Michael Waltz, the U.S. National Security Advisor, has urged the Kurdistan Region to expedite the formation of its new government and to resume oil exports which have been halted since March 2023. In a recent phone call on March 21, 2025, with Masrour Barzani, the President of the Kurdistan Region, Waltz emphasized the importance of including all political components in the new ministerial cabinet.
Waltz and Barzani discussed the crucial need for a swift resolution regarding the newly formed government and the resumption of oil exports from the Kurdistan Region through the Turkish port of Ceyhan. This export detail has been a significant point of concern for both local and international observers.
More than five months have passed since the Kurdistan Regional Parliament elections, yet no new government has taken shape due to complex negotiations, primarily between the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK). The KDP emerged as the largest party with 39 seats out of 100, while the PUK secured 23 seats.
The delay in forming a new government has raised alarm bells, with fears that it may destabilize the region further. As various political parties remain in competition, this delay has the potential to exacerbate existing tensions within the Kurdistan Region, complicating efforts to ensure stability and governance.
The issue of oil exports has broader implications, echoing the American administration's strategy during President Donald Trump's administration. Despite the Iraqi Oil Ministry's repeated assurances over the past months regarding the resumption of exports, nothing has been confirmed as of yet, leading to growing frustration among the stakeholders.
In light of these challenges, Kifah Mahmoud, the media advisor to Masoud Barzani, expressed optimism about nearing an agreement on the government formation and oil export resumption. He commented, "The United States is keen to form the regional government and solve the oil issue," reflecting the U.S.'s strategic interests in the region.
There seems to be a consensus among key local leaders that an agreement is within reach. Mahmoud noted that pivotal discussions have already addressed approximately 90% of the topics necessary for moving forward.
On the other hand, Ghiath Sourji, a leader from the PUK, echoed similar sentiments regarding the urgency of resolving these matters. Sourji indicated that the resumption of oil exports is more dependent on the federal government rather than the Kurdistan Region itself, especially after the recent Federal Supreme Court decision assigning the management of oil resources to the federal SOMO (State Organization for Marketing Oil).
Regarding the anticipated announcement of the new government, Sourji stated that the two principal parties have resolved the majority of their outstanding issues, suggesting that the official announcement might follow shortly after the upcoming Eid al-Fitr celebrations.
This effort to stabilize the political situation in the region is crucial, not only for regional governance but also for maintaining economic lifelines through oil exports. The stakeholders and observers alike understand that any lingering issues related to the formation of the government and oil exports could have broader repercussions for the Kurdistan Region's political landscape and its relationship with neighboring countries, particularly Turkey.
In conclusion, as Waltz’s discussions with Barzani unfold, the hopes of many are pinned on a quick resolution to the governance challenges that have persisted for months. The upcoming weeks will be telling, as the formation of the new government and the revival of oil exports could signal renewed stability in the Kurdistan Region. Both local leadership and international stakeholders are watching closely, hoping for an accord that will pave the way for a prosperous future in the region.
