The fate of ExxonMobil's West Qurna deal may still be undecided, but no companies who sign contracts in the May 30-31 auction will be allowed to deal with local authorities.
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.