IRAQI DINAR POLITICS & ECONOMY

Al-Dhari announces the imminent formation of a new Sunni political bloc, independent of al-Samarrai.

Al-Dhari announces the imminent formation of a new Sunni political bloc, independent of al-Samarrai.

2-20-2026

Information/Anbar..
Member of the United Anbar Alliance, Muhammad al-Dhari, revealed on Friday that a new Sunni political bloc is close to being formed in Iraq, independent of the head of the Azm Alliance, Muthanna al-Samarrai.

Al-Dhari indicated in a statement to Al-Maalouma Agency that “the meeting Read more…

Transportation: The first phase of the Faw port will be opened according to a specific timetable.

Transportation: The first phase of the Faw port will be opened according to a specific timetable.

2026/02/20

The Ministry of Transport revealed Thursday, the latest developments regarding the Grand Faw Port project, confirming that the opening of the first phase will take place according to specific timetables.

The Ministry’s media office said in a statement received by Al-Furat News: “The Faw Port project is going through stages that are consistent with the development road project, stressing that what remains of the work in the port is simple, Read more…

Exclusive: Washington reduces its diplomatic presence in Iraq and Gulf states amid tensions with Iran

Exclusive: Washington reduces its diplomatic presence in Iraq and Gulf states amid tensions with Iran

2026-02-19 08:42

Shafaq News – Baghdad/Washington
Two Iraqi and American officials said on Thursday that the United States has reduced the number of its diplomatic staff at its missions in Iraq and some Gulf states, taking precautionary measures against the backdrop of escalating regional tensions, without disclosing details Read more…

Al-Azm renews its support for Maliki’s candidacy for Prime Minister

Al-Azm renews its support for Maliki’s candidacy for Prime Minister

2-19-2026

Information/Anbar…
On Thursday, Fawaz Mohammed Al-Dulaimi, a leader in the Azm Alliance, renewed the alliance’s support for Nouri Al-Maliki, the candidate of the Coordination Framework, for the premiership.

Al-Dulaimi told Al-Maalouma News Agency that “the Azm Alliance and prominent Sunni figures have expressed their readiness Read more…

A meeting of the coordinating framework is expected… Adherence to Maliki and a decision on the election of the President of the Republic.

A meeting of the coordinating framework is expected… Adherence to Maliki and a decision on the election of the President of the Republic.

2-19-2026

Information/Baghdad…
Political circles are anticipating a meeting of the Coordination Framework in the coming hours to finalize the selection of the Prime Minister and schedule a parliamentary session to elect the President of the Republic. This comes after Read more…

State of law: Maliki refuses to withdraw personally or move to the opposition

State of law: Maliki refuses to withdraw personally or move to the opposition

2-19-2026

Information / Baghdad…
Jassim Mohammed Jaafar, a leader in the State of Law Coalition, confirmed on Thursday that the nomination of the coalition’s leader, Nouri al-Maliki, for the position of Prime Minister was a decision made by a majority of the forces within the Coordination Framework.
Jaafar told the Information Agency, “The selection of al-Maliki as the candidate Read more…

MP: The coming days will determine the nomination of candidates for the presidency and ministers.

MP: The coming days will determine the nomination of candidates for the presidency and ministers.

2-19-2026

The Information Agency / Baghdad…
MP Jassim Atwan confirmed on Thursday that the coming days will witness the resolution of the nominations for the presidency and prime ministership, stressing that this will contribute to ending the political deadlock plaguing the political Read more…

Politico: America is pressuring NATO to end its mission in Iraq.

Politico: America is pressuring NATO to end its mission in Iraq.

2-19-2026

The Trump administration is pressuring NATO to radically recalibrate its relationships and end its mission in Iraq, according to a report published Thursday by the American newspaper Politico. Four diplomats stated that Washington’s efforts, which also include reducing Read more…

The Iraqi Foreign Ministry clarifies the content of the “Washington message” if the framework adheres to Maliki.

The Iraqi Foreign Ministry clarifies the content of the “Washington message” if the framework adheres to Maliki.

2026-02-19

Shafaq News – Baghdad
On Thursday, the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement clarifying what was stated in a television interview with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, confirming that an oral message received by Iraq from the American side in Washington included an allusion to the possibility of Read more…

Kurdistan awaits the green light from Baghdad to launch the “National Bank” and pledges to grant loans.

Kurdistan awaits the green light from Baghdad to launch the “National Bank” and pledges to grant loans.

2026-02-19 02:38

Shafaq News/Erbil
The Ministry of Finance and Economy in the Kurdistan Region stated on Thursday that the National Bank “Nishtiman Bank,” which is planned to be launched in the region, will provide loans and financial advances to employees and citizens, after completing the official approvals from the Central Bank of Iraq.

The legal advisor to the Ministry of Finance and Economy, Read more…

Ministry of Trade: Umm Qasr silo dock reopened after a 10-year hiatus

Ministry of Trade: Umm Qasr silo dock reopened after a 10-year hiatus

2026-02-18

The Ministry of Trade announced on Wednesday the reopening of the Umm Qasr silo dock after a 10-year hiatus. Haider Al-Karawi, Director General of the Grain Trading Company, stated during the opening ceremony that “the silo dock in Umm Qasr dates back to the 1980s and is the only government port dedicated to grain Read more…

Internal conflict gives Trump the green light to intervene in the prime minister selection process.

Internal conflict gives Trump the green light to intervene in the prime minister selection process.

2-18-2026

The conflict within the Iraqi political process continues regarding the presidency and the prime ministership. Although the presidential post is associated with the Kurds and is contested between the two main parties in the region, the most prominent conflict revolves around the selection of the new prime minister. Read more…

MP: Iraqi refinery production has doubled by 10% in the past 16 months

MP: Iraqi refinery production has doubled by 10% in the past 16 months

2-18-2026

Information/Baghdad…
MP Mudhar al-Karawi confirmed on Wednesday that Iraqi refinery production rates have increased by 10% over the past 16 months.
Speaking to Al-Maalouma, al-Karawi said, “Achieving 100% self-sufficiency in fuel for Iraq is a top priority, especially since Read more…

Parliamentary demand for the framework to hold an “extraordinary” session to elect the President of the Republic

Parliamentary demand for the framework to hold an “extraordinary” session to elect the President of the Republic

2-18-2026

Information / Baghdad…
Member of Parliament Mahmoud al-Shammari called on the leaders of the Coordination Framework on Wednesday to direct the convening of an extraordinary parliamentary session to resolve the issue of the presidency, stressing Read more…

Exclusive – US State Department: Nominating Maliki will force us to reassess our relationship with Iraq

Exclusive – US State Department: Nominating Maliki will force us to reassess our relationship with Iraq

2026-02-18

Shafaq News – Washington/ Mustafa Hashim
The US State Department confirmed on Wednesday that the United States’ position remains “firm and unwavering” regarding the nomination of State of Law Coalition leader Nouri al-Maliki for the Iraqi premiership, hinting at harsh diplomatic Read more…

The coordination framework is heading towards a “crucial” meeting before the end of a new US deadline.

The coordination framework is heading towards a “crucial” meeting before the end of a new US deadline.

2026-02-18 04:13

Shafaq News – Baghdad
A political source reported on Wednesday that the forces of the Coordination Framework are heading towards holding a “decisive” meeting in the coming hours to decide on their candidate for the premiership, before the end of a new American deadline on Thursday.

A source within the coordination framework told Read more…

Sulaymaniyah: Iranian currency circulation booms with high profits

Sulaymaniyah: Iranian currency circulation booms with high profits

2026-02-18 05:29

Shafaq News – Sulaymaniyah
A currency trader in the central market of Sulaymaniyah revealed on Wednesday the growing practice of “currency trading” between Iranian and Iraqi traders, through the purchase of sums in Iranian currency and their entry into electronic accounts, before transferring them back to Iran to take advantage of price differences Read more…

Investment Authority: Significant increase in foreign investment demand

Investment Authority: Significant increase in foreign investment demand

2026-02-18

The Investment Authority confirmed on Wednesday that Iraq has witnessed a remarkable increase in investment interest over the past two years. It indicated that expanding investment opportunities towards priority sectors enhances long-term Read more…

The Kurds agree on a single candidate for the presidency… a significant step that could end the political chaos.

The Kurds agree on a single candidate for the presidency… a significant step that could end the political chaos.

2-17-2026

Information/Report…
The Iraqi political scene is witnessing intense activity regarding the presidential election, amid increasing pressure to fulfill constitutional requirements in a way that strengthens political stability and ensures respect Read more…

Araghchi: We have reached an understanding with America and copies of the potential agreement will be exchanged.

Araghchi: We have reached an understanding with America and copies of the potential agreement will be exchanged.

2026-02-17 06:33

Shafaq News – Geneva
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi announced on Tuesday that an understanding had been reached with the United States on “main principles,” and indicated that work was underway on two versions of the potential agreement document for the two sides to exchange.

Araqchi said in his first comment after the end of the second round of talks Read more…