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)

Apr 6, 2017

Q&A: Handren Mohammed, Kurdistan’s election chief

The head of Kurdistan's elections and referendum commission discusses its arm's length relationship with Baghdad, and the extent of its mandate in disputed Kirkuk.

Apr 5, 2017

Iraq starts new oil contract review

The Oil Ministry plans to develop a new contract model for future projects and has contracted Iraqi-Norwegian consultant Farouk al-Kasim as it explores adjustments to existing TSCs.

Apr 4, 2017

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: Apr. 4, 2017

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

Mar 29, 2017

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: March 28, 2017

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

Mar 17, 2017

Intra-Kurdish tensions high amidst provocations and protests

Security forces affiliated with Kurdistan's ruling KDP party have deployed near several PKK-heavy areas, raising the prospect of more violent confrontations.

Mar 14, 2017

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: March 14, 2017

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

Mar 10, 2017

Kirkuk oil crisis subsides as PUK faction withdraws

"Black Force" special police left key energy sites in Kirkuk, but the political tensions that produced the dramatic showdown remain unresolved.

Mar 7, 2017

PUK faction seizes more Kirkuk energy infrastructure

"Black Force" special police took over the North Gas Company headquarters Sunday, and continue to occupy the IT-1 station, as tensions over Kirkuk energy resources escalate.

Mar 3, 2017

Kurdish rivalries combust in deadly Sinjar battle

Proxy forces backed by Kurdistan's ruling KDP party and the PKK fought a four-hour battle Friday, foreshadowing a new phase of volatility for territory liberated from IS.

Mar 2, 2017

UPDATE: Armed political faction interrupts Kirkuk exports

The "Black Force" special police unit of the PUK party briefly took over Kirkuk's IT-1 facility - a sign of deteriorating intra-Kurdish political rivalries.