Former Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi has publicly advised against Iraq withdrawing from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), arguing instead that Baghdad should pursue a larger production quota within the existing framework.
The statement, reported by Shafaq News, arrives as tensions between Iraq and the cartel intensify over output restrictions.
Mahdi’s comments serve as a high-profile counterweight to recent signals from Iraqi government sources indicating a willingness to leave the organization if its quota demands are not met.
By advocating for internal negotiation rather than exit, the former leader highlights the deep political divisions within Iraq regarding its energy policy and international commitments.
The dispute centers on Iraq’s frustration with OPEC’s production caps, which Baghdad views as detrimental to its fiscal needs.
Previous reports indicated that Iraqi officials were prepared to walk away from the cartel if a significant quota increase was not granted.