Baghdad: Iraq has not been officially notified by the U.S. about ending the waiver for Iranian natural gas imports, but it is preparing for all possibilities, said the country’s government spokesman.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Bassem Al-Awadi, in a press statement, mentioned that Iraq imports 50 million cubic feet of gas from Iran, which is critical for producing one-third of Iraq’s electricity. The spokesman emphasized that Iraq will not be able to achieve gas self-sufficiency before 2028.
Al-Awadi indicated that the Iraqi government is ready for all scenarios if the waiver is not extended. He added that Iraq could import 30 million cubic feet of gas from Turkmenistan as an alternative. The current 120-day sanctions waiver, issued by former US President Joe Biden, allowing Iraq to import Iranian gas, is set to expire on March 8.
Iraq’s reliance on energy imports from Iran is significant, and the potential end of the waiver could have substantial implications for the country’s energy security.