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 7, 2019

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: Aug. 6, 2019

Whenever the media office of the Council of Ministers releases decisions of the Cabinet, Iraq Oil Report publishes a translation from the original Arabic.

Aug 6, 2019

Baghdad slow-walks court fight on KRG oil policy

Prime Minister Abd al-Mahdi has again delayed a key legal filing, signaling an apparent desire to settle long-standing disputes through political negotiation rather than court battles.

Aug 5, 2019

New leadership revives Baghdad-Erbil oil talks

After more than a decade of disputes over oil and revenue, Iraqi leaders see renewed political and financial incentives to negotiate solutions.

Jul 31, 2019

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: July 30, 2019

Whenever the media office of the Council of Ministers releases decisions of the Cabinet, Iraq Oil Report publishes a translation from the original Arabic.

Jul 26, 2019

As Turkey-PKK conflict escalates, new risks for KRG

Two months into Turkey's new military offensive targeting PKK positions in Iraqi Kurdistan – and following the assassination of a Turkish diplomat in Erbil – a decades-old conflict is entering a volatile new phase.

Jul 24, 2019

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: July 23, 2019

Whenever the media office of the Council of Ministers releases decisions of the Cabinet, Iraq Oil Report publishes a translation from the original Arabic.

Jul 19, 2019

Hormuz incidents highlight Iraqi export vulnerability

Iraq is scrambling to diversify its oil export routes amidst Iran-U.S. tensions, but there are no quick fixes.

Jul 18, 2019

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: July 16, 2019

Whenever the media office of the Council of Ministers releases decisions of the Cabinet, Iraq Oil Report publishes a translation from the original Arabic.

Jul 18, 2019

American firms tapped for Ratawi gas deal

The Oil Ministry and Honeywell have agreed to initial terms on a project that promises to cut nearly one-fifth of Iraq's current gas flaring – and could help convince the U.S. to keep granting Iran sanctions waivers.

Jul 10, 2019

Hawrami in advisory role with new KRG cabinet

Ashti Hawrami, head of the Ministry of Natural Resources since 2006, to play key transition role over next two years but was not re-nominated as minister.