US to grant Iraq waiver to import Iranian gas in show of support for new PM

BAGHDAD — The US plans to grant Iraq a 120-day sanctions waiver enabling the country to import Iranian gas and electricity to meet its power needs, the State Department says, hours after a new prime minister was sworn in earlier today.

The exemption would be the longest period of time in months granted to Iraq to prove it is making progress in becoming less reliant on Iranian imports, a key condition of receiving the waiver.

The waiver would indicate a show of support after the inauguration of Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, who was sworn in after lawmakers passed the majority of his Cabinet appointments today.

Strategic talks between Washington and Baghdad are expected next month and will run the gamut of US-Iraq relations, from military to economic support, according to Iraqi and US officials. Key questions including the nature of US troop presence are expected to be discussed.

Shortly after he was officially named premier, al-Kadhimi spoke with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, according to a statement from the US State Department.

“In support of the new government the United States will move forward with a 120-day electricity waiver as a display of our desire to help provide the right conditions for success,” says spokesperson Morgan Ortagus according to the statement.

Recent waivers gave Iraq just 30 days to make headway in developing domestic gas supply or else find alternative sources to meet energy needs. They were a sign of growing impatience from Washington as Iraqi elites jockeyed over al-Kadhimi’s proposed Cabinet lineup.

Iraq needs Iranian gas and electricity imports to meet up to 30% of domestic power needs.

— AP