Iraqi production starts to rebound, but export disruptions persist

June production climbed to 2 million bpd, but fields have been forced to ramp up and cut back within days as export loadings fluctuate — and renewed U.S.-Iran fighting now threatens the recovery.

Workers at the state-run Dhi Qar Oil Company perform maintenance at the Subba oil field in May 2026. (Photo credit: DQOC)

Energy

Hamrin deal signed as Iraq accelerates U.S. oil partnerships

The contract sets a production target of 140,000 bpd and extends a wave of agreements with American companies ahead of Prime Minister Zaidi's visit to Washington.

Politics

Maarij arrested in widening corruption crackdown

A second deputy oil minister has been ensnared in an expanding operation that has also taken down several MPs, with potential to reshape Iraq's political power balance.

Security

Renewed drone threats put Iraq’s energy recovery at risk

Twin threats to southern oil exports and Kurdistan's gas supply show Iran-aligned armed groups can still hit Iraq's energy lifelines.

Interviews

Q&A: Bassim Mohammed Khudair, Deputy Oil Minister for Upstream

Iraq's top upstream oil official confirms that production, curtailed by war, is ready to surge back online — but only once ships can reliably resume Basra Gulf export loadings.