A senior Iranian delegation is preparing to arrive in Baghdad for high-level discussions with the Iraqi government. Officials confirmed that the agenda will include Turkmen gas talks and negotiations on energy debts.
According to sources, Iraq aims to resolve outstanding payments for Iranian gas supplies. The delegation will work on repayment terms and a possible schedule for clearing debts. These debts have weighed on Baghdad’s energy sector for years.
Another focus will be Iraq’s proposal to import Turkmen gas. The Turkmen gas talks carry strong geopolitical weight. Washington has voiced opposition to the plan, warning that it could complicate Iraq’s energy partnerships. Despite this, Baghdad sees Turkmen gas as a way to diversify supply and reduce dependence on Iranian imports.
Energy is not the only item on the table. The two sides will also discuss intelligence-sharing and regional security. Negotiations will touch on the timeline for a US military withdrawal. They will also cover preparations for the post-withdrawal stage, a sensitive issue in both Baghdad and Tehran.
The talks are expected to address frameworks for long-term cooperation. These include security, economic development, and investment strategies. Sources said both governments want to design arrangements that avoid triggering international sanctions on Iran.
Analysts believe the Turkmen gas talks will test Iraq’s balancing act. Baghdad must manage relations with both Tehran and Washington while also tackling domestic power shortages. Dependence on Iranian gas has created risks, especially during peak demand seasons. Exploring Turkmen supplies could provide relief, but the political costs remain high.
Observers also noted that the visit highlights Tehran’s growing influence in Iraq’s energy and security sectors. As Baghdad seeks alternatives, Iran continues to secure channels of cooperation. The delegation’s arrival underscores how central energy remains to broader strategic relations between the two neighbors.
The outcome of these Turkmen gas talks could reshape Iraq’s energy landscape. At the same time, they will influence the country’s position between global powers.