Rubio, Iraqi PM discuss commercial deals

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke by phone with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa al-Sudani to discuss various issues, including trade.

“The Secretary and the Prime Minister discussed efforts to finalize U.S. commercial deals in Iraq,” the U.S. State Department said in a readout. “The Secretary congratulated the Prime Minister for resuming oil exports via the Iraq-Türkiye Pipeline, which will benefit Iraq, Türkiye, and American businesses. The Secretary highlighted the urgency in disarming Iran-backed militias that undermine Iraq’s sovereignty, threaten the lives and businesses of Americans and Iraqis, and pilfer Iraqi resources for Iran. The Secretary reiterated the U.S. commitment to working closely with Iraqi partners to advance our shared interests: safeguarding Iraqi sovereignty, bolstering regional stability, and strengthening our economic ties.”

Oil shipments through the Iraq-Türkiye Pipeline resumed in late September after two-and-a-half years, Anadolu news agency reported.

The pipeline has capacity to carry 1.5M barrels of crude oil a day from Iraq’s northern fields to Mediterranean port of Ceyhan in Türkiye, according to Anadolu.