Iraqis left without power after Iran 'entirely' halts gas exports

Iran has entirely halted gas exports to Iraq, causing a substantial drop in electricity for Iraqis. The stoppage cut between 4,000 and 4,500 megawatts from the national power grid, forcing several power generation units to shut down. Iraq's dependence on Iran for as much as 40 percent of its gas and power needs has been a long-standing point of international contention. The situation has been complicated by past US policy, which rescinded a waiver allowing Iraq to pay Iran for electricity. In response, Iraq's Ministry of Electricity is attempting to use alternative local fuels to compensate for the shortfall.