IRAQI DINAR POLITICS & ECONOMY

Talabani: The failure to form a Kurdistan Regional Government has become a “black mark” and the international community is beginning to lose hope.

Talabani: The failure to form a Kurdistan Regional Government has become a “black mark” and the international community is beginning to lose hope.

2026-10-22

Shafaq News – Raparin
The Deputy Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, Qubad Talabani, described on Thursday the delay in forming the new regional government as a “black mark” on the democratic process, warning that partners and the international community are beginning to lose hope in achieving this goal.

Talabani said in a press statement he made while at the Independent Raparin Read more…

Baghdad and Erbil discuss road and rail routes for the “Development Road” within the Kurdistan Region

Baghdad and Erbil discuss road and rail routes for the “Development Road” within the Kurdistan Region

2026-10-22

Shafaq News – Baghdad
On Thursday, the Minister of Transport, Wahab Al-Hassani, met with the Minister of Transport and Communications in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, Ano Jawhar Abdul-Masih. The two sides discussed a number of joint files, most notably the Development Road project and prospects for coordination between the ministry and the relevant authorities in the region.

A statement issued by the Iraqi Ministry of Transport indicated that the meeting addressed the general routes Read more…

The Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority grants “Fly Erbil” an air operator certificate

The Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority grants “Fly Erbil” an air operator certificate

2026-10-22

Shafaq News – Erbil
Fly Erbil Airlines announced on Thursday that it had obtained an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority, in a move it said paves the way for a new phase of development and expansion of its flight network.

The company stated in a statement received by Shafaq News Agency that obtaining the certificate came after years of work and efforts made by its management and staff in various Read more…

The Media Authority warns against inciting violence and promoting weapons outside the framework of the state.

The Media Authority warns against inciting violence and promoting weapons outside the framework of the state.

10-22-2026

The Media and Communications Commission warned on Thursday against inciting violence and promoting weapons outside the framework of the state. In a statement, the commission said that “freedom of opinion, expression and media work are rights guaranteed by the constitution and applicable laws, and that exercising them requires respecting the rights of others, public order and social peace. It is not permissible to use media platforms and digital platforms Read more…

The Minister of Oil directs an increase in production and exports to boost financial revenues.

The Minister of Oil directs an increase in production and exports to boost financial revenues.

10-21-2026

Oil Minister Bassem Mohammed Khudair Al-Abadi stressed on Wednesday (October 21, 2026) the need to intensify efforts and take the necessary measures and decisions to increase oil production rates and raise export quantities, in order to support the national economy and enhance the state’s financial revenues.

The ministry said in a statement that this came during Al-Abadi’s chairmanship of the crisis cell meeting, which Read more…

Al-Jalabi: The Shiite majority is capable of passing the oil and gas law.

Al-Jalabi: The Shiite majority is capable of passing the oil and gas law.

10-21-2026

Information/Baghdad…
Former Minister Zuhair al-Jalabi confirmed the possibility of passing and enacting the oil and gas law in Parliament through the Shiite majority within the council, noting that the profits gained from oil smuggling make its enactment unlikely.
Al-Jalabi told Al-Maalouma, “The Shiite bloc and the Kurdish component are each passing the buck regarding the aforementioned law, but the primary responsibility for this law lies with the Shiite bloc, as it possesses the parliamentary majority to legislate such a law.” Read more…

Al-Marsoumi: 38 trillion dinars is the expected amount of borrowing to cover the 2027 budget deficit

Al-Marsoumi: 38 trillion dinars is the expected amount of borrowing to cover the 2027 budget deficit

10-21-2026

Information/Baghdad –
Economic expert Nabil al-Marsoumi confirmed on Wednesday that Iraq intends to borrow approximately 38 trillion dinars to cover the estimated 43 trillion dinar deficit in the 2027 budget. He indicated that 88% of the deficit will be financed through domestic and foreign borrowing.
Al-Marsoumi explained in a post reviewed by the Information Agency that “total foreign borrowing will reach Read more…

“Al-Maalomah” reveals details of Al-Zaidi’s visit to Saudi Arabia… Will Iraq join the Mecca Alliance?

“Al-Maalomah” reveals details of Al-Zaidi’s visit to Saudi Arabia… Will Iraq join the Mecca Alliance?

10-21-2026

Information/Baghdad..
An official source in Anbar province revealed on Wednesday details of unannounced talks during Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi’s recent visit to Saudi Arabia regarding Iraq’s joining what is described as the “Mecca Defense Alliance.”

The source told Al-Maalomah News Agency that “Saudi Arabia has unannouncedly requested Iraq to join the Mecca Defense Alliance, and the request was discussed with Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi during his recent visit to Riyadh and his meeting with senior Read more…

Parliamentary Transportation Committee: One month deadline for Korek to pay 500 billion and avoid closure to protect 7 million subscribers

Parliamentary Transportation Committee: One month deadline for Korek to pay 500 billion and avoid closure to protect 7 million subscribers

10-21-2026

The Information Agency/Baghdad…
Member of the Parliamentary Committee on Transportation, Communications, and Governance, Mohammed Hussein, revealed on Wednesday details of a parliamentary agreement with the Communications and Media Commission granting Korek Telecom a one-month grace period to settle its debts and pay an initial installment of 500 billion dinars. He emphasized that a complete shutdown and service cutoff is not a realistic solution and would jeopardize public funds and the rights of millions of subscribers. Read more…

Al-Bayati: The 2027 budget may arrive in November, and 7 files await resolution.

Al-Bayati: The 2027 budget may arrive in November, and 7 files await resolution.

10-21-2027

Information/Special…
MP Mohammed al-Bayati confirmed on Wednesday that the 2027 budget may arrive as early as next November. He noted that it has not yet been discussed within the Council of Ministers, pointing out that it will be one of the most challenging budgets, especially given the seven important issues that need to be resolved.
Al-Bayati told Al-Maalouma, “It is not yet possible to set a final date for the arrival of the 2027 budget to the Parliamentary Finance Committee Read more…

The Al-Shaib border crossing with Iran is closed until further notice.

The Al-Shaib border crossing with Iran is closed until further notice.

2026-10-21

Shafaq News – Maysan
An informed source in the Maysan Council reported on Tuesday evening that orders had been issued by the federal government to close the Al-Shaib border crossing with Iran until further notice.

The source told Shafaq News Agency that “government directives came from the capital, Baghdad, to close the crossing located east of Maysan Governorate starting at six o’clock on Wednesday morning, until further notice.” Read more…

New ministers take the “oath of honor” and the government makes decisions in 6 sectors

New ministers take the “oath of honor” and the government makes decisions in 6 sectors

2026-10-21

Shafaq News – Baghdad
The Iraqi Cabinet issued decisions on Tuesday evening related to the clean energy, agriculture, health, maritime transport, oil and water security sectors, while the new ministers took the “oath of honor” during the session.

The Prime Minister’s Media Office stated in a statement received by Shafaq News Agency that Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi chaired this evening the twenty-fourth regular session of the Council of Ministers, during which the general situation in the country was Read more…

The dollar is approaching 170,000 dinars in Iraqi markets.

The dollar is approaching 170,000 dinars in Iraqi markets.

2026-10-21

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

A correspondent for Shafaq News Agency said that the price of the dollar rose in the Al-Kifah and Al-Harithiya exchanges in Baghdad to reach 168,900 dinars for 100 dollars, compared to yesterday, Tuesday, when it reached Read more…

“Stagnation and shops for rent”… Ramadi under the pressure of the dollar and traders’ losses reach 16%

“Stagnation and shops for rent”… Ramadi under the pressure of the dollar and traders’ losses reach 16%

2026-10-21

Shafaq News – Anbar
The markets of Ramadi, the capital of Anbar province, are facing increasing challenges with the rising exchange rate and the decline in citizens’ purchasing power, at a time when the burdens of rents, generator fees, workers’ salaries and government fees are accumulating on business owners, prompting some of them to close their shops or put them up for rent, amid fears of a widening recession and a decline in commercial activity. Read more…

Iran expresses its displeasure at the closure of the Al-Shaib border crossing with Iraq without prior notification.

Iran expresses its displeasure at the closure of the Al-Shaib border crossing with Iraq without prior notification.

2026-10-21

Shafaq News – Tehran
Iran’s Interior Ministry on Wednesday expressed its displeasure with the decision to close the Shib border crossing with Iraq, stressing that Tehran had not received prior notification of the decision.

Ministry spokesman Zeini Vand said during a press conference that the closure of the Al-Shaib border crossing by Iraq was done without prior notification to the Iranian side, noting that the matter is being followed up and studied. Read more…

“Buy at the sound of cannons”: Global oil giants compete for the “Iraqi prize”

“Buy at the sound of cannons”: Global oil giants compete for the “Iraqi prize”

2026-10-21

Shafaq News – Special Translation
The Australian website “The Age” reported that giant oil companies are “not afraid” and are heading to Iraq at a time when the United States and Iran are fighting, applying the philosophy of the famous British banker Baron Nathan Rothschild in the 19th century: “Buy on the sound of cannons, and sell on the sound of trumpets.”

According to the Australian website, in a report Read more…

Al-Zaidi will visit Lebanon and Syria next week.

Al-Zaidi will visit Lebanon and Syria next week.

2026-10-21

Shafaq News – Baghdad
An informed government source reported on Wednesday that Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi will pay an official visit to Lebanon and Syria next week.

The source told Shafaq News Agency that Al-Zaidi will head a government delegation to discuss a number of important and common issues. Read more…

A gap of 30 trillion dinars… The Ministry of Finance reveals Iraq’s revenues and expenditures up to August

A gap of 30 trillion dinars… The Ministry of Finance reveals Iraq’s revenues and expenditures up to August

2026-10-21

Shafaq News – Baghdad
Data from the Ministry of Finance regarding the implementation of the federal budget up to the end of August 2026 showed that Iraq’s total revenues amounted to about 45.355 trillion dinars, while oil revenues constituted about 77% of the state’s total resources.

According to data seen by Shafaq News Agency, oil revenues amounted to about 34.726 trillion dinars, compared to non-oil revenues of about 10.629 trillion dinars, equivalent to about 23% of total revenues. Read more…

The Ministry of Electricity finalizes instructions for regulating the connection of solar energy systems to the national grid.

The Ministry of Electricity finalizes instructions for regulating the connection of solar energy systems to the national grid.

10-21-2026

The Ministry of Electricity announced on Wednesday the completion of instructions regulating the connection of solar energy systems to the national grid. The ministry indicated that the instructions allow citizens to connect their solar systems to the national grid using smart meters. In a statement, the ministry said, “Within the framework of the Ministry of Electricity’s directions to encourage the use of solar energy, the Council of Ministers decided, in its session yesterday, Tuesday, to eliminate customs duties imposed on solar Read more…

An Iraqi bank offers flexible banking solutions to three-quarters of a million customers.

An Iraqi bank offers flexible banking solutions to three-quarters of a million customers.

10-20-2026

Baghdad-Mail
The National Bank of Iraq affirmed its strengthening presence and position in the banking sector, relying on a wide network of branches and a growing customer base, noting the provision of an integrated system of banking services and solutions directed at individuals and companies to support economic activity and meet the financial needs of various segments of society.

The bank said in a statement that “the geographical spread of the bank is a testament to the expansion it has witnessed over the past years, as it has a network of 51 branches throughout Iraq, in addition to its branch operating in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, which contributes to facilitating trade and investment Read more…