Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) — Iraq is holding discussions with Iran to ensure the smooth passage of oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, Oil Minister Bassem Mohammed Khudair said on Monday, expressing optimism that the two sides could reach understandings in the coming days to protect Iraqi crude shipments.
Khudair’s remarks come a day after government spokesman Haider al-Aboudi said Iraqi officials had received assurances from Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian that Iraqi oil tankers would be exempt from restrictions in the strategic waterway. Al-Aboudi later acknowledged that the exemption had not materialized, saying Tehran continues to view the strait as one of its key sources of leverage in the current regional crisis.
In remarks carried by the state-run Iraqi News Agency (INA), Khudair said Iraqi officials held political and economic discussions with Iran alongside Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s recent engagements.
He said the talks focused on facilitating the movement of Iraqi oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, adding that Baghdad hopes to reach broader understandings in the coming days that would ensure the safe and uninterrupted passage of shipments.
Khudair also announced that Iraq signed an important agreement with Turkey on Aug. 1, extending existing oil cooperation arrangements for one year while both sides prepare a long-term framework agreement.
According to the minister, the deal is intended to ensure continued exports of crude from the Kurdistan Region’s oil fields while also supporting a government plan to transport part of southern Iraq’s crude through the northern pipeline network.
He said the goal is to increase exports through the northern route to more than 700,000 barrels per day.
Khudair added that discussions held during the prime minister’s recent foreign engagements also focused on expanding broader economic cooperation and signing multiple memoranda of understanding with neighboring countries.
He said the government’s strategy is based on strengthening partnerships, investment, and regional cooperation to support Iraq’s economy.
The minister added that additional revenues generated from higher oil exports and improved contracts with international energy companies would be directed toward infrastructure projects in healthcare, education, transportation, and workforce development.
