The Iraqi government's spokesman says the takeover of an oil well by a group of armed Iranians who crossed the border was a violation of the country's sovereignty.
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 Friday night 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 Thursday night in Iraq's Maysan province, about 200 miles (320 kilometers) southeast of Baghdad.
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