Dana Gas's Baghdad gas deal signals Iraq's slow break from Iran's energy grip

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    By Dr. Pshtiwan Faraj | Kurdish Policy Analysis The one-year agreement is modest in size but could reshape Iraq's gas market, strengthen the Kurdistan Region's strategic role, and gradually erode Tehran's decades-long energy leverage.  Dana Gas's one-year gas agreement with Baghdad could mark the beginning of Iraq's gradual shift away from dependence on Iranian gas while elevating the Kurdistan Region's strategic importance. For years, Iran has occupied an indispensable position in Iraq's energy sector. Every summer, when electricity demand surges, Iraqi officials have relied heavily on Iranian natural gas to keep power stations operating despite recurring supply disruptions, sanctions complications, and political tensions. That long-standing dependency may now be beginning to change. Dana Gas and Crescent Petroleum have signed an agreement with Iraq's Ministry of Electricity to supply 100 million standard cubic feet per day (100 MMscf/d) of n...
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Drone Attack Targets Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani’s Residence in Duhok

Drone Strikes Escalate as Militias Target Kurdistan Region Leadership 

The Scene of the suicide drone that attacked Iraqi Kurdistan Region's President Nechirvan Barzani's house in Duhok.


Sulaimanyah, Iraq, March 28

Kurdish Policy Analysis – Sulaimanyah, Iraq – The Kurdistan Region of Iraq is facing a renewed wave of drone attacks as the residence of President Nechirvan Barzani in Duhok was targeted again last night, marking a serious escalation in violence against the autonomous region.

The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) condemned the attack, with Prime Minister Masrour Barzani stating:

"I condemn and denounce in the strongest terms the cowardly drone attack on the residence of Nechirvan Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Region, in Duhok. Once again, we call on the federal government to act on its responsibilities, bring these outlaw criminals to justice, and curb the continued terrorist attacks carried out by these groups. I also call on the international community and our friends to support the Kurdistan Region in protecting its citizens and safeguarding the interests of the Kurdistan Region. We reserve every right to confront these terrorists, and we will take whatever steps are necessary to protect the Kurdistan Region."

Security sources link the drone strikes to longstanding insurgent activity in northern Iraq, targeting Kurdish political figures and infrastructure. Analysts warn that such attacks threaten regional stability and could carry broader geopolitical consequences.

Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) President Masoud Barzani addressed the public, emphasizing that the region has not been part of regional conflicts, yet has been repeatedly attacked. He highlighted that over 450 drone and missile strikes have targeted the Kurdistan Region and Peshmerga headquarters, including attacks on the presidential residence, and called for decisive action by Baghdad to stop lawless militias.

An anonymous Iraqi political source suggested that the latest attacks on Erbil are perceived as retaliation by Iranian-allied militias for US and Israeli strikes on Nineveh and Kirkuk earlier this week. Analysts note that such drone attacks, requiring advanced technical capabilities, suggest backing from militarized states.

Iran has officially condemned the drone attacks, though local observers consider the statements largely diplomatic, aimed at political signaling rather than preventing future strikes.

The KRG has called on Baghdad and the international community to take concrete steps to prevent further assaults. Analysts caution that inaction could embolden insurgent groups, undermine Kurdistan’s political and economic stability, and threaten the broader region.

The KRG has affirmed its commitment to protecting its leadership and citizens, signaling a potential intensification of counterterrorism operations in response to these attacks.

 #Kurdistan #NechirvanBarzani #DuhokAttack #DroneAttack #IraqSecurity #KRG #MiddleEastTensions

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