Iraq is accelerating diplomatic outreach to Gulf Arab states as Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi prepares for an anticipated visit to the United States.
The push for a new regional partnership framework comes as Baghdad seeks to recalibrate its geopolitical and economic positioning amid ongoing tensions with OPEC over production quotas.
The diplomatic offensive follows Prime Minister al-Zaidi’s recent announcement that Iraq aims to raise crude oil output to seven million barrels per day within three years.
This ambitious target has intensified friction with the cartel, which has been reluctant to grant significant quota increases to member nations.
Government sources previously indicated that Iraq is considering all options, including a potential exit from OPEC, if its demands for higher production allowances are not met.
The move to mend ties with Gulf neighbors appears designed to create a broader coalition of support for Iraq’s energy strategy.