Iraq denies involvement in the smuggling of Iranian oil and accuses Tehran

In an unexpected turn of events, the Iraqi government has categorically denied any involvement in the smuggling of Iranian oil, directly accusing Tehran of using falsified documents to evade US sanctions. These statements, issued by the Iraqi Oil Minister, Hayan Abdul-Ghani, reflect a significant change in the official discourse of Baghdad towards its eastern neighbour, evidencing the growing pressure that Iraq faces from Washington. 

Abdul-Ghani affirmed that the Iranian oil tankers intercepted in the Gulf by the US Navy were carrying false Iraqi documents. ‘We explained to the competent authorities with total transparency that these oil tankers belonged to the Islamic Republic of Iran and were using falsified documents,’ declared the minister, emphasising that the State Oil Marketing Organisation (SOMO) operates with total transparency, selling crude exclusively to companies with their own refineries and monitoring their exports by satellite. 

The position adopted by Baghdad shows an evident reluctance to bear the consequences of the sanctions imposed by the United States on Iran, especially in a context where the US administration has resumed its policy of ‘maximum pressure’ on Tehran. This policy seeks to isolate Iran from the global economy and cut its oil revenues in order to stop it developing nuclear weapons.  

Iraq's delicate balance is complicated by its energy dependence on Iran. Baghdad imports Iranian electricity and gas to maintain its power grid, which puts it in a difficult situation following Washington's decision not to renew the exemption that allowed it to continue these imports. Added to this is the accusation that Iraq is facilitating the diversion of US dollars to Iran, operations allegedly overseen by local forces loyal to Tehran. 

Iran has categorically denied the accusations. Ali Mohammad Mousavi, Iranian Deputy Minister of Petroleum for International Affairs, maintained that the Iranian oil trade complies with all international regulations and that the Iraqi claims are based on unfounded accusations by US officials. 

Meanwhile, the US policy of maximum pressure continues. Recently, the Treasury Department imposed new sanctions against Iran, including a Chinese refinery and several ships suspected of transporting Iranian oil. Washington has made it clear that its objective is to curb the Iranian nuclear programme, limit its development of ballistic missiles and cut support for groups considered to be terrorists. 

According to Reuters sources, a complex fuel smuggling network has developed in Iraq in recent years, operating through the use of falsified documents and generating at least a billion dollars a year for Iran and its allies. The involvement of local networks in these activities has put Baghdad at the centre of international tensions. 

In the midst of this complex panorama, Iraq is trying to maintain a delicate balance between its alliances with Washington and Tehran. Energy dependence on Iran and internal political pressure from pro-Iranian factions complicate the decisions of the Iraqi government, which now must quickly find energy alternatives before the summer or risk a crisis of even greater proportions. 

The situation is intensifying as Baghdad seeks to distance itself from accusations of smuggling and reaffirm its commitment to transparency in its oil exports, while trying to avoid becoming the target of US policy towards Tehran. Tension between the two neighbours and external pressures paint a complex picture for Iraq's immediate future.