Politics

Baghdad threatens to choke off KRG funding

Political tensions skyrocket after recently announced gas deals, resulting in legal challenges and threats to Kurdistan's budget.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani (standing, center right) and KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani (standing, center left) oversee a ceremony in Baghdad on April 4, 2023, to sign a temporary deal for restarting northern oil exports. (Photo credit: Prime Minister's Office)

Oct 11, 2017

Iraq aims to rebuild northern pipeline

Massive political challenges and financial constraints cast uncertainty on the Oil Ministry's announcement that it will rehabilitate its decimated pipeline to Turkey.

Oct 10, 2017

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: Oct. 10, 2017

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

Oct 9, 2017

Q&A: KRG Minister of Transportation Mawlood Bawa Murad

The KRG is powerless to lift a ban on international flights that Baghdad imposed in retaliation for the independence referendum.

Oct 3, 2017

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: Oct. 3, 2017

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

Oct 3, 2017

Military buildup on the KRG-Iran border

Kurdish security forces and Iranian tanks have deployed to opposite sides of the Parwezkhan crossing, as Baghdad moves to exert federal control over border posts.

Sep 28, 2017

Baghdad digs in against KRG referendum

As the KRG announced referendum results, Iraq's Parliament issued a bellicose directive calling on Abadi to march on Kirkuk and target Kurdistan's oil sector, borders, and airports.

Sep 26, 2017

Iraqi Cabinet decisions: Sept. 26, 2017

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

Sep 26, 2017

As Kurdistan casts independence vote, threats loom

The KRG oil sector is in the crosshairs of Iraq's Parliament and Turkey's president, who are seeking to stop the momentum of Kurdish secession after Monday's referendum.

Sep 25, 2017

Showdown turns to oil as referendum dispute intensifies

The day before Monday's Kurdistan independence referendum, Iraq's National Security Council called on the world to respect claims to federal control over oil and borders.

Sep 24, 2017

Run-up to referendum turns even more tumultuous

Two days before the Kurdistan independence referendum, Iraq’s Oil Ministry cautions against interfering with oil operations, Ankara and Baghdad reiterate warnings, and Kurdish parties show signs of fracture.