Baghdad wins fresh gas import sanctions waiver

Iraq has been hit by violent protests this month that the US has been wary to inflame. (PA)

Washington’s decision to grant a new sanctions waiver allowing Iraq to continue importing gas from Iran will come as a relief to Baghdad, which is reliant on Iranian volumes to fuel its power sector. Iraqi officials had feared that the worsening tensions between the United States and Iran since the 14 September attack on Saudi oil facilities would trigger more aggressive measures.

That risk has now abated. The US State Department confirmed on Thursday that it would extend the waiver...