The takeover of an Iraqi oil well by a group of armed Iranians who crossed the border was a violation of Iraq’s sovereignty, a government spokesman has said.
Iraqi spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh said the seizure in an area of disputed territory demonstrates the need for a clearly defined southern border with Iran.
Iraq’s national security council met to discuss the takeover of well No 4 by the Iranian group in the al-Fakkah oil field.
Al-Dabbagh said in a statement after the meeting that Iraq and Iran have begun diplomatic talks as a result of the incursion.
The takeover happened on Thursday night in Iraq’s Maysan province, about 200 miles south-east of Baghdad.
