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)

Energy

Iraq’s southern exports begin gradual restart

The first tanker loading from a Basra Gulf export outlet in over a month signals tentative progress toward reviving southern oil sales and production.

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.