Generating key takeaways...
The United States has backed Iraq’s plan to transfer Lukoil’s majority stake in the West Qurna-2 oilfield to US companies, amid ongoing negotiations and increased geopolitical tensions over energy assets.
The United States has signalled support for Iraq’s plan to transfer Lukoil PJSC’s majority stake in the giant West Qurna-2 oilfield to an American operator, as Baghdad moves to replace the sanctioned Russian firm days before a U.S. sanctions waiver is due to expire. According to the original report, Iraq’s Oil Ministry has directly invited U.S. companies to bid to take over management of the field, which supplies roughly 9–10% of the country’s crude output. [1][6][3][7]
Iraq has privately flagged ExxonMobil and Chevron as leading contenders, with one source saying Baghdad would prefer Exxon for West Qurna-2 given its prior operation of the neighbouring West Qurna-1 and recent re‑engagement in Iraq. Industry accounts also name additional potential bidders , including private equity and regional groups , reflecting a broader scramble for Lukoil’s international assets after Washington’s sanctions. [1][3][4][7]
A State Department spokesperson, speaking to Bloomberg, said: “We are encouraged by the Iraqi Ministry of Oil’s initial agreements with Exxon and Chevron, the recent commitment to transition West Qurna-2 to a US operator,” and added the United States “will continue to champion the interests of American companies in Iraq.” The U.S. Treasury has meanwhile permitted limited, deal‑specific negotiations with Lukoil until a December 13 deadline tied to temporary waivers, a window that has sharpened the pace of talks. [1][3][4]
Operationally, West Qurna-2 has been subject to disruption: Iraqi and industry sources reported a halt to production following a pipeline leak, while Lukoil declared force majeure after U.S. sanctions were imposed. Iraqi state marketer SOMO has taken over sale arrangements for Lukoil’s share and, officials say, was able to sell available quantities without affecting wider field output , a claim intended to reassure markets even as the transfer and repair timeline remains uncertain. [2][1][6]
The proposed handover carries both commercial and geopolitical weight. For Iraq, securing a U.S. operator promises technical capacity and greater Western investment as Baghdad seeks to boost production under improved contractual terms. For Washington, shifting a strategically important asset from a sanctioned Russian firm to American operators would align economic and foreign‑policy aims, while prompting scrutiny over bidder suitability and long‑term implications for Iraq’s energy partnerships. [1][3][4][5]
📌 Reference Map:
##Reference Map:
- [1] (Rigzone/Bloomberg wire) – Paragraph 1, Paragraph 3, Paragraph 4, Paragraph 5
- [6] (Iraqinews) – Paragraph 1, Paragraph 4
- [3] (Reuters, Dec 2) – Paragraph 2, Paragraph 3, Paragraph 5
- [7] (Iraqinews/Reuters summary) – Paragraph 2, Paragraph 5
- [4] (Reuters, Dec 4) – Paragraph 2, Paragraph 3, Paragraph 5
- [2] (Reuters, Dec 8) – Paragraph 4
- [5] (Reuters, Dec 5) – Paragraph 5
Source: Noah Wire Services
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative is current, with the earliest known publication date of similar content being December 1, 2025. The report is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were found. The narrative includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged. ([thenationalnews.com](https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/energy/2025/12/01/iraq-invites-us-companies-to-bid-on-west-qurna-2-oilfield//?utm_source=openai))
Quotes check
Score:
9
Notes:
The direct quote from a State Department spokesperson matches the wording found in earlier material, indicating potential reuse. No variations in wording were noted. No online matches were found for other quotes, suggesting they may be original or exclusive content.
Source reliability
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative originates from Rigzone, a reputable organisation in the energy sector. However, the reliance on a press release and the absence of direct attribution to primary sources may reduce the overall reliability.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The claims about Iraq’s invitation to U.S. companies to bid on Lukoil’s West Qurna-2 oilfield are plausible and align with recent developments. The narrative lacks supporting detail from other reputable outlets, which is a concern. The language and tone are consistent with the region and topic. No excessive or off-topic detail unrelated to the claim was noted. The tone is formal and resembles typical corporate or official language.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative presents current information about Iraq’s invitation to U.S. companies to bid on Lukoil’s West Qurna-2 oilfield. While the content is timely and plausible, the reliance on a press release and the lack of direct attribution to primary sources raise concerns about the freshness and reliability of the information. The absence of supporting details from other reputable outlets further diminishes confidence in the narrative’s accuracy.
