After a decision to terminate the 1973 crude oil pipeline agreement with Iraq as of July 27, 2026, Turkey started negotiations with the Iraqi central government for a more comprehensive agreement on the transportation of Iraqi oil. The move is not a withdrawal from the partnership but a strategic reset. Under the 1973 agreement and its supplementary protocols, either party must notify the other at least one year before expiry if it intends to terminate the deal. If no such notice is given, the contract automatically renews for five years. Turkey has now officially informed Iraq of its intent to withdraw, preventing automatic renewal and opening space for renegotiation.

Premium Content

This article is available to subscribers only. Join diplomats, investors and researchers who rely on Turkey In Depth.

Start Free Trial Sign In
#Iraq–Turkey oil agreement #1973 pipeline deal #oil negotiations #BOTAŞ Ceyhan Terminal #BOTAS Ceyhan Terminal #crude oil exports #Kirkuk–Ceyhan pipeline #international arbitration #$1.5 billion fine #Kurdistan Regional Government #KRG exports #Muhammad Shia al-Sudani #Ankara–Baghdad talks #Turkish energy policy #TPAO #Turkish Petroleum Corporation #oil exploration in Iraq #natural gas corridor #Basra–Kirkuk pipeline #Strait of Hormuz alternative #Energy Market Regulatory Authority #EPDK #Russian oil imports #oil dependency #diversification strategy #pipeline diplomacy #