Baghdad: Newspapers published in Baghdad on Thursday, October 9, focused on the signing of a Heads of Agreement (HOA) between the Ministry of Oil and ExxonMobil, alongside other key issues including alternatives to Turkmenistan gas and a proposed law to reform private education. Al-Zawraa Newspaper, issued by Iraqi Journalists Syndicate, highlighted the signing of the HOA as one of its main stories.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani sponsored the signing ceremony during his meeting with ExxonMobil Vice President Peter Lardin and his accompanying delegation, in the presence of the US Charg© d’Affairs to Iraq. Al-Sudani stressed that the agreement represents ‘an important step for the future of Iraq’s oil sector’ and will enhance economic relations with the United States. He affirmed that Iraq is open to all major international companies willing to contribute to the development of its oil industry.
The Prime Minister also underscored his government’s commitment to working with major oil companies, particularly American companies, to develop strategic fields such as Majnoon oil field in Basra. He emphasized Iraq’s efforts to attract investments to develop the energy sector, especially in gas utilization. Al-Sudani highlighted the importance of ExxonMobil’s role in modernizing Iraq’s oil export infrastructure, diversifying export routes, and introducing advanced technologies to boost production capacity and further develop this vital sector.
In a related development, Al-Zaman Newspaper focused in its Thursday edition on Iraq’s energy file, particularly on ongoing talks with the United States regarding the import of Turkmen gas. The paper noted that Baghdad is exploring multiple alternatives to secure its energy needs in case negotiations fail. Quoting the spokesperson for the Ministry of Electricity (Iraq), Ahmed Mousa, the newspaper reported: ‘The issue of importing Turkmen gas is currently under discussion with the US side to obtain the necessary approvals, as the import is aimed at meeting local demand until domestic gas production begins. This step does not conflict with the sanctions imposed on Iran since the contract is with Turkmenistan.’
Mousa added that Iraq’s previous attempts to alleviate its chronic power shortages through importing Turkmen gas via Iran failed due to US pressure, prompting the government to consider alternative solutions to ensure a stable energy supply. Among these alternatives, he said, is the establishment of liquefied gas loading platforms at the ports of Umm Qasr, Khor Al-Zubair, and other Iraqi terminals.
Meanwhile, Al-Sabah Newspaper, issued by Iraqi Media Network, highlighted liberal efforts aimed at reforming and regulating the private education sector. According to the paper, the Parliamentary Committee on Higher Education and Scientific Research is working on amendments to Law No. 25 of 2016 on private education, describing it as a pivotal step toward restructuring and improving the sector. The final vote on the proposed proposals is expected in the near future.
Committee member Firas Al-Musallamawi stated that ‘the draft amendment represents an organizational and reformative step aimed at restructuring private higher education and ensuring compliance with the academic and administrative standards set by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (Iraq). This will help strengthen confidence in its outputs and achieve better balance with the public education system.’
He explained that ‘the law, which received its first reading in 2024 and its second in 2025, includes substantial amendments – notably setting the minimum area for a private university or college at 40 dunams, to ensure a fully integrated educational environment with adequate infrastructure. It also requires academic staff to sign official contracts prepared by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (Iraq), with copies kept by both parties to protect the most legal and employment rights of faculty members and employees.’
The law further mandates the establishment of a standardized financial framework to regulate salaries and allowances transparently, aiming to prevent any form of exploitation or unjustified wage disparities.’ Al-Musallamawi added, ‘No new colleges will be allowed to open unless they meet the legal requirements regarding infrastructure, space, and qualified academic staff.’ He clarified that ‘institutions failing to comply with these standards will either be merged or gradually shut down, while compliant institutions will be given the opportunity to transition into universities within a maximum of three years.’