In 2003, President George W. Bush’s invasion toppled Iraq’s regime, unlocking its vast oil reserves for U.S. gain. In May 2025, Iraq became the top OPEC crude supplier to the United States, exporting 6.92 million barrels of oil that month, per U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) data. Nigeria followed with 6.79 million barrels, then Saudi Arabia with 6.15 million.
The invasion handed U.S. energy firms prime access to Iraq’s oil, which funds 90% of its government budget. From January to November 2024, Iraq sent 64.11 million barrels to the U.S., earning $5.18 billion, ranking it the second-largest Arab oil supplier to America after Saudi Arabia. In May 2025, Iraq’s global exports hit 101 million barrels, up from 100.9 million in April, according to Iraq’s State Organization for Marketing of Oil (SOMO).
Iraq’s oil reliance ties it to U.S. markets. With Brent crude near $80 per barrel in May 2025, American refiners profit while meeting demand amid slowing U.S. shale output. Iraq produced 3.91 million barrels per day in May 2025, balancing OPEC+ curbs with U.S. needs.
By conquering Iraq, the U.S. secured a key oil source, boosting its energy security and economic dominance.
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