The Iraqi government and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) have reached an agreement to restart oil exports to the Turkish port of Ceyhan. This operation is set to commence today, March 18, according to a report by Reuters citing Iraqi state media.
The KRG announced that both parties will establish a joint committee to facilitate the resumption of oil exports, with revenues directed to the federal budget. Additionally, they agreed to implement necessary security measures to protect oil fields and ensure uninterrupted export operations.
In a related development, on March 14, U.S. President Donald Trump urged several European and Asian nations to deploy military vessels to safeguard shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, which has faced threats from Iran. However, on March 16, countries including Spain, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, Germany, and the European Union declined to send ships for this purpose, followed by France’s refusal the next day.
Trump responded by asserting that the U.S. has never needed NATO partners’ assistance. On the night of March 18, U.S. forces conducted airstrikes against Iranian missile positions in the Strait of Hormuz.
On February 28, Israel launched an attack on Tehran, leading Trump to announce that U.S. military operations against Iran were underway, aimed at neutralizing threats posed by the Iranian regime. He accused Iran of funding and training militants in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Palestine.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed to have launched missiles and drones toward Israel and attacked U.S. military bases in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
In light of the U.S. military actions against Iran, French President Emmanuel Macron called for an urgent United Nations Security Council meeting. The European Union reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring regional security and stability in the Middle East.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that it is fair to give Iranians a chance to rid themselves of the “terrorist regime” and ensure safety for all nations affected by Iranian attacks.
On February 28, Trump announced the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, a claim later confirmed by the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA). The following day, the IRGC declared the initiation of a significant offensive operation against Israel and U.S. bases, prompting Trump to warn Iran against these plans and threaten a strong retaliatory strike.
On March 2, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that the next phase of military operations against Iran would be even more destructive. On March 6, Trump called for a complete change in Iran’s leadership, suggesting he had potential candidates for a “good leader.” On March 8, the Iranian Assembly of Experts selected Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the slain ayatollah, as the third Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic.
Trump declined to comment on Mojtaba Khamenei’s selection, stating only, “We’ll see what happens.” Previously, he had suggested that the new Iranian leader would not last long without approval from the White House.
The Iraqi government and the Kurdistan Regional Government have agreed to resume oil exports to Turkey, starting March 18. This decision comes amid rising tensions in the region, particularly involving U.S. military actions against Iran and its implications for regional security.
Source: Reuters