Iraq, Turkey advance talks on pipeline protocol, foreign ministry confirms

Iraq and Turkey are set to finalize an executive protocol ensuring ongoing Iraqi crude shipments through shared pipelines.

TURKEY-IRAQ-KURDS-MILITARY-DRILL A photographer captures images of troops positioned beside tanks displaying Turkish and Iraqi flags during joint drills near the border at Silopi in Sirnak on September 26, 2017.

(photo credit: ILYAS AKENGIN/AFP via Getty Images)

ByREUTERS, JERUSALEM POST STAFF

JULY 3, 2026 16:17

Updated: JULY 3, 2026 17:13

An Iraqi team traveled to Ankara for discussions on the Iraq-Turkey pipeline pact and broader energy ties, according to Iraq's foreign ministry on Friday, noting that both nations consented to pursue further technical and legal consultations regarding oil flows.

Iraq and Turkey plan to ink an executive protocol supporting the steady export of Iraqi oil, encompassing supplies from the Kurdistan region, the ministry stated. This protocol would act as a bridge toward a fresh accord within twelve months after the present arrangement concludes, officials added.

Such collaboration raises alarms for Israel, Cyprus, and Greece, whose trilateral partnership emphasizes security measures to counter Turkish regional maneuvers and energy initiatives that sidestep Turkish routes.

Over successive years, apprehensions regarding Turkey's regional posture have risen to a central place on the trilateral agenda.

The Turkey-Iraq partnership raises alarms for Israel

After Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan shifted Turkey's stance toward Israel, highlighted by the Mavi Marmara episode in 2010, Israel forfeited a key strategic partner.

Consequently, Israel pursued fresh regional allies to fill that role, with Greece and Cyprus, longstanding Turkish rivals cautious of Ankara's ambitions, emerging as fitting choices.

Turkish conduct has heightened threat awareness throughout the area.

Airspace incursions in the Aegean, naval operations in the Mediterranean, diplomatic and military moves in Libya, plus attempts to expand sway in Syria have signaled to Athens, Nicosia, and Jerusalem that Turkey is asserting power and probing boundaries.