Iraqi PM Al-Sudani requested the U.S. restore Iraq’s waiver to import gas from Iran after sanctions were renewed. He highlighted the need for uninterrupted energy imports until the country achieves energy independence by 2028. Iraq is integrating its power grid with neighboring countries to secure energy supplies and has started connections with Jordan, Turkiye, and plans with Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.
On Friday, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani appealed to the Trump administration to restore Iraq’s waiver for importing Iranian gas, which was recently revoked. This repeal came as part of new sanctions targeting Iran. Al-Sudani emphasized that Iraq had previously been exempt from these sanctions, which facilitated critical energy imports. He also noted the country’s ambition to become energy independent by 2028 and stressed the significance of maintaining the exemption during this transitional period.
Al-Sudani elaborated on Iraq’s energy integration initiatives with neighboring countries to bolster its electricity supply. He mentioned how Iraq has established a power connection with Jordan, enhancing energy accessibility for western Iraq. The government anticipates completing similar integration projects with Kuwait and Gulf states by 2025, alongside connection agreements with Saudi Arabia. Iraq’s electrical grid has also been linked with Turkiye, allowing access to the European power network.
The Prime Minister expressed optimism about the U.S. understanding Iraq’s energy plans, which include relying on Iranian gas until domestic projects yield sufficient supply. “We trust that our friends in the United States will understand our plans and allow us to continue using Iranian gas until our projects are completed… Then, we will no longer require imported gas,” Al-Sudani stated. Iraq has long depended on Iranian energy imports, especially during summer peaks, often needing U.S. waivers for continued access.
Additionally, Iraq is exploring alternative gas sources, including a potential import plan from Turkmenistan that would utilize Iranian pipelines. However, logistical and financial barriers currently impede the execution of this strategy. In the context of its long-term energy strategy, Iraq aims to diversify its resources and enhance self-sufficiency in energy production.
Iraq has long faced energy supply challenges, primarily relying on imports from Iran to meet its electricity and gas needs. In recent years, geopolitical tensions have prompted the U.S. to impose sanctions on Iran, affecting Iraq’s energy importation plans. The Iraqi government has initiated various regional projects to integrate its power grid with neighboring countries, aiming for energy independence and reduced reliance on Iranian gas imports. The prospect of energy cooperation with regional allies, including Jordan, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia, forms part of Iraq’s broader strategy to enhance energy security and sustainability.
Iraq’s Prime Minister has reached out to President Trump to reinstate the waiver for importing Iranian gas amidst ongoing sanctions. As Iraq pursues energy independence by 2028, integration with regional energy sources and diversification of supplies are key to achieving these goals. The country is also looking at alternatives such as gas imports from Turkmenistan to further enhance its energy security. However, cooperation and understanding from the U.S. will be crucial during this transitional phase.
Original Source: shafaq.com
