As the world’s energy landscape faces mounting uncertainty, two major stories are converging: a potential return of Exxon Mobil to Iraq’s oil-rich Majnoon field and the arrival of Europe’s leading energy branding event, CHARGE Europe 2025, in Istanbul. These developments, though unfolding in different corners of the sector, both spotlight the rapidly changing dynamics of global energy—and the growing importance of trust, reputation, and communication in the industry’s future.
On October 7, 2025, Reuters reported that Exxon Mobil, the oil giant that once played a pivotal role in Iraq’s energy sector, is weighing a comeback after nearly two years away. According to sources cited by Bloomberg News, Exxon is expected to sign a heads of agreement with Basra Oil and Iraq’s state oil company, SOMO, in the coming days. The centerpiece of the deal? The Majnoon oil field, a behemoth located just 60 kilometers (about 37 miles) from Basra in southern Iraq, boasting an estimated 38 billion barrels of oil in place. That’s a staggering reserve—enough to put the field among the world’s richest.
Exxon’s intentions extend beyond simply tapping into Majnoon’s vast reserves. The deal, according to Reuters, could also encompass new export infrastructure and possible oil marketing projects in southern Iraq. In a sign of the company’s broader ambitions, discussions are reportedly underway about securing storage capacity in Singapore using Exxon-owned tanks, a move that could strengthen Iraq’s ability to export oil globally. Back in September, Iraq’s state news agency INA revealed that SOMO and Exxon were in advanced talks on the Singapore storage plan—a sign that both sides are keen to deepen their cooperation.
“Exxon Mobil is in discussions with the Iraqi oil ministry as we routinely look at opportunities to optimize our advantaged portfolio,” an ExxonMobil spokesperson told Reuters. It’s a carefully worded statement (as one might expect from a company of Exxon’s stature), but it hints at a broader strategy: in a world where oil markets are buffeted by geopolitical tensions and shifting demand, companies are seeking to maximize their strengths and find new footholds wherever they can.
For Iraq, the return of a heavyweight like Exxon could be a boon. The country’s oil sector has long been its economic lifeblood, and the Majnoon field, with its vast reserves, is a linchpin in Iraq’s production plans. Yet, the country’s energy industry is no stranger to challenges—from security risks and infrastructure bottlenecks to the complex web of international partnerships that underpin its export ambitions.
While officials from Basra Oil, SOMO, and the Iraqi Embassy in Washington D.C. did not immediately respond to requests for comment, the potential deal has already sparked interest. After all, Exxon’s re-entry would mark a significant reversal after its exit nearly two years ago, and its involvement could help unlock new investment and expertise for Iraq’s oil sector.
But the Exxon story is just one part of a larger conversation about the future of energy—and the role of communication, branding, and public trust in shaping that future. Enter CHARGE Europe 2025, the sector’s premier branding event, which will take place in Istanbul on October 13-14, 2025. The event, according to ThinkGeoEnergy, promises to bring communication and reputation strategy to the very heart of the energy transition debate.
Under the theme “Staying Consistent in Uncertain Times,” CHARGE Europe will gather senior executives, policymakers, communicators, and innovators from across the continent. Among the confirmed speakers are Elchin Ibadov, CEO of SOCAR Türkiye; Elisabeth Gathe, Global Brand Lead at Statkraft; Catarina Barradas, Head of Global Brand at EDP; Monica Holmvik Persdotter, VP Brand at Vattenfall; and Andrew Welch, Executive Director at Landor. These are some of the sharpest minds in the business, tasked not just with navigating the technical challenges of the energy transition, but with building the trust and credibility that will determine which companies thrive—and which fall behind.
“CHARGE is not simply about marketing. It’s about how energy companies build and sustain trust, adapt to uncertainty, and lead transformation,” said Dr. Fridrik Larsen, Founder of CHARGE, as quoted by ThinkGeoEnergy. That sentiment rings especially true in 2025, as energy firms grapple with everything from geopolitical tensions and digital disruption to decarbonization pressures and shifting public expectations.
At the heart of the event will be the CHARGE Energy Branding Awards, honoring excellence in communication, stakeholder engagement, and brand strategy across the sector. It’s a recognition that, in today’s market, how a company tells its story—and how it earns the trust of customers, governments, and communities—can be just as important as the technology it deploys or the resources it controls.
For Türkiye, hosting CHARGE Europe 2025 is more than just a feather in its cap. The country is in the midst of a sweeping transformation, with major changes underway in electricity, heating, and renewables. As ThinkGeoEnergy notes, for energy developers, utilities, and public institutions, communicating that change “clearly and credibly is becoming just as important as the technologies themselves.”
That’s especially true for Türkiye’s robust geothermal sector, where social acceptance, policy alignment, and public trust are now seen as essential for long-term success. By bringing CHARGE to Istanbul, Türkiye is positioning itself not just as an energy hub, but as a leader in shaping how the sector communicates—at a time when clear messaging and stakeholder engagement are more critical than ever.
It’s hard not to see a connection between the two stories: Exxon’s potential return to Iraq and the rise of events like CHARGE Europe. Both underscore a fundamental shift in the energy world. No longer is it enough to simply extract, refine, and sell. Today, energy companies are expected to navigate complex geopolitical realities, embrace new technologies, and—crucially—build trust with a wide array of stakeholders. The companies that succeed will be those that master not just the technical side of the business, but the art of communication and reputation management.
As Exxon weighs its next move in Iraq and industry leaders gather in Istanbul to chart a new course for energy branding, one thing is clear: the future of energy will be shaped not just by barrels and pipelines, but by the stories companies tell and the trust they earn. In a world where uncertainty is the only constant, that might just be the most valuable resource of all.