Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad speaks at the conclusion of an annual pro-Palestinian rally, marking Quds (Jerusalem) Day, on the last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan, at the Tehran University campus, in Tehran, Iran, Friday, Aug. 17, 2012. Iran's president says Israel's existence is an "insult to all humanity." It's one of his sharpest attacks yet against the Jewish state. It comes as Israel openly debates whether to attack Iran over its nuclear program. Iran and Israel have been bitter enemies for decades. Israel considers Iran an existential threat because of its nuclear and missile programs and repeated references by Iranian leaders to Israel's destruction. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)
Pakistani leader visits Iran to discuss gas deal
Published: 03:44:43 PM, Wed 27 February 2013 UTC
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday visited Tehran where he worked to finalize a gas pipeline deal with Iran that is being opposed by the United States.
The U.S. is against the project because it wants to isolate Iran economically over fears that the country might ultimately be able to develop a nuclear weapon. Tehran denies the charge, saying its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.
Pakistani leaders have vowed to press ahead with the pipeline despite U.S. opposition, saying it is vital for the supply of gas to the energy-starved country. Iranian media say Tehran has agreed to provide a $500 million loan to help finance construction of the pipeline on the Pakistani side.
Iran's state TV said Zardari was greeted at Tehran's Mehrabad airport by Rostam Ghasemi, oil minister in Iran.
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