Iraq May Freeze OPEC Membership Over Output Quota Dispute

Iraq's prime minister Ali Al-Zaidi said his country may freeze its OPEC membership if output growth is constrained by the group's quota system. Al-Zaidi, speaking at a press conference, said Iraq has no intention of leaving the organization but did not rule out suspending participation.

Iraq is targeting output of 7 million barrels per day within three years, Al-Zaidi said. The country wants a fair production quota that reflects its capacity, he added.

The target would represent a significant increase from current levels. The comments come as OPEC+ members debate future output policy.

Al-Zaidi did not specify what level of growth would trigger a suspension. He said the target is achievable with investment in the country's oil fields.

Iraq has long argued its current quota understates its production capacity. The statement adds a new layer of uncertainty ahead of the next OPEC+ meeting, where members are expected to review output targets for the second half of the year.