Iran Seizes Iraqi Oil Well on Disputed Border

Iranian forces have seized an Iraqi-run oil well on the disputed border between the countries and raised their flag. A US official says it's not an uncommon occurrence, adding, “There has been no violence related to this incident and we trust this will be resolved through peaceful diplomacy between the governments.” An Iraqi oil official tells AFP the “well lies in Iraqi territory.”

“The oil field is in disputed territory in between Iranian and Iraqi border forts,” the US official counters. The well, near Nasiriyah, was taken this morning; an Iraqi delegation is scheduled to travel there tomorrow to negotiate. The history of the conflict is contentious : Iraq claims Iran has fired on its people, which its neighbor denies. Many recent meetings to resolve the dispute have produced no results. (More Iraq stories.)