Iraq has resumed crude oil exports from the Kurdistan Region through the Iraq–Turkey pipeline after a halt since March 2023. The resumption began early Saturday, September 27, 2025, under directives from Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, according to Iraq’s Oil Ministry.

The operation proceeded smoothly without technical disruptions, overseen by Deputy Prime Minister for Energy Affairs and Oil Minister Hayan Abdul-Ghani al-Sawad, in coordination with the Kurdistan Region’s Ministry of Natural Resources. The move underscores the success of joint efforts between Baghdad and Erbil to manage national energy resources collaboratively.

The Iraq–Turkey pipeline’s closure followed a March 2023 International Chamber of Commerce ruling that ordered Ankara to pay $1.5 billion to Iraq for unauthorized Kurdish oil shipments. Turkey is appealing the decision but has indicated a willingness to reopen the line at Ceyhan. The US has called on Baghdad, Erbil, and international oil companies (IOCs) to resolve their disputes and ensure stable energy exports.

The federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) reached an initial deal last week with IOCs to resume exports via Turkey. The resumption marks a major step toward stabilizing Iraq’s oil exports, reinforcing cooperation between the federal and regional governments, and providing vital support to the national economy.