Iraq Warns Iran Against Oil Smuggling via SOMO, Sends Special Envoy to Tehran
Iraq sends electricity minister to Tehran as special envoy amid oil smuggling allegations. Baghdad warns against using Iraqi ports for illicit Iranian oil exports after intelligence links SOMO to sanctioned operations. SOMO denies involvement.
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Iraq has dispatched its Minister of Electricity, Ziyad Ali Fadel, to Tehran as a special envoy of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, following intelligence reports indicating the Iranian Ministry of Oil’s alleged involvement in U.S.-sanctioned oil smuggling operations in coordination with Iraq’s State Oil Marketing Organization (SOMO).
According to informed sources, the minister’s visit—which began on Friday—carries a stern warning from Baghdad to the Iranian government, cautioning against the use of Iraqi territory and ports for illicit activities that could expose the country to international sanctions.
The development follows investigations initiated by Iraq’s Ministry of Oil at the direction of Prime Minister Sudani. The inquiries reportedly uncovered smuggling networks linked to Iraqi armed factions allegedly providing logistical support to facilitate the trafficking of Iranian oil. The findings have sparked concern within the Iraqi Parliament, amid rising fears that SOMO and other official entities could face punitive measures.
This escalation comes in the wake of a leaked document from Iraq’s National Intelligence Service, which alleges that the ports of Umm Qasr and Khor al-Zubair have been used as strategic points for exporting Iranian petroleum products. These operations reportedly involve maritime tankers equipped to conceal their identities and switch national flags.
In response to the reports, SOMO issued a statement on Friday strongly denying any involvement in oil smuggling or mixing Iraqi crude with other sources. The company described the accusations as “baseless,” affirming its full cooperation with security agencies and commitment to monitoring all export-bound tankers.
SOMO emphasized that the leaked intelligence document had been misinterpreted and misrepresented as an official admission, contradicting the technical and procedural realities on the ground.
The state oil marketer called on media outlets to practice accuracy and refrain from disseminating false information that could harm Iraq’s economic reputation and national interests.
The company reiterated that every oil shipment is subjected to rigorous oversight to ensure strict compliance with both domestic regulations and international standards.
