Knights: "Make Iraq Independent of Iranian Energy"
By Michael Knights, for the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. Any opinions expressed are those of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News.
Make Iraq Independent of Iranian Energy
By letting previous waivers expire, the United States can help Baghdad establish other suppliers and stand on its own feet for the first time.
Click here to read the full report.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Shafaq News
3 hours ago
- Shafaq News
Tehran warns E3 ahead of IAEA vote
Shafaq News/ On Friday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned European powers of a severe response if they pursue what he called a 'major strategic mistake' at next week's IAEA Board of Governors meeting. In a post on X, Araghchi accused Germany, France, and the UK of 'opting a malign action against Iran' instead of engaging in good faith. 'Mark my words,' he wrote, adding that 'As Europe ponders another major strategic mistake, Iran will react strongly to any violation of its rights.' After years of good cooperation with the IAEA—resulting in a resolution which shut down malign claims of a "possible military dimension" (PMD) to Iran's peaceful nuclear program—my country is once again accused of "non-compliance". Instead of engaging in good faith, the E3 is… — Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) June 6, 2025 Western powers, including the US and the European trio, plan to submit a resolution accusing Tehran of failing to meet its nuclear obligations, based on a recent IAEA report. Multiple diplomatic sources say the motion could lead to referring Iran's case to the United Nations.
Shafaq News
a day ago
- Shafaq News
US: Deals with Kurdistan to benefit all of Iraq
Shafaq News/ The United States has urged Iraq to accelerate efforts toward energy independence, warning that continued reliance on Iranian gas undermines the country's stability and sovereignty. Responding to Shafaq News question, a US State Department official said Iraq would be 'more stable and sovereign by becoming energy independent and distancing itself from Iran's malign influence.' The comments come amid growing concern over Iraq's worsening electricity crisis, compounded by limited gas imports due to US restrictions on transactions with Iran — a country that supplies nearly 40% of Iraq's natural gas used for power generation. Iraq's chronic power shortages, exacerbated by aging infrastructure and political hurdles, trigger widespread public frustration each summer, with many provinces facing daily blackouts lasting several hours or more. Highlighting recent progress, the official pointed to agreements signed between Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and US energy firms to expand natural gas production in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region (IKR). 'These deals in the IKR and others throughout Iraq benefit all of Iraq, especially as Iraqis continue to suffer from power outages,' the official said. 'They will ultimately help Iraq solve its energy crisis.' While these projects remain in the early stages, Washington views them as part of a broader strategy to develop Iraq's domestic energy capacity. The official also underscored the need for cooperation between Baghdad and Erbil in gas production' as soon as possible.' Shafaq News has previously reported that although Iraq holds significant untapped natural gas reserves, development has been stalled by political disputes, lack of investment, and technical delays. US sanctions on Iran have further complicated Iraq's ability to pay for Iranian gas, despite occasional sanctions waivers issued by Washington.
Shafaq News
a day ago
- Shafaq News
Iranian President invites Iraqi counterpart to Eid festival in Tehran
Shafaq News/ On Thursday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian invited Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid to attend the Eid al-Adha* festival in Tehran, with both leaders reaffirming the strength of bilateral relations. According to Iranian media reports, the two presidents discussed the current state of ties between Tehran and Baghdad during a phone call. Pezeshkian emphasized the historical and cultural bonds shared by Iran and Iraq and reiterated his administration's commitment to unity with Muslim nations, including Iraq, to safeguard the dignity of Islamic countries. President Rashid, for his part, affirmed that the Iraqi government is prepared to enhance coordination and cooperation with Tehran for the mutual benefit and sustainable development of both countries. At the end of the call, Rashid asked Pezeshkian to convey his regards to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. *Eid al-Adha, known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is an Islamic holiday commemorating Prophet Ibrahim's (Abraham's) willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. Celebrated on the 10th day of the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah, it coincides with the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca. The festival involves special prayers and the ritual sacrifice of an animal—usually a sheep, goat, or cow—with the meat shared among family, friends, and those in need.
