Upon returning from a one-day trip to Iran, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced on Thursday, October 5, that his country, along with Iran and Iraq, will decide on closing the oil valves from northern Iraq to Kurdistan. Reuters described this move as a 'retaliatory action' in response to the independence referendum held in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Erdoğan also criticized the Kurdistan Regional Government for including the oil-rich city of Kirkuk in the independence referendum. Kirkuk is strategically important for Iraq, and the Kurds claim it as their own, with a referendum also held there. The Kurdistan Region's High Commission for Referendum and Elections announced on Wednesday, October 4, that over 92% of eligible voters in last week's referendum supported the independence of Iraqi Kurdistan. However, the holding of this referendum has angered Iraq, Turkey, and Iran, with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi stating that he does not recognize it and has called for the annulment of its results. Erdoğan, returning from his one-day visit to Tehran where he met with high-ranking officials of the Islamic Republic, had previously threatened that Turkey's sanctions would increase if the Kurds insisted on their position. Last Tuesday, Erdoğan threatened his party members that if the Kurds do not 'come to their senses,' sanctions against this autonomous region in Iraq would continue and increase. Iran had previously announced that 'in light of recent regional developments,' all loading of oil products from Iranian companies to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq or to that region is prohibited until further notice. The Supreme Leader of Iran also criticized the holding of the independence referendum in Iraqi Kurdistan, calling it a 'betrayal of the region' and called for 'cooperation and coordination' between Iran and Turkey and 'serious and unified political and economic decisions' between the two countries to counter the independence of Iraqi Kurdistan. The day after, Erdoğan stated that Turkey, Iran, and Iraq would decide on the oil from northern Iraq. While Erdoğan speaks of closing the oil valves from northern Iraq, the Kurdistan Region recently signed a contract with the Russian oil company Rosneft to become one of the major exporters of oil and gas to Turkey and from there to Europe. This pipeline is set to be constructed in 2019, with gas exports beginning in 2020.
Turkey, Iran, and Iraq Decide on Closing Oil Flow from Northern Iraq
Turkey, Iran, and Iraq are collaborating to potentially close oil exports from northern Iraq to Kurdistan in response to a recent independence referendum. This decision follows significant regional tensions, particularly regarding the oil-rich city of Kirkuk. The situation is critical as it could impact regional stability and energy supplies.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
Turkey, Iran, and Iraq have agreed to potentially close oil exports from northern Iraq to the Kurdistan Region in response to a recent independence referendum that received overwhelming support from voters. This decision is seen as a retaliatory measure against the KRG's actions regarding the oil-rich city of Kirkuk.
- Over 92% of eligible voters in the Kurdistan independence referendum supported independence.
- Turkey and Iran have both threatened sanctions against the Kurdistan Region in response to the referendum.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
The Kurdistan Region of Iraq has sought greater autonomy and independence, leading to tensions with the Iraqi central government and neighboring countries. The region's oil resources are a key factor in these disputes.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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