U.S. Pressure Behind Resumption of Kurdistan Region Oil Exports

Media sources reported that pressure from the administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump contributed to both Baghdad and Ankara reversing their previous positions and agreeing to resume oil exports from the Kurdistan Region.

According to the sources, the then-U.S. Secretary of State issued threats to Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani, warning of severe economic sanctions on Iraq if it did not halt its purchases of gas and electricity from Iran — a move that accelerated the decision to resume exports.