Prime minister outlines strategy to boost domestic gas production and strengthen energy security
BAGHDAD: Iraq is seeking expanded cooperation with ExxonMobil as part of its strategy to develop domestic energy resources and reduce dependence on imported Iranian gas, according to statements attributed to Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi.
The reported discussions took place during the prime minister’s visit to Houston, where he met ExxonMobil Chief Executive Darren Woods to explore broader cooperation across Iraq’s energy sector. The agenda reportedly included upstream oil production, associated gas capture, refining and downstream industrial development.
According to the reported plan, Iraq aims to capture natural gas that is currently flared during oil production and use it to supply domestic power plants. Officials have identified reducing reliance on imported energy as a key objective, with the goal of increasing self-sufficiency over the coming years.
Gas capture central to energy strategy
The proposal reportedly calls for greater investment in oil fields, deployment of gas capture technology and expansion of refining and petrochemical facilities. Iraqi authorities believe these measures could increase the country’s value-added energy production while reducing waste from gas flaring.
The strategy also seeks to strengthen Iraq’s electricity sector by utilising domestically produced gas instead of relying on imports. Supporters of the plan argue that greater energy independence could reduce exposure to external supply disruptions and geopolitical uncertainties.
Meetings held with several energy firms
During the visit, the prime minister also reportedly met executives from Chevron, Shell, Halliburton, Baker Hughes and Honeywell to discuss potential investment opportunities in Iraq’s energy industry.
According to the reported discussions, Baghdad encouraged international companies to participate in projects involving gas development, crude oil production and energy infrastructure. The meetings were also described as part of Iraq’s broader effort to modernise its energy sector and attract foreign investment.
Neither ExxonMobil nor the Iraqi government immediately released detailed public statements confirming the scope of the reported proposals or any agreements resulting from the meetings. No new investment commitments were announced at the time of reporting, and discussions appear to remain at the exploratory stage.
🚨🇮🇶🇺🇸ExxonMobil just got a direct ask from Iraq's Prime Minister: help us stop importing Iranian gas.
Iraqi PM Ali al-Zaidi flew to Houston and sat down with ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods.
The agenda: expand Exxon's role across the full Iraqi energy chain upstream crude,… pic.twitter.com/EyqU1GYfGZ
— Jack Prandelli (@jackprandelli) July 17, 2026
