Iraqi President Calls for Enhancement of Tehran-Baghdad Energy Ties

The two countries need to enhance the scope of their cooperation in the electricity and water sectors, Saleh said during a meeting with the Iranian energy minister in Baghdad, state-run Iraqi News Agency reported on Wednesday.

Reza Ardakanian, for his part, said it was in the interest of the Islamic Republic that its neighbors have an appropriate situation in the electricity sector.

"And we are ready to expand cooperation with the brother and friend country Iraq,” he said.

"Last year, despite problems with gas supply for power plants, we made a lot of efforts to cover Iraq's electricity needs and did our best to fulfill our duties to serve Iraqi people," Ardakanian said.

"This year, our situation is very different. Early heat and coronavirus conditions have increased Iran's electricity consumption. Compared to last year, electricity consumption has unprecedented growth, and this year we are facing a difficult situation,” the Iranian minister said.

Iraq relies on Iran for electricity imports, but extensive cooperation does not sit well with the United States which has long been trying to drive a commercial wedge between Baghdad and Tehran.

The US has been enlisting its companies and allies such as Saudi Arabia to replace Iran as Iraq's source of energy, but the idea has not moved beyond the level of theory.

So for all the ado, Iraq continues to buy gas and electricity from Iran. Tehran provides the Arab country with natural gas that generates as much as 45% of its electricity. Iran transmits another 1,000-1,500 megawatts directly, making itself an indispensable energy source for its western neighbor.