American oil services giant amid controversy and energy diplomacy
Iraq’s prime minister travels to Washington to deepen economic ties as the Strait of Hormuz remains closed and fighting between the US and Iran intensifies. Oil output, IMF talks, and potential US investment are on the table while Iran-backed groups push back against disarmament. Diplomatic prospects hinge on stabilizing energy flows and expanding state control over weapons.
Iraq has signed 48 agreements with American firms, spanning energy, healthcare and technology, as Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi travels to the United States. The deals include oil and electricity cooperation with ExxonMobil, KBR, GE Vernova, Shell and Halliburton, plus a pipeline project with Syria to bypass the Strait of Hormuz. Starlink will bring satellite services.
Minnie Merriman has died after being found seriously injured at an Arbroath industrial estate. Her father, 35-year-old Christopher Rice, has been charged with her murder. NHS Tayside is investigating a potential data breach at Ninewells Hospital related to patient records access.