IRAQI DINAR POLITICS & ECONOMY

Iraq’s domestic public debt exceeds 109 trillion dinars by the end of July

Iraq’s domestic public debt exceeds 109 trillion dinars by the end of July

2026-09-20

Shafaq News – Baghdad
Data from the Central Bank of Iraq showed that total domestic public debt rose to about 109.5 trillion dinars by the end of July 2026, compared to about 90.5 trillion dinars at the end of 2025, an increase of about 19 trillion dinars, or 21%, during seven months.

According to data seen by Shafaq News Agency, domestic public debt rose from Read more…

Al-Rasheed launches loans for purchasing renewable energy systems

Al-Rasheed launches loans for purchasing renewable energy systems

2026-09-20

Shafaq News – Baghdad
On Sunday, Al-Rasheed Bank announced the launch of loans for the purchase of renewable energy and solar energy systems, financed by the Central Bank of Iraq, with a maximum limit of 30 million dinars.

The bank stated in a statement received by Shafaq News Agency that the loans include citizens and employees, and are granted with a total interest rate of 3% Read more…

Al-Hakim to the US Chargé d’Affaires: Addressing weapons outside the framework of the state is an Iraqi constitutional right.

Al-Hakim to the US Chargé d’Affaires: Addressing weapons outside the framework of the state is an Iraqi constitutional right.

2026-09-20

Shafaq News – Baghdad
The head of the National State Forces Alliance, Ammar al-Hakim, discussed on Sunday with the acting US ambassador to Baghdad, Steven Feiglin, the latest political developments in Iraq and the region and ways to develop bilateral relations between the two countries.

During the meeting, Al-Hakim reiterated his call to address the problem of Read more…

Sudden halt of electronic payment cards outside Iraq

Sudden halt of electronic payment cards outside Iraq

2026-09-20

Shafaq News – Baghdad
An informed source revealed on Sunday that a number of Iraqi electronic payment cards have stopped making payments, purchases, shopping, and cash withdrawals outside the country, attributing this to a number of reasons, including high commissions, coinciding with Read more…

The parliamentary finance committee on the budget law: It will arrive next month, and postponing it to 2027 is a possible option.

The parliamentary finance committee on the budget law: It will arrive next month, and postponing it to 2027 is a possible option.

2026-09-20

Shafaq News – Baghdad
The Finance Committee in the Iraqi Parliament confirmed on Sunday that the government intends to send the draft general budget law for 2027 to Parliament before the end of next October.

Committee member Jamal Kojar told Shafaq News Agency that “the House of Representatives has not yet received the draft budget from the government, and therefore it is not possible to determine an exact date for its approval,” explaining that “the approval process Read more…

Exclusive: Iraq after September 30: A partnership independent of Iran and the possibility of an American return

Exclusive: Iraq after September 30: A partnership independent of Iran and the possibility of an American return

2026-09-20

Shafaq News – Washington/ Mustafa Hashim
Andrew Tabler, a researcher at the Washington Institute and a former official at the US National Security Council, confirmed on Sunday that the future of relations between Baghdad and Washington is heading towards establishing a direct strategic and bilateral relationship, stressing that Iraq’s stability and its ability to control its territory will be a key factor in the continuation of this Read more…

Kirkuk-Banias pipeline: A Syrian agreement with Iraq to replace the dilapidated oil pipeline

Kirkuk-Banias pipeline: A Syrian agreement with Iraq to replace the dilapidated oil pipeline

2026-09-20

Shafaq News – Damascus
During a hearing before the People’s Assembly, Syrian Energy Minister Mohammed al-Bashir reviewed the field and financial situation of the energy sector in the country, revealing the existence of major operational challenges and strategic projects in cooperation with the Iraqi side.

During the session, which was followed by Shafaq News Agency, the minister confirmed that the Ministry of Energy includes the electricity, water, oil and mineral resources sectors, noting that Read more…

The State of Law coalition insists on Qasim Atta for the Interior Ministry… Abdul Hadi: Finalizing the appointment of nine ministers depends on consensus.

The State of Law coalition insists on Qasim Atta for the Interior Ministry… Abdul Hadi: Finalizing the appointment of nine ministers depends on consensus.

9-19-2026

Information/Baghdad..
On Saturday, Coordination Framework member Uday Abdul-Hadi confirmed that there is near-unanimity within the State of Law Coalition to support Lieutenant General Qasim Atta as a candidate for the Ministry of Interior portfolio, noting that the coming period will determine the path of consensus regarding the Interior Ministry and eight other ministerial portfolios.

Abdul-Hadi explained in his interview with Al-Maalouma that “there is almost Read more…

The 2027 budget is facing comprehensive parliamentary scrutiny… Al-Shammari: No crises will hinder its approval

The 2027 budget is facing comprehensive parliamentary scrutiny… Al-Shammari: No crises will hinder its approval

9-19-2026

Information/Baghdad…
Member of Parliament’s Finance Committee, Mohammed Al-Shammari, confirmed on Saturday that the draft general budget law for 2027 will be subject to intensive technical study and detailed auditing as soon as it is officially sent by the Ministry of Finance and the government to the House of Representatives, noting that the existence of prior political understandings will contribute to its smooth passage without Read more…

Al-Maliki: We will not allow any foreign forces to remain on Iraqi soil after September 30th.

Al-Maliki: We will not allow any foreign forces to remain on Iraqi soil after September 30th.

9-19-2026

Information/Baghdad…
MP Abbas al-Maliki affirmed on Saturday his categorical rejection of any foreign military presence inside the country after the date set for ending the mission of those forces on September 30, stressing that the issue of national sovereignty is not subject to negotiation or extension.

Al-Maliki told Al-Maalomah that “Iraq will not allow any foreign soldiers or forces to remain on its territory after September 30,” explaining that “the current stage requires completing Read more…

Iraq spends billions of dollars on meat… Al-Jubouri reveals opportunities for self-sufficiency

Iraq spends billions of dollars on meat… Al-Jubouri reveals opportunities for self-sufficiency

9-19-2026

Information/Special…
Former member of the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture and Water, Thaer al-Jubouri, confirmed on Saturday that Iraq spends between two and three billion dollars annually on importing red meat, poultry, and fish. He indicated that this money could contribute to creating more than 100,000 job opportunities if a strategy were adopted to achieve self-sufficiency and protect Read more…

Kurdistan Democratic Party: Intensive and serious talks are underway, away from the media, to form the regional government.

Kurdistan Democratic Party: Intensive and serious talks are underway, away from the media, to form the regional government.

2026-09-19

Shafaq News – Erbil
The spokesman for the Kurdistan Democratic Party, Mahmoud Mohammed, confirmed on Saturday that his party is conducting “serious and intensive” talks with all political parties in the region to resolve outstanding issues. While he expected the remaining ministerial positions in the federal government to be finalized after the anticipated visit of Prime Minister Ali al-Zubaidi, he stressed Read more…

Iraq calls on American companies to expedite the implementation of their projects.

Iraq calls on American companies to expedite the implementation of their projects.

2026-09-19

Shafaq News – Baghdad
On Saturday, Iraqi Finance Minister Faleh Sari called on American companies operating in the oil and energy sectors to expedite the implementation of their projects in the country, thereby boosting foreign investment and supporting the development of vital sectors.

This came during his meeting with the US Chargé d’Affaires to Iraq, Steven Fagin, and his accompanying delegation, where relations between the two countries were reviewed, and ways to Read more…

Al-Zaydi orders that government officials be prevented from appearing in the media without prior approval.

Al-Zaydi orders that government officials be prevented from appearing in the media without prior approval.

2026-09-19

Shafaq News – Baghdad
On Saturday, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi directed that all advisors and government officials be prohibited from making press statements or appearing in the media without prior approval from his office.

Shafaq News Agency received a copy of the directive, which confirmed that the ban includes visual, audio and print media, noting that the measure comes Read more…

Exceeding 160,000… The dollar continues its rise in Baghdad and Erbil at the start of the week

Exceeding 160,000… The dollar continues its rise in Baghdad and Erbil at the start of the week

2026-09-19

Shafaq News – Baghdad / Erbil
The exchange rate of the US dollar continued its remarkable rise in the markets of Baghdad and Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region, on Saturday, as morning trading began at the start of this week.

A Shafaq News Agency correspondent reported that the dollar exchange rate rose in the Al-Kifah and Al-Harithiya exchanges in Baghdad to reach 159,750 Read more…

From Kirkuk to Georgia: An Iraqi takes on the role of Chief Marshal in the US police.

From Kirkuk to Georgia: An Iraqi takes on the role of Chief Marshal in the US police.

2026-09-19

Shafaq News – Kirkuk
The young Kirkuki, Muhammad Salehi, assumed the position of Chief Marshal in the Manchester City Office in the US state of Georgia, after a career spanning years in police work and community service, which he began in the United States as a patrol officer.

Salehi said, in a statement followed by Shafaq News Agency, that his arrival at this position represents the fruit of a long journey that began in his childhood in Kirkuk, all the way to the United Read more…

The Federal Court will consider two complaints tomorrow regarding ending the Kurdistan Parliament’s session and holding the regional government accountable.

The Federal Court will consider two complaints tomorrow regarding ending the Kurdistan Parliament’s session and holding the regional government accountable.

2026-09-19

Shafaq News – Sulaymaniyah
Ali Hama Saleh, the rapporteur of the Kurdistan Position Movement, announced on Saturday that the Federal Supreme Court (the highest judicial authority in Iraq) is expected to hold a session to consider two complaints, one of which concerns the unconstitutionality of the Kurdistan Parliament in its current session, and the other against Read more…

Iraq’s foreign reserves fell to $80.6 billion by the end of July

Iraq’s foreign reserves fell to $80.6 billion by the end of July

2026-09-19 02:22

Shafaq News – Baghdad
Data from the Central Bank of Iraq showed that the bank’s foreign reserves declined to $80.633 billion at the end of July 2026, compared to $86.175 billion at the end of June, and $97.432 billion at the end of 2025.

According to data seen by Shafaq News Agency, foreign reserves in dollars decreased during the first seven months of this year by about Read more…

The Iraqi navy thwarted a piracy attempt on an oil tanker near the port of Basra and arrested 11 armed men.

The Iraqi navy thwarted a piracy attempt on an oil tanker near the port of Basra and arrested 11 armed men.

2026-09-19

Shafaq News – Basra
A security source in Basra province reported on Saturday that Iraqi naval forces thwarted a piracy attempt against an oil tanker in territorial waters and arrested those involved in the operation.

The source told Shafaq News Agency that the tanker (MAYSAL-RAYM), which is of the “tanker” type, was subjected to a piracy operation carried out by armed individuals who were on board two boats in the loading and unloading area (STS) opposite the Basra oil port. Read more…

Al-Zaydi carries new pledges to Trump regarding the weapons of the factions, anticipating the September 30 deadline (Exclusive)

Al-Zaydi carries new pledges to Trump regarding the weapons of the factions, anticipating the September 30 deadline (Exclusive)

2026-09-19

Shafaq News – Baghdad
An informed government source revealed on Saturday that Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi will hold an important meeting with US President Donald Trump this week, on the sidelines of his participation in the new session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The source told Shafaq News Agency that al-Zaidi will ask Trump to postpone Read more…