The US granted Iraq a 45-day waiver to sanctions on dealing with Iran to allow Baghdad to continue to pay for natural gas and electricity imports in the face of chronic power shortages, especially in the oil-rich province of Basra in the south, Department of State spokeswoman Heather Nauert said Tuesday. Receive daily email alerts, subscriber notes & personalize your experience. Register Now US sanctions against Iran’s oil customers went back into force November 5, with Iraq receiving relief for electricity imports while eight other countries including China and India secured permission to keep importing Iranian crude at reduced levels. “We watched over the summer how Iraq suffered from a lack of electricity, especially in the south and that was a real problem,” Nauert said during a press briefing. “We recognize that and understand that. We’re confident that this waiver will help Iraq limit its electricity shortages […]