IRAQI DINAR POLITICS & ECONOMY

Nasif calls for a “media front” to prove Iraq’s oil and maritime rights with Kuwait

Nasif calls for a “media front” to prove Iraq’s oil and maritime rights with Kuwait

4-30-2026

Information / Baghdad…
MP Alia Nassif called on national media outlets on Thursday to play their role in publishing documents and maps that prove the Iraqi people’s historical rights to oil fields and maritime routes with Kuwait, stressing that this is an issue that directly affects the country’s sovereignty.
Nassif told the Information Agency, “Preserving Iraq’s oil wealth and maritime Read more…

MP: This year’s budget is a priority for the next government

MP: This year’s budget is a priority for the next government

4-30-2026

Information / Baghdad..
Member of Parliament, Miqdad al-Khafaji, confirmed on Thursday that the current financial and economic crises necessitate expediting the completion of the general budget, indicating that this file will be at the top of the agenda of the next government as soon as Read more…

The formation of the new government: between freedom of choice and the blackmail of political blocs

The formation of the new government: between freedom of choice and the blackmail of political blocs

4-30-2026

Information / Report…
All eyes are on the Green Zone, awaiting the outcome of Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi’s efforts to finalize the formation of the anticipated government. Crucial questions remain about his ability to escape the grip of Read more…

US extends deadline for Lukoil asset sale; Iraq among the most prominent assets offered

US extends deadline for Lukoil asset sale; Iraq among the most prominent assets offered

2026-04-30

Shafaq News – Baghdad / Washington
The U.S. Treasury Department has extended the deadline for energy companies to finalize deals to purchase Lukoil’s foreign assets to May 30, 2026, instead of May 1, in a move that reflects the continuing complications associated with sanctions imposed on the Russian energy sector.

The decision comes amid US pressure on Moscow over the war in Ukraine, Read more…

From Al-Faw to Europe: Iraq launches an investment race with “blue ammonia” as a future fuel.

From Al-Faw to Europe: Iraq launches an investment race with “blue ammonia” as a future fuel.

2026-04-30

Shafaq News – Baghdad
The head of the Iraqi Investment Authority, Haider Makkiya, revealed on Thursday that the authority has decided to open the door to investment in “blue ammonia” in Basra Governorate in the far south of the country, noting that this substance has begun to witness a demand for its import, especially Read more…

“A heavy legacy”… What challenges does the Iraqi prime minister-designate face?

“A heavy legacy”… What challenges does the Iraqi prime minister-designate face?

2026-04-30

Shafaq News – Baghdad
Since 2003, Iraq has witnessed profound political transformations that have directly affected the nature of the transfer of executive power, with a number of figures succeeding each other as Prime Minister within different internal and external contexts.

This path began with Iyad Allawi, who led the interim government after Read more…

Confirming what Shafaq News published, the “Reconstruction and Development” bloc aspires to five ministerial portfolios in the “Al-Zaidi” government.

Confirming what Shafaq News published, the “Reconstruction and Development” bloc aspires to five ministerial portfolios in the “Al-Zaidi” government.

2026-04-30

Shafaq News – Baghdad
Abbas Ahyal, a member of the “Reconstruction and Development” coalition led by (outgoing) Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, stated on Thursday that the coalition is entitled to no less than five ministries in the next Iraqi government, given that it is the largest bloc in the results of the last Read more…

The Parliamentary Finance Committee vows to stop the “farce” of the 2025 budget schedules: a clear legal violation, and we will not vote for them.

The Parliamentary Finance Committee vows to stop the “farce” of the 2025 budget schedules: a clear legal violation, and we will not vote for them.

2026-04-30

Shafaq News – Baghdad
On Thursday, MP Bassem Al-Gharabi, a member of the parliamentary finance committee, strongly criticized the Ministry of Finance for sending the 2025 budget schedules in April of 2026, considering this a “clear violation” of the law and a “clear breach” of the binding Read more…

Shafaq News reveals the initial map for the distribution of ministries in Al-Zaidi’s government.

Shafaq News reveals the initial map for the distribution of ministries in Al-Zaidi’s government.

2026-04-29

Shafaq News – Baghdad
On Wednesday, an informed political source revealed the initial map for the distribution of ministerial portfolios in the government of Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zidi, indicating that the Reconstruction and Development Coalition, led by outgoing Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, is heading towards obtaining the largest share within the new cabinet, Read more…

Exclusive: Washington makes progress in relations with Baghdad contingent on “dismantling the factions”

Exclusive: Washington makes progress in relations with Baghdad contingent on “dismantling the factions”

2026-04-29

Shafaq News – Washington
Mustafa Hashim
A spokesman for the US State Department confirmed on Wednesday that dismantling Iraqi factions is a “key pillar” for making progress in bilateral relations between Baghdad and Washington.

The spokesman told Shafaq News Agency, “The US administration was very Read more…

An economist says it’s likely that a spending law and a budget for 2027 will be passed.

An economist says it’s likely that a spending law and a budget for 2027 will be passed.

4-29-2026

Information/Baghdad…
Economic expert Dr. Safwan Qusay prefers enacting a special spending law for the remainder of this year and proceeding with the legislation of a budget for next year. Qusay told Al-Maalouma, “The remaining time of this year doesn’t necessitate enacting a budget law. It’s better to proceed with a special law Read more…

The Algerian explains the scenario for choosing Al-Zidi for the position of Prime Minister

The Algerian explains the scenario for choosing Al-Zidi for the position of Prime Minister

4-29-2026

Information/Baghdad…
Abdul Rahman al-Jazaeri, head of the political body of the National Tribal Movement, explained the mechanisms and scenario behind the selection of Ali al-Zaidi for the position of Prime Minister.

Al-Jazaeri told Al-Maalouma, “There is a trend towards Read more…

A move to appoint 3 vice presidents, with Maliki at the forefront.

A move to appoint 3 vice presidents, with Maliki at the forefront.

4-29-2026

Al-Maalomah/Baghdad…
Hashim al-Haboubi, a leader in the National Accord Movement, revealed on Wednesday a serious political move to reinstate the position of Vice President of the Republic and appoint three individuals to these posts. He indicated that the Speaker of Parliament alluded to this move publicly during Read more…

First US comment on al-Zaidi’s appointment as Prime Minister of Iraq

First US comment on al-Zaidi’s appointment as Prime Minister of Iraq

2026-04-29

Shafaq News – Washington / Baghdad
The United States mission in Iraq expressed its support on Wednesday for Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zubaidi in his efforts to form a government capable of fulfilling the aspirations of all Iraqis for a brighter and more peaceful future.

In a statement, the mission reiterated its solidarity Read more…

Iraqi Oil Ministry launches first phase of Bin Omar gas investment with a capacity of 80 million cubic feet per day

Iraqi Oil Ministry launches first phase of Bin Omar gas investment with a capacity of 80 million cubic feet per day

2026-04-29

Shafaq News – Basra
The Ministry of Oil inaugurated on Wednesday the first phase of the accelerated Bin Omar gas investment project in the Nahr Bin Omar field, in a move aimed at enhancing associated gas investment and supporting the energy system in Iraq.

In this regard, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Oil for Gas Affairs, Read more…

Al-Zaydi receives support from Al-Maliki and assurances from Al-Amiri, Al-Hakim, and Al-Khazali

Al-Zaydi receives support from Al-Maliki and assurances from Al-Amiri, Al-Hakim, and Al-Khazali

2026-04-29

Shafaq News – Baghdad
Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zidi intensified his meetings with leaders of the Coordination Framework on Wednesday, as part of consultations to form the new government, amid calls to expedite the formation of a national Read more…

The coordinating framework is meeting tonight with Al-Zaydi to outline the roadmap for the new government.

The coordinating framework is meeting tonight with Al-Zaydi to outline the roadmap for the new government.

2026-04-29

Shafaq News – Baghdad
A source within the coordination framework revealed that political and party leaders will hold their first meeting this Wednesday evening with Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zidi to discuss the formation of the new cabinet.

The source told Shafaq News Agency that the attendees will Read more…

Al-Zaydi forms two teams to write the government program and select the cabinet.

Al-Zaydi forms two teams to write the government program and select the cabinet.

2026-04-29

Shafaq News – Baghdad
On Wednesday, Abu Mithaq al-Masari, a member of the Coordination Framework, announced that the Prime Minister-designate had formed two teams to write the government program and select the cabinet, confirming that al-Zaydi had announced the procedure during Read more…

“Suspending the dollar”: An American institute proposes security and financial pressures on Iraq

“Suspending the dollar”: An American institute proposes security and financial pressures on Iraq

2026-04-29

Shafaq News – Special Translation
The US-based Foundation for Defense of Democracies blamed “Iraqi militias linked to Iran” for Washington’s suspension of dollar shipments to Baghdad, describing the move as “correct” and potentially useful for security and Read more…

“Youngest” and “unknown”: Western interpretations of al-Zaydi’s appointment to the Iraqi government

“Youngest” and “unknown”: Western interpretations of al-Zaydi’s appointment to the Iraqi government

2026-04-28

Shafaq News – Special Translation
Western newspapers and media outlets have varying interpretations of the “surprising” decision, as they describe it, to task Ali al-Zaidi with forming the new Iraqi government. Some consider it a result of an attempt to break the political deadlock, while others link it to Read more…