Member of the Parliamentary Economic Committee, Hamid al-Moussawi, said the United States continues to pressure international energy companies to stay away from investing in Iraq, a situation he believes is hurting the country’s economic growth and development.
According to al-Moussawi, Washington has spent years trying to discourage major international energy companies, including German firms and other foreign investors, from entering the Iraqi market. He said these actions have directly affected investment activity in Iraq’s energy sector.
Al-Moussawi called on the Iraqi government, particularly the Prime Minister, to take immediate steps to reduce foreign interference and create a more attractive environment for international investors. He argued that bringing in companies from different countries would help diversify investment sources, strengthen the economy, and increase national revenues.
He stressed that Iraq’s energy sector is one of the country’s most important economic pillars and that attracting foreign investment is essential for its continued growth. In his view, outside pressure has limited Iraq’s ability to draw international companies and fully develop the sector.
Al-Moussawi also urged the government to protect Iraq’s economic decision-making and adopt policies that encourage foreign investment while serving the country’s long-term interests.
He argued that opening the door to a wider range of international investors would create more competition, improve development opportunities, and support the overall economy.
The discussion comes amid ongoing debate in Iraq about the role of foreign powers in the country’s energy industry. Critics of U.S. policy claim that sanctions have sometimes been used as an indirect form of pressure on Iraq’s energy sector. They argue that restrictions affecting Russian companies operating in Iraq created opportunities for other international firms, including American companies, to expand their presence in the market.
Supporters of greater investment diversification say Iraq should focus on creating a business environment that welcomes companies from multiple countries, allowing the nation to strengthen its energy industry while maintaining control over its economic priorities.
