Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi Chairs an Expanded Meeting of the Ministry of Oil ••••• Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi chaired today, Monday, an expanded meeting of the Ministry of Oil, in the presence of the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Oil, the Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff, and the undersecretaries and directors general of all the Ministry’s departments and formations. During the meeting, the plans and strategies prepared by the Ministry were reviewed, along with mechanisms for addressing the repercussions of the Strait of Hormuz crisis and proposed solutions to ensure the smooth flow of Iraqi oil exports and increase export capacity. The meeting also discussed the state of the oil sector and production and export levels amid the exceptional circumstances facing the region and the resulting closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has led to a significant decline in Iraqi oil export rates. Policies, plans, and possible solutions for addressing the repercussions of the crisis were also discussed, to ensure the continued export of oil and strengthen alternative export outlets. The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of accelerating efforts to find practical solutions by rehabilitating and developing oil pipelines and contracting with international companies to market and sell Iraqi oil. Prime Minister Al-Zaidi commended the significant efforts being made by the Ministry of Oil at this stage and directed oil companies to operate around the clock to ensure the sustainability of production and export operations and increase production and export rates. The Prime Minister directed that the current circumstances be utilized and that the crisis be turned into an opportunity for success through developing oil infrastructure and expanding export outlets. The Prime Minister noted that the Ministry of Oil has numerous solutions and opportunities that can be pursued urgently to achieve swift and tangible results. ••••• Media Office of the Prime Minister August 17, 2026