Core Insights - Exxon Mobil Corporation has signed preliminary agreements for the exploration and development of the Majnoon oil field in Iraq, marking its re-entry into the country after a two-year absence [1][9] - Iraq, which currently produces nearly 4 million barrels of oil per day, aims to increase production to 6 million barrels per day by 2029 [1] Group 1: Details of the Majnoon Oil Field Deal - The Majnoon oil field, located approximately 37 miles from Basra, is estimated to hold 38 billion barrels of oil [2] - Exxon Mobil intends to sign heads of agreements with the Basra Oil Company and SOMO to develop the oilfield and enhance Iraq's export capacity, including profit-sharing on crude oil and refined products [2][9] - Discussions are ongoing regarding potential oil marketing projects in southern Iraq, with plans for SOMO to secure additional storage capacity in Singapore to improve access to Asian markets [3][9] Group 2: ExxonMobil's Past Involvement & Market Context - ExxonMobil was one of the first Western oil companies to enter Iraq in 2010, aiming to strengthen the energy sector post-Saddam Hussein [4] - The company previously exited exploration projects in Basra and Kurdistan due to weak returns and transferred its stake in the West Qurna 1 oilfield to PetroChina [5] - Iraq has recently signed agreements with other oil majors like Chevron and BP, offering more favorable investment terms to boost oil and gas production [6][7]