IRAQI DINAR POLITICS & ECONOMY

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…

Iraq informs the World Bank: We are proceeding with automation projects and strengthening oversight of financial institutions.

Iraq informs the World Bank: We are proceeding with automation projects and strengthening oversight of financial institutions.

9-17-2026

Baghdad-Mail
Finance Minister Faleh Sari confirmed to a World Bank delegation on Thursday that the ministry is proceeding with the implementation of automation projects and moving them to practical steps .

The ministry said in a statement received by Mail that “the Minister of Finance, Falih Sari, received a delegation from the World Bank headed by Read more…

The oil and gas law: Iraq’s wealth held hostage by political disputes

The oil and gas law: Iraq’s wealth held hostage by political disputes

9-17-2026

The oil and gas law remains shrouded in dust after years spent in the halls of parliament, amidst ongoing political and technical disputes that have prevented its final approval. This is despite the law’s crucial role in regulating the management of oil and gas resources and defining mechanisms for revenue distribution between the federal government, the regions, and the provinces. Among the contentious issues is the relationship between Baghdad and the Read more…

Al-Surji explains the reasons for the Patriotic Union’s refusal to support the State of Law candidates.

Al-Surji explains the reasons for the Patriotic Union’s refusal to support the State of Law candidates.

9-17-2026

The Information/Baghdad –
Ghiath al-Surji, a member of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), explained on Thursday the reasons why his party did not support the State of Law Coalition in forming the government or voting on Ali al-Zaidi’s cabinet.
Al-Surji told Al-Maalouma that “agreement is still lacking regarding the completion of al-Zaidi’s cabinet, as the PUK opposed the State of Law’s nominees for ministerial positions.” He pointed out that “the PUK sided with Read more…

An expert reveals developments in Iraqi oil production and exports.

An expert reveals developments in Iraqi oil production and exports.

9-17-2026

Information/Baghdad…
Oil and gas expert Assem Jihad confirmed on Thursday the return of international companies to work in various Iraqi oil fields and projects, noting an increase in oil production and exports through various export outlets.
Jihad told Al-Maalouma, “Oil companies, both local and international, specializing in extraction, in addition to those operating under licensing rounds, are continuing work on various oil projects in Iraq according to the Read more…

MP: Completion of the cabinet is likely after September 30

MP: Completion of the cabinet is likely after September 30

9-17-2026

Information/Baghdad…
MP Ibtisam Hashim, from the State of Law Coalition, indicated on Thursday that the issue of completing the cabinet would likely be resolved after September 30th.
Hashim told the Information Agency that “negotiations and discussions between the political blocs are ongoing to reach final understandings regarding Read more…

A US convoy departs Harir base; equipment and vehicles head south ahead of withdrawal.

A US convoy departs Harir base; equipment and vehicles head south ahead of withdrawal.

9-17-2026

Information/Erbil…
Informed sources confirmed on Thursday the movement of a large convoy of US forces from Harir Air Base near Erbil towards southern Iraq, amid reports that it would later head to US bases in Kuwait.
The sources explained to Al-Maalomah that “the large convoy includes logistical support equipment, vehicles, and steel tanks, Read more…

Nechirvan Barzani calls for the constitutional implementation of the oil and salaries agreement: We do not want Erbil to dominate Baghdad, nor vice versa.

Nechirvan Barzani calls for the constitutional implementation of the oil and salaries agreement: We do not want Erbil to dominate Baghdad, nor vice versa.

2026-09-17

Shafaq News – Sulaymaniyah
Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani called on Thursday for the implementation of the political agreements concluded between Erbil and Baghdad regarding the oil, salaries and the region’s share of the country’s financial budget within the constitutional frameworks, stressing that the goal is not for Erbil to dominate Baghdad or vice versa, but rather for Iraq and the Read more…

Iraq’s ambassador to Washington presents his credentials to Trump and announces his mission priorities

Iraq’s ambassador to Washington presents his credentials to Trump and announces his mission priorities

2026-09-17

Shafaq News – Baghdad
The Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Wednesday that Ambassador Krikor Der Hakobyan presented his credentials to US President Donald Trump as the resident Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Iraq to the United States.

The Iraqi Foreign Ministry said in a statement, received by Shafaq News Agency, that the presentation of credentials ceremony took place at the White House, noting that the ambassador Read more…

The President calls for a shift towards a diversified economy and the purging of corruption from the Iraqi investment environment.

The President calls for a shift towards a diversified economy and the purging of corruption from the Iraqi investment environment.

2026-09-17

Shafaq News – Sulaymaniyah
Iraqi President Nizar Amidi called on Thursday for diversifying the sources of the economy and income, and attracting investment to the country, stressing the need to cleanse the investment environment of the “scourge of financial and administrative corruption” that is rampant in state institutions and Read more…

Nechirvan Barzani: We are on the right track to form the new Kurdistan Regional Government.

Nechirvan Barzani: We are on the right track to form the new Kurdistan Regional Government.

2026-09-17

Shafaq News – Sulaymaniyah
Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani confirmed on Thursday that there are positive signs and understandings between the two main parties (the Kurdistan Democratic Party and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan) to proceed with forming the new regional government, while also revealing a move to issue a decision to unify all Peshmerga forces under the umbrella of the Ministry of Read more…

Kurdistan’s finance minister calls on al-Zaydi to treat the region as a “constitutional entity” and not as a province.

Kurdistan’s finance minister calls on al-Zaydi to treat the region as a “constitutional entity” and not as a province.

2026-09-17

Shafaq News – Sulaymaniyah
The Minister of Finance and Economy of the Kurdistan Region, Awat Sheikh Janab Nouri, complained on Thursday about the mechanism adopted by the federal government in calculating the region’s share within the country’s general financial budget, calling on Prime Minister Ali al-Zubaidi to deal with Kurdistan as a “constitutional and legal entity” and not as a Read more…

Fuel crisis prompts Iraqi government to review decision to lift subsidies on fuel prices

Fuel crisis prompts Iraqi government to review decision to lift subsidies on fuel prices

2026-09-17

Shafaq News – Baghdad
A member of the parliamentary Oil, Gas and Natural Resources Committee revealed on Thursday that there are moves to address the country’s fuel crisis, with the Cabinet reviewing its recent decisions regarding lifting subsidies on prices.

Committee member MP Mohammed Al-Nuaimi told Shafaq News Agency that a delegation from the committee visited the Oil Products Distribution Company to discuss the “gasoline and kerosene Read more…

Parliamentary Finance Committee: The price of a barrel of oil in the upcoming budget will be between $53 and $56.

Parliamentary Finance Committee: The price of a barrel of oil in the upcoming budget will be between $53 and $56.

9-17-2026

The Finance Committee revealed on Wednesday (September 16, 2026) the mechanism for calculating the price of a barrel of oil in Iraq’s 2027 budget, in light of the tensions and events taking place in the Strait of Hormuz.

Committee member Jamal Kojer said that the current disruptions are temporary, and the budget is prepared for a full year. Therefore, the price per barrel is not determined based on Read more…

Following price increases and cooperation with Iran, Iraqi oil exports continue to flow to global markets.

Following price increases and cooperation with Iran, Iraqi oil exports continue to flow to global markets.

9-16-2026

Information/Report…
Iraqi oil exports continue to flow to global markets, reaching the threshold of 3 million barrels per day, through various sea and land outlets. This recovery comes in conjunction with the increase in oil prices amid the situation and tensions in the region, especially in the Straits of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab. Political parties confirm that exports have recovered again through Iraq’s only sea outlet Read more…

Al-Moussawi: Washington issued a “strict order” to Al-Zaidi preventing Iraq from concluding arms deals with Russia and China.

Al-Moussawi: Washington issued a “strict order” to Al-Zaidi preventing Iraq from concluding arms deals with Russia and China.

9-16-2026

Information / Baghdad..
On Wednesday, Mukhtar al-Moussawi, a member of the parliamentary Security and Defense Committee, revealed that there was a strict American directive imposed on Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi to prevent Iraq from concluding any arms contracts with Russia and China, indicating that Iraqi moves have become limited to specific alternatives Read more…

Al-Jalabi: Al-Halbousi is leading an alliance to obstruct the cabinet and perpetuate the ministerial vacuum.

Al-Jalabi: Al-Halbousi is leading an alliance to obstruct the cabinet and perpetuate the ministerial vacuum.

9-16-2026

Information/Baghdad…
Zuhair al-Jalabi, a member of the State of Law Coalition, accused Mohammed al-Halbousi, head of the Progress Party, on Wednesday of leading a political conspiracy aimed at paralyzing government work and preventing the completion of the ministerial formation, stressing that he is at the head of a suspicious alliance that has devoted its efforts to fighting State of Law Read more…

Al-Rafidain Bank achieved an 81.5% growth in electronic collections during last August.

Al-Rafidain Bank achieved an 81.5% growth in electronic collections during last August.

9-16-2026

Al-Maalomah/Baghdad…
Rafidain Bank announced on Wednesday an 81.5% increase in electronic collections during August.
A statement from the bank, received by Al-Maalomah News Agency, indicated that “Rafidain Bank achieved significant growth in electronic collections, with the value of settlements processed for government departments during August 2026 exceeding 1.35 trillion dinars, comprising Read more…