Politics

U.S. sanctions Maarij, escalating pressure over next Iraqi Cabinet

The first American designation of a sitting senior Oil Ministry official comes as Iraqi leaders negotiate the composition of a new government.

Oil Minister Hayyan Abdulghani (left) meets with Deputy Minister Ali Maarij at the Oil Ministry in Baghdad on Oct. 21, 2024. (Photo credit: Oil Ministry)

Jan 19, 2026

Iran protests bring new volatility to Iraq’s politics and markets

Rising threats to Iran's regime have the potential to weaken Tehran's influence in Baghdad and disrupt cross-border trade and currency dynamics.

Dec 18, 2025

Chevron eyes Lukoil’s Iraq assets

The American company is emerging as the leading contender for the 480,000 bpd West Qurna 2 field as U.S. sanctions appear to be squeezing Lukoil out of Iraq.

Dec 10, 2025

Northern exports flow under promising but fragile oil and budget agreement

Baghdad, Erbil, and oil companies appear to be implementing some key terms of a three-way oil export and budget deal, but ongoing success is hardly assured.

Dec 2, 2025

Kurdistan refinery protests spark deadly violence

At least one person is dead and several injured after security forces cracked down on unemployed truck drivers demanding work at the Lanaz refinery near Erbil.

Nov 19, 2025

Rosneft partially divests from Kurdistan’s export pipeline

In an apparent attempt to avoid exposure to U.S. sanctions, the company that operates Kurdistan's export pipeline has reduced Rosneft to a 49 percent share.

Nov 15, 2025

Analysis: Iraq’s 2025 election results

Preliminary results paint a picture of the balance of power in the next Parliament and the dynamics likely to shape government formation and the energy sector.

Nov 6, 2025

Pre-election Q&A series: Raed Hamdan al-Maliki, independent MP

Ahead of a consequential election for Iraq’s energy sector, key political figures give their outlook on the upcoming vote and government-formation process.

Nov 2, 2025

Pre-election Q&A series: Karim Aliwi Jahoush, MP with the Badr bloc

Ahead of a consequential election for Iraq’s energy sector, key political figures give their outlook on the upcoming vote and government-formation process.

Oct 30, 2025

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

Ahead of a consequential election for Iraq’s energy sector, key political figures give their outlook on the upcoming vote and subsequent government-formation process.

Oct 29, 2025

Pre-election Q&A series: Sheikh Burhan Nasser al-Nimrawi, MP from the Taqadum Party

Ahead of a consequential election for Iraq’s energy sector, key political figures give their outlook on the upcoming vote and government-formation process.