US rejects Iraq's gas import deal with Turkmenistan

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The United States has objected to Iraq's plan to purchase natural gas from Turkmenistan and rejected Baghdad's proposal to transport the fuel through Iranian territory, according to the source material. Iraq has been holding talks with Turkmenistan on additional gas supplies to ease chronic shortages in its electricity generation, with the most prominent option being transit through Iran. Washington's opposition to the route creates a new obstacle to the deal and directly affects Iraq's energy plans. Iraq relies on Iranian gas imports for a significant share of its power production but has faced repeated disruptions in supply. The rejection narrows Baghdad's options as it seeks alternative fuel sources to keep power plants running, particularly during peak summer demand. No immediate alternative route or replacement supplier was announced. No further details on the status of the talks or possible alternative arrangements were immediately available.