US Won’t Allow Iraq To Import Natural Gas From Turkmenistan Because Goes Through Iran

Reuters reported that the Trump administration is blocking a deal for Iraq to import natural gas from Turkmenistan because it goes through Iran. This complicates Baghdad’s attempt to diversify its sources of gas to produce electricity.

 

In August 2023 Iraq signed a deal to import natural gas from Turkmenistan using Iranian infrastructure. That was formalized in October 2024. The agreement needed U.S. approval to avoid sanctions. That has not been forthcoming because President Trump renewed his Maximum Pressure campaign vs Tehran. Iraq now has to decide whether to continue to pursue this option.

 

Baghdad was interested in Turkmenistan because Iran which currently provides natural gas is an unreliable partner. It continually cuts supply because of domestic needs and payment disputes with Iraq. Of course since Iranian pipelines would be used to deliver the Turkmenistan gas Baghdad would still be dependent upon Tehran.

 

Iraq is desperate for gas to fuel power plants especially during the summer when demand for electricity skyrockets. Ironically Iraq produces large amounts of natural gas at its oil fields but a large portion of that is burned off because Iraq’s attempt to build a domestic gas industry has always been behind schedule. Baghdad finds itself frustrated again due to U.S. objections.

 

SOURCES

 

Al Aalem, “Turkmenistan gas contract .. has not entered into force and the reason is “mysterious banking,”” 12/28/24

- “Turkmenistan Gas is out of effect for mysterious banking reasons .. What is Iran’s connection?” 12/29/24

- “Turkmen gas via Iranian pipelines … will it meet electricity needs?” 10/20/24

- “Turkmenistan Minister of State arrives in Baghdad .. and selling natural gas tops his agenda,” 10/19/24

 

Reuters, “Iraq fails to win US approval to import Turkmen gas via Iran,” 9/19/25

 

Salem, Amr, “Iraq seeks to accelerate gas supplies from Turkmenistan,” Iraqi News, 5/25/25

 

Shafaq News, “Iraqi Ministry of Electricity refutes claims about Turkmenistan gas agreement,” 12/29/24

 

Xinhua, “Iraq signs deal with Turkmenistan to import gas for power plants,” 10/19/24