Juliet Ezeh
Operations have officially resumed at the Khor Mor gas field in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, marking a significant step toward restoring energy stability in northern Iraq after weeks of disruption triggered by tensions linked to the US-Iran war.
The Emirati energy firm Dana Gas confirmed the development on Monday, announcing the full resumption of production at the facility, which had operated intermittently following the outbreak of hostilities in late February.
The Khor Mor gas plant is not just another energy installation—it is the backbone of electricity generation across the Kurdistan Region. Its shutdown sent shockwaves through the region’s power supply, affecting millions of residents and exposing the fragility of energy infrastructure in conflict-prone zones.
According to a statement released via the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, Dana Gas described the restart as a return to operational stability after navigating what it termed “extraordinary circumstances.” The company had earlier halted natural gas supplies on February 28 as security concerns escalated during the conflict.
Authorities in the Kurdistan Regional Government had supported the suspension, citing the urgent need to protect personnel and critical infrastructure. Ministries overseeing electricity and natural resources emphasized that the safety of workers at the Khor Mor facility remained the top priority amid rising regional instability.
The disruption underscored a deeper issue: the vulnerability of energy infrastructure in geopolitically sensitive areas. The Khor Mor complex has been repeatedly targeted in recent years, with attacks widely attributed to Iran-backed militias operating within Iraq. These incidents have raised serious concerns among investors and governments about the long-term security of energy assets in the region.
The resumption of operations is expected to ease electricity shortages that plagued the Kurdistan Region during the shutdown. Power generation had dropped significantly, forcing authorities to implement rationing measures and rely on alternative, often more expensive, energy sources.
For Dana Gas, the restart also signals resilience in the face of ongoing geopolitical risks. The company, which plays a central role in gas production across the Kurdistan Region, has had to continuously adapt its operations to navigate security threats while maintaining output.
Energy analysts say the development highlights the delicate balance between geopolitics and energy security in the Middle East. The Khor Mor facility’s importance extends beyond local electricity supply—it is a key component in Iraq’s broader energy strategy, particularly as the country seeks to reduce reliance on imported fuel.
At a time when global energy markets remain volatile, any disruption in supply—even at a regional level—can have ripple effects. The temporary halt at Khor Mor served as a reminder of how quickly geopolitical tensions can translate into economic and humanitarian challenges.
The broader implications of the US-Iran conflict continue to shape the region’s stability. While operations have resumed, the threat of further disruptions remains, especially given the history of attacks on the facility.
For residents of the Kurdistan Region, however, the immediate concern is relief. The return of gas supply means improved electricity access, reduced reliance on costly backup generators, and a gradual return to normalcy after weeks of uncertainty.
As production stabilizes, attention will now turn to strengthening security measures around critical infrastructure like Khor Mor. Both local authorities and international stakeholders are likely to push for enhanced protection to prevent future shutdowns.
Ultimately, the reopening of the Khor Mor gas field is more than just an operational update—it is a critical moment that reflects the intersection of energy, security, and geopolitics in one of the world’s most complex regions.
Juliet Ezeh is the founder and chief reporter at Westbridge Reporters with over 7 years of experience in journalism. She covers crime, industry, policy, and social developments, delivering timely and accurate reporting.