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)

Jul 8, 2024

Analysis: Sudani agenda faces rising political risks as elections approach

Some members of the prime minister’s governing coalition appear to see Sudani’s popularity — and continuing success — as a growing political liability.

Jun 25, 2024

New life for Iraq-Jordan export pipeline

The long-stalled project is taking tentative steps forward with a $5 billion federal budget financing provision and a recent equipment tender.

May 31, 2024

New date proposed for Kurdistan’s long-delayed elections

After boycott threats, legal battles, and backroom deals in Baghdad, Iraq's election authority is proposing a September vote in Kurdistan.

Apr 1, 2024

Pipeline repairs raise prospect of alternate Turkey export route

The Iraqi side of the Iraq-Turkey Pipeline is being rehabilitated, potentially transforming the political dynamics around oil exports via Turkey.

Mar 22, 2024

Iraq activates new deal to pay Iran for gas

Swap of Iraqi refined products for Iranian gas could help settle an $11 billion debt but also risks friction with U.S. over sanctions.

Mar 15, 2024

Deadlock persists over three provincial governors

Leadership vacuums in Kirkuk, Salahaddin, and Diyala provinces highlight the challenges of identity-based politics to effective governance.

Feb 22, 2024

Iran eludes accountability after strikes on Iraqi Kurdistan

After condemning violations of sovereignty, Baghdad and Erbil have not published investigative findings or taken action to deter further attacks by Iran and its proxy forces.

Jan 16, 2024

Progress on Kurdistan budget deal, but obstacles remain

Baghdad approves temporary funding deal but unresolved oil issues hang over a potential budget law amendment to unlock more reliable financial transfers.

Dec 23, 2023

Anti-U.S. attacks bring new phase of security challenges for Iraq

Sparked by the Gaza war, increased strikes on American targets highlight the weakness of an Iraqi government pinned between opposing political and military forces.

Nov 14, 2023

Baghdad-Erbil oil diplomacy raises hopes for pipeline progress

High-level meetings involving Baghdad and Erbil leaders and oil company representatives aim for deals needed to restart northern pipeline exports.