Security

Insurgency persists as U.S.-led coalition leaves Iraq

IS militants no longer hold territory but still probe for security gaps, while Iraqi officials give contrasting assessments of how the U.S. withdrawal will affect future capacity and stability.

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi meets with U.S. President Donald Trump at the UN in New York City on Sept. 23, 2026. (Photo credit: Prime Minister's Office)

Sep 10, 2026

Pricing discounts drive August oil export surge

Iraqi oil exports have continued to climb in September, but Iran war re-escalation threatens to slow ship traffic as a tanker is hit in Iraqi waters.

Jul 16, 2026

Renewed drone threats put Iraq’s energy recovery at risk

Twin threats to southern oil exports and Kurdistan's gas supply show Iran-aligned armed groups can still hit Iraq's energy lifelines.

Jun 14, 2026

As Iraq tries to rein in paramilitary groups, oil sector threats remain

Several armed groups say they will put their weapons under state control, but the most aggressive Iran-backed fighters remain outside the process.

May 29, 2026

Akkas gas field falters despite increasing power needs

Even as wartime supply disruptions push Iraq toward a summertime electricity crisis, the Akkas gas field is producing at a fraction of its potential.

Apr 5, 2026

Drone strikes signal escalating threat to Iraqi oil sector

A barrage of attacks hit five oil sites in southern Iraq on a single day.

Apr 2, 2026

Iran war spreads to Iraq as parallel conflict escalates

War has laid bare the weakness of the Iraqi state, highlighting risks for the country's investment climate that are likely to last beyond the fighting in Iran.

Mar 20, 2026

Northern pipeline restart offers limited relief

A political breakthrough unlocks Iraq's only secondary pipeline export outlet, but volumes are capped by infrastructure constraints and security threats.

Mar 12, 2026

Basra tanker attack marks deepening crisis for Iraq oil sector

Iraq is facing a widening array of security threats and economic consequences from the Iran war.

Mar 8, 2026

Oil companies evacuate as Burjisiya drone attack highlights rising threat

Strike on a key oil logistics hub in Basra signals danger for southern Iraq's oil sector as Iran and its proxies target U.S. companies.

Mar 6, 2026

Oil field attack signals dire war risks for Kurdistan energy sector

Drone strikes on Sarsang raise new doubts for IOCs about the viability of restarting wartime oil production as the KRG demands security guarantees from Baghdad.

Mar 4, 2026

Iraq begins nationwide production shutdowns

With exports halted by war, Iraq has limited options to keep fields operating and has begun taking millions of barrels of daily production offline.