IRAQI DINAR POLITICS & ECONOMY

Warning of US interference in security appointments in the new government

Warning of US interference in security appointments in the new government

5-29-2026

Al-Maalomah/Anbar –
Anbar Alliance leader Mohammed al-Dhalimi warned on Thursday of the repercussions of subjecting Ali al-Zaidi’s government to the Trump administration’s control over security personnel in Iraq.
Al-Dhalimi told Al-Maalomah News Agency that “the Trump administration informed Ali al-Zaidi, the prime minister-designate, that he should not interfere in the appointment of the ministers of the interior and defense, as well as other security officials. The selection for these positions will be American, and the newly elected government will not be allowed to interfere Read more…

Washington removes the name of an Iraqi with 12 titles from its sanctions list.

Washington removes the name of an Iraqi with 12 titles from its sanctions list.

2026-05-29

Shafaq News – Washington
The U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced Thursday evening that it had lifted sanctions on 76 entities and individuals who were on old sanctions lists, including an Iraqi citizen whose name appeared in various forms in the department’s records.

This move came as part of an initiative to modernize the US sanctions system, a trend discussed by Treasury Secretary Scott Bisent during the “No Money for Terror” conference held in the French Read more…

A message of frankness and economy to Mr. Al-Zaidi

A message of frankness and economy to Mr. Al-Zaidi

2026-05-29

Dr. Shwan Zangana
I know that you are aware of the circumstances of his nomination and subsequent selection as Prime Minister from among the many political structures and pillars in Iraq, but it seems that you have not realized that your presidency is different from all the presidencies of those who preceded you, not in terms of the entity that brought you out like a hair from dough from among them, nor in terms of the task assigned to you, nor in terms of the circumstances that brought you to power, nor in terms of the support that will pour down on you, locally and globally.

Mr. President, you began your work by imitating them, when it should have been different from them, as you ordered the removal of your pictures from your offices, Read more…

Armed with the “Saraya al-Sadr” militia, al-Zaydi inaugurates a new era for Iraq without factions.

Armed with the “Saraya al-Sadr” militia, al-Zaydi inaugurates a new era for Iraq without factions.

2026-05-29

Shafaq News – Baghdad
A government source confirmed on Thursday that the move by the leader of the Shiite National Movement, Muqtada al-Sadr, came as a quick response to direct messages sent by Prime Minister Ali al-Zubaidi to the political forces that have armed wings, urging them to “disband them and integrate their members into official institutions.” Experts confirmed that disbanding the Peace Brigades would strengthen the government’s position and embarrass the rest of the armed forces.

The source told Shafaq News Agency that “Prime Minister Ali al-Zubaidi sent direct messages to the leaders Read more…

Iraq condemns Iran’s targeting of Kuwait with missiles and drones

Iraq condemns Iran’s targeting of Kuwait with missiles and drones

2026-05-29

Shafaq News – Baghdad
Iraq condemned on Friday the targeting of Kuwait with missiles and drones, in a stance that came after Kuwait announced that its territory had been subjected to Iranian attacks, which it considered a “dangerous escalation” and a violation of its sovereignty and security.

The Iraqi Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Baghdad condemns the targeting of Kuwait and affirms its rejection of all actions that threaten the Read more…

A proposal has been submitted to Trump to appoint a special envoy for Kurdish affairs.

A proposal has been submitted to Trump to appoint a special envoy for Kurdish affairs.

2026-05-29

Shafaq News – Special Translation
The founder of the “American Friends of Kurdistan” organization, Deliman Abdulkadir, called on US President Donald Trump to appoint a special envoy for Kurdish affairs, considering this step necessary to provide a more comprehensive American vision towards the Kurds in Iraq, Syria, Turkey and Iran.

In an article published by the Middle East Forum , Abdul Qader wrote that American policy traditionally Read more…

Al-Zaydi: We are working on drawing up an economic identity for Iraq and moving away from the socialist mentality.

Al-Zaydi: We are working on drawing up an economic identity for Iraq and moving away from the socialist mentality.

2026-05-28

Shafaq News – Baghdad
Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi announced on Thursday that his government is working to “draw an economic identity for Iraq and move away from the socialist mentality” by attracting international companies to invest in various projects across all sectors in the country.

Al-Zaydi said in a speech during his meeting with a group of tribal sheikhs and dignitaries with whom he exchanged greetings on the occasion of Eid al-Adha, that “countries are based on three foundations: Read more…

Al-Bahadli: Political dialogues will continue during the Eid holiday to finalize the government cabinet.

Al-Bahadli: Political dialogues will continue during the Eid holiday to finalize the government cabinet.

5-28-2026

Information / Exclusive
MP Duha Al-Bahadli, from the National Approach bloc, confirmed on Thursday that there is a clear parliamentary and political trend to hold a session of the House of Representatives after the Eid al-Adha holiday, with the aim of completing the vote on the remaining ministerial cabinet in the government of Prime Minister Ali Al-Zidi.

Al-Bahadli told Al-Maalouma that “the political blocs are showing a serious desire to resolve the issue of the vacant ministerial portfolios during the coming period, and not to continue Read more…

An economist says: Borrowing narrows Iraq’s economic options, and the solution lies in rationalizing spending.

An economist says: Borrowing narrows Iraq’s economic options, and the solution lies in rationalizing spending.

2026/05/28

Economic expert Manar Al-Obaidi confirmed that the continued decline in oil revenues and the government’s inability to compensate for them with alternative sources has limited the available economic options to a narrow corner, making borrowing the only way to cover monthly expenses amounting to about ten trillion dinars.
Al-Ubaidi explained in a statement, a copy of which was received by Al-Furat News, that “borrowing is not a radical solution, but rather may become a factor exacerbating the crisis.” He pointed out that public debt interest reached approximately seven trillion dinars in 2025 and is expected to exceed Read more…

Following Al-Sadr’s decision, is the time approaching for the state to monopolize weapons in Iraq?

Following Al-Sadr’s decision, is the time approaching for the state to monopolize weapons in Iraq?

2026-05-28

Shafaq News – Baghdad
The issue of armed factions in Iraq has returned to the forefront of the scene, after the leader of the Shiite National Movement, Muqtada al-Sadr, announced yesterday, Wednesday, the disassociation from the Peace Brigades and their integration into the state, in a move that has reopened the debate about the future of uncontrolled weapons and their relationship with state institutions.

The move, which was welcomed by the newly formed Iraqi government headed by Ali Faleh al-Zaidi, came in a Read more…

Al-Zaydi orders investigations into government contracts in preparation for referring them to the judiciary

Al-Zaydi orders investigations into government contracts in preparation for referring them to the judiciary

2026-05-28

Shafaq News – Baghdad
On Thursday, Prime Minister Ali al-Zidi directed the regulatory bodies and the competent law enforcement authorities to initiate extensive investigation procedures regarding a number of important contracts concluded by ministries and government institutions, to ensure their compliance with laws and instructions and to protect public funds.

An official statement, received by Shafaq News Agency, stated that the directives included auditing those contracts, identifying Read more…

The State of Law coalition insists on its candidates for ministerial portfolios.

The State of Law coalition insists on its candidates for ministerial portfolios.

5-28-2026

Information / Baghdad..
The State of Law Coalition stressed on Wednesday its commitment to all of its candidates who were nominated to fill ministerial positions in the government formation.

Former MP and coalition leader Jassim Mohammed Jaafar told Al-Maalouma News Agency that “the vote on the cabinet was marred by doubts about the vote count for the coalition’s candidates, and some candidates from other blocs called for filing a complaint with the Federal Court,” noting that Read more…

Integrity Commission foils massive embezzlement attempt from two state-owned banks in Baghdad

Integrity Commission foils massive embezzlement attempt from two state-owned banks in Baghdad

5-28-2026

The Federal Integrity Commission announced on Thursday that it had thwarted an attempt to embezzle nearly 1.5 trillion Iraqi dinars from the Rafidain and Rasheed banks in Baghdad.
In a statement received by Al-Maalomah, the Commission said, “The field team from the Baghdad Investigation Directorate, in direct coordination with the relevant judicial authorities, went to the Rafidain Bank/General Administration, where, after investigation and surveillance, they apprehended three suspects in possession of forged statements and checks which they intended to cash illegally.” The statement added that Read more…

Al-Sadr sets a one-week deadline for the “Peace Brigades” to complete their separation from the Sadrist movement

Al-Sadr sets a one-week deadline for the “Peace Brigades” to complete their separation from the Sadrist movement

2026-05-28 01:44

Shafaq News – Najaf
On Thursday, the leader of the Shiite National Movement, Muqtada al-Sadr, directed leaders in the “Peace Brigades” to complete the procedures for disengaging from the movement and merging with the state within a week.

A document issued by the private office of Al-Hanana, and signed by Al-Sadr, published by Shafaq News Agency, stated that the leader of the Shiite National Movement, Muqtada Al-Sadr, issued an assignment to a number of leaders in the “Peace Brigades” to complete Read more…

Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada: We support the al-Zaydi government, but we will not surrender our weapons.

Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada: We support the al-Zaydi government, but we will not surrender our weapons.

2026-05-27 08:33

Shafaq News – Baghdad
The spokesman for the Sayyid al-Shuhada Brigades, Kazem al-Fartousi, confirmed on Wednesday that his faction’s position on the issue of handing over weapons to the Iraqi government is “firm and unchangeable,” noting that “the weapons of the resistance” will remain as long as the reasons for their existence continue.

Al-Fartousi told Shafaq News Agency that “the Sayyid al-Shuhada Brigades view the support of Prime Minister Ali Falih al-Zaidi positively in terms of managing the state and achieving stability, but at the same time Read more…

Government directive to change the philosophy of the Ministry of Finance and end its role as a payroll distributor

Government directive to change the philosophy of the Ministry of Finance and end its role as a payroll distributor

2026/05/27

The Prime Minister’s Advisor for Financial Affairs, Mazhar Muhammad Saleh, confirmed on Wednesday that Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi had asked the Ministry of Finance to prepare a long-term plan and change its philosophy as a distributor of salaries, while noting that the Ministry of Finance is taking a major role in changing the philosophy of the economic system.

Saleh said in a press statement that “the Prime Minister’s assignment of the Minister of Finance, Ali al-Zaidi, to be his deputy in the presidency of the Read more…

The Democratic Party confirms its intention to proceed with the State of Law coalition to challenge the vote on al-Zidi’s cabinet.

The Democratic Party confirms its intention to proceed with the State of Law coalition to challenge the vote on al-Zidi’s cabinet.

5-27-2026

Information/Baghdad…
Wafa Muhammad Karim, a member of the Kurdistan Democratic Party, confirmed that they will join the State of Law coalition in challenging the vote on the cabinet after their candidates for ministerial portfolios were rejected.

Karim told Al-Maalomah that “the Kurdistan Democratic Party, the State of Law Coalition, and the Azm Alliance have a project to form a strong alliance among themselves, but this matter may Read more…

The vote on al-Zidi’s cabinet… a political move to appeal to the judiciary regarding the government formation session.

The vote on al-Zidi’s cabinet… a political move to appeal to the judiciary regarding the government formation session.

5-27-2026

Information/Baghdad…
Some political blocs and parties are conducting intensive efforts to challenge the legitimacy of the vote on Prime Minister Ali al-Zidi’s cabinet, especially after the events that took place during the session and the tension that occurred in front of everyone. Some blocs are working to find a consensus formula among themselves in order to go to the Federal Court to challenge the session. This comes in conjunction with the statements that were issued regarding the rejection of the candidates of some political blocs without a clear Read more…

Former MP: The government faces two paths: borrowing or raising the exchange rate.

Former MP: The government faces two paths: borrowing or raising the exchange rate.

5-27-2026

Information/Baghdad…
Former member of the parliamentary finance committee, Abdul Hadi Mouhan, confirmed that the new government faces two paths: either external borrowing or increasing the exchange rate domestically in order to increase revenues under the current circumstances.

Mohan told Al-Maalomah, “There are two paths for the new government led by Ali Al-Zidi to ensure the securing of expenses, especially operational ones, by moving towards external borrowing, which is the most dangerous path that Iraq will face if it goes in this direction.” Read more…

Coordination framework: More than one candidate will be nominated for the remaining portfolios, and a decision will be made after Eid.

Coordination framework: More than one candidate will be nominated for the remaining portfolios, and a decision will be made after Eid.

5-27-2026

Information/Baghdad..
Coordination Framework member Uday Abdul-Hadi confirmed on Wednesday that the proposal of more than one candidate for the remaining ministerial portfolios is on the table and will be decided during an important meeting to be held after the end of the Eid al-Adha holiday.

Abdul-Hadi told Al-Maalomah that “the remaining ministerial portfolios, including sovereign ministries, will be agreed upon according to their files after Read more…