Iraq’s Zaidi doubles down on militia disarmament, boosting oil exports Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi made the comments amid Hormuz-related export struggles and a nearing deadline for armed groups to disarm. Iraq
China slams Trump over economic war on Iran: What to know China’s once significant oil imports from Iran have been impacted by the war in the region and increasing US sanctions. Iran
Explainer Iraq seeks special Hormuz access from Iran in scramble to keep oil flowing As Iran's parliament speaker holds talks in Baghdad, Iraq has asked Tehran for special consideration for its oil exports. Iraq
Turkey looks to expand Syria energy footprint into oil, gas Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said state oil giant TPAO and private companies are ready to explore for oil and gas onshore and offshore in Syria. Turkey
Iranian tanker on way to Venezuela despite US pressure The tanker passed through the Suez Canal on Wednesday. United States
Turkey’s intervention in Libya turns tide to Erdogan’s advantage, for now Ankara has thrown in its lot with the Government of National Accord for reasons that have more to do with its own interests than Libya’s. Turkey
Saudi Aramco first-quarter revenues fall The state-owned company still had a profit of $16.7 billion and gave its shareholders a big payout. Saudi Arabia
Iraq cuts federal budget from KRG, Kurds defy it as political The Iraqi federal government cuts funds used for salaries of Kurdistan Regional Government employees; Kurds describe the move as illegal and politically motivated. Originals
Is Egypt trying to provoke Turkey in eastern Mediterranean? Although Egypt has stopped liquefying and exporting liquefied natural gas due to the global collapse of prices as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, it is still expanding its gas production in the eastern Mediterranean. Egypt
Was Trump’s call about oil with Saudi leader the start of a reset in relations? US-Saudi partnership faces both old and new challenges in post-COVID-19 Middle East. Saudi Arabia
Report: Trump threatened to remove US troops from Saudi if no oil production cut Trump told the Saudi Crown Prince that US troops would leave Saudi Arabia if OPEC did not cut production, according to a new report. Saudi Arabia
Russia doubles down on Iraq despite COVID-19 Moscow and Baghdad continue to plot a course for bilateral relations, though the process is being complicated by Iraq’s precarious political situation and the global coronavirus crisis. Iraq
What oil markets' 'bloody Monday' means for Gulf producers Gulf producers must navigate between an angry White House and Congress, with the threat of tariffs, and uncertainty regarding Asian partners and demand as a result of the pandemic. Legacy: Gulf
Is the new OPEC+ deal a win for Russia? The new OPEC+ deal has some advantages for Russia but some of the potential long-term implications may be dire for Moscow. Saudi Arabia
Is Oman’s model of governance about to shift? Oman's debts are piling up as oil prices crash, putting at risk its wide-reaching social welfare system. Oman
Amid Saudi-Russia price war, US on track to become net oil importer: Report The coronavirus and the Saudi-Russia oil price war are contributing to a fall in US oil production and the United States is expected to become a net oil importer again in the fall. Saudi Arabia
