BAGHDAD — Iraqi officials anticipate a return to normal oil production levels within one to two months following disruptions caused by recent regional conflict and an Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, according to state media reports.

The fighting in the Middle East, which began in late February, severely disrupted oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime passage for global energy supplies. Iran’s blockade of the strait compounded the impact, forcing Iraq and other oil-producing countries to reduce output significantly. These constraints sent reverberations across international energy markets.

Salim Farhoud, spokesperson for Iraq’s Ministry of Oil, stated on Friday that the country has commenced efforts to increase production at fields previously curtailed during the crisis. “We can return within one to two months to the previous production levels,” he said, describing the gradual restoration of output capacity.

Prior to the conflict, Iraq exported approximately 3.5 million barrels of oil per day, with the majority of shipments transiting the Strait of Hormuz. However, as reservoirs in the country’s oil fields reached capacity amid halted exports, Iraq was compelled to suspend production at most sites. This led to a shift in export routes, diverting shipments through neighboring Türkiye and Syria.

A recent agreement between the United States and Iran to cease hostilities has led to the gradual reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, providing a pathway for Iraq to boost its exports once again. Despite this initial breakthrough, ongoing negotiations remain stalled, leaving some uncertainty about the pace and sustainability of the recovery.

Iraq, a founding member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), plays a significant role in global oil markets, making the restoration of its production capacity a key factor for energy analysts monitoring regional stability and supply chains.