Economy News – Baghdad
On Friday, Prime Minister Muhammad Shi’a Sudani urged the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump to maintain the exemption allowing Iraq to import Iranian gas, following the recent cancellation of this exemption.
President Trump recently revoked the exemption that permitted Iraq to import electricity and gas from Iran as part of a broader sanctions package targeting Iran.
In a recent interview, Sudani remarked that the previous U.S. administration had granted Iraq this exemption, expressing frustration that while Iraq had sought the exemption, it had also initiated plans to invest in associated gas.
Sudani articulated a clear vision for Iraq’s energy future, stating that the country aims to eliminate gas imports by 2028, achieving energy independence. He emphasized the necessity of continuing the exemption during this transitional period.
He further noted that Iraq has started a process of energy integration with its neighbors to address its energy needs, forming part of a broader strategy for regional cooperation.
Sudani detailed existing energy links with Jordan and ongoing efforts to finalize arrangements with Kuwait and other Gulf states, highlighting that contracts have begun for linking Iraq with Saudi Arabia, alongside established connections with Turkey that have initiated energy deliveries, contributing to regional integration.
The Prime Minister assured that the Iraqi government has developed solutions to its energy challenges and expressed hope that U.S. officials would recognize the government’s planned initiatives, facilitating continued access to Iranian gas until domestic projects are completed, at which point reliance on imports would cease.
For many years, Iraq has relied on Iranian electricity and gas, particularly during the peak summer months, relying heavily on intermittent U.S. exemptions for continued imports.
Recently, Iraq has also explored importing gas from Turkmenistan, albeit through Iranian pipelines. However, this initiative has yet to materialize due to logistical and financial obstacles.
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