Kurdistan Region Pushes Back on Baghdad Over Oil Exports

Oil exports from the Kurdistan Region remain stalled, with regional officials disputing claims from Baghdad that the region is not prepared to resume shipments.

The Kurdistan Region’s Ministry of Natural Resources says the halt in exports through Turkey’s Ceyhan port is the result of a combination of economic restrictions, security threats, and political disagreements with Iraq’s federal government.

In a statement responding to Iraq’s federal oil ministry, officials said Baghdad’s explanation of the crisis “does not present all aspects of the problem” and misrepresents the reasons behind the continued suspension of exports.

According to the ministry, economic measures introduced by Baghdad earlier this year disrupted financial flows in the region, preventing traders from accessing U.S. dollars and slowing commercial activity.

Regional officials also cited repeated attacks on oil fields and energy infrastructure carried out by armed militias, which they say forced production to stop in several locations.

The ministry criticized what it described as a lack of effective action from Baghdad to prevent the attacks or protect energy infrastructure.

Despite the dispute, officials in the Kurdistan Region say they remain ready to hold urgent technical talks with Baghdad aimed at resolving the crisis and restarting oil exports.