Basim Muhammad Khudair, Iraq’s Oil Minister, announced that oil fields are ready to resume production, and Iraq’s oil exports are gradually returning to levels seen before the outbreak of the U.S.–Iran conflict.

Fields Ready

In a press briefing, the minister emphasized that Iraq’s oil fields are prepared to restart the extraction process.

Gradual Recovery

He explained that the return to normal conditions will be gradual until production reaches previous levels.

Contact with Buyers

The minister confirmed that Iraq’s national oil company (SOMO) has re‑established contact with all buyers, instructing them to send their tankers to Iraqi ports to load the contracted volumes of oil. This step will restore export levels, supported by the normalization of tanker passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

Impact of War

The U.S.–Iran war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz inflicted major damage on Iraq’s economy, reducing the country’s oil production from 4 million barrels to 1.5 million barrels per day.