Peregraf
Iraqi Oil Minister Hayan Abdulghani confirmed on Monday that Iraqi authorities held discussions with the United States after the US Navy intercepted tankers carrying Iranian oil under forged documents claiming it was of Iraqi origin.
Abdulghani explained that American forces seized the vessels and initially found documentation indicating that the shipment belonged to Iraq. However, further investigations revealed that the documents had been falsified, an apparent attempt to market the oil under Iraq’s name.
The minister emphasized that Baghdad had clarified the case details to Washington, reaffirming Iraq’s non-involvement in any smuggling operations. He added that the US side had acknowledged Iraq’s position on the matter.
Reports in recent months have raised concerns over the alleged role of the State Oil Marketing Organization (SOMO) in facilitating illicit Iranian oil exports, leading to speculation about potential US sanctions. SOMO has repeatedly denied any involvement in such activities.
The seizure of the tankers comes amid heightened US sanctions on Iran, which have intensified since Washington’s withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear agreement. The US has imposed strict restrictions on Iran’s oil sector as part of its broader economic pressure campaign against Tehran.
The incident underscores ongoing tensions surrounding Iranian oil exports and their impact on regional energy markets, with Iraq keen to distance itself from any unauthorized dealings that could jeopardize its economic and diplomatic standing.