Erbil and Baghdad Strike “Historic” Deal to Resume Oil Exports via Turkey

Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government have struck what Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa al-Sudani described as a “historic agreement” to restart oil exports through Turkey after more than two years of suspension.

Under the deal, Iraq’s state marketer SOMO will oversee exports from Kurdish oil fields through the Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline, which was shut in 2023 following a $1.5 billion arbitration ruling.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised the agreement as a breakthrough that will strengthen Iraq’s sovereignty, enhance energy security, and create opportunities for American companies.

With eight oil firms on board and exports expected to resume within 48 hours, the deal marks a major step in stabilizing economy and rebuilding trust between Baghdad and Erbil.