Politics

Iraq grapples with power shortages and Iran sanctions as summer looms

The expiration of a U.S. sanctions waiver on Iranian electricity imports is complicating Baghdad's balancing act between Tehran and Washington, while the government scrambles for power supply ahead of peak demand season.

Workers from the Southern Projects Commission of Iraq's State Company for Oil Projects assemble a pipeline designed to carry regassified LNG imported via the Khor al-Zubair port in Basra to power stations in February 2025. (ALI AL-AQILY/Iraq Oil Report)

Apr 24, 2020

As Iraq begins oil cuts, steep challenges remain for OPEC compliance

Technical, financial, and political obstacles will make it nearly impossible for Iraq to meet an OPEC pledge to cut 1 million bpd by May 1.

Apr 23, 2020

Baghdad puts KRG budget transfer in the crosshairs

As Iraq descends further into financial crisis, the federal Cabinet and Parliament signal rising opposition to the KRG's monthly budget payments.

Apr 14, 2020

Cross-border fuel pipeline delayed by Iranian, KRG bureaucratic tangle

Red tape and rivalries have prevented the startup of a short pipeline designed to improve the efficiency of the KRG's fuel imports from Iran while mitigating coronavirus risk.

Apr 10, 2020

New PM-designate Kadhimi has momentum, but steep challenge

With 30 days to form a cabinet, Iraq's latest prime minister-designate, Mustafa al-Kadhimi, faces the same political crosscurrents that stymied his predecessors.

Apr 7, 2020

Government scrambles for solutions as Iraq faces financial free fall

Confronting low oil prices and a pandemic, Iraq will likely be forced to draw heavily from its foreign currency reserves while slashing oil and investment spending.

Mar 30, 2020

New pipeline streamlines KRG-Iran fuel trade

A newly built cross-border pipeline is expected to begin pumping imminently, allowing Iraqi Kurdistan to continue Iranian fuel imports while reducing truck traffic and coronavirus risks.

Mar 26, 2020

U.S. tightens window on Iraq’s new sanctions waiver

Iraq's latest Iran sanctions waiver is the shortest yet – 30 days – reflecting an ongoing strain in relations between Baghdad and Washington.

Mar 15, 2020

KRG issues new anti-coronavirus orders to oil firms

Regulations for oil and gas companies in Kurdistan reinforce standing WHO recommendations.

Mar 12, 2020

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: March 10, 2020

Whenever the media office of the Council of Ministers releases decisions of the Cabinet, Iraq Oil Report publishes a translation from the original Arabic.

Mar 11, 2020

Iraqi economic crisis looms as oil prices collapse

With Brent nearing $30 per barrel, Iraq faces a budget shortfall that could leave the government unable to pay salaries.