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)

Dec 24, 2024

Iraq braces for change after Syria upheaval

Leaders across the political spectrum in Baghdad foresee new security threats, shifting political dynamics, and impacts on energy trade.

Dec 21, 2024

Baghdad court rejects Oil Ministry effort to invalidate KRG oil contracts

The Karkh Court of Appeals has denied an Oil Ministry appeal and reversed a series of 2022 rulings that declared several KRG oil contracts void.

Dec 10, 2024

Iraqi leaders anticipate renewed uncertainty from second Trump administration

The revival of a “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran is likely to extend into Iraq, with implications for domestic politics, banking, and the oil sector.

Dec 10, 2024

Parliament goes into recess without passing KRG oil amendment

Budget legislation that could have helped restart Iraq’s northern crude exports is delayed until at least January.

Nov 8, 2024

Cabinet advances proposal for northern oil export restart

Iraq's main political factions appear to have an initial agreement for paying Kurdistan's oil companies for exports, but legislative, legal, and practical hurdles remain.

Oct 22, 2024

Abdulghani returns to ministry, but leadership questions linger

The oil minister is back at his desk after a health scare, but his multi-week absence surfaced unresolved political rivalries that could shake up oil sector leadership.

Oct 2, 2024

Baghdad-Erbil progress fuels hope for counter-insurgency fight

The formation of two joint brigades highlights improving cooperation that could help combat IS militants and close security gaps.

Sep 23, 2024

Analysis: As cash flows from Baghdad, political risks deepen for Kurdistan and its oil sector

A new era of financial integration with Baghdad has provided the KRG with badly needed budget support while also exposing new levels of political vulnerability.

Sep 12, 2024

Election of new governor marks shift in Diyala power structures

Changing political and security dynamics have the potential to complicate burgeoning oil and gas development in the province.

Jul 8, 2024

Analysis: Sudani agenda faces rising political risks as elections approach

Some members of the prime minister’s governing coalition appear to see Sudani’s popularity — and continuing success — as a growing political liability.