Iraq has completed seismic surveys at the Naft Khana oil field in Diyala province, a crucial step before exploratory drilling can begin. However, the project has raised concerns among Kurdish lawmakers, who argue that the disputed territory should be developed jointly by the federal government in Baghdad and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in Erbil.

The Naft Khana field, located near Khanaqin in an area claimed by both Baghdad and the KRG, is being developed by China’s Geo-Jade Petroleum. Amir Mahmoud, director of oil fields in Diyala, emphasized the importance of the seismic surveys in determining the field’s potential.

“Until you do seismic surveys, you don’t know what oil or gas fields exist, or how big they are. Based on the results, we determine where to place the wells,” Mahmoud told Rudaw on Thursday.

Suzan Mansour, a Kurdish lawmaker representing Diyala in the Iraqi parliament, expressed concerns that the federal government is proceeding without coordination with the KRG, contrary to constitutional provisions.

“The people of this area should not be deprived of the benefits of oil, and the KRG should not be kept unaware of these operations. According to the constitution, both sides must coordinate,” Mansour said.

The disputed territories, including Khanaqin, have long been a point of contention between Baghdad and Erbil, with both sides asserting control over resources in the region.

Local Officials Hope for Development Projects
Despite the political dispute, local authorities in Khanaqin are hopeful that the oil field’s development will bring economic benefits. Jawad Faizullah, the district commissioner, stated that they have requested Diyala’s governor, Adnan Shumari, to ensure that Geo-Jade Petroleum contributes to local projects.

“God willing, the social contribution of Geo-Jade Petroleum will arrive soon. We have asked the governor to support projects in Khanaqin funded by the company’s social responsibility programs,” Faizullah said.

The progress at Naft Khana highlights both the potential for economic growth and the ongoing tensions between Baghdad and the KRG over resource management in disputed areas. The lack of joint development efforts risks further straining relations between the two governments.