BP, Eni, and TotalEnergies Evacuate Foreign Staff from Iraq Amid Regional Tensions, Oil Output Unaffected

Basra, Iraq – June 24, 2025 — Major international oil companies including BP, Eni, and TotalEnergies have begun withdrawing foreign personnel from their operations in Iraq’s oil-rich southern fields due to rising geopolitical tensions, according to a statement released by the state-run Basra Oil Company.

The precautionary measures come in the wake of U.S. military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and escalating clashes between Israel and Iran, which shares a border with Iraq. The Iran-backed Iraqi armed group Kataib Hezbollah had warned of renewed attacks on U.S. forces in the region if the U.S. took military action against Iran.

Despite the staff reductions, Iraq’s oil output remains stable, with southern exports averaging 3.32 million barrels per day, officials confirmed to Reuters.

Key Developments:

• BP, operator of the massive Rumaila oilfield, has temporarily pulled out some of its foreign staff. The company has yet to issue a public comment.

• Italy’s Eni, which manages the Zubair oil and gas field under a technical service contract, has reduced its foreign personnel in Iraq from 260 to 98. The company says the move is precautionary, and remaining staff are continuing work alongside Iraqi employees.

• TotalEnergies has reportedly evacuated 60% of its foreign staff, though Basra Oil assures that production remains unaffected.

• U.S. oilfield services firm Baker Hughes is also taking steps to relocate staff, though no details were provided.

Meanwhile, oilfield activities continue uninterrupted in projects operated by Chinese firms, including West Qurna 1, Siba, and Faihaa, as well as at Russian energy giant Lukoil’s sites. Both Chevron and Shell, which also have interests in Iraq, declined to comment on their operational status.

Global Fallout and Market Reaction

The pullback of foreign oil workers comes as crude oil prices surged to a five-month high, reflecting growing uncertainty about supply disruptions. The latest escalation has triggered international safety advisories and restricted movements across the Gulf region.

Qatar temporarily closed its airspace, hours after U.S. and U.K. embassies urged their citizens in Doha to shelter in place amid rising threats of retaliation from Iran. The capital is home to the Al Udeid Air Base, the largest U.S. military installation in the Middle East and a critical hub for U.S. Central Command, housing around 10,000 troops.

The situation remains fluid as diplomatic tensions and military alerts ripple through the region, though oil operations in Iraq remain largely resilient—for now.