China has concluded three major oil deals with Iraq, most notably finalizing the 25-year deal for the Mansuriya field which could have huge geopolitical consequences. The signing of these deals is part of a broader Iraqi policy of cooperation with China and Russia, providing military advantages for Moscow and economic benefits for China. There is a glimmer of hope for the U.S. here if it were hoping to influence the Mansuriya project as it has not yet been signed despite being ‘finalized’. China has continued to press home the geopolitical advantage given to it in Iraq following the official end of the U.S.’s ‘combat mission’ in the country on 9 December 2021 with the conclusion of three huge deals, all focused on the oil sector. However, crucially for the U.S.’s ongoing interests in the Middle East, there may still be scope to change the eventual outcome of the development […]