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Can Iraq Really Replace Saudi Arabia As The Middle East’s Top Oil Producer?
oilprice.com · September 7, 2026 · Week 2026-37
Summary
Iraq's new Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi announced plans to significantly increase the country's oil production to 8-10 million barrels per day within six years, potentially allowing it to surpass Saudi Arabia as the region's top producer. This ambitious target is supported by Iraq's substantial proven and undiscovered oil reserves, which have historically been underestimated due to older drilling technologies and commercial definitions.
Strategic Implication
This signals a potential major shift in regional oil production dynamics, challenging Saudi Arabia's long-held dominance and impacting global supply forecasts if Iraq's ambitious targets are realized.