Baghdad: Iraqi newspapers on Tuesday highlighted meetings between the US Special Envoy to Syria, Tom Barrack, and senior Iraqi officials, as well as Iraq’s signing of two preliminary principles agreements with US energy company Chevron.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani stressed, during his meeting with Barrack, the importance of dialogue and diplomatic channels to resolve disputes and prevent regional escalation. Discussions covered bilateral relations between Iraq and the United States, broader regional developments, and Iraq’s efforts to promote stability, particularly in Syria.

The talks also addressed prospects for economic cooperation and comprehensive development as pillars of long-term stability, alongside the need to tackle root causes of crises and safeguard national autonomy.

Separately, Chief Justice Faiq Zaidan and Barrack reviewed judicial procedures concerning detainees transferred from Syrian prisons to Iraq.

The Iraqi daily Azzaman reported that Iraq signed two preliminary principles agreements between the Basra, Dhi Qar, and North oil companies and US-based Chevron, under the patronage of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani.

According to an official statement, the first agreement transfers management of the West Qurna/2 oil field to Chevron. The second covers the development of the Nasiriyah oil field, four exploration blocks in Dhi Qar province, and the Balad field in Salah al-Din, including amendments to incorporating the Nasiriyah field into a previous agreement. The signing ceremony was attended by US envoy Tom Barrack and Charg© d’Affaires Joshua Harris.

Al-Sudani described the agreements as a key step in advancing oil sector reforms, with positive economic and living-standard impacts in Dhi Qar and Salah al-Din. He also noted a settlement agreement between Basra Oil Company and Lukoil, temporarily transferring the contract to Basra Oil pending Cabinet approval and financial settlements.

A framework agreement between Basra Oil, Lukoil, and Chevron provides for the temporary transfer of the contract to Basra Oil Company, to be reassigned to Chevron after negotiations on a new contract are finalized, granting Chevron exclusive negotiating rights for one year.

Politically, Al-Sudani reiterated the importance of dialogue and diplomatic channels to resolve disputes and prevent regional escalation, while Barrack praised Iraq’s role in easing tensions, promoting dialogue, and combating terrorism.

In a related development, Chief Justice Faiq Zaidan and US Special Envoy to Syria Tom Barrack reviewed judicial procedures concerning detainees transferred from Syrian prisons to Iraq, according to an official statement.

Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein announced that Turkey has agreed to receive its nationals involved in terrorism-related cases, stressing that the formation of the Iraqi government remains an internal matter. During his meeting with Barrack in Baghdad, the two sides discussed bilateral relations and continued coordination, particularly in counterterrorism efforts.

Barrack expressed appreciation for Iraq’s decision to repatriate members of ISIS from detention centers abroad to Iraqi prisons, describing it as a step toward reinforcing autonomy and assuming legal responsibility.

Hussein confirmed Iraq’s ongoing engagement with several countries to facilitate the return of their nationals implicated in terrorism cases, welcoming Turkey’s agreement to repatriate its citizens.

The meeting also addressed the agreement between the Syrian Democratic Forces and Syria’s transitional government, with both sides expressing support and emphasizing its importance for enhancing security and stability.

Discussions further covered US-Iran relations and ongoing negotiations. Hussein warned against the risks of potential military escalation and its regional repercussions, reaffirming Iraq’s support for a peaceful track and the upcoming negotiation round in Geneva mediated by Oman between US and Iranian representatives.

Finally, the two sides discussed Iraq’s government formation process and challenges related to nominations for the premiership and presidency, with the US envoy outlining Washington’s perspective on the matter.

The Iraqi daily Al-Sabah reported on the official deposit and publication of Iraq’s ‘Maritime Domains Map’ on the website of the United Nations, describing it as a pivotal step in consolidating Iraq’s maritime rights.

MP Mustafa Al-Karawi stated that the deposit crowns previous efforts and serves as a ‘legal shield’ ensuring Iraq’s full sovereign rights in Khor Abdullah and beyond marker (162), in accordance with internationally recognized legal frameworks. He stressed that the move strengthens the protection of maritime borders and safeguards the rights of future generations.

MP Zuhair Al-Fatlawi highlighted that maritime border demarcation is also linked to shared oil and gas fields with neighboring countries, notably Khafji, Hout, and Durra (Lulu). He underlined their economic significance, particularly amid estimates of substantial gas reserves in the Durra field, alongside associated oil reserves. He emphasized that any Iraqi action must adhere to international law and relevant bilateral agreements to protect national interests.

MP Ola Al-Nashie described the UN registration as an important legal reinforcement of Iraq’s position in defending its territorial waters and maritime autonomy, in line with the Law of the Sea.

Political analyst Kamel Al-Kinani added that documenting the maritime map falls within the UN’s core mandate of recording state boundaries and affirming autonomy, noting that technical precision in such matters helps prevent the misuse of international pressure or the imposition of unlawful arrangements that could undermine regional stability.

Political analyst Kamel Al-Kinani stated that registering these files within international frameworks helps prevent interpretations or actions that could lead to future disputes or crises, warning that any mismanagement of such sensitive issues may trigger tensions between states.

He noted that the areas concerned are legally established and have now been internationally registered, with recognition from the Kuwaiti side, reinforcing the legal stability of the maritime boundaries.

Al-Kinani emphasized that while the step is significant, it does not mean relying entirely on international organizations to safeguard rights. Such bodies issue positions and decisions, he said, but the balance of power on the ground remains a decisive factor in international relations.

He stressed that strengthening the domestic front and consolidating state institutions and the political system constitute the true foundation of autonomy protection, as internal strength enhances international support for a country’s positions.

The confirmation of depositing the ‘Maritime Domains Map’ with the United Nations comes as part of official efforts to formally document and secure Iraq’s maritime borders internationally, strengthening its legal standing in any future negotiations or technical discussions related to boundaries or shared resources, in accordance with applicable laws and recognized international references.