Iraq oil minister chairs crisis meeting on southern export disruptions

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi Oil Minister Basim Mohammed Khudair Al-Abadi chaired a Crisis Committee meeting on Wednesday to address the impact of halted oil exports through southern ports linked to tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. The ministry said discussions focused on preserving export flows and meeting domestic market needs under the current conditions. Speaking at the meeting, Al-Abadi directed officials to maximize efforts to raise export rates in order to support the state treasury. He also ordered the acceleration of work to identify alternative export routes and complete national projects as part of the ministry's response to the crisis. The meeting was attended by senior ministry officials and directors general, who reviewed the supply of oil derivatives and the measures needed to maintain steady availability. The ministry said the meeting produced a set of recommendations for the energy sector and export operations going forward.