Iraq has restarted crude exports through the Iraq-Turkey pipeline after more than two years of suspension. Oil Minister Hayan Abdul Ghani confirmed the move on Saturday, calling it a major step to strengthen national revenue.
Crude from the Kurdistan Region began flowing again early Saturday morning. The restart followed a long period of negotiations and new agreements between Baghdad and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). Abdul Ghani stressed that the revenues from the Iraq–Turkey pipeline will provide vital resources for the country.
The minister explained that the framework signed this month with the KRG allows exports from oilfields operated by nearly ten foreign companies. Their inclusion, he said, ensures the agreement is binding on all sides. The deal represents progress after more than a year of disputes over rights and responsibilities.
Abdul Ghani added that Iraqi technical teams are already supervising pumping operations at Fishkhabour. Crude is now reaching storage tanks at Turkiye’s Ceyhan port. He underlined that each barrel exported through the Iraq–Turkey pipeline strengthens Iraq’s ability to fund public services and development.
Deputy Oil Minister Bassem Mohammed also confirmed higher national export volumes. He said Iraq’s total exports will now rise to 3.65 million barrels per day. The resumed shipments add 190,000 barrels per day to the existing 3.4 million.
The restart also holds regional importance. Abdul Ghani spoke at a panel on energy integration with Jordan, linking the pipeline’s revival to broader cooperation. He said regional energy ties can support Iraq’s role in sustainable transition and long-term partnerships.
Analysts note that the resumption strengthens Iraq’s position in global markets. It also restores a critical export route that had been blocked since early 2023. With stronger exports and new agreements, Iraq hopes to balance energy politics with economic stability.
For now, the reopening of the Iraq–Turkey pipeline marks a clear revenue boost. It also signals improved cooperation between Baghdad, Erbil, and foreign partners.