Chevron to sign MOUs with Iraq

HOUSTON, July 17 (Reuters): Chevron is set to sign memorandums of understanding on Friday with the Iraqi government to advance the US oil major's potential entry into the West Qurna 2 and Nassiriya oilfields, according to a senior Chevron executive.

The company is also continuing talks with Iraq to produce technical studies and evaluate potential pipeline routes to transport crude out of the country and bypass the Strait of Hormuz, the executive said.

The oilfield agreements and pipeline studies are part of a broader push by Iraq's new government to deepen energy ties with the United States. Finding alternative export routes has taken on added urgency as the US-Israeli war with Iran continues to threaten shipping through the strait, a chokepoint for the bulk of Iraq's crude exports.