Peregraf — Iraqi Oil Minister Basim Mohammed Khudair said on Monday that Baghdad is holding talks with Iran to facilitate the movement of oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, expressing hope that the two sides will reach understandings in the coming days.
Speaking to the Iraqi News Agency (INA), Khudair said the discussions are aimed at ensuring the smooth passage of oil shipments through the strategic waterway amid ongoing regional tensions.
“The Iraqi delegation held dialogues and talks with the Iranian side to discuss the smooth movement of oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, with aspirations to reach major understandings in the coming days that will contribute to protecting and facilitating the passage of shipments and tankers,” he said.
Khudair also highlighted the recently signed one-year agreement with Turkey, which extends oil export arrangements while Baghdad and Ankara negotiate a long-term energy framework.
He said the agreement is intended to ensure the continued export of crude from the Kurdistan Region’s oil fields while supporting an ambitious plan to transport part of southern Iraq’s crude through northern pipelines, targeting export volumes of more than 700,000 barrels per day.
The minister said broader economic and political discussions held during Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s recent regional visits also focused on expanding economic cooperation and signing memorandums of understanding with neighboring countries.
Khudair said the Iraqi government’s strategy is based on strengthening partnerships and investment with neighboring states, adding that increased oil revenues would be directed toward infrastructure projects in health, education, roads, and workforce development.