Story perspectives

Switzerland Halts Arms Exports; Iraq Resumes Oil Shipments

3/20/2026

Center

Switzerland Halts Arms Exports

Switzerland halted arms exports to the United States amid neutrality in the Iran conflict because United States flyover requests were rejected.
Iraq resumed crude oil exports from Kirkuk to Turkey, targeting an initial capacity of 170,000 barrels per day (bpd) and planning to reach 250,000 bpd.
The Kurdistan Regional Government and Baghdad formed a joint committee to oversee the process.

Right

Iraq Resumes Oil Exports

Iraq's government and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) have agreed to resume oil exports to Turkey's Ceyhan hub, starting Wednesday.
A joint committee will oversee the resumption and ensure security for oilfields.
Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani emphasized the urgency of lifting trade restrictions and facilitating oil production.
Iraq's parliament urged the federal government to assert control over oil resources and rehabilitate key pipeline routes.
Oil production has dropped by 70% due to the Iran conflict, impacting exports through the Strait of Hormuz.

History

Historical Context

The Iran-Iraq War began on September 22, 1980, when Iraq invaded Iran, aiming to seize the oil-rich Khuzestan province. The conflict severely disrupted oil production, with Iraq's output plummeting by 70%. The war ended in 1988, leaving lasting impacts on regional stability and energy markets. Recent agreements between Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government to resume oil exports highlight ongoing efforts to stabilize production.

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Switzerland Halts Arms Exports

Switzerland halted arms exports to the United States amid neutrality in the Iran conflict because United States flyover requests were rejected.
Iraq resumed crude oil exports from Kirkuk to Turkey, targeting an initial capacity of 170,000 barrels per day (bpd) and planning to reach 250,000 bpd.
The Kurdistan Regional Government and Baghdad formed a joint committee to oversee the process.

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