ALWAGHT- Iran's foreign minister criticized Washington for harming the Iraqi people by revoking the country's sanctions waiver for importing electricity from Iran.
Iran has strongly condemned the US decision to revoke Iraq’s sanctions waiver for importing electricity, calling it an attack on the Iraqi people. Iranian diplomat Abbas Araghchi criticized Washington for attempting to deprive Iraq of essential services, especially as the country approaches its hottest months. He reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to supporting Iraq and pledged to work with its government to counter the US's "unlawful actions."
The US move has sparked concern in Iraq, with the chairman of the Iraqi parliament’s finance committee warning that limiting power imports from Iran could lead to the collapse of Iraq’s electrical grid. Iraq remains highly dependent on Iranian natural gas, which fuels around 80% of its electricity generation. Any disruption in supply could severely impact the country's power stability.
Iraq has long relied on Iranian electricity, securing a five-year contract in 2022 to import 400 megawatts. In March 2024, the two countries further strengthened their energy ties with an agreement to increase Iranian gas imports to 50 million cubic meters per day, worth approximately $6 billion annually.
