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US grants Iraq reprieve to continue buying Iranian gas

The US is allowing Iraq to keep purchasing gas from Iran without sanctions, to allow Baghdad time to develop alternate sources.
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The United States has decided to grant Iraq a third 90-day sanctions waiver so it can continue to purchase gas from its sole provider, Iran, giving Baghdad some much-needed breathing room. On May 22 in Baghdad, Joey Hood, US chargé d'affaires in Iraq, stressed to reporters that the waivers will not continue indefinitely, so the United States is working with Iraq to reduce its dependence on Iran. 

The announcement came a week after Iraqi Oil Minister Thamer al-Ghadhban said at a news conference that Baghdad is prepared for a gas shortage if one develops, but hopes that taking such action will not be necessary. He did not offer any details. Iraq's power grid is fueled by gas purchased from Iran.

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