Al Jazeera News Updates Iraq resumes oil export, Japan PM heading to Washington
Mar 18, 2026
Coverage of strikes in Beirut and Sidon and the resulting displacement and casualties. Lebanon's leadership reviews security and border stability. Iraq and Kurdish authorities reach a deal to restart oil exports through Turkey. Tensions rise as Washington pushes for naval deployments in the region. Rafah crossing remains closed, worsening aid and medical shortages in Gaza.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Escalation Into Lebanon And Lebanon's Security Response
- Israel has expanded its military campaign into Lebanon with concentrated strikes on Beirut and Sidon.
- The Lebanese presidency convened a security meeting led by President Joseph Aoun to review casualties, displacement, and border stability during Eid.
Iraq And Kurdish Authorities Reach Oil Export Deal
- Iraq and the Kurdish regional government agreed to resume oil exports via Turkey's Sinan terminal and form a joint committee.
- Revenues will go to the federal treasury and new security measures will protect oil fields amid a wider production crisis.
Iraq's Oil Production Plunged After Hormuz Disruption
- Iraq faces a severe production shock after southern output plunged about 70% following Iran's effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
- The export resumption aims to mitigate losses by routing oil via the Sinan terminal and coordinating security.