Iraq’s exemption from importing gas from Iran revoked; Baghdad searches for a new alternative

The lifting of the US waiver on Iranian gas imports has created a dilemma for the Baghdad government, especially in terms of supplies needed to meet energy needs in the coming summer, according to Energy Press. Analysts say it is an opportunity for the Gulf states to strengthen their presence in the energy sector, as the decision, which was taken as part of the US sanctions campaign against Iran, pushes Iraq to look for new alternatives to meet its needs.
A unique opportunity for Iraq’s Arab neighbors
The latest move by US President Donald Trump to lift the waiver on Iranian gas exports to Iraq is aimed at preventing Baghdad from using the international financial system to facilitate Tehran’s sanctions circumvention, as part of broader measures to reduce Iranian oil exports to zero, including shipments to China, and part of the White House’s “maximum pressure” campaign.
According to Al-Arabi Al-Jadeed, citing an expert, this is an opportunity for the Arab Gulf states and the Gulf Cooperation Council electricity interconnection project is of particular importance in this regard, as it can provide Iraq with electricity and improve the stability of the country’s energy network. According to informed sources, such a move would, on the one hand, increase economic cooperation between the Gulf states and, on the other hand, reduce Iraq’s dependence on Iran.
Economic expert Raed Al-Masri told Al-Arabi Al-Jadeed that the new US policy, which aims to tighten economic sanctions against Tehran, will deprive Iraq of benefiting from Iranian gas and energy for electricity generation. “This will cause a major collapse in Iraq’s electricity sector, as the country will lose about 7,000 megawatts of electricity imported from Iran following the recent action of the US government,” he said.
According to Al-Arabi Al-Jadeed, this situation presents Iraq with major challenges and leads the country to seek alternative energy sources, such as importing gas from Turkmenistan or the Persian Gulf countries, given that this change gives the Persian Gulf countries a greater role in supplying Iraq with electricity and energy resources, which enhances their economic and political position in the region.