to five years to be constructed.