Who really controls Kurdistan’s gas? The Dana Gas deal, the KRG’s silence and the hidden cost of selling energy to Iraq

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By Dr. Pshtiwan Faraj | Kurdish Policy Analysis      A $2.239 billion arbitration settlement, a contract running until 2049, expanded rights for Pearl Petroleum and a new battle over gas sales to Baghdad are raising uncomfortable questions about who ultimately controls Kurdistan’s most strategic natural resource. The latest dispute over Khor Mor gas is exposing a much deeper problem in the Kurdistan Region’s energy sector: the public still does not appear to have a clear picture of who controls the region’s gas, who is authorized to sell it, and how much of its future value has already been committed to private companies. At the center of the controversy is Pearl Petroleum, the consortium led by Dana Gas and Crescent Petroleum, and a settlement agreement reached with the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) on August 30, 2017. Kurdistan Parliament member Kawa Sheikh Ali has now sharply criticized that agreement, asking why a government would effectively commit its natural ...
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Trump: I am making final deal decision in Situation Room now


Donald Trump has repeated his demands for Iran as he said he's making a final determination in the "Situation Room". 


By Dr. Pshtiwan Faraj

Sulaimani, Iraqi Kurdistan — 29 May 2026 

Trump’s looming decision on Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, and escalating Israel-Hezbollah tensions could reshape the Middle East, global oil markets, and the future of American power.

This is where the president meets with national security officials to discuss secret operations and sensitive government matters.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, the US president reiterated his call for Iran to agree that it will never have a nuclear weapon or bomb.

He added that the Strait of Hormuz, which was closed almost immediately by Iran after the joint US-Israeli attack in February, must be immediately reopened with unrestricted shipping and no tolls.

Iran must also clear all mines, he said. 

Trump further outlined that Iran must destroy all of the remaining "nuclear dust" that is "buried deep underground".

"No money will be exchanged, until further notice," he wrote.

"Other items, of far less importance, have been agreed to. I will be meeting now, in the Situation Room, to make a final determination."

Earlier this afternoon, Iran's top negotiator said missiles make more progress than talks do.

Iran war, day 91 - what to know

  • All eyes on Trump: A deal agreed by Iranian and US negotiators is sitting on Donald Trump's desk, waiting for his sign-off, according to reports. The president is going "back and forth on a couple of language points".
  • What deal involves: If signed, the deal would extend a ceasefire, end the US blockade and start negotiations over Tehran's nuclear programme, while also potentially ending sanctions on the country.
  • Still not quite there: The US Treasury secretary refused to confirm reports of the deal. Iranian media said the text has not been confirmed. JD Vance, the US vice president, later told reporters there is a tentative agreement, but talks on "nuclear stuff" go on.
  • Exchange of strikes: This all comes as both sides exchange strikes. While it has not pushed the sides into all-out war again, it has raised concerns about the effectiveness of any diplomatic solution.
  • Israeli troops move deeper into Lebanon: Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israeli troops had crossed the Litani River and moved deeper into Lebanon. The river was once the marker line of a buffer zone and the move marks an expansion of Israel's war against Hezbollah.

War briefing: Where do tit-for-tat strikes leave peace deal?

Trump: I am making final deal decision in Situation Room now

Donald Trump has repeated his demands for Iran and said he's making a final determination in the "Situation Room". 

This is where the president meets with national security officials to discuss secret operations and sensitive government matters.

It's worth remembering that Axios reported yesterday that US and Iranian negotiators have reached an agreement on a 60-day memorandum of understanding to extend a ceasefire and start negotiating about Iran's nuclear programme.

US negotiators briefed Trump, but he didn't sign off right away, instead asking for a couple of days to think about it, according to the US officials cited by Axios.

According to Axios, the agreement includes the following points:

  • Strait of Hormuz: Shipping through the key shipping lane will be "unrestricted" and Iran won't charge tolls or harass vessels. Iran will remove all mines from the key shipping lane within 30 days.
  • US naval blockade: The US will lift its blockade of Iranian ports in proportion to the restoration of commercial shipping, according to one US official.
  • Nuclear talks: Iran will commit not to pursue a nuclear weapon. Both sides will negotiate how to dispose of Iran's highly enriched uranium and how to address the nuclear programme. Critics say this - a key war goal according to Trump - just pushes this tough issue into the future, though.
  • Sanctions: The US commits to discussing sanctions relief and the release of frozen Iranian assets. Both sides will discuss how Iran can start receiving goods and humanitarian aid.

Trump repeats demands

In a post on his Truth Social platform, the US president reiterated his call for Iran to agree that it will never have a nuclear weapon or bomb.

He added that the Strait of Hormuz, which was closed almost immediately by Iran after the joint US-Israeli attack in February, must be immediately reopened with unrestricted shipping and no tolls.

Iran must also clear all mines, he said. 

Trump further outlined that Iran must destroy all of the remaining "nuclear dust" that is "buried deep underground".

"No money will be exchanged, until further notice," he wrote.

"Other items, of far less importance, have been agreed to. I will be meeting now, in the Situation Room, to make a final determination."

Earlier this afternoon, Iran's top negotiator said missiles make more progress than talks do.

Hashtags:
#Iran #Trump #MiddleEast #Hormuz #Israel #Hezbollah #Geopolitics #Oil #USA #GlobalEconomy #PersianGulf #War

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