Politics

Political disunity clouds KRG fiscal and energy outlooks

Deadlocked talks over forming a new regional Cabinet highlight a bitter rivalry between two ruling parties that poses risks to Kurdistan's economy and energy sector.

PUK President Bafel Talabni (left) meets with KDP President Massoud Barzani (right) on Sept. 27, 2025. (Photo credit: KDP presidency office)

May 18, 2019

U.S. warnings spur Exxon evacuation of expats

Production is unaffected and the security situation appears calm as ExxonMobil evacuates dozens of foreign staff from the West Qurna 1 field, following U.S. claims of threats from Iran.

May 16, 2019

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: May 14, 2019

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

May 16, 2019

Iraqi oil industry calm amidst U.S. warnings on Iran

As the U.S. evacuates diplomatic personnel, citing threats from Iran, Iraq's oil sector and its IOC partners maintain status quo.

May 8, 2019

Cabinet endorses SIIP negotiations with Exxon

The Cabinet threw political weight behind the Southern Iraq Integrated Project, injecting momentum into negotiations over a massive infrastructure deal that is critical to Iraq's production and export growth.

May 8, 2019

Baghdad, KRG leaders reaffirm legal disputes over oil

Political leaders on both sides indicate their court battle is still on, but the proceedings are delayed, pending a revised pleading from the prime minister.

May 7, 2019

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: May 7, 2019

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

Apr 30, 2019

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: Apr. 29, 2019

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

Apr 24, 2019

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: Apr. 23, 2019

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

Apr 17, 2019

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: Apr. 16, 2019

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

Apr 11, 2019

Basra renews autonomy campaign

Local leaders are reviving a populist initiative to transform Iraq's oil capital into its own federal region.