Turkey is on the verge of significantly boosting its oil imports from Iraq, with potential deliveries reaching up to 1 million barrels per day. This strategic move follows Turkey’s acquisition of a stake in the Kirkuk oilfield, managed by British Petroleum (BP) in northern Iraq. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced this development during a joint press briefing with Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi in Ankara.
Details of the Energy Agreement
Erdogan confirmed that Turkish Petroleum (TPOA) would take a 15% stake in BP Energy Company of Kirkuk Limited under a share-transfer agreement. This new energy deal comes at a time when discussions regarding security, trade, transportation, and water resource management are paramount, as noted by al-Zaidi’s visit to Turkey. The timing also coincides with the expiration of the Iraq-Turkey crude oil agreement, which has facilitated the flow of Iraqi oil to Turkey since 1975 through the Kirkuk-Ceyhan oil pipeline.
Instead of extending the previous agreement, Turkey aims to establish a fresh framework for energy cooperation with Iraq. Erdogan expressed optimism about receiving 1 million barrels daily from Iraq, stating, “Yes, that’s correct. Once we transfer 1 million barrels of oil from our neighbour Iraq, it will meet our needs.” This cooperation could fortify both countries’ energy security amid evolving regional dynamics.
Diversifying Energy Sources
The significance of this agreement extends beyond simple energy concerns. As remarked by Mehmet Celik, an editorial coordinator for Daily Sabah, Turkey’s actions illustrate its strategy of diversifying energy sources while enhancing security and developing infrastructure projects. This venture is not positioned as a replacement for existing agreements but rather as an expansion of Turkey’s energy options. The complexities arising from geopolitical tensions, especially concerning the Strait of Hormuz, have underscored the importance of such initiatives.
The ongoing conflict involving the U.S. and Israel against Iran has heightened Turkey’s strategic value for Iraq. As a result, Iraq has urged Turkey to reactivate oil exports via the Iraq-Turkey pipeline, which had been dormant for several years. Celik emphasizes that the interconnectedness of security, energy, and transportation between the two nations will reinforce their ties amidst increasingly complicated regional situations.
Challenges in Bilateral Relations
While energy cooperation appears promising, the relationship between Turkey and Iraq has been rocky, especially concerning oil and water resources. One of the most pressing challenges is the security situation, particularly the presence of Turkish military forces in Iraq aimed at combating the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), recognized as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S., and the European Union.
Turkey reportedly maintains around 50 military bases in Iraq’s northern regions, hosting thousands of personnel and military equipment. Although a peace agreement aimed at disarming the PKK was initiated in mid-2025, Turkey remains vigilant regarding the PKK’s operations in northern Iraq, viewing it as a direct threat to national security.
Erdogan stated, “We are in close dialogue with our Iraqi brothers to ensure that our process of a terror-free Turkey and our vision of a terror-free region become a reality.” Such declarations signal Turkey’s commitment to maintaining security while engaging in economic cooperation with Iraq, navigating the intricate landscape of regional politics.
In summary, Turkey’s intention to import significant quantities of oil from Iraq, backed by new agreements and a focus on diversified energy sources, highlights a pivotal shift in their bilateral relations. While challenges persist, particularly regarding security, the two nations appear poised to strengthen their partnership in the energy sector amidst changing geopolitical realities.