Iraq's Energy Crisis: Scrambling for Solutions Amid Sanctions

Iraq's efforts to alleviate a chronic power shortage by importing gas from Turkmenistan via Iran have been thwarted under U.S. sanctions, forcing Baghdad to seek other solutions to keep the country's electricity running.

The plan, which depended on Iranian cooperation to transfer Turkmen gas, was obstructed due to U.S. policy against Iran, resulting in Baghdad grappling with power outages and financial burdens impacting businesses and residents.

With pressures mounting from both domestic needs and international relations, Iraq is now considering alternatives, such as importing LNG from Qatar, while also seeking cooperation with international oil companies to boost internal gas production capabilities.