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)

Jun 7, 2018

Election fraud dispute veers toward constitutional crisis

In a Parliament session boycotted by election day's top performers, legislators voted to sack Iraq's electoral commission and to order a full manual recount.

Jun 5, 2018

UPDATE: Kirkuk-to-Iran exports stuck at the border

Tanker trucks have taken Kirkuk crude to Iran, eyewitnesses say, but Iraq's Oil Ministry claims the 60,000 bpd export deal is not yet active.

Jun 5, 2018

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: June 5, 2018

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

Jun 5, 2018

Court grants final delay in Baghdad-KRG case

A month after requesting a postponement, Iraq’s highest court granted another delay — this one, ostensibly, the last.

May 30, 2018

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: May 29, 2018

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

May 24, 2018

Cabinet orders election review amidst fraud charges

After reviewing a report on the integrity of Iraq's election system, the Cabinet has launched an investigation.

May 22, 2018

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: May 22, 2018

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

May 16, 2018

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: May 15, 2018

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

May 13, 2018

Election day sees peaceful voting – and cynicism

Despite insurgents' threats to disrupt voting, Iraqis went to the polls in peace. But record numbers stayed home, and some parties are alleging fraud.

May 10, 2018

Analysis: What to expect from Iraq’s elections

Interviews with candidates across the political spectrum provide insight into the forces shaping Iraq's electoral landscape and influencing upcoming negotiations to form the next government.