Energy

Iran reversal on Strait of Hormuz threatens Iraq’s nascent export restart

Iranian forces blocked a tanker carrying Iraqi crude, dampening hopes for a durable resumption of Iraq's southern exports.

The Agios Fanourios I tanker prepares to dock at a single point mooring buoy in the Basra Gulf in April 2026 for the first loading of crude from Iraq's southern export outlets in more than a month. (Photo credit: Ministry of Transportation)

Aug 19, 2025

Baghdad reaffirms conditions for KRG budget support

Iraq's Cabinet said Tuesday that further payments are contingent on the KRG transferring most of its oil production and non-oil revenue to Baghdad.

Aug 8, 2025

Iraq takes action on illicit oil schemes

U.S. designation of a key oil sector logistics provider highlights sanctions risks, prompting Iraqi measures to combat corruption in fuel trading.

Aug 4, 2025

July exports rise as OPEC continues quota hikes

Iraqi oil sales increased in July, even as the fate of a deal to restart northern exports via Turkey remains uncertain.

Jul 26, 2025

Iraq crude production strong in June

Operational disruptions caused by the Israel-Iran war do not appear to have affected Iraqi crude output, which was virtually unchanged from May to June.

Jul 24, 2025

New hope for Baghdad-KRG oil and budget deal

Federal financial transfer signals political will to implement an agreement that could result in re-starting northern oil exports, though further hurdles remain.

Jul 22, 2025

Turkey signals end of Iraq-Turkey Pipeline treaty

The agreement will now expire in July 2026, raising new questions about the future of oil exports from northern Iraq and the Kurdistan region.

Jul 17, 2025

Cabinet approves revived plan for re-starting northern exports

A new deal for oil and budget cooperation between Baghdad and Erbil faces significant challenges to implementation, including crippling attacks on Kurdistan's oil sector.

Jul 16, 2025

Kurdistan oil sector under attack

Drones struck Tawke and Ain Sifni on Wednesday, marking three consecutive days of attacks on Kurdistan oil fields.

Jul 15, 2025

Drones strike Kurdistan oil fields

Attack on HKN-operated Sarsang field coincides with the company's signing of a preliminary upstream deal with the federal Oil Ministry.

Jul 14, 2025

Q&A: Ali Shaddad al-Faris, MP and spokesperson for the Parliament Oil and Gas Committee

Longtime energy MP talks about U.S. pressure on Baghdad and Erbil, the blame he places on KRG oil tactics, and the upside of the sitting oil minister entering elections.