U.S. and Iraq Engage in Talks to Resume Kurdistan Oil Exports

Top officials from the United States and Iraq have convened to discuss the resumption of oil exports from Iraq’s semi-autonomous region of Kurdistan. This dialogue, confirmed by the Iraqi Foreign Ministry on July 6, 2023, follows a suspension of exports that has lasted for two and a half years, stemming from a dispute over the authority responsible for approving Kurdish oil exports.

Prior to the halt, oil exports from Kurdistan averaged over 400,000 barrels per day (bpd). Despite recent negotiations yielding some progress, obstacles remain unresolved. In a recent meeting, Iraq’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Fuad Hussein, engaged with Steven Fagin, the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires to Iraq, to address these challenges.

The discussions focused on the “outstanding issues” faced by oil companies operating in the Kurdistan Region. According to a statement from the Iraqi Foreign Ministry, the aim is to find a solution that facilitates the resumption of oil exports from the region’s oil fields. Additionally, the talks covered the broader context of bilateral relations between Iraq and the United States, particularly regarding the role of American oil companies in the region.

Earlier this month, the Iraqi Oil Minister, Hayan Abdul Ghani, indicated that plans to restart exports to a Turkish Mediterranean port were underway. However, he acknowledged that several issues must be resolved before exports can resume. The ongoing discussions highlight the complexities of the situation, as the need for a stable export pathway remains critical for both Iraqi and Kurdish economies.

The path forward remains unclear, but the commitment from both U.S. and Iraqi officials to engage in dialogue signals a potential move towards resolving the longstanding issues surrounding Kurdish oil exports. As negotiations continue, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how this pivotal situation develops and impacts the region’s economy.