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Politics

Analysis: Iraq’s 2025 election results

Preliminary results paint a picture of the balance of power in the next Parliament and the dynamics likely to shape government formation and the energy sector.
Security guards stand at the entrance to a polling station in Basra on Nov. 11, 2025. (ALI AL-AQILY/Iraq Oil Report)

KRG threatens export cutoff

A year-old export agreement with Baghdad appears to be going sour, as Kurdistan demands $1 billion in backlogged payments and levies allegations of missing oil.

Iraq fights for transparency bid

Overcoming resistance from companies favoring secrecy, Iraq has published the first report on its road to international transparency certification.

Basra gains clout amidst protests

Locals near the Shell-operated Majnoon oil field staged demonstrations over unemployment, as visiting leaders from Baghdad met provincial demands for more powers and better services.

Exxon has ‘days’ to respond

Deputy PM says ExxonMobil must soon respond to Baghdad's ultimatum and freeze deals in Kurdistan or else lose all opportunities in southern Iraq.

Oil law struggles for daylight

Parliament committee could press for formal validation of existing oil deals with Baghdad and KRG, but efforts are being overshadowed by political crisis.

Q&A: Hussain al-Shahristani

The government's top energy official discusses ExxonMobil's options, fourth bidding round contract models, and federalism.