IRAQI DINAR POLITICS & ECONOMY

Al-Jalabi warns against appointing al-Zidi’s deputies without salaries: a circumvention of constitutional oversight.

Al-Jalabi warns against appointing al-Zidi’s deputies without salaries: a circumvention of constitutional oversight.

10-14-2026

Information/Baghdad…
Zuhair al-Jalabi, a leader in the Coordination Framework, described Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s letter and directive regarding the appointment of deputies without salaries or financial allowances as “ridiculous,” warning that this step represents a black hole that disables the mechanisms of constitutional oversight and accountability for Read more…

The State of Law coalition reveals its position on the vote for deputy prime ministers.

The State of Law coalition reveals its position on the vote for deputy prime ministers.

10-14-2025

Information/Special…
Salah Boushi, a leading figure in the State of Law Coalition, revealed the coalition’s official position on Wednesday regarding the parliamentary session scheduled to vote on the deputy prime ministers and the remaining vacant ministerial posts. He emphasized that the position is based on the firm principle of respecting political agreements and proceeding with the completion of the cabinet, avoiding any obstructionist tactics. Read more…

Al-Khalidi questions the justifications for creating four deputy prime minister positions.

Al-Khalidi questions the justifications for creating four deputy prime minister positions.

10-14-2026

Information/Baghdad…
Former MP Mohammed al-Khalidi confirmed on Wednesday that the newly created deputy prime minister positions are not free of charge, and questioned the justifications for this move.
Speaking to Al-Maalouma, al-Khalidi explained that “Iraq is going through a severe financial crisis, amidst difficult regional circumstances, which has directly impacted its economy, heavily reliant on oil exports.” He added, “In light of this crisis, four deputy prime minister positions are being created, which raises many questions.” Read more…

The International Monetary Fund predicts that Iraq will lead Arab economies with 19% growth in 2027.

The International Monetary Fund predicts that Iraq will lead Arab economies with 19% growth in 2027.

10-14-2026

The International Monetary Fund ( IMF ) announced on Wednesday that Iraq is projected to be the top-performing Arab economy in 2027, according to its economic forecasts.
An IMF statement, reported by the Al-Maalomah news agency, noted that “the performance of Arab economies witnessed a sharp shift between 2026 and 2027.”
The statement added that “in 2026, Arab oil-exporting countries Read more…

The Kurdistan Regional Government insists on a 14.14% population percentage as the basis for the region’s share of the budget.

The Kurdistan Regional Government insists on a 14.14% population percentage as the basis for the region’s share of the budget.

2026-10-14

Shafaq News – Erbil
The Kurdistan Regional Government’s Council of Ministers confirmed on Wednesday that the actual percentage of the region’s population, according to the 2024 census, is 14.14%, stressing the need to adopt it as a basic criterion for determining the region’s share in the federal general budget.

This came during the regular cabinet meeting, the first focus of which was to Read more…

Al-Zidi proposes Thursday as the date for voting on his deputies and completing the government cabinet

Al-Zidi proposes Thursday as the date for voting on his deputies and completing the government cabinet

2026-10-14

Shafaq News – Baghdad
Prime Minister Ali al-Zidi proposed setting next Thursday, October 15, 2026, as the date for holding a session of the House of Representatives to vote on the candidates for deputy prime ministers and the vacant and newly created ministries.

This came in an official document issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, Read more…

Shafaq News publishes the list of candidates for ministerial portfolios amid disagreements over some positions.

Shafaq News publishes the list of candidates for ministerial portfolios amid disagreements over some positions.

10-14-2026

Shafaq News – Baghdad
An informed source revealed on Tuesday the names of a number of candidates to fill the vacant ministerial portfolios in Prime Minister Ali al-Zidi’s government, distributed among different political blocs and forces, amid anticipation of a parliamentary session to vote on them according to the date proposed by the Prime Minister, while consultations are still ongoing to decide Read more…

The dollar is driving up vegetable and fruit prices in Sulaymaniyah… and the union explains the reasons.

The dollar is driving up vegetable and fruit prices in Sulaymaniyah… and the union explains the reasons.

2026-10-14

Shafaq News – Sulaymaniyah
The head of the Alwa Sulaimaniyah Syndicate, Sarwar Ali, revealed on Wednesday a significant increase in the prices of imported vegetables and fruits during the past two days, as a result of the rise in the exchange rate of the dollar against the Iraqi dinar, and the accompanying increase in import and transportation costs. Read more…

Finance Minister from Bangkok: “Iraq Vision 2050” aims to diversify the economy and empower the private sector Energy and Business

Finance Minister from Bangkok: “Iraq Vision 2050” aims to diversify the economy and empower the private sector
Energy and Business

2026-10-14

Shafaq News – Bangkok
Finance Minister Faleh Sari announced on Wednesday that “Iraq Vision 2050” aims to reduce dependence on oil, empower the private sector, and promote inclusive and sustainable growth by strengthening institutions.

This came in a speech he delivered before the meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group in Bangkok, which was followed by Shafaq News Agency. Read more…

With a surplus of 300,000 tons annually, poultry farmers in Kurdistan are demanding that al-Zaidi lift restrictions on their products.

With a surplus of 300,000 tons annually, poultry farmers in Kurdistan are demanding that al-Zaidi lift restrictions on their products.

2026-10-14

Shafaq News – Sulaymaniyah
On Wednesday, Nazim Abdullah, head of the Poultry Farm Breeders Association in Sulaymaniyah, Garmian and Halabja, called on Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi to intervene to do justice to poultry farmers in the Kurdistan Region and lift the restrictions and fees imposed on transporting their products to the central and southern governorates of Iraq, stressing that the continuation of these measures threatens an important production sector Read more…

Al-Zaidi to Ibn Salman: We condemn the targeting of King Khalid Airport and we will not allow our territory to be used for aggression.

Al-Zaidi to Ibn Salman: We condemn the targeting of King Khalid Airport and we will not allow our territory to be used for aggression.

2026-10-14

Shafaq News – Riyadh
On Wednesday in Riyadh, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

According to a statement issued by Al-Zaidi’s office and received by Shafaq News Agency, the meeting included discussions on regional developments and coordination of efforts regarding them, in order to enhance the security and stability of the region. Read more…

Iraqi Agriculture Ministry announces the opening of imports for three crops and the cancellation of fees and taxes on meat and eggs.

Iraqi Agriculture Ministry announces the opening of imports for three crops and the cancellation of fees and taxes on meat and eggs.

2026-10-14

Shafaq News – Baghdad
The Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture announced on Wednesday that it has opened the door to imports of the following agricultural crops: potatoes, tomatoes, and onions, in addition to suspending the collection of customs duties and taxes imposed on imported eggs, chickens, and live meat products.

The ministry explained in an official statement that the decision was issued based on the directives of Prime Minister Ali Falih al-Zaidi, Read more…

Al-Halfi speaks about Iraqi funds abroad: “We need a database to recover them.”

Al-Halfi speaks about Iraqi funds abroad: “We need a database to recover them.”

10-13-2026

Information/Special…
MP Sumaya al-Halfi confirmed on Tuesday that Iraqi funds owed abroad include loans granted to other countries, funds smuggled as a result of corruption, confiscated assets, and outstanding financial and contractual claims.
Speaking to Al-Maalouma, al-Halfi stated that “the delay in recovering these funds stems from a number of challenges, most notably international legal Read more…

Kurdish concerns and questions about who holds power in Iraq after the American withdrawal

Kurdish concerns and questions about who holds power in Iraq after the American withdrawal

2026-10-13

Shafaq News – Special Translation
Baghdad celebrated, Washington declared victory, and Iranian-backed factions rejoiced, while anxiety prevailed in the Kurdistan Region. According to the Middle East Council on International Affairs , these stances reflect differing calculations regarding the future of Iraq in the absence of the United States and the withdrawal of its forces on September 30th. These forces had simultaneously acted as arbiters between the various factions, the target of attacks, and the guarantor of security. While the withdrawal puts an end to one of the chronic sources of conflict Read more…

Vote date set; political agreement reached on 4 names for deputy prime minister positions

Vote date set; political agreement reached on 4 names for deputy prime minister positions

10-13-2026

Information/Baghdad…
An informed source revealed on Tuesday that a political agreement has been reached regarding the appointment of the deputy prime ministers, and a date has been set for the vote on them.
The source explained to Al-Maalomah that “a political agreement has been reached regarding the four deputy prime minister positions, stipulating the nomination of Mohammed Tamim, Mohsen al-Mandalawi, Laith al-Khazali, and Fares al-Barifkani as deputy prime ministers,” indicating that “the vote on these names Read more…

Nasiriyah Airport is nearing completion with a capacity of up to 3 million passengers annually.

Nasiriyah Airport is nearing completion with a capacity of up to 3 million passengers annually.

10-13-2026

Information/Dhi Qar…
Former MP Arif al-Hamami revealed on Tuesday that 95% of the Nasiriyah International Airport project has been completed, noting that the airport’s capacity could reach three million passengers annually.
Al-Hamami explained to Al-Maalouma that “the Nasiriyah International Airport project has entered its final stages, with completion rates exceeding 95%,” predicting “its completion by the end of 2026 for its opening, making it another point on the map of Iraqi international airports.” Read more…

Al-Zaydi directs the Iraqi armed forces to raise their combat readiness to the highest levels.

Al-Zaydi directs the Iraqi armed forces to raise their combat readiness to the highest levels.

2026-10-13

Shafaq News – Baghdad
On Tuesday, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Ali al-Zaidi, directed that the level of combat readiness be raised to the highest levels.

This came during his chairmanship of a meeting that included the Director of the Commander-in-Chief’s Office, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Planning, and a number of advisors and military commanders, according to a statement issued by his office and received by Shafaq News Agency. Read more…

On the eve of his visit to Riyadh, Al-Zaydi said: “We want a strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia.”

On the eve of his visit to Riyadh, Al-Zaydi said: “We want a strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia.”

2026-10-13

Shafaq News – Baghdad/Riyadh
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zubaidi stressed on Tuesday the need to adopt a flexible diplomacy and a more crisis-resistant economy, while also pointing to the importance of the partnership with Saudi Arabia.

Al-Zaydi said in an article published in the newspaper “Al-Sharq Al-Awsat”, which was followed by Shafaq News Agency, that the review of the various Read more…

Agreement reached on 10 ministries; Iraqi parliament to vote Thursday on completing al-Zidi’s government.

Agreement reached on 10 ministries; Iraqi parliament to vote Thursday on completing al-Zidi’s government.

2026-10-13

Shafaq News – Baghdad
The Iraqi parliament intends to hold its session next Thursday afternoon to vote on completing the cabinet of Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, according to MP Thaer al-Kaabi of the National Approach bloc.

Al-Kaabi told Shafaq News Agency that there are 9 vacant ministries in the government, noting that separating the Ministry of Culture from the Ministry of Tourism, and adding the Ministries of Artificial Intelligence and State, raised the number of ministries covered by the understandings to 12 ministries. Read more…

The Foreign Minister arrives in Rome to inaugurate the Iraqi embassy in the Vatican.

The Foreign Minister arrives in Rome to inaugurate the Iraqi embassy in the Vatican.

2026-10-13

Shafaq News – Baghdad
Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein arrived in the Italian capital, Rome, on Tuesday, at the start of an official visit to the Vatican, during which he will inaugurate the new building of the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq to the Holy See.

The ministry said in a statement received by Shafaq News Agency that Hussein will hold a number of official meetings Read more…