The U.S. Extends Iraq's Exemption for Purchasing Energy Resources from Iran for Another Three Months

The United States has extended Iraq's exemptions for purchasing energy resources from Iran for another three months. Following the U.S. withdrawal from the nuclear agreement with Iran, Washington reinstated sanctions against Tehran and U.S. officials say they intend to reduce Iran's oil exports to zero. Washington claims that the Islamic Republic must 'change its behavior.' However, the United States has granted exemptions regarding energy resources, electricity, gas, or oil to some countries. Iraqi government officials and the central bank have stated that they remain dependent on Iranian energy resources, electricity, and gas. In August, a delegation from Iraq traveled to the U.S. to receive exemptions. Iraq's three-month exemptions were also extended at the end of December. U.S. officials have repeatedly asked Iraq to cut its dependence on energy imports from Iran. On Tuesday, March 19, the U.S. State Department renewed Iraq's exemptions to prevent political and economic tensions in the country. The lack of energy resources has led to protests and anti-government demonstrations in various regions of Iraq. A U.S. State Department official stated, 'Although the current exemption has been extended to help Iraq cope with energy shortages, we continue negotiations with our partners in Baghdad regarding sanctions related to Iran.' The U.S. State Department has reiterated its commitment to working with Iraq to end the country's dependence on Iranian energy resources. Previously, several energy experts had estimated that Iraq would need at least a year to stop purchasing gas from Iran to find alternative sources. Hayyan Abdulghani, the director of the South Gas Company of Iraq, told Reuters that the country cannot survive without Iranian gas for the next two years. According to a report from the Iraqi government since last autumn, the country purchases 28 million cubic meters of gas daily from Iran, most of which is used for electricity generation in power plants. Iraq is among the countries where U.S. officials have accused Tehran of 'interference and destructive activities.' The United States has made similar accusations against the Islamic Republic regarding its actions across the West Asia region and other parts of the world. Tehran has denied allegations of interference in the affairs of other countries. In response to U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's remarks about the need to reduce Iran's 'influence' in Iraq, Iran's Foreign Minister stated that Pompeo has no right to 'interfere' in the bilateral relations between Tehran and Baghdad. Pompeo had previously stated in a speech in Cairo, 'We have helped Iraq reduce Iranian influence, and this process will continue.' Iranian President Hassan Rouhani recently visited Iraq and met with officials of that country.