Several major oil and gas production operations in Iraqi Kurdistan and offshore Israel have been temporarily suspended as a precautionary safety measure following Iran's assaults on nearby states. These suspensions are a direct response to US and Israeli attacks on Iran over the weekend, which have escalated regional security concerns.

Iraqi Kurdistan Field Suspensions

In Iraqi Kurdistan, multiple operators have shut down key fields. Gulf Keystone Petroleum has temporarily shut-in production at the large Shaikan oilfield to protect staff. The company emphasized this is a precaution and its assets remain unharmed. Shaikan, a major discovery in production for over a decade, was producing approximately 41,600 barrels of oil per day in 2025, with Gulf Keystone holding an 80% operating interest.

Separately, DNO halted operations at the Tawke and Peshkabir oilfields. The company's executive chairman stated the shutdown was precautionary, with personnel relocated to safety, and noted preparations had been made in anticipation of potential overhead military operations. DNO's net production from its 75% stake in these fields was 58,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day.

Furthermore, the Pearl Petroleum consortium, which includes Dana Gas, suspended operations at the Khorm Mor gas field. This field had recently increased its production capacity by 50% to 750 million cubic feet of gas per day following the start-up of a new processing facility in October of the previous year. This expanded capacity is crucial for gas-fired power generation and industrial growth in the region.

Offshore Israel Suspension

In Israel, production at the Karish field in the East Mediterranean has been temporarily shut down. Operator Energean received an order from Israel's Ministry of Energy & Infrastructure to suspend activities at the Energean Power FPSO vessel serving the field. The company stated that staff safety is its top priority and it is engaged in dialogue to facilitate a safe resumption of production as soon as possible.

Regional Security Context

The suspensions occur against a backdrop of heightened regional tensions and previous security incidents. Last year, the Tawke and Khorm Mor fields were attacked by unidentified drones and missiles. In 2024, the Israeli military also shot down a drone believed to be heading towards the Energean FPSO.