Iraq pushes oil expansion in New York talks with ExxonMobil, HKN Energy

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) — Iraq is pushing up attempts to enhance oil output and attract more US energy investment, with Prime Minister Ali Falih al-Zaidi meeting separately with ExxonMobil and HKN Energy executives in New York during his visit to the United Nations General Assembly. Al-Zaidi met with ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods and his group to explore prospective collaboration in oil exploration and producing sectors. The negotiations centered on raising crude production and enhancing the use of Iraq’s oil resources, with Baghdad hoping for increased participation from foreign energy corporations that can contribute investment, technology, and technical experience to the industry. In a separate meeting, Al-Zaidi met with HKN Energy Chairman Ross Perot and company officials, pushing the US oil and gas producer to expedite work on its projects and contractual obligations in Iraq. Al-Zaidi called for more action on projects aimed at increasing oil output and said that his administration will seek to overcome barriers that may cause delays in execution. According to the Prime Minister’s office, HKN has shown a willingness to extend working hours and speed up project implementation. The Iraqi leader also said that the government is arranging a Baghdad Energy Conference to promote new exploration blocks as investment prospects for foreign oil and gas businesses. The ExxonMobil and HKN talks highlight Baghdad’s larger drive to attract more foreign investments into its energy sector, increase production capacity, and establish commercial connections with big US businesses. The energy drive coincides with a broader diplomatic agenda in New York. Al-Zaidi is attending the UN General Assembly and has participated in talks with US President Donald Trump and leaders from the GCC and other Middle Eastern countries, including Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan, as regional governments confront the ongoing US-Iran conflict and its economic and security consequences. The diplomatic consultations come at a critical moment for Baghdad, which wants to avoid being dragged further into the regional conflict while preserving ties with Washington, Tehran, and Arab neighbors. Al-Zaidi’s visit to the United States comes just before the U.S.-led coalition mission in Iraq ends on September 30, as Baghdad attempts to change its ties with Washington toward investment, energy, and wider economic cooperation. The discussions with ExxonMobil and HKN centered on oil development, with Iraq seeking investment and technology from US corporations as it attempts to raise output and pursue new exploration options.