According to Iraqi government’s “2020-21 Annual Performance Report” published on 1 June, Baghdad has formed a “delegation” to lead negotiations with International Oil Companies (IOCs) and has contracted an unnamed “specialized international company” to “assess the situation” of “modifying licensing round contracts.”

Iraq has long spoken of revising its Technical Service Contracts (TSCs) through which IOCs operate in the country, but periodic pledges of reform have so far come to naught. While it is positive that the issue remains on the agenda for Baghdad, it is by no means an indication that genuine progress is being made on the matter. (CONTINUED - 379 WORDS)