Iran’s Energy Minister in Iraq to cement ties under new PM

Minister of Energy Reza Ardakanian is in Iraq to advance electricity cooperation between the two countries despite US efforts to keep the two countries apart.

Ardakanian arrived in Baghdad Wednesday morning and was expected to meet his new Iraqi counterpart Majid Mahdi Hantoush and other senior officials of the country during the one-day visit, Tasnim news agency reported.

“Development of Tehran-Baghdad cooperation in the field of electricity, synchronization of the Iran-Iraq electricity network and cooperation in the field of education and development of the electricity network of the two countries are among the topics of discussions,” it said.

Iraq relies on Iran for electricity imports, but the extensive cooperation does not sit well with the United States which has long been trying drive a commercial wedge between Baghdad and Tehran.

So for all the ado, Iraq continues to buy gas and electricity from Iran. Tehran provides the West Asian country with natural gas that generates as much as 45% of its electricity. Iran transmits another 1,000-1,500 megawatts directly, making itself an indispensable energy source for its southwestern neighbor.

Iraq and Iran share a 1,400-kilometer-long border. Except for oil, Iraq depends on Iran for everything from food, fruits and vegetables to machinery and home appliances.

Ardakanian’s visit comes as temperatures are approaching 50 degrees Celsius (122 Fahrenheit) and beyond in Iraq, putting pressure on the national grid.

SS