Iraq, Turkmenistan sign energy deal as Baghdad seeks to ease power shortages

22/10/2025 7:47

Iraq and Turkmenistan have signed an agreement to expand energy cooperation as Baghdad struggles to tackle its long-running electricity crisis, the Iraqi Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday.



The deal, signed on Monday, includes a memorandum of understanding on energy and gas imports aimed at meeting both countries' needs.

The accord follows Iraq's plan to import Turkmen gas through neighbouring Iran collapsed in September after U.S. pressure, forcing Baghdad to seek alternative supplies to keep its power grid running.



For years, Iraq had been exempted from U.S. sanctions, allowing it to import electricity and fuel from Iran. But in March, Washington ended the waiver as part of its "maximum pressure" campaign on Tehran, further tightening Baghdad's energy options.