Iraq oil deal with Israeli-linked firm sparks outrage
Shafaq News / On Monday, the Parliamentary Legal Committee accused the Iraqi Oil Ministry of "improperly" awarding a strategic oil project contract to a Turkish company registered in Israel.
Committee member Arif Al-Hamami called on regulatory authorities to launch a full investigation into the matter, stating that the ministry referred the project—intended to export oil from southern ports via the third pipeline—to a company lacking the necessary specialization. He asserted that “this action violates direct bidding regulations and has resulted in inflated costs.”
Al-Hamami further noted that supporting documentation confirming the contract would significantly waste public funds. He urged both regulatory and integrity authorities to suspend the contract until a thorough review can verify the allegations.
Iraq does not officially recognize Israel and maintains a firm stance against normalization. The country has historically aligned with the broader Arab position that rejects diplomatic ties with Israel in solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
Iraq does not officially recognize Israel and maintains a firm stance against normalization.
