Iran Says Gas Dispute With Iraq Nears Resolution

Iran and Iraq are close to settling a long-running dispute that has curtailed Iranian gas deliveries to its neighbor, Iranian Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad said on Saturday. The agreement under discussion would address both the disruptions in supply and Baghdad’s outstanding payments for previous imports, according to the minister, who did not disclose a timeline or financial details. A resolution could stabilize power generation in Iraq, which relies on Iranian gas to feed several electricity plants, and provide Tehran with critical export revenue. Separately, Iran’s foreign minister said the International Energy Agency has agreed to establish a new mechanism for cooperation with Tehran. While specifics were not provided, the move suggests a possible opening for broader engagement between Iran and global energy institutions at a time when the country seeks to expand energy exports and modernize infrastructure.