S&P Places Iraq Ratings On Creditwatch Negative Due To Regional Conflict-Related Cuts In Oil Production

March 17 (Reuters) - S&P:

• S&P: IRAQ RATINGS PLACED ON CREDITWATCH NEGATIVE DUE TO REGIONAL CONFLICT-RELATED CUTS IN OIL PRODUCTION

• S&P: CREDITWATCH NEGATIVE REFLECTS RISK OF DOWNGRADE FOR IRAQ DUE TO SHARP FALL IN OIL PRODUCTION TIED TO INCREASED ESCALATION OF MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT

• S&P: PROLONGED DISRUPTION TO IRAQ'S OIL PRODUCTION WILL PRESSURE THE COUNTRY'S FISCAL AND EXTERNAL POSITION OVER 2026

• S&P:INCREASED INTENSITY OF CONFLICT IN MIDDLE EAST HAS RAISED RISK OF MORE PROLONGED PERIOD OF VOLATILITY & DISRUPTION TO IRAQI OIL PRODUCTION LEVELS

• S&P: ASSUME IRAQ GOVERNMENT WILL DRAW DOWN ON ITS SIZABLE EXTERNAL BUFFERS TO MEET FOREIGN DEBT REPAYMENTS