US Terminates Iraq’s Waiver for Iranian Electricity Imports, Affects Energy Stability
The US has ended Iraq’s waiver for electricity imports from Iran as part of its maximum pressure campaign against Tehran. This decision aims to limit Iran’s financial viability and promote energy independence for Iraq by 2028. Iraq’s reliance on Iranian gas underscores challenges faced amid the renewed sanctions.
The United States has concluded its waiver permitting Iraq to import electricity from Iran, as announced by a State Department spokesperson. This decision reinforces the US strategy of “maximum pressure” aimed at limiting Iran’s economic relief and addressing concerns regarding its nuclear ambitions, missile program, and support for terrorism. The spokesperson emphasized the importance of this measure in hindering Iran’s financial capacity.
Iraq’s energy infrastructure currently generates about 27,000 megawatts from gas-powered facilities but can experience drops to as low as 17,000 megawatts, resulting in persistent electricity shortages. The country experiences a demand for around 40,000 megawatts, prompting reliance on Iranian gas imports, which had been safeguarded by a US sanctions waiver previously renewed by the US administration.
In response to the end of the waiver, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani articulated a strategy to attain energy independence from Iranian imports by the year 2028. He stated, “There will be clear energy independence,” and acknowledged the need for an extension of the waiver during this transitional phase. Moreover, he revealed that Iraq has initiated energy interconnection projects with neighboring states, fostering regional integration.
This development aligns with a recent discussion between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Prime Minister Al-Sudani, where they addressed the influence of Iran in the region. Rubio encouraged the Iraqi government to pursue energy independence, reflecting the US’s stance on reducing Iranian influence in Iraq’s energy sector.
The United States’ termination of Iraq’s waiver for Iranian electricity imports marks a significant escalation in its pressure campaign against Iran. This decision affects Iraq’s energy stability, prompting the Iraqi government to implement measures aimed at achieving energy independence by 2028. Enhanced regional integration and energy projects will be critical for Iraq as it seeks to diminish its reliance on Iranian energy sources amid a backdrop of political and economic challenges.
Original Source: shafaq.com
