In mid-July, Iranian-backed drones attacked American oilfields in Iraq's Kurdistan region, targeting operations run by companies like HKN Energy and Hunt Oil. The US responded with a pressure campaign, threatening sanctions if Iraq did not reopen a vital oil export pipeline to Turkey. After two months of negotiations, Iraq agreed to restart the pipeline, signaling a shift in influence from Iran to the US. This incident highlights the intertwining of US diplomatic efforts and business interests in the region, particularly in energy. The future of this agreement remains uncertain, as it is temporary and subject to review, amidst ongoing tensions between Iraq and Iran.