Iraq Oil Ministry rejects transport minister's claims on maritime firm, crude exports

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Oil Ministry issued a written statement rejecting remarks by Transport Minister Rashid al-Yasiri regarding the establishment and partnership structure of the Gulf Maritime company, saying the claims do not reflect the truth. The ministry said the company is still in its formation phase and does not own vessels transporting crude oil. The ministry stated that the issues raised by al-Yasiri stemmed from a lack of familiarity with the ministry's institutional structure. It stressed that crude oil exports are carried out exclusively through the State Organization for Marketing of Oil (SOMO) and that all related processes are subject to international oversight. The ministry added that statements outside its official channels are not binding and that it will work to strengthen inter-ministerial coordination while keeping export processes transparent. The public dispute between the two Baghdad-based bodies has drawn attention in the capital, with no further details immediately available on any follow-up action.