Al-Zaidi: We aspire to raise Iraq’s oil production to 7 million barrels per day… Our focus is on a strong partnership with Washington.
Al-Zaidi: We aspire to raise Iraq’s oil production to 7 million barrels per day… Our focus is on a strong partnership with Washington.
2026-06-27
Shafaq News – Baghdad
Prime Minister Ali al-Zubaidi expressed Iraq’s desire to raise crude oil production rates to about 7 million barrels per day, while emphasizing the move towards a strong economic partnership with America, and warning of the repercussions of the rampant financial and administrative corruption in the country’s state institutions and departments.
Al-Zaidi said in an interview with Sky News, “We aspire, over the next three years, to raise Iraq’s oil production to (7) million barrels per day, and we have informed American companies of this vision.”
Regarding relations between Baghdad and Tehran, Al-Zaydi stressed that they are based on good neighborliness, respect, and common interests, just as they are with all countries in the region, emphasizing that Iraq does not accept dictates from any party, and the decision will always be in accordance with the interests of Iraqis first.
Al-Zaydi also pointed to Iraq’s move towards building a “strong” economic partnership with the United States, based on Iraq’s interest and not at the expense of any other party, adding: We do not follow a policy of axes or hostility, and Iraq wants to be an area of communication and stability, not an arena of conflict.
In response to reports of attacks targeting Gulf states, the Prime Minister said: “Investigations have not indicated any attacks launched from Iraqi territory towards Saudi Arabia, and we have issued clear directives to prevent any future transgressions.”
Al-Zaydi pointed out that his government’s goal is to protect Iraq and its people, and that after September 30, they will present to the citizens the results of the government’s work and achievements, not promises. He added: “We look forward to completing the filling of the vacancies in the government formation within two weeks.”
He also said: “We are working on establishing a development fund with the participation of the Central Bank of Iraq and national funds, while opening the door to public subscription and regional and international partnerships, stressing that the development fund projects will be financed according to market needs, in a way that contributes to stimulating the economy and creating job opportunities.”
Regarding the issue of financial and administrative corruption, Al-Zaydi pointed out that the process of confronting corruption has begun through legal procedures, and said: “We have stopped a large part of the waste,” adding: “We have recovered funds through official frameworks.”
The Prime Minister stated, “Corruption in Iraq is a phenomenon that begins at small levels and extends through a system of bribery and nepotism, and addressing it requires comprehensive and continuous reform.”
He concluded his speech by pointing to the formation of a central committee to review contracts exceeding (25) billion dinars in value, to audit them and ensure the integrity of their financial estimates, and to prevent exaggeration in estimated costs.
shafaq.com
