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Politics

Iraq grapples with power shortages and Iran sanctions as summer looms

The expiration of a U.S. sanctions waiver on Iranian electricity imports is complicating Baghdad's balancing act between Tehran and Washington, while the government scrambles for power supply ahead of peak demand season.

Workers from the Southern Projects Commission of Iraq's State Company for Oil Projects assemble a pipeline designed to carry regassified LNG imported via the Khor al-Zubair port in Basra to power stations in February 2025. (ALI AL-AQILY/Iraq Oil Report)

Gas deals advance, political hurdles remain

Ministry officials initialed contracts for Mansuriya and Siba fields, but Anbar province protests have worked, stalling Akkas. All three deals hinge on the formation of a new government, which looks more likely after the weekend.

Politics of uncertainty

Days before a court-mandated meeting of Parliament, Iraq’s leaders capped a round of power-sharing talks with optimistic televised speeches but little tangible progress.

Oil for the people, they hope

Iraq has increased its reserves and signed the world’s largest companies to boost oil and gas production. Iraqis wonder whether the hydrocarbon revolution will bring them prosperity or ruin.

Iraqiya against gas and oil deals

Iraq’s most popular electoral coalition has condemned the Maliki government's oil and gas contracts, signaling a new political strategy for a marginalized opposition movement.