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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)

Iraq warns Turkey as oil tension escalates

Baghdad leaders are accusing Turkey of abetting an illegal fuel trade with Kurdistan, with potentially dire implications for future relations and investment.

Cabinet targets Kurdistan budget

Alleging that the KRG's oil export cutoff has made an $8.5 billion dent in the Iraqi budget, the Cabinet is calling for penalties.

Q&A: Hussain al-Shahristani

The deputy prime minister for energy discusses energy relations with Turkey and Iran, the deadlock with the KRG, and the reasons that IOCs shied away from the fourth bidding round.

Kurdistan, Exxon gain key ally in Mosul

The governor of Ninewa province, once an opponent of Exxon's KRG contracts, now says joint oil development could help ease tensions in disputed territories.