IRAQI DINAR POLITICS & ECONOMY

Kurdistan Democratic Party: Intensive and serious talks are underway, away from the media, to form the regional government.

Kurdistan Democratic Party: Intensive and serious talks are underway, away from the media, to form the regional government.

2026-09-19

Shafaq News – Erbil
The spokesman for the Kurdistan Democratic Party, Mahmoud Mohammed, confirmed on Saturday that his party is conducting “serious and intensive” talks with all political parties in the region to resolve outstanding issues. While he expected the remaining ministerial positions in the federal government to be finalized after the anticipated visit of Prime Minister Ali al-Zubaidi, he stressed Read more…

Iraq calls on American companies to expedite the implementation of their projects.

Iraq calls on American companies to expedite the implementation of their projects.

2026-09-19

Shafaq News – Baghdad
On Saturday, Iraqi Finance Minister Faleh Sari called on American companies operating in the oil and energy sectors to expedite the implementation of their projects in the country, thereby boosting foreign investment and supporting the development of vital sectors.

This came during his meeting with the US Chargé d’Affaires to Iraq, Steven Fagin, and his accompanying delegation, where relations between the two countries were reviewed, and ways to Read more…

Al-Zaydi orders that government officials be prevented from appearing in the media without prior approval.

Al-Zaydi orders that government officials be prevented from appearing in the media without prior approval.

2026-09-19

Shafaq News – Baghdad
On Saturday, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi directed that all advisors and government officials be prohibited from making press statements or appearing in the media without prior approval from his office.

Shafaq News Agency received a copy of the directive, which confirmed that the ban includes visual, audio and print media, noting that the measure comes Read more…

Exceeding 160,000… The dollar continues its rise in Baghdad and Erbil at the start of the week

Exceeding 160,000… The dollar continues its rise in Baghdad and Erbil at the start of the week

2026-09-19

Shafaq News – Baghdad / Erbil
The exchange rate of the US dollar continued its remarkable rise in the markets of Baghdad and Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region, on Saturday, as morning trading began at the start of this week.

A Shafaq News Agency correspondent reported that the dollar exchange rate rose in the Al-Kifah and Al-Harithiya exchanges in Baghdad to reach 159,750 Read more…

From Kirkuk to Georgia: An Iraqi takes on the role of Chief Marshal in the US police.

From Kirkuk to Georgia: An Iraqi takes on the role of Chief Marshal in the US police.

2026-09-19

Shafaq News – Kirkuk
The young Kirkuki, Muhammad Salehi, assumed the position of Chief Marshal in the Manchester City Office in the US state of Georgia, after a career spanning years in police work and community service, which he began in the United States as a patrol officer.

Salehi said, in a statement followed by Shafaq News Agency, that his arrival at this position represents the fruit of a long journey that began in his childhood in Kirkuk, all the way to the United Read more…

The Federal Court will consider two complaints tomorrow regarding ending the Kurdistan Parliament’s session and holding the regional government accountable.

The Federal Court will consider two complaints tomorrow regarding ending the Kurdistan Parliament’s session and holding the regional government accountable.

2026-09-19

Shafaq News – Sulaymaniyah
Ali Hama Saleh, the rapporteur of the Kurdistan Position Movement, announced on Saturday that the Federal Supreme Court (the highest judicial authority in Iraq) is expected to hold a session to consider two complaints, one of which concerns the unconstitutionality of the Kurdistan Parliament in its current session, and the other against Read more…

Iraq’s foreign reserves fell to $80.6 billion by the end of July

Iraq’s foreign reserves fell to $80.6 billion by the end of July

2026-09-19 02:22

Shafaq News – Baghdad
Data from the Central Bank of Iraq showed that the bank’s foreign reserves declined to $80.633 billion at the end of July 2026, compared to $86.175 billion at the end of June, and $97.432 billion at the end of 2025.

According to data seen by Shafaq News Agency, foreign reserves in dollars decreased during the first seven months of this year by about Read more…

The Iraqi navy thwarted a piracy attempt on an oil tanker near the port of Basra and arrested 11 armed men.

The Iraqi navy thwarted a piracy attempt on an oil tanker near the port of Basra and arrested 11 armed men.

2026-09-19

Shafaq News – Basra
A security source in Basra province reported on Saturday that Iraqi naval forces thwarted a piracy attempt against an oil tanker in territorial waters and arrested those involved in the operation.

The source told Shafaq News Agency that the tanker (MAYSAL-RAYM), which is of the “tanker” type, was subjected to a piracy operation carried out by armed individuals who were on board two boats in the loading and unloading area (STS) opposite the Basra oil port. Read more…

Al-Zaydi carries new pledges to Trump regarding the weapons of the factions, anticipating the September 30 deadline (Exclusive)

Al-Zaydi carries new pledges to Trump regarding the weapons of the factions, anticipating the September 30 deadline (Exclusive)

2026-09-19

Shafaq News – Baghdad
An informed government source revealed on Saturday that Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi will hold an important meeting with US President Donald Trump this week, on the sidelines of his participation in the new session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The source told Shafaq News Agency that al-Zaidi will ask Trump to postpone Read more…

Observatory: Potential sanctions and speculation shake the dollar market in Iraq

Observatory: Potential sanctions and speculation shake the dollar market in Iraq

2026-09-19

Shafaq News – Baghdad
The “Eco Iraq” economic observatory observed on Saturday a rapid rise in the exchange rate of the dollar in the parallel market against the Iraqi dinar, noting that the current rise is due to several factors, including fears of possible American sanctions against Iraq.

The observatory stated in a statement received by Shafaq News Agency that “the current rise is not related to one factor, but rather comes as a result of the overlap of several economic, financial Read more…

Nechirvan Barzani calls on Baghdad to coordinate with Erbil to secure Kurdistan’s share of the budget.

Nechirvan Barzani calls on Baghdad to coordinate with Erbil to secure Kurdistan’s share of the budget.

2026-09-19

Shafaq News – Erbil
Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani called on the federal government in Baghdad on Saturday to fully allocate the region’s share in the country’s 2027 general budget law through direct coordination and cooperation with Erbil, considering the current discussions between technical committees “insufficient.”

President Nechirvan Barzani told reporters, as reported by Shafaq News Agency, that “it is necessary, with regard to Read more…

Saudi Arabia and the UAE lead the Arab world, while Iraq continues to decline… Latest US bond data

Saudi Arabia and the UAE lead the Arab world, while Iraq continues to decline… Latest US bond data

2026-09-19

Shafaq News – Baghdad / Washington
The latest data from the US Treasury Department for July 2026 showed that Saudi Arabia and the UAE were the only two Arab countries on the list of major holders of US Treasury bonds, while Iraq was absent from the list.

According to data from the US Treasury, which was reviewed by Read more…

Iraq is paying the price for the Iranian blockade: US sanctions are putting pressure on trade, the dollar, and energy.

Iraq is paying the price for the Iranian blockade: US sanctions are putting pressure on trade, the dollar, and energy.

2026-09-19

Shafaq News – Baghdad/Tehran
US sanctions are tightening the noose on the Iranian economy, while their repercussions extend to Iraq through trade, energy, and financial channels, at a time when dealings between the two countries are becoming increasingly sensitive.

With Iranian exports declining and restrictions on the financial system escalating, the Iraqi border is becoming an important trade artery for Tehran, and conversely, an area where the needs of the Iraqi market intersect Read more…

Al-Zaydi’s advisor settles the debate: There is no specific deadline for restricting weapons.

Al-Zaydi’s advisor settles the debate: There is no specific deadline for restricting weapons.

2026-09-18

Shafaq News – Baghdad
Qasim al-Araji, an advisor to Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zidi, denied on Friday that a time limit had been set for the work of the committee tasked with restricting weapons to the state.

Al-Araji said in a statement received by Shafaq News Agency, “What has been circulating recently on social media regarding the setting of a time limit for Read more…

Tensions and disagreements… Al Jazeera Net reveals the behind-the-scenes reasons for the delay in filling the vacant ministerial positions in Iraq.

Tensions and disagreements… Al Jazeera Net reveals the behind-the-scenes reasons for the delay in filling the vacant ministerial positions in Iraq.

18/9/2026

Baghdad – On May 14, 2026, the Iraqi parliament granted confidence to the government of Ali al-Zaidi , but the cabinet left the voting hall incomplete, as 9 ministerial portfolios remained vacant.

Since then, promises to resolve the issue have continued without political negotiations succeeding in handing over the keys. The matter is no longer limited to the names of candidates, but has extended to Read more…

Large American convoys are moving from Baghdad and the northern provinces towards the Syrian al-Tanf base.

Large American convoys are moving from Baghdad and the northern provinces towards the Syrian al-Tanf base.

9-18-2026

Al-Maalomah/Anbar…
A security source in Anbar province revealed on Friday that large American convoys, comprising dozens of trucks loaded with soldiers and military equipment, moved from Baghdad and Harir in Erbil towards Syria via the Al-Walid border crossing in the Rutba district, west of Anbar.
The source told Al-Maalomah News Agency, “American convoys consisting of dozens of trucks loaded with soldiers and military equipment moved from Read more…

After 10 years, Iraq closes the “restricted zones” file and fully opens its airspace to civilian flights.

After 10 years, Iraq closes the “restricted zones” file and fully opens its airspace to civilian flights.

2026-09-18

Shafaq News – Baghdad
The Director of the General Company for Airports and Air Navigation, Captain Ihab Saad Karim, announced on Friday the official end of the file of prohibited areas in Iraqi airspace, and its full opening to civil aviation, after nearly a decade of seizing large areas of airspace for military and security operations following the control of parts of the country by ISIS in 2014. Read more…

Al-Sadr issues a strongly worded warning to the Najaf administration: We will not stand idly by in the face of transgressions.

Al-Sadr issues a strongly worded warning to the Najaf administration: We will not stand idly by in the face of transgressions.

2026-09-18

Shafaq News – Najaf
The leader of the Shiite national movement, Muqtada al-Sadr, issued a strongly worded warning on Friday to the local administration in Najaf Governorate, following the incident of pork being sold in the markets of the holy city, an event that sparked widespread controversy in the community.

In his handwritten Friday sermon, Al-Sadr said: “We will not stand idly by if the local government turns a blind eye to these transgressions. Whoever does not respect Read more…

A US report proposes a sustainable strategy for “controlling weapons” in Iraq and calls for “special” attention to Kurdistan.

A US report proposes a sustainable strategy for “controlling weapons” in Iraq and calls for “special” attention to Kurdistan.

2026-09-18

Shafaq News – Special Translation
According to the American newspaper ” The Washington Times ,” Iraq faces one of the most important tests in the post-2003 era: the test of choosing between law and arms, the results of which could also shape the broader security and energy landscape in the Middle East, noting the need to deal with the Kurdistan Region with special attention.

The American newspaper explained in a report, translated by Shafaq News Agency, that at the heart of this challenge Read more…

Warnings to al-Zaydi before heading to Washington: Avoid the “siege scenario” and handle issues with America rationally.

Warnings to al-Zaydi before heading to Washington: Avoid the “siege scenario” and handle issues with America rationally.

2026-09-18

Shafaq News – Baghdad / Najaf
The imam and preacher of the Abu Hanifa al-Nu’man Mosque, Abdul Wahab al-Samarrai, warned on Friday of the repercussions of the withdrawal of the US-led international coalition forces from Iraq at the end of September, hinting at the possibility of reimposing economic sanctions on Baghdad similar to those that were tightened in the 1990s.

Al-Samarrai said in his Friday sermon: “We have sent a message to our government and its president stating that Read more…