Politics

Analysis: Iraqi elections approach, with high stakes for energy sector

Political insiders weigh in on potential election outcomes and their implications for the country’s investment climate.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani (center) and Oil Minister Hayyan Abdulghani (right) attend a ceremony to mark the opening of a 50 MW power plant at the Baiji refinery on Aug. 2, 2025. (Photo credit: Oil Ministry media office)

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.

Mar 5, 2020

Q&A: Jabar Yawar, Secretary General of the Peshmerga

Insurgents and gangs continue to fill a security vacuum in Iraq’s disputed territories, as talks between federal and Kurdish forces have been derailed by the political impacts of the Soleimani assassination.

Mar 4, 2020

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: March 3, 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 3, 2020

Thamir Ghadhban proposed to co-lead interim government

Prime Minister Adil Abd al-Mahdi said his two deputies and his security chief should effectively run the government until a new premier is confirmed or elections take place.

Feb 26, 2020

Oil expert Husain al-Chalabi nominated for Oil Minister

Prime Minister-designate Mohammed Allawi's partial list of proposed Cabinet positions has been made public.

Feb 26, 2020

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: Feb. 25, 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.