Iraq’s State Organization for Marketing of Oil (SOMO) has denied receiving any formal warning or notification from the United States regarding potential sanctions, dismissing circulating reports as rumors and reaffirming its adherence to international compliance standards.

State Organization for Marketing of Oil Director General Ali Nizar Shatari told the Iraqi state news agency that the company has not been officially informed of any punitive measures by Washington.

“We rely on official documents and written communications, not rumors,” Shatari said, stressing that all discussions and understandings — particularly with the United States Department of the Treasury — have reaffirmed the robustness of SOMO’s export control and compliance mechanisms.

Shatari noted that SOMO has implemented strict oversight procedures for all tankers entering Iraqi waters. The organization issues daily, detailed reports outlining vessel types and destinations in coordination with relevant security authorities, measures he said are designed to protect Iraq’s primary source of state revenue.

He added that Iraq has emerged as a significant exporter of refined petroleum products, with revenues from refined exports nearing levels comparable to crude oil income. Safeguarding the energy sector, he said, remains a national priority.

The statement comes amid heightened political tensions between Baghdad and Washington, particularly following U.S. objections to the nomination of former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki by the Coordination Framework for the premiiership.