Iraq's Minister of Oil and the Chargé d'Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad discussed expanding cooperation in the oil, gas, and energy sectors. The meeting comes as Iraq continues signing contracts with U.S. energy companies as part of its strategy to increase oil and natural gas production.

Talks on Energy Cooperation

The Iraqi Ministry of Oil announced that on July 9, 2026, Oil Minister Basim Mohammed met with Joshua Harris, Chargé d'Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Iraq.

According to the ministry, the two sides discussed bilateral cooperation in the oil, gas, and energy sectors in a way that serves the interests of both Iraq and the United States.

The meeting comes as seven American companies are active in Iraq's oil sector: HKN, Chevron, ExxonMobil, Halliburton, SLB, Weatherford, and Baker Hughes.

New Contracts Signed with U.S. Companies

The Ministry of Oil announced that on July 9, it signed a contract with the U.S. company HKN to develop the Hamrin oil field.

Earlier, on July 5, the ministry signed a separate five-year contract with Halliburton to develop the Bin Umar and Sindbad oil fields.

According to the Ministry of Oil, the new agreements are part of the federal government's strategic plan to increase the production of crude oil and natural gas.