Oil exports from the Kurdistan Region through the Iraq-Türkiye pipeline were suspended in March 2023 after an arbitration court ruled that Ankara had breached a 1973 agreement by enabling independent Kurdish exports since 2014. The halt ended independent oil sales from Erbil, which had long been a point of contention with Baghdad. After prolonged negotiations, Baghdad, Erbil, and international oil companies reached an interim deal, paving the way for exports to restart.
On September 27, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani spoke by phone with the Prime Minister of the Federal Government of Iraq, Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani. During the call, both leaders welcomed the agreement reached on the resumption of the Kurdistan Region’s oil exports and described it as a significant achievement that serves the interests of all Iraqi citizens.
Mr. Sudani thanked Mr. Barzani for reaching this important agreement. Prime Minister Barzani appreciated Prime Minister Sudani’s efforts in removing obstacles to its implementation.
Prime Minister Barzani stated that he hoped that this agreement would pave the way for the passage of the federal oil and gas law. He also called for a fundamental solution to issues concerning salaries and financial rights of the people of Kurdistan. He stressed that this year’s salaries must all be paid.
Both leaders agreed that the 2026 federal budget should include the Kurdistan Region’s rightful share.
Prime Minister Sudani stated that there are significant economic opportunities for further development throughout Iraq, from Basra to the Kurdistan Region.
They also discussed the need to implement the strategic Development Road project. To this end, a special committee from Baghdad is expected to visit the Kurdistan Region soon to address any remaining barriers to the implementation of the project, which is expected to have a major economic impact across all of Iraq.
We welcome the announcement that the Government of Iraq has reached an agreement with the Kurdistan Regional Government and international companies to reopen the Iraq-Türkiye pipeline. This deal, facilitated by the United States, will bring tangible benefits for both Americans…
— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) September 25, 2025
On the same day President Nechirvan Barzani also spoke with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani.
During the call, Prime Minister Al-Sudani conveyed his gratitude to President Nechirvan Barzani for his unwavering support and ongoing efforts at every stage to foster understanding and agreement between the Iraqi Federal Government and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) regarding the re-exportation of oil from the Kurdistan Region, as well as matters related to salaries and financial entitlements.
The Prime Minister described the agreement as a significant step forward in addressing the issues between Erbil and Baghdad, which is expected to positively influence the country’s economic stability. He further expressed hope that the agreement would contribute to addressing and overcoming additional challenges.
In response, President Nechirvan Barzani thanked Prime Minister Al-Sudani for his contributions and efforts in achieving the agreement, emphasizing that it paves the way for new opportunities. He reiterated the importance of collaboration between Erbil and Baghdad and expressed optimism that it would facilitate the passage of the oil law and the resolution of pending issues and other challenges.
President Nechirvan Barzani also acknowledged the Prime Minister’s readiness to address national issues, particularly those concerning the Kurdistan Region, and thanked all parties in Erbil and Baghdad for their contributions to reaching the agreement.
original article (Prime Minister)
original article (President)
—