Politics

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.

Negotiators representing Iraq's federal government and Kurdistan Regional Government meet on Aug. 19, 2025 in a session chaired by Minister of Planning Mohammed Ali Tamim. (Photo credit: Ministry of Planning)

Jul 11, 2022

UPDATE: Iraq-Turkey arbitration ruling nears, with Kurdistan’s oil independence in the balance

The eight-year-old case, likely to be decided within the coming months, could give Baghdad major leverage in its campaign to end the KRG's oil sector independence and open a door to negotiate water rights with Turkey.

Jul 6, 2022

Court postpones hearing on Gulf Keystone contract with KRG

Days after declaring four of Kurdistan's oil contracts to be invalid, Baghdad court schedules a hearing on three others for July 17.

Jul 4, 2022

Baghdad court declares four KRG oil contracts void

Secretive ruling marks escalation in Oil Ministry campaign to end Kurdistan's oil sector independence.

Jul 4, 2022

Baghdad court rejects Kurdistan’s delay tactics in lawsuit against IOCs

The Oil Ministry’s lawsuit against seven oil companies operating in Kurdistan gained momentum as a Baghdad judge moves toward reviewing contracts.

Jun 29, 2022

Halliburton pledges to obey blacklist policy against KRG oil sector

Three major U.S. oil services companies have now told the Oil Ministry they will comply with new restrictions stemming from February's landmark court ruling against Kurdistan.

Jun 28, 2022

Oil services companies bow to Baghdad blacklist

Oil Ministry pressure tactics are beginning to inflict pain in the wake of the Federal Supreme Court's landmark ruling against Kurdistan's energy sector.

Jun 23, 2022

Erbil court postpones case against Oil Ministry leaders

Defending its oil sector independence, the KRG has so far succeeded at entangling Baghdad's legal offensive in procedural delays.

Jun 20, 2022

Court again delays Baghdad lawsuit against Kurdistan IOCs

Baghdad's Commercial Court again postponed the Oil Ministry's lawsuit against seven oil companies operating in Kurdistan.

Jun 14, 2022

Q&A: Finance Minister Ali Allawi

Allawi discusses ending Kurdistan budget transfers, new expenditures under a stop-gap spending law, power payments to Iran, and implementing a Chinese financing deal.

Jun 14, 2022

Baghdad threatens Kurdistan oil contractors with blacklist

Expansive policy targets both IOCs and sub-contractors, raising pressure on Kurdistan's oil sector amidst legal battles.