On Monday, Iraq’s Oil Ministry announced a new development in talks with Turkey over bilateral energy cooperation. Turkey has submitted a draft for a broader Iraq-Turkey energy deal, proposing a fresh framework after ending the previous pipeline agreement.
The statement came through the state news agency and included details from the Turkish Ministry of Energy. Turkey officially expressed interest in renewing energy ties. The draft deal covers several sectors, including oil, gas, electricity, and petrochemicals.
Previously, Turkey terminated the 1973 Iraq-Turkey Crude Oil Pipeline Agreement. The termination, published on July 21, will take effect on July 27, 2026. Turkish Presidential Decree No. 10113 confirmed the move in the country’s Official Gazette.
A senior Iraqi oil official explained that the termination followed the legal process outlined in the original agreement. According to him, either country could cancel the deal with a year’s written notice. Based on that, Turkey proceeded with its formal withdrawal.
However, discussions between Iraq and Turkey had already begun before this decision. Talks started in July 2024 with the aim of building a new Iraq-Turkey energy deal. Iraq’s Oil Ministry emphasized the importance of maintaining strong economic ties with neighboring Turkey.
Furthermore, the ministry confirmed that it is reviewing the Turkish draft. Formal negotiations will begin soon to reach a final version. Both sides aim to create an agreement that protects mutual interests and ensures energy cooperation.
Exports through the pipeline from northern Iraq to Turkey’s Ceyhan port have remained suspended since March 2023. That suspension followed an international arbitration ruling. The tribunal ruled that Turkey violated the agreement by accepting exports from Iraq’s Kurdistan Region without Baghdad’s approval.
Although Turkey claimed the pipeline was ready in late 2023, oil flows have not resumed. Disagreements between the federal government, the Kurdistan Regional Government, and oil companies continue to stall progress.
Now, with Turkey’s proposal on the table, both countries have a chance to reset energy ties. A revised Iraq-Turkey energy deal could restore stability to oil exports and regional cooperation.
