The two sides still need to overcome the same sticking points that have derailed Iraq's previous attempts at multi-faceted Basra mega-deals.
The chief of Basra's oil sector discusses Exxon's impending departure from West Qurna 1, Total's bid for a massive new deal, and Iraq's efforts to develop new capacity from state-run fields.
The Oil Ministry wants to replace Exxon with another American company, while Exxon has lined up two Chinese firms to buy its stake.
Key gas project beset by contracting and security problems could serve domestic energy demand and ease sanctions tension with Washington.
In Nassiriya, the arrest of an oil official highlights a kind of corruption that usually stays in the shadows of political protection networks.
The director general of Iraq's state-run drilling company discusses plans to help the country boost production in an era of higher oil prices and loosening OPEC constraints.
Days after the field was shut down because of disputes between politically connected trucking companies, the Kurdistan region has regained 30,000 bpd of production.
After passing a budget with a record-setting deficit, Iraq is banking on more months like March to meet spending goals and recover from a financial crisis.
Hydrocarbons and national oil company laws get renewed push after more than a decade of political deadlock.
As oil markets enter an era of higher prices and fewer OPEC constraints, Iraq appears to be preparing a push for more market share.
