Government of Iraq and Kurdistan Regional Government Iraq's autonomies have agreed to resume oil exports to the Turkish hub of Ceyhan. Operations are set to begin today, March 18.
Reuters reports this, citing Iraqi state media, which are reporting statements by Iraqi Oil Minister Hayan Abdel-Ghani.
The Kurdistan Regional Government says the two sides will form a joint committee to prepare for the resumption of oil exports, with the revenues being transferred to the federal budget.
Both sides also agreed to take necessary security measures to protect oil fields and ensure the continuity of export operations.
What is known about attempts to unblock the Strait of Hormuz?
On March 14, US President Donald Trump called on a number of European and Asian countries to send warships to protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, which is effectively blocked due to the threat of attacks from Iran.
On March 16, it became known that Spain, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, Germany, and the European Union had refused to provide ships to unblock the Strait of Hormuz. The next day, France also refused.
Trump responded by saying that the US never needed help from NATO partners. The US military dropped bombs on Iranian missile positions in the Strait of Hormuz on the night of March 18.