US races to secure Iraq's Akkas gas field as new PM takes office

The U.S. is accelerating efforts to lock down Iraq's Akkas gas field in Anbar province, a strategic asset bordering Iran, Syria, and Jordan. The new Iraqi PM Ali al-Zaidi took office on 16 May, creating a window for energy deals. The field's development would reduce Iraq's dependence on Iranian gas and shift regional energy leverage, but security in Anbar remains a key risk.