Iraq has proven it can maintain oil production and exports without US workers for a short period, but there are major risks to crude supply from OPEC’s second-largest producer if the conflict escalates and more staff have to leave for an extended period. US oil workers, which number about 30 according to oil industry sources, have exited Iraq for safety reasons following the US killing of a top Iranian commander in Baghdad last week. While the oil ministry said production and exports haven’t been affected, challenges remain for the longer term because of a need for Western expertise and financing for some of the more difficult projects. Iraq’s oil […]