IRAQI DINAR POLITICS & ECONOMY

The Iraqi dinar is recovering slightly against the dollar in Baghdad and Erbil.

The Iraqi dinar is recovering slightly against the dollar in Baghdad and Erbil.

2026-05-19

Shafaq News – Baghdad/Erbil
The exchange rate of the US dollar against the Iraqi dinar fell on Tuesday morning in the markets of Baghdad and Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region.

A correspondent for Shafaq News Agency said that the dollar prices have decreased in the Al-Kifah and Al-Harithiya exchanges in Baghdad to record Read more…

Iraqi authorities deny the existence of an Israeli camp in the Najaf and Anbar desert.

Iraqi authorities deny the existence of an Israeli camp in the Najaf and Anbar desert.

2026-05-19

Shafaq News – Baghdad
Iraqi authorities on Tuesday refuted claims of an Israeli military camp or base in the country, asserting that the Najaf and Anbar deserts are free of any such activity.

The Director of the Department of Relations and Media at the Ministry, Major General Miqdad Miri, said in a press conference attended by a correspondent Read more…

Iraq’s oil exports saw a sharp decline during the first months of 2026

Iraq’s oil exports saw a sharp decline during the first months of 2026

2026-05-19

Shafaq News – Baghdad
Official data released by the Iraqi Oil Marketing Company (SOMO) on Tuesday revealed a sharp and significant decline in the country’s oil exports and revenues during the first third of this year (2026), due to the escalation of military tensions in the region and the disruption of maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz during the months of March and April.

The company stated in statistical data reviewed by Shafaq News Agency that Iraq’s total exports for the first four Read more…

American report: Al-Zaidi’s government was born out of Iranian will

American report: Al-Zaidi’s government was born out of Iranian will

2026-05-19

Shafaq News – Translation
An American institute preempted the actual launch of Ali al-Zaidi’s government by questioning his ability to fulfill his promises to the Americans to confront Iranian influence in Iraq, considering that he “has not proven his ability to implement what he promised Washington,” especially because of the government formation he prepared. Read more…

Candidates for ministerial posts challenge the parliamentary session to grant confidence to al-Zidi’s government.

Candidates for ministerial posts challenge the parliamentary session to grant confidence to al-Zidi’s government.

2026-05-19

Shafaq News – Erbil
The head of the Kurdistan Democratic Party bloc in the House of Representatives, Shakhwan Abdullah, revealed on Tuesday that candidates for ministerial portfolios from the Democratic Party and the State of Law Coalition have submitted official appeals to the Supreme Federal Court to question the legitimacy of the session granting confidence to the new federal government headed by Ali al-Zidi. Read more…

An American perspective: Baghdad is an “Iranian province,” and its separation is a priority before the zero hour.

An American perspective: Baghdad is an “Iranian province,” and its separation is a priority before the zero hour.

2026-05-18

Shafaq News – Washington/ Mustafa Hashim
Special analysis
David Des Roches, a former Pentagon official and associate professor at the Near East and South Asia Center for Security Studies, confirmed that the United States views “Iraq’s sovereignty” as the most important objective in the next phase, warning against the country becoming a “state subservient to Iran,” while predicting Read more…

Coordination framework: Agreement to finalize the remaining cabinet positions after the holiday

Coordination framework: Agreement to finalize the remaining cabinet positions after the holiday

5-18-2026

Information/Special…
On Monday, Uday Abdul-Hadi, a member of the Coordination Framework, revealed that an agreement has been reached to finalize the remaining ministerial appointments in Ali al-Zaidi’s government immediately after the Eid al-Adha holiday. He noted that changes to some of the ministerial nominees are possible.
Speaking to Al-Maalouma, Abdul-Hadi said, “There are meetings and Read more…

MP: Al-Zidi’s government faces a difficult test in implementing its political and economic program

MP: Al-Zidi’s government faces a difficult test in implementing its political and economic program

5-18-2026

Information / Special..
MP Ghaleb Muhammad Ali confirmed today, Monday, that Ali Al-Zidi’s government is facing major challenges in imposing its political and economic program in light of internal pressures and external interventions that affect the course of government decision-making.

Ali told Al-Maalomah News Agency that “the current government is facing a real test regarding its ability to implement its political and economic promises, Read more…

A member of the Democratic Party: Holding new elections in the region is the most likely option to resolve the Kurdistan issue.

A member of the Democratic Party: Holding new elections in the region is the most likely option to resolve the Kurdistan issue.

5-18-2026

Information / Special..
On Monday, Mahdi Abdul Karim, a member of the Kurdistan Democratic Party, explained the reasons behind the delay in forming the regional government, despite the fact that about a year and a half has passed since the parliamentary elections were held in the region.

Abdul Karim told Al-Maalomah that “the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan linked the formation of the regional government to the formation of the federal government in Baghdad Read more…

Government advisor: Iraq’s natural resources are estimated at $16 trillion

Government advisor: Iraq’s natural resources are estimated at $16 trillion

2026/05/18

The financial advisor to the Prime Minister, Mazhar Muhammad Saleh, stressed the importance of activating sovereign wealth funds as a strategic tool to revive and diversify the national economy, in conjunction with Iraq’s continued reliance on oil revenues as a primary source of funding for the general budget, and in light of the ongoing fluctuations in oil prices and the financial challenges facing the country.
Saleh said in a press statement followed by Al-Furat News that the government Read more…

Al-Karawi calls for opening the file on “black applications” that have drained citizens’ savings

Al-Karawi calls for opening the file on “black applications” that have drained citizens’ savings

5-18-2026

Information/Baghdad…
MP Mudhar al-Karawi called on Monday for an investigation into what he described as “black market applications” that have drained the savings of a large segment of citizens in several provinces over the past few years.
Al-Karawi told Al-Maalouma that “recent years have witnessed the emergence of companies operating financial trading applications in several provinces, offering attractive returns to those who deposited their savings, before these applications suddenly shut down and disappeared, taking with them hundreds of millions of dinars of citizens’ Read more…

The rule of law is moving to reconsider the formation of the coordination framework.

The rule of law is moving to reconsider the formation of the coordination framework.

5-18-2026

Information/Baghdad…
Former MP Arif al-Hamami confirmed on Monday that the next phase will witness a review of the formation of the Coordination Framework, considering it the safety valve for the political process in the country.

Al-Hamami told Al-Maalouma that “the vote of confidence for Ali al-Zaidi’s government and its accompanying results have raised many questions,” noting Read more…

Parliament is moving to avoid a “paralysis” scenario and aims to finalize the oil, gas, and telecommunications laws.

Parliament is moving to avoid a “paralysis” scenario and aims to finalize the oil, gas, and telecommunications laws.

5-18-2026

Information/Baghdad…
MP Hussein Ali announced on Monday a serious parliamentary determination to avoid a repeat of the scenario that disrupted parliamentary sessions in the previous session. He emphasized that the House of Representatives has successfully completed the reading and passage of 16 laws so far, focusing on strategic legislation related to oil and Read more…

Determination: Parliamentary consensus to dismiss Halbousi from the presidency of Parliament

Determination: Parliamentary consensus to dismiss Halbousi from the presidency of Parliament

5-18-2026

Al-Maalomah/Anbar –
Mohammed Dhari al-Dulaimi, a leader in the “Azm” Alliance, revealed on Monday that there is a broad parliamentary movement to collect signatures from a number of MPs from various blocs, with the aim of withdrawing confidence from Speaker of Parliament Haibat al-Halbousi and removing him from his position.

Al-Dulaimi told Al-Maalomah that “there is an agreement among MPs Read more…

Al-Khalidi reveals a “powerful alliance” led by Al-Maliki and a parallel movement to Al-Sudani that includes 100 MPs.

Al-Khalidi reveals a “powerful alliance” led by Al-Maliki and a parallel movement to Al-Sudani that includes 100 MPs.

5-18-2026

Information/Baghdad…
Member of the Coordination Framework, Mohammed al-Khalidi, revealed today, Monday, an intense political movement to form new alliances within the Council of Representatives. He pointed to the inclination of some forces towards the opposition front led by the head of the State of Law Coalition, Nouri al-Maliki, countered by a parallel movement by the head of the Reconstruction and Development Coalition, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, to form a major Read more…

Due to Al-Halbousi’s ambitions for dominance, the “Sunni House” is on the verge of collapse.

Due to Al-Halbousi’s ambitions for dominance, the “Sunni House” is on the verge of collapse.

5-18-2026

The Sunni political scene is on edge, amid warnings of the imminent collapse of the Sunni Council due to the efforts of Mohammed al-Halbousi, head of the Progress Party, to monopolize political decision-making and impose his absolute control over the resources and sovereign positions allocated to the Sunni community. This has provoked the ire of other political figures, who have begun to mobilize to curb these ambitions.
Current indicators suggest that the division and fragmentation Read more…

Al-Hamami: An important political formation headed by Al-Maliki will be announced soon.

Al-Hamami: An important political formation headed by Al-Maliki will be announced soon.

5-18-2026

Information/Special…
Former MP Arif al-Hamami acknowledged on Monday that a significant political formation is emerging on the Iraqi scene, headed by Nouri al-Maliki, and may be announced in the near future.
Al-Hamami told Al-Maalouma that “the political landscape in Iraq needs adjustments to ensure its proper Read more…

British report details al-Zaidi’s “impossible mission”

British report details al-Zaidi’s “impossible mission”

2026-05-18

Shafaq News – Translation
The rise of Ali al-Zaidi to the premiership in Iraq reflects more than just a routine transfer of power; it represents a profound shift in the political landscape. However, his success depends not only on his reform agenda, but also, according to the London-based Middle East Online website, on whether the fragmented political forces and their external supporters are willing to accept the new balance of power. Read more…

Iraq asks Saudi Arabia to share information on drones: We have not detected any indications

Iraq asks Saudi Arabia to share information on drones: We have not detected any indications

2026-05-18

Shafaq News – Baghdad
The Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its concern on Monday regarding reports of three drone attacks targeting facilities in Saudi Arabia, stressing Iraq’s rejection of any threat to the security of brotherly countries.

The ministry said in a statement, which was received by Shafaq News Agency, that the competent Iraqi authorities received initial information about Saudi Read more…

Popular credit between bank deficits and the expansion of usurious loans

Popular credit between bank deficits and the expansion of usurious loans

2026-05-18

Shafaq News – Baghdad
In the crowded commercial alleys of Baghdad, specifically in the Al-Shourja and Jamila markets, a parallel financial market is growing daily, far from the eyes of official institutions.

There, the citizen does not need complicated banking transactions, a guarantor, or a long wait to get money. A phone call or a recommendation from a local intermediary is enough to get an immediate cash loan, in exchange for high interest rates and conditions Read more…