Iraq Says Iran Showing 'Flexibility' on Hormuz Oil Exports

Iraqi President Nizar Amidi said on Saturday that Baghdad is in active discussions with Tehran over oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz, noting that Iran has shown some flexibility on the issue.

Speaking at the Baghdad International Dialogue conference, Amidi said Iraq has repeatedly engaged with Iranian officials, including parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, to secure passage for its crude shipments. He acknowledged that the situation is complicated by the fact that Iraq does not operate a national oil carrier.

Amidi stressed the urgency of the matter, saying Iraq's economy is suffering major damage and the government is unable to pay salaries. He said Baghdad needs more than 8 trillion dinars ($6.1 billion) to cover wage obligations, while the strait remains closed to Iraqi oil exports.

"We talk frankly with Iran, with the United States, with Gulf countries, with Turkey, and with the whole of the region," Amidi said. "This time Iraq comes first."

On regional security, Amidi said Iraq does not accept the use of its territory for targeting any state. He reiterated that weapons should be restricted solely to the state, calling it a constitutional and national decision made without foreign interference.