Myles B. Caggins III, CEO of Words Warriors, an energy consultancy based in Iraq and Syria, stated that the Iraqi government should prevent armed groups from attacking oil production facilities, emphasizing that, amid disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, continued investment from international oil companies in the Kurdistan Region remains vital for Baghdad.

Caggins said in a written statement to Channel8 that Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi and his team “understand the importance of restoring full oil production and exports through the Iraq-Türkiye pipeline.”

He stressed that foreign oil investments in Kurdistan Region “are essential to Iraq’s economy—especially while the Strait of Hormuz remains closed.”

“Baghdad must continue to prevent drone attacks from outlaw militias that have killed Iraqi people and damaged oil production facilities,” he added.

KRG Demands Guarantees as Baghdad Orders Oil Field Restart 

In early June, a Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) delegation led by Natural Resources Minister Kamal Mohammed Salih, alongside international oil company executives, met with al-Zaidi in Baghdad. 

Subsequently, al-Zaidi issued a directive ordering international oil firms to immediately resume operations in the Kurdistan Region.

Following the high-level talks, the KRG Ministry of Natural Resources called on the federal government, stating it is fully responsible for protecting the region's oil fields.

Caggins also told Channel8 earlier that resuming operations at the oil fields remains contingent upon comprehensive security guarantees to ensure a safe working environment.

KRG Spokesperson: Erbil Ready for Oil Resumption if Baghdad Secures Fields 

During the KRG Council of Ministers' regular session on Wednesday, the cabinet addressed unresolved relations with Baghdad, including the oil sector dossier.

KRG Spokesperson Peshawa Hawramani told a press conference that the KRG remains fully prepared to collaborate with the federal government in supporting international oil companies to ensure an immediate resumption of production.

Hawramani underlined that operations will resume soon in Kurdistan if Baghdad guarantees security and covers oil companies' production costs.