What's happened
Iraq and Turkiye have renewed efforts to cooperate on energy and transport after the expiry of the 1975 oil-export agreement. Turkiye seeks new routes and expanded export capacity, with talks focusing on an energy framework, water management, security, and regional development.
What's behind the headline?
Key dynamics
- Both sides seek to extend oil exports beyond the Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline to southern Iraqi fields, aligning with Turkey’s aim to diversify energy sources amid regional tensions.
- Security concerns persist due to Turkish military presence in northern Iraq against the PKK, complicating cooperation.
- The discussion frames energy as a catalyst for broader strategic ties, including water management and development corridors, potentially reshaping regional trade routes.
Implications for readers
- Potential new export routes could reduce reliance on Hormuz and alter oil flows in the region.
- Infrastructure and development projects may influence regional economics and security dynamics in the near term.
How we got here
The Iraq-Turkiye pipeline, carrying Iraqi crude to the Turkish Mediterranean terminal at Ceyhan, has operated well below capacity in recent years. With Hormuz closed by regional conflict, Baghdad and Ankara are pushing for a broader framework to diversify export routes, increase cooperation on oil, electricity, water resources, and development projects such as the Development Route rail and highway network.
Our analysis
Al Jazeera reports on Aug 1, 2026, detailing the renewed talks and signed transit arrangements; Al Jazeera (Jul 29, 2026) and AP News (Jul 28, 2026) provide context on Turkish stake acquisitions in Kirkuk energy ventures and broader bilateral discussions. These sources highlight energy diversification, regional security, and development plans, with official statements from Iraqi PM Ali al-Zaidi and Turkish officials.
Go deeper
- What concrete export volumes are expected under the new framework?
- How will security talks affect regional deployments in northern Iraq?
- What projects will feed into the Development Route and when might they begin?
More on these topics
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Iraq - Country in the Middle East
Iraq, officially the Republic of Iraq, is a country in Western Asia, bordered by Turkey to the north, Iran to the east, Kuwait to the southeast, Saudi Arabia to the south, Jordan to the southwest and Syria to the west.
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United States - Country in North America
The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
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Türkiye (Turkey) - Country in the Middle East
Turkey, officially the Republic of Turkey, is a transcontinental country located mainly on the Anatolian peninsula in Western Asia, with a smaller portion on the Balkan peninsula in Southeastern Europe.
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Syria - Country in the Middle East
Syria, officially the Syrian Arab Republic, is a country in Western Asia, bordering Lebanon to the southwest, the Mediterranean Sea to the west, Turkey to the north, Iraq to the east, Jordan to the south, and Israel to the southwest.
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Ceyhan - City in Turkey
Ceyhan is a city and a district in the Adana Province, in southern Turkey, 43 km east of Adana. With a population of over 157,000, it is the largest district of the province, outside the city of Adana.
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Strait of Hormuz - Strait
The Strait of Hormuz is a strait between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. It provides the only sea passage from the Persian Gulf to the open ocean and is one of the world's most strategically important choke points.
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Ankara - Capital of Turkey
Ankara, historically known as Ancyra and Angora, is the capital of Turkey. Located in the central part of Anatolia, the city covers an area of 25,706 square kilometres, and has a population of 4.5 million residents in the urban centre, and over 5.6 millio