Iraq to sign oil contract with Chevron, says Foreign Minister

The foreign minister said on Wednesday that Baghdad was moving forward in signing a deal that would allow Chevron to search for oil in the country as part of a memorandum of understanding with the United States.

“As far as the signing of a memorandum of understanding or an agreement with Chevron is concerned, I believe it will be signed today, yes,” Fuad Hussein said at a press conference alongside Secretary of State Mike PompeoMichael (Mike) Richard PompeoBelarus president says he would be open to handing over power after referendum Trump administration creeps further against Huawei chip production, affiliate group The Hill’s Morning Report – Democrats launch 11-week sprint until Nov. 3. With virtual convention MORE in Washington, DC

Pompeo said announcements about energy deals between U.S. companies and Iraq would come “shortly.”

Bloomberg reported Monday that the deal will allow Chevron to search for oil in the eastern and western parts of Nasiriyah, the capital of Dhi Qar Governorate in southern Iraq.

The meetings between Pompeo and Hussein come as the US launches a campaign for a snapback on all UN sanctions on Iran in an attempt to further squeeze Tehran from funds for its ambitions for military and nuclear weapons.

Iraq has become a battleground between US and Iranian troops. In January, the government in Baghdad called for the expulsion of US troops amid violent confrontations between Iranian-backed Shia militias and US troops following the US assassination of top Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani.

Pompeo said Wednesday that there are no announcements regarding a drawdown of U.S. troops and said the focus should be on areas of cooperation.

“The real focus is on the common efforts we make along each dimension, whether that be economic efforts, humanitarian aid efforts, security aid, all of these things,” Pompeo said. “We continue to understand that the Iraqi people that are needed, the sovereignty of the Iraqi people, depends on continued American commitment to support them and to provide that support to them. We are determined to do that. “

Hussein said the Trump administration’s striving for sanctions on Iran is US policy and that Iraq is trying to maintain a strong alliance with Washington while maintaining positive relations with neighboring Iran.

“We want to have good relations with our neighbors, provided no one is interested in the affairs of Iraq,” Hussein said. “We want to protect our alliances and relationships with others, including the United States of America.”