**Turkiye Takes ‘Historic Step’ on Energy Alliance with Iraq**
*Ankara, Turkiye – July 29, 2026* – In a significant development for energy cooperation in the region, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that Turkiye is set to receive up to 1 million barrels of oil per day from Iraq. This announcement came during a joint news conference with Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi in Ankara on July 28, 2026.
The agreement marks a pivotal moment as Turkiye's state-owned Turkish Petroleum (TPOA) is poised to acquire a 15 percent stake in the British Petroleum-run Kirkuk oilfield, located in northern Iraq. This stake acquisition is part of a broader strategy to enhance energy ties between the two nations, particularly in light of the expiration of the Iraq-Turkiye crude oil agreement on July 27, 2026, which had facilitated the movement of Iraqi crude oil to the Turkish Mediterranean terminal of Ceyhan since 1975.
Erdogan confirmed the details of the agreement, stating, “Yes, that’s correct. Once we transfer 1 million barrels of oil from our neighbour Iraq, it will meet our needs.” This new energy cooperation framework aims to not only secure energy supplies but also to diversify Turkiye's energy sources amid changing geopolitical dynamics in the region.
Mehmet Celik, editorial coordinator for Daily Sabah, emphasized the multifaceted significance of this deal, stating, “The significance of this deal is beyond mere energy ties.” He elaborated that the agreement also touches on security and the development of transportation routes, which have become increasingly critical given the current regional instability, particularly following the escalation of tensions involving Iran.
The backdrop to this agreement includes the recent closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the ongoing conflict involving the US and Israel against Iran, which has heightened Turkiye's strategic importance for Iraq. The Iraqi government has pressed Ankara to resume oil exports through the Iraq-Turkiye pipeline after a prolonged suspension, underscoring the urgency of solidifying energy partnerships.
Celik noted that the collaboration between Turkiye and Iraq encompasses three key areas: security and defense, energy, and transportation. This interconnectedness is expected to deepen the ties between the two countries, especially as regional complexities continue to evolve.
Despite the promising developments in energy cooperation, the relationship between Turkiye and Iraq has experienced fluctuations over the past decade. Security remains a contentious issue, particularly regarding the presence of Turkish military forces in northern Iraq, aimed at combating the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which is recognized as a terrorist organization by Turkiye, the United States, and the European Union.
Currently, it is estimated that Turkiye maintains around 50 military bases in northern Iraq, housing approximately 5,000 soldiers and various weaponry. The PKK's announcement of disarmament in mid-2025, as part of a peace deal with Ankara, has not alleviated concerns regarding its presence in the region, which Turkiye perceives as a national security threat.
During the news conference, Erdogan reiterated the importance of dialogue with Iraqi officials, stating, “We are in close dialogue with our Iraqi brothers to ensure that our process of a terror-free Turkiye and our vision of a terror-free region become a reality.” This statement reflects Turkiye's commitment to addressing security concerns while fostering a cooperative relationship with Iraq.
As both countries navigate the complexities of their bilateral relationship, the recent energy agreement represents a strategic move for Turkiye to bolster its energy security and diversify its sources, while also addressing regional security dynamics. The implications of this partnership are likely to resonate throughout the region, influencing not only energy markets but also geopolitical alliances in the years to come.