Iraqi officials are defending a barter deal with Iran, say it doesn’t violate US sanctions on Tehran

By KAREEM CHEHAYEB and ABDULRAHMAN ZEYAD
Associated Press

BAGHDAD (AP) — Iraqi officials are defending a deal inked this week to barter oil for gas with Iran, saying it does not violate U.S. sanctions on Tehran and that it will help alleviate a worsening electricity crisis in Iraq. The statements on Thursday come as the government in Baghdad struggles to maintain a balance between its two key allies, Washington and Tehran. Oil-rich Iraq has become heavily reliant on imported Iranian gas to meet its electricity needs, and shortages in recent months are in part due to U.S. restrictions on transferring funds to Iran. Imports from Iran are especially vital during the scorching summer months when temperatures often exceed 50 degrees Celsius , or about 122 degrees Fahrenheit.