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)

Aug 11, 2021

Q&A: Kurdistan Region VP Sheikh Jaafar Sheikh Mustafa

The former Peshmerga leader and PUK politburo member reflects on the priorities and crises facing the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

Jul 30, 2021

Despite one payment, Baghdad-Erbil budget stalemate continues

Officials on both sides say a July financial transfer was a one-off deal, as political and technical disputes hold up further federal budget payments for Kurdistan.

Jul 30, 2021

Q&A: Oil Minister Ihsan Ismaael

Iraq’s oil chief discusses negotiations with Total and Chevron, arbitration with Exxon, the future of INOC, several gas project updates, and budget talks with the Kurdistan region.

Jul 14, 2021

PUK leadership rift threatens stability in gas rich Sulaimaniya

Security forces in Sulaimaniya were mustered on behalf of respective party leaders as negotiations continue.

Jul 12, 2021

Baghdad releases $138 million to KRG days before Kadhimi’s Washington visit

The budget transfer relieves some financial pressure on Erbil, though regular payments going forward are hardly assured.

Jul 9, 2021

Pandemic worsens for Iraq as Delta variant and vaccine hesitancy take root

Iraq's covid-19 infection rate has peaked for a third time, to a record high, putting dire pressure on an overloaded health care system.

Jun 29, 2021

Electricity crisis worsens as Iran cuts supply and minister resigns

Power blackouts throughout Iraq threaten to cause new bouts of social unrest over chronic failures to build adequate domestic gas and electricity supply.

Jun 18, 2021

Hope rises for Baghdad-Erbil budget deal, but hurdles remain

Under a new agreement, Kurdistan could start receiving 200 billion Iraqi dinars per month.

Jun 15, 2021

Q&A: Habat al-Halbusi, chair of the Parliament Oil and Energy Committee

The MP leading Parliament's oversight of Iraq's oil and electricity sectors discusses the importance of gas development and the status of INOC legislation.

Jun 4, 2021

Cabinet files legal challenge to 2021 budget

Kadhimi's government is seeking to strike down budget provisions added by Parliament, including new financial rules for state-owned oil companies and fuel import taxes.