Wartime oilfield curtailments persist as Iraq pushes to revive southern exports

Basra export outlets are about to receive their first tanker in over a month, but production cuts remain in place for now.

Workers from the state-run Iraqi Drilling Company (IDC) operate a drilling rig at the Zubair oil field in April 2026. (Photo credit: IDC)

Energy

Iraqi wartime production cuts reach 3.6 million bpd

Iraq is navigating acute logistical and infrastructure challenges to maximize refinery consumption and exports while the Strait of Hormuz remains closed.

Politics

Election of Iraqi President launches apparent Sudani gambit for second term

Iraqi insiders from across the political spectrum say Sudani is making a play to seize momentum and form a new government.

Security

Drone strikes signal escalating threat to Iraqi oil sector

A barrage of attacks hit five oil sites in southern Iraq on a single day.

Interviews

Q&A: Ali Shaddad al-Faris, MP from Basra

The Basrawi MP, a mainstay on the Parliament Oil Committee, discusses Iraq's emergency efforts to activate secondary export routes and the impact of the Iran war on Iraq's oil sector.