An Iraqi intelligence report obtained by Sky News Arabia has revealed alleged large-scale crude oil smuggling operations from northern Iraq into Iran, where the oil is reportedly refined and later sold in regional markets, including Afghanistan and Turkey.

According to the report, shipments of crude oil are transported through land routes and unofficial trade channels into Iranian territory, where they undergo refining and processing before being re-exported to foreign markets.

The intelligence findings suggest that the alleged network is designed to bypass international sanctions and facilitate the movement of petroleum products outside official trade and financial monitoring systems.

The report further indicates that smuggling networks rely on informal transportation routes and cross-border commercial channels to maintain the collection, processing and distribution of oil products while avoiding regulatory oversight.

The revelations have raised concerns over cross-border smuggling, the loss of national resources and the potential impact of illicit oil trade on regional economies.

Security and political observers say the reported activities could put additional pressure on Iraqi authorities to strengthen border controls, monitor oil transportation routes and improve coordination with regional and international partners.

However, the allegations outlined in the intelligence report have not been independently verified, and further details about the networks involved, the quantities of oil transported and the scale of supplies reaching Afghanistan and Turkey remain unclear.

The report highlights broader challenges facing regional authorities in combating illicit oil trade and enforcing international sanctions.

Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani has visited Ghazni, Paktika, Paktia and Maidan Wardak provinces, meeting with local officials, religious scholars, tribal elders, security members and residents to discuss security, governance and community concerns.

According to a statement released by the ministry, Haqqani listened to residents’ concerns, reviewed the activities of local authorities and discussed administrative and security challenges during his visits.

In Ghazni, Haqqani attended a graduation ceremony at Noor-ul-Madaris Madrasa in Shilgar district, where more than 400 students received graduation certificates from various departments.

He also visited an elementary school in Behbud village of Gilan district, where he reviewed the learning environment and discussed plans for constructing a school building and providing assistance to students.

During another visit, he inspected the Shaheed Muslim Orphanage in Janda area and received information about the children’s education and welfare.

In Paktika, Haqqani met with local residents, tribal elders and security members in Khairkot district, emphasizing reconstruction and national development.

He said the period of war and bloodshed had ended and that Afghanistan should now focus on rebuilding and progress. He also described reconstruction as a shared responsibility between the government and the public.

At the Paktika provincial governor’s office, Haqqani met civilian and security officials to discuss the province’s overall situation, administrative affairs, security challenges and public service needs.

He also met separately with people with disabilities, listened to their concerns and assured them of cooperation and support.

During his visit to Paktia, Haqqani met with tribal elders in Gardez-e-Sher district and attended a condolence gathering for a deceased family member.

His final stop was Maidan Wardak province, where he visited the Tang-e Valley and attended another condolence gathering before returning to Kabul.

The four-province tour focused on engagement with local communities, reviewing provincial affairs and discussing reconstruction, governance and public concerns.