The U.S. has revoked Iraq’s waiver allowing Iranian electricity imports, part of a strategy to curb Iranian influence and economic relief. Iraq, facing significant energy shortages, aims to end reliance on Iran by 2028, as emphasized by PM Al-Sudani. This decision is consistent with Washington’s broader objectives regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions and regional stability.
The U.S. has officially terminated Iraq’s waiver for purchasing Iranian electricity, as stated by a spokesperson from the State Department. This move is part of Washington’s “maximum pressure” approach aimed at curtailing economic support to Iran. The spokesperson emphasized that this decision is intended to prevent Iran from gaining any financial relief.
The Trump administration’s strategy focuses on three main goals: eliminating Tehran’s nuclear threat, reigning in its ballistic missile development, and halting its support for terrorist organizations. The U.S. had been encouraging Iraq to reduce its dependency on Iranian energy supplies as quickly as possible.
Iraq currently relies on gas-powered plants to produce roughly 27,000 megawatts of electricity, though output can sometimes dip to 17,000 megawatts. The nation’s demand for electricity reaches about 40,000 megawatts, leading to a significant shortfall that has compelled Baghdad to rely on Iranian gas imports, previously safeguarded by U.S. sanctions waivers.
Following the new administration’s return, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani sought an extension of the waiver. He acknowledged in an interview that while the country aims to achieve energy independence by 2028, it requires continued waiver authorization during this transition. Additionally, Iraq is implementing interconnection projects with neighboring countries to foster regional energy collaboration.
This recent change in U.S. policy also follows a discussion between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and PM Al-Sudani, where Rubio urged for Iraq’s progress towards energy independence, highlighting the strategic importance of reducing Iranian influence in the region.
The U.S. has ended Iraq’s waiver for Iranian electricity, significantly impacting Iraq’s energy strategy. Aimed at strengthening its economic sanctions against Iran, the U.S. underscores the necessity of Iraq transitioning to energy independence by 2028, as outlined by Prime Minister Al-Sudani. Iraq is progressing with regional integration projects to lessen its reliance on Iranian energy. This shift directly aligns with U.S. objectives to mitigate Tehran’s influence in the Middle East.
Original Source: shafaq.com
