IRAQI DINAR POLITICS & ECONOMY

Al-Zubaidi: The withdrawal of US forces from Iraq is certain, and Washington is required to abide by its commitments.

Al-Zubaidi: The withdrawal of US forces from Iraq is certain, and Washington is required to abide by its commitments.

9-16-2026

Information/Special…
The official spokesperson for the Victory Coalition, Salam al-Zubaidi, confirmed on Wednesday that the agreement with the United States regarding the withdrawal of its forces from Iraq was reached during the previous government, following Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s visit to Washington. He stressed that the withdrawal dates are fixed and should not be Read more…

Al-Muslawi speaks about the oil and gas law…its approval is still far off

Al-Muslawi speaks about the oil and gas law…its approval is still far off

9-16-2026

The spokesperson for the Reconstruction and Development parliamentary bloc, Firas al-Muslawi, confirmed on Wednesday that the oil and gas law continues to face numerous obstacles preventing its passage in the Council of Representatives. He explained that the reasons for the delay are a mix of political and technical factors.
Speaking to Al-Maalomah, al-Muslawi stated, “The oil and gas law is among Read more…

In detail… Al-Zaydi’s advisor reveals to Shafaq News the features and challenges of the 2027 budget

In detail… Al-Zaydi’s advisor reveals to Shafaq News the features and challenges of the 2027 budget

2026-09-16

Shafaq News – Baghdad
On Wednesday, the Prime Minister’s financial and economic advisor, Mazhar Muhammad Salih, revealed the most prominent features and challenges facing Iraq’s 2027 budget, stressing that its final form is not yet clear, pending the approval of the draft law by the Council of Ministers and its referral to Read more…

(Exclusive) The US State Department confirms its support for al-Zaidi’s efforts to extend sovereignty, control weapons, and prevent attacks.

(Exclusive) The US State Department confirms its support for al-Zaidi’s efforts to extend sovereignty, control weapons, and prevent attacks.

2026-09-16

Shafaq News – Washington
Mustafa Hashim
The US State Department affirmed on Wednesday that the United States supports Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s efforts to extend state sovereignty and prevent attacks from being carried out inside or launched from Iraq, stressing Washington’s commitment to building a strong and mutually beneficial partnership Read more…

An economist identifies 5 obstacles facing Iraq’s 2027 budget and warns of a 60 trillion dinar deficit.

An economist identifies 5 obstacles facing Iraq’s 2027 budget and warns of a 60 trillion dinar deficit.

2026-09-16

Shafaq News – Baghdad
Economic expert Nabil Al-Marsoumi identified five major obstacles facing Iraq’s budget for next year on Wednesday, while warning of a financial deficit that could exceed 60 trillion Iraqi dinars.

In a post on social media, Al-Marsoumi addressed those obstacles, explaining that the first of them lies in the difficulty of Read more…

The Kurdistan Regional Government rejects the 2027 budget allocations and insists on a 14% share based on the census.

The Kurdistan Regional Government rejects the 2027 budget allocations and insists on a 14% share based on the census.

2026-09-16

Shafaq News – Erbil
The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) expressed its rejection on Wednesday of the 2027 budget allocations that are scheduled to be approved by the federal government and the House of Representatives, stressing its adherence to the 14% share for the region based on Read more…

Kurdistan Democratic Party: We expect the obstacles to be overcome and the regional government to be formed soon.

Kurdistan Democratic Party: We expect the obstacles to be overcome and the regional government to be formed soon.

2026-09-16

Shafaq News – Erbil
The spokesman for the Kurdistan Democratic Party, Mahmoud Mohammed, confirmed on Wednesday that an agreement with the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan on a number of issues had been reached some time ago, indicating that the two sides had intensified their efforts in recent days to resolve the remaining Read more…

The Middle Oil Company reveals its plan to increase production and meet the needs of power plants and refineries.

The Middle Oil Company reveals its plan to increase production and meet the needs of power plants and refineries.

9-16-2026

The Central Oil Company announced on Wednesday the signing of contracts to sell and pump oil through the strategic pipeline and Basra outlets. It also revealed a plan to increase production and meet the needs of stations and refineries in the coming days. The company’s Director General, Muhammad Yassin Hassan, stated in a statement to the official agency that “the Central Oil Company was producing Read more…

US official: There is no structure for security cooperation with Baghdad after the withdrawal

US official: There is no structure for security cooperation with Baghdad after the withdrawal

9-16-2026

A senior US official, speaking to the British newspaper The Independent on Tuesday (September 15), denied any plans to establish “security cooperation with Baghdad” after the scheduled withdrawal date of the 30th of this month.

The Pentagon official, who declined to be identified, said that the remaining US forces in Iraq will complete their withdrawal with all their equipment, including air defenses, on Read more…

At discounted prices, the UAE buys millions of barrels of Iraqi oil within two months.

At discounted prices, the UAE buys millions of barrels of Iraqi oil within two months.

2026-09-15

Shafaq News – Middle East
Reuters reported on Tuesday evening that Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) had purchased millions of barrels of crude oil at discounted prices from the Iraqi state oil company, citing three sources familiar with the matter.

Two Iraqi energy sources said that the UAE state-owned company, through its trading arm, was the largest importer of Iraqi crude oil in August and September, helping to boost Iraqi exports Read more…

Nine ministerial portfolios await resolution… Abdul Hadi: The vote may be postponed until October

Nine ministerial portfolios await resolution… Abdul Hadi: The vote may be postponed until October

9-15-2026

Information/Special…
Member of the Coordination Framework, Uday Abdul-Hadi, confirmed on Tuesday that the process of voting on nine vacant ministerial portfolios in Ali al-Zidi’s government may extend into October, given the lack of a comprehensive agreement on setting a date for the decisive session in Parliament.
Abdul-Hadi explained to Al-Maalouma that “until this moment, there is no Read more…

Al-Zaidi’s cabinet: A design that reveals the crux of the dispute over the vacant portfolios

Al-Zaidi’s cabinet: A design that reveals the crux of the dispute over the vacant portfolios

9-15-2026

Information/Baghdad…
MP Aqeel al-Rajhi, from the Tasmeem parliamentary bloc, confirmed on Tuesday that the process of completing the cabinet of Prime Minister al-Zaidi’s government remains unstable. He attributed this to the insistence of some political blocs on retaining names previously rejected by parliament.
Al-Rajhi told the Information Agency that “political agreements regarding Read more…

An economist says 26 unofficial outlets in the region are draining state funds.

An economist says 26 unofficial outlets in the region are draining state funds.

9-15-2026

Information/Baghdad…
On Tuesday, economist Diaa Mohsen accused the federal government of clear negligence in resolving the issue of unofficial border crossings in the Kurdistan Region. He emphasized that turning a blind eye to these crossings is causing significant financial damage to the country’s public treasury, in addition to serious security and health repercussions.
Mohsen told the Information Agency that “there are approximately 26 unofficial border crossings within the region that are still operating outside the law.” He explained that Read more…

Exclusive: Al-Zaidi “averted” military strikes against Iraq from Saudi Arabia and America yesterday

Exclusive: Al-Zaidi “averted” military strikes against Iraq from Saudi Arabia and America yesterday

2026-09-15

Shafaq News – Baghdad
On Tuesday, MP Abu Turab al-Tamimi revealed the role of Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, who “spared” Iraq from almost certain military strikes that were planned for yesterday by Saudi Arabia and the United States.

Al-Tamimi told Shafaq News Agency that “the shrewdness and policy of the Commander-in-Chief is what spared Iraq from the strikes,” refusing to Read more…

Al-Zaidi presents Steinmeier with a “development path” as a gateway to link Asia with Europe

Al-Zaidi presents Steinmeier with a “development path” as a gateway to link Asia with Europe

2026-09-15

Shafaq News – Baghdad
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi discussed with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Berlin the development of Iraqi-German relations and ways to strengthen the economic partnership and expand the participation of German companies in development projects within Iraq.

The Prime Minister’s Media Office stated in a statement received by Shafaq News Agency that the meeting addressed joint efforts to strengthen Read more…

(Exclusive) The White House calls on Baghdad to be transparent with Washington and regional partners regarding the handover of weapons by the factions.

(Exclusive) The White House calls on Baghdad to be transparent with Washington and regional partners regarding the handover of weapons by the factions.

2026-09-15

Shafaq News – Washington
Mustafa Hashim
A U.S. administration official on Monday affirmed the United States’ full support for disarming factions in Iraq and transferring their weapons to the federal government, stressing that transparency with Washington and regional partners regarding the mechanism for implementing the process is a crucial factor for its success.

In response to a question from Shafaq News Agency regarding the US administration’s position on the issue Read more…

Al-Zaidi heads to the German capital, Berlin, after concluding his official visit to France.

Al-Zaidi heads to the German capital, Berlin, after concluding his official visit to France.

2026-09-15

Shafaq News – Baghdad
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi headed to the German capital, Berlin, on Tuesday, after concluding his official visit to France.

The visit included a meeting between Al-Zaidi and French President Emmanuel Macron, and the signing of six memoranda of understanding, declarations of intent, and a cooperation protocol in the fields of defense, artificial intelligence, Read more…

September deadline looms over Iraq… Final warning to factions: Washington will act

September deadline looms over Iraq… Final warning to factions: Washington will act

2026-09-15

Shafaq News – Special Translation
Two deadlines loom for Iraq at the end of September: the end of the decades-long US military presence and the disarmament of pro-Iranian factions, according to a report by the Associated Press.

According to a report by the US agency, translated by Shafaq News Agency, hundreds of remaining soldiers in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq will leave by Read more…

Al-Zidi’s travel and the vacant ministries postpone the coordination framework meeting

Al-Zidi’s travel and the vacant ministries postpone the coordination framework meeting

2026-09-15

Shafaq News – Baghdad
A source within the coordination framework revealed on Tuesday the reason for postponing the meeting of the framework’s leaders, which was scheduled for yesterday.

The source told Shafaq News Agency that “the meeting was postponed due to Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s trip to France and Germany, and the political forces’ failure to reach a final agreement Read more…

Sheikh Hamoudi: Iraq is moving towards a project of complete and comprehensive sovereignty.

Sheikh Hamoudi: Iraq is moving towards a project of complete and comprehensive sovereignty.

9-15-2026

The head of the Supreme Islamic Council, Sheikh Humam Hamoudi, affirmed on Tuesday that Iraq is moving towards a project of complete and comprehensive sovereignty and a phase of building a capable state. Sheikh Hamoudi’s media office stated in a statement that “the head of the Supreme Islamic Council, Sheikh Humam Hamoudi, received the Russian Ambassador to Baghdad, Alybrus Kutrashev, on the occasion of the end of his term. The ambassador praised the patriotic spirit Read more…