IRAQI DINAR POLITICS & ECONOMY

For the third week in a row, Iraqi oil exports to America register “zero”.

For the third week in a row, Iraqi oil exports to America register “zero”.

2026-10-18

Shafaq News – Washington/Baghdad
Preliminary data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration showed that U.S. imports of Iraqi crude oil have fallen to “zero” over the past three weeks.

According to data seen by Shafaq News Agency, “The average US imports of crude oil during the past week from ten major countries Read more…

Exchange rate rises to over 168,000 dinars in Baghdad and Erbil

Exchange rate rises to over 168,000 dinars in Baghdad and Erbil

2026-10-18 00:41

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

According to a correspondent for Shafaq News Agency, the price of the dollar rose in the Al-Kifah and Al-Harithiya exchanges in Baghdad to Read more…

Ribwar Taha: Kirkuk is experiencing an administrative vacuum, and the Turkmen are seeking to run for the governorship again.

Ribwar Taha: Kirkuk is experiencing an administrative vacuum, and the Turkmen are seeking to run for the governorship again.

2026-10-18

Shafaq News – Kirkuk
Kirkuk’s acting governor, Ribwar Taha, confirmed on Sunday that the province is experiencing an administrative vacuum after the election of its former governor, Mohammed Samaan, to the position of Minister of State, revealing that the Iraqi Turkmen Front is seeking to retain this position by presenting a new candidate to succeed the former.

Taha told reporters in Kirkuk: “We are dealing with the situation in Kirkuk according to the law. Currently, the Read more…

Parliamentary appeal to the Federal Court against the creation of ministries and deputy prime minister positions

Parliamentary appeal to the Federal Court against the creation of ministries and deputy prime minister positions

2026-10-18

Shafaq News – Baghdad
MP Mohammed Jassim Al-Khafaji announced on Sunday that he had filed an appeal with the Federal Supreme Court (the highest judicial authority in Iraq) regarding the vote on three deputy prime ministers and the creation of three new ministries in the Iraqi government.

Al-Khafaji said in a post on the social networking site Facebook that the appeal focused on stating the violation of the provisions of the constitution as follows: Violation of Article (139) of the Read more…

The IMF loan undermines the dollar’s value and warns Iraqis of a “heavy price to pay”.

The IMF loan undermines the dollar’s value and warns Iraqis of a “heavy price to pay”.

2026-10-18

Shafaq News – Baghdad
The debate is renewed in Iraq regarding the feasibility of resorting to external borrowing from the International Monetary Fund, in light of the financial challenges facing the country and the general budget’s heavy reliance on oil revenues, amid questions about the nature of the economic reforms that may accompany any borrowing program, and its potential repercussions on government spending, taxes, fees and support provided to citizens. Read more…

What is the connection to immigration? The Kurdistan Democratic Party reveals the reason for postponing the approval of its candidate among the Zaidi deputies.

What is the connection to immigration? The Kurdistan Democratic Party reveals the reason for postponing the approval of its candidate among the Zaidi deputies.

2026-10-18

Shafaq News – Baghdad
On Sunday, Majid Shenkali, a leader in the Kurdistan Democratic Party, revealed the reason for postponing the vote on the party’s candidate for the position of Deputy Prime Minister.

Shankali told Shafaq News Agency that “a previous agreement was made with Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi to present an independent candidate for the Ministry of Migration and Displacement, who does not belong to Read more…

Initial agreement to name Halbousi and Fayyad as vice presidents of the republic

Initial agreement to name Halbousi and Fayyad as vice presidents of the republic

2026-10-18

Shafaq News – Baghdad
An informed source revealed on Sunday that political forces are moving towards reactivating the positions of the two vice presidents of the republic, within the understandings of the state administration coalition for the next period.

The source told Shafaq News Agency that the political forces reached a preliminary agreement to name the leader of the Progress Party, Muhammad al-Halbousi, and the head of the Popular Mobilization Forces, Faleh al-Fayyad, as vice presidents of the republic. Read more…

Additional debt: An economist warns of the repercussions of borrowing from the International Monetary Fund.

Additional debt: An economist warns of the repercussions of borrowing from the International Monetary Fund.

10-17-2026

Information/Baghdad…
On Saturday, economic expert Saleh al-Khafaji outlined the potential negative effects of borrowing from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on the Iraqi economy. He called on the government to be transparent with the public regarding the existence of any borrowing efforts, the amount of funds required, and the economic repercussions. Speaking to Al-Maalouma, al-Khafaji explained that “the IMF has revealed the Iraqi government’s intention to Read more…

Al-Zaydi calls for a comprehensive agreement with Türkiye on water and urges its companies to invest in Iraq.

Al-Zaydi calls for a comprehensive agreement with Türkiye on water and urges its companies to invest in Iraq.

2026-10-17

Shafaq News – Baghdad
On Saturday, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zubaidi called for a comprehensive agreement with Turkey on water issues and for the implementation of the development road project, stressing Iraq’s keenness to establish the best relations with Ankara and make it an important economic partner.

This came during Al-Zaidi’s reception of Turkish Foreign Minister Read more…

Economic Observatory: Iraq extracted approximately 834.7 million barrels of oil during 2026

Economic Observatory: Iraq extracted approximately 834.7 million barrels of oil during 2026

10-17-2026

The Iraqi Economic Observatory (ECO -Iraq) announced on Saturday that Iraq extracted approximately 834.7 million barrels of crude oil during the first nine months of 2026.
In a statement reported by Al-Maalomah News Agency, the observatory said, “Iraqi oil production maintained its usual levels during January and February, averaging over 4.1 million barrels per day, before declining sharply starting in March, coinciding with the repercussions of the war in the region. Production reached its lowest point in May, then began to recover gradually Read more…

Politician: Al-Zaidi’s talks with Trump in New York remain “mysterious” and raise doubts

Politician: Al-Zaidi’s talks with Trump in New York remain “mysterious” and raise doubts

10-17-2026

The Information Agency / Baghdad…
Political analyst Sabah al-Akeeli confirmed on Saturday that the details of the meeting between Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi and US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly meetings in New York remain undisclosed, indicating that it is still shrouded in mystery and the subject of widespread political and public speculation.
Al-Akeeli told the Information Agency, “High-level discussions conducted by the Prime Minister necessitate informing the Cabinet and Parliament Read more…

Divisions plague Azm… Al-Issawi threatens to withdraw due to disagreements over positions

Divisions plague Azm… Al-Issawi threatens to withdraw due to disagreements over positions

10-17-2026

Al-Maalomah/Anbar…
A source in Anbar province revealed on Saturday that internal disputes within the Azm Alliance are escalating due to conflicts over the distribution of ministerial positions, coinciding with the completion of Ali Falih al-Zaidi’s government formation.
The source told Al-Maalomah News Agency that “MP and Azm Alliance leader Faisal al-Issawi threatened to withdraw from the alliance, citing the absence of genuine programs and serious projects to serve the community, as well as the alliance’s transformation into a marketplace for distributing positions among its leaders.” Read more…

Al-Mashhadani: The Iraqi economy cannot be fixed by changing the exchange rate alone.

Al-Mashhadani: The Iraqi economy cannot be fixed by changing the exchange rate alone.

10-17-2026

Information / Baghdad –
Economic expert Abdul Rahman Al-Mashhadani affirmed on Saturday that raising the dollar exchange rate might provide quick and temporary liquidity to the state treasury, but it does not constitute financial reform in itself without comprehensive strategic plans.
Al-Mashhadani told the Information Agency, “True financial reform in Iraq lies in building a genuine, diversified revenue system, working to recover smuggled Read more…

Al-Hashemi: The government will resort to borrowing despite the change in the exchange rate… a contradiction in Al-Zidi’s statements

Al-Hashemi: The government will resort to borrowing despite the change in the exchange rate… a contradiction in Al-Zidi’s statements

10-17-2026

Information / Baghdad –
Economic expert Ziad al-Hashemi criticized the Iraqi government’s move to borrow from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Saturday, arguing that this step raises questions about the justifications for devaluing the Iraqi dinar, which was presented as a measure to avoid resorting to more painful financial options, including external borrowing.
In a post on his Facebook page, al-Hashemi stated that the negotiations with the IMF for financial support reveal, in his opinion, a contradiction Read more…

We were: Influential political blocs are behind the obstruction of the Christian candidate for the Ministry of Immigration

We were: Influential political blocs are behind the obstruction of the Christian candidate for the Ministry of Immigration

1017-2026

The head of the Assyrian Democratic Movement, former MP Yonadam Kanna, accused influential political forces on Saturday of obstructing the selection of a candidate for the Ministry of Migration and Displacement, a post allocated to the Christian community. He pointed to external political interference, which he said seeks to impose its will on the community’s electoral entitlement. Read more…

Al-Moussawi expects the 2027 budget draft to arrive by the end of this month.

Al-Moussawi expects the 2027 budget draft to arrive by the end of this month.

10-17-2026

Information/Baghdad…
MP Mukhtar al-Moussawi predicted on Saturday that the draft 2027 budget law would reach the Parliamentary Finance Committee by the end of this month, noting that significant amendments to its articles are undeniable.
Al-Moussawi explained to Al-Maalouma that “the draft 2027 budget law is expected to reach the Parliamentary Finance Committee by the end of this month for scrutiny, review, and extensive discussions regarding Read more…

The head of the “Ishraqat Kanoun” bloc told Al-Maalouma: Creating new positions hinders parliamentary oversight… and raising the dollar exchange rate is killing the dinar.

The head of the “Ishraqat Kanoun” bloc told Al-Maalouma: Creating new positions hinders parliamentary oversight… and raising the dollar exchange rate is killing the dinar.

10-17-2026

Information / Press Interview…
In light of the rapid political and economic developments in Iraq, there is an urgent need to review the state’s administrative structure and the files of financial and oversight reform. To shed light on these issues, the Information Agency interviewed Dr. Haider al-Mutairi, head of the Ishraqat Kanun parliamentary bloc, who strongly criticized the government’s expansion efforts, describing them as “disguised sectarian quotas.” Al-Mutairi also outlined his bloc’s vision for combating corruption, the reasons for the decline of the local currency, and their firm stance on Read more…

Washington: Corruption hinders investment in Iraq despite promising opportunities

Washington: Corruption hinders investment in Iraq despite promising opportunities

2026-10-17

Shafaq News – Washington
On Friday evening, the Bureau of Economic, Energy and Business Affairs at the U.S. State Department issued a report on the investment climate in Iraq for 2026, concluding that corruption, bureaucracy, weak financing and security challenges top the list of obstacles to investment, while noting that the energy, agriculture, industry and technology sectors stand out as the most promising opportunities. Read more…

The head of the International Monetary Fund pledges “strong” support for Iraq.

The head of the International Monetary Fund pledges “strong” support for Iraq.

2026-10-17

Shafaq News – Follow-up
The head of the International Monetary Fund, Kristalina Georgieva, announced on Saturday that the Fund intends to “strongly” support Iraq through a much-needed loan program.

“We will provide Iraq with financial and policy support,” Georgieva explained at a closing press conference of the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank in Bangkok. Read more…

The Islamic Cooperation Council session kicks off in Baghdad, and Al-Zaidi calls for the protection of international trade (Update)

The Islamic Cooperation Council session kicks off in Baghdad, and Al-Zaidi calls for the protection of international trade (Update)

2026-10-17

Shafaq News – Baghdad
On Saturday, Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi inaugurated the 52nd session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, hosted by the capital, Baghdad.

The official spokesperson for the 52nd session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Ambassador Hassanein Kamel, said in a statement received by Shafaq News Agency that the session began with the participation of official Read more…