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Republican Deputy Joe Wilson Slams Biden Administration Over Iraq’s $10 Billion Support to Iran for Energy

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Analysis: U.S. Policy Impact on Iraq’s Energy Reliance

U.S. Congressman Joe Wilson has reiterated criticism of the previous administration under President Joe Biden for its energy policy concerning Iraq and Iran. In a recent post on the X platform, Wilson highlighted that Iraq continues to remit approximately $10 billion annually to Iran for the procurement of oil and electricity, largely made feasible by U.S. exemptions. This financial flow occurs despite Iraq’s capability to secure energy through alternative Arab sources.

Wilson pointed out that in August 2023, Iraq initiated a preliminary agreement with Turkmenistan aimed at importing gas to satisfy a portion of its electricity demands. However, the situation shifted dramatically at the end of November 2024, when the Iraqi Ministry of Electricity confirmed a complete cessation of Iranian gas supplies. This interruption resulted in a significant loss of 5,500 megawatts for the national electricity grid.

Interestingly, the Sudanese government has been making full payments for its gas imports without regard for the duration of supply interruptions or reductions in gas volumes delivered.

The current dynamics underscore the complexities of Iraq’s energy dependence and the implications of U.S. policy on regional energy interactions.

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