Iraq's daily oil exports reached two million barrels in August, the highest level since the outbreak of the Iran war, local media reported on Sunday, citing the Iraqi Oil Ministry.
In July, Iraq exported 49 million barrels of oil, according to the reports.
Iraq normally exports about 100 million barrels of crude monthly, but the volumes have plunged since the United States and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran on February 28, triggering the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
With shipping through the Strait disrupted, Iraq's oil storage capacity came under severe pressure, forcing the country to cut production sharply.
Meanwhile, it has turned to alternative routes, using oil tankers via Syria and pipelines through Türkiye to export its oil.
Iraqi daily oil exports in August hits record high since Iran war begins
Qatar on Saturday denied claims that it had detained Iranian pilots, describing the assertion as misleading amid ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalating regional tensions.
"We categorically deny the claims circulating regarding the detention of Iranian pilots and are surprised by these misleading statements at this particular time," Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed Al Ansari said in a post on social media platform X.
Al Ansari said contact had been established with the pilots concerned after they violated Qatari airspace and authorities confirmed the trajectory of the targeting.
"After following the rules of engagement and attempting to communicate with them without receiving a response, the necessary measures were taken to defend our territory in accordance with international law," he said, adding that the circumstances had been clarified at the time through official channels.
The spokesman said Qatari search and rescue teams subsequently conducted operations to search for the remains of the pilots. He added that Qatar had communicated with Iran to coordinate the handover of the remains of one pilot who was found.
An Iranian military commander said Saturday that Qatari forces captured three Iranian pilots whose fighter jets were shot down when returning from a military mission against a U.S. base in Qatar in March. The commander said a fourth pilot was killed.
On Feb 28, Israel and the United States launched joint attacks on Tehran and other Iranian cities, killing the country's then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, military commanders and civilians. Iran responded with waves of missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and U.S. bases and assets in the region.
The body of the slain Iranian pilot, Majid Kazemi, was returned to Iran and buried in the southern city of Shiraz in late July.
Qatar denies claims of detaining Iranian pilots
