IRAQI DINAR POLITICS & ECONOMY

At Trump’s invitation, al-Zaidi participates in a regional meeting in New York

At Trump’s invitation, al-Zaidi participates in a regional meeting in New York

2026-09-23

Shafaq News – New York
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi participated on Tuesday evening, Baghdad time, in a multilateral meeting called for by US President Donald Trump, on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The Prime Minister’s Media Office stated in a statement received Read more…

The Iranian flight ban is disrupting Iraqi travel companies; land transport is an alternative option.

The Iranian flight ban is disrupting Iraqi travel companies; land transport is an alternative option.

2026-09-23

Shafaq News – Paris
A report by Agence France-Presse (AFP) on Tuesday evening highlighted the potential repercussions for travel agencies in Iraq as a result of the US ban on Iranian airlines.

Officials at Iraqi travel agencies reported that they have already begun canceling or replacing flights with land-based trips, with one travel agent in Baghdad saying that his agency has stopped accepting new flight bookings despite Read more…

Al-Zaidi is campaigning in New York to accelerate oil projects and strengthen economic partnerships.

Al-Zaidi is campaigning in New York to accelerate oil projects and strengthen economic partnerships.

2026-09-23

Shafaq News – New York
In New York, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi discussed economic and energy developments with the International Monetary Fund, HKN, and ExxonMobil, stressing the government’s intention to accelerate oil projects and expand partnerships with international companies, in addition to proceeding with fiscal policy reform.

This came in separate statements issued by his media office early Wednesday morning, on the sidelines Read more…

Following the coalition’s withdrawal, Iraq prepares to commemorate “Sovereignty Day”.

Following the coalition’s withdrawal, Iraq prepares to commemorate “Sovereignty Day”.

2026-09-23

Shafaq News – Baghdad
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Ali al-Zubaidi directed all ministries, non-ministerial entities, and governorates to take the necessary measures, in coordination with the government media cell, regarding the celebration of “Iraqi Sovereignty Day”.

The directive, according to the General Secretariat Read more…

Washington to Shafaq News: We are focused on completing the withdrawal of our forces from Iraq by September 30

Washington to Shafaq News: We are focused on completing the withdrawal of our forces from Iraq by September 30

2026-09-23

Shafaq News – Washington
The US State Department confirmed on Wednesday that the United States is proceeding with the withdrawal of its military forces from Iraq by September 30, while it did not specify its position on a plan under which the process of disarming factions would extend to mid-2027.

A spokesperson for the US State Department, responding to a question from Read more…

Investigations are underway into insurance premiums paid for electronic loans at Iraqi government banks.

Investigations are underway into insurance premiums paid for electronic loans at Iraqi government banks.

2026-09-23

Shafaq News – Baghdad
An informed source revealed on Wednesday that specialized regulatory authorities are conducting investigations into the insurance premiums imposed on electronic loans in government banks.

The source explained to Shafaq News Agency that the regulatory authorities are working on auditing the files related to these sums, verifying the mechanisms Read more…

“No policy of axes”: The parliamentary foreign affairs committee outlines the features of Iraq’s relationship with Washington and the region.

“No policy of axes”: The parliamentary foreign affairs committee outlines the features of Iraq’s relationship with Washington and the region.

2026-09-23

Shafaq News – Baghdad
The parliamentary foreign relations committee affirmed on Wednesday that the issue of restricting weapons to the state and strengthening the economic partnership with the United States requires an independent Iraqi decision, far removed from regional and international rivalries.

Committee member Sami Oshana told Shafaq News Agency that “Iraq is going through an important phase in its foreign relations, especially with the visit of Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi to New York Read more…

Al-Maliki reveals to the US chargé d’affaires a timeframe and program for restricting weapons by September 30

Al-Maliki reveals to the US chargé d’affaires a timeframe and program for restricting weapons by September 30

2026-09-23

Shafaq News – Baghdad
On Wednesday, Nouri al-Maliki, head of the State of Law Coalition, discussed with Steven Fagin, the acting US ambassador to Iraq, relations between the two countries, the latest political and security developments in Iraq and the region, and ways to enhance cooperation between Baghdad and Washington.

During his meeting with Fagin in Baghdad, Maliki stressed the importance of Read more…

Iraq offers 2 million barrels of Basra Heavy crude for immediate sale

Iraq offers 2 million barrels of Basra Heavy crude for immediate sale

2026-09-23

Shafaq News – Basra
A document released on Wednesday showed that Iraq has put up a tender for a shipment of Basra Heavy crude, to be loaded between September 27 and 30, according to Reuters.

The shipment amounts to two million barrels and will be delivered on board the ship, through a ship-to-ship transfer near the Omani coast, outside Read more…

The budget deficit could reach approximately 65 trillion dinars… and the parliamentary finance committee confirms: salaries are secured.

The budget deficit could reach approximately 65 trillion dinars… and the parliamentary finance committee confirms: salaries are secured.

9-23-2026

The parliamentary finance committee confirmed on Wednesday that it has prepared its plans and arrangements to discuss the draft general budget, noting that the 2027 budget is expected to reach the House of Representatives on October 15.

Committee member Ikhlas Al-Dulaimi said that “the Finance Committee will have a major role in studying the budget, organizing its items, and discussing it until it is voted on within Read more…

The judiciary issues a 7-year prison sentence and a “huge” fine against MP Alia Nassif.

The judiciary issues a 7-year prison sentence and a “huge” fine against MP Alia Nassif.

9-23-2026

The Iraqi judiciary issued a ruling on Wednesday sentencing MP Alia Nassif to seven years in prison, after convicting her of cases related to money laundering and illicit enrichment.

The Federal Integrity Commission announced in an official statement the issuance of a seven-year prison sentence against MP (Alia Nassif Jassim) for the crime of illicit enrichment, and obligating her to return more than (61) billion dinars, Read more…

Al-Saadi: There is no decision to raise the exchange rate at present… but financial pressures may bring the issue back to the forefront.

Al-Saadi: There is no decision to raise the exchange rate at present… but financial pressures may bring the issue back to the forefront.

9-22-2026

Information/Baghdad..
Former MP Baqir al-Saadi confirmed on Tuesday that there is no government decision to raise the official dollar exchange rate, noting that economic and financial pressures and the nature of the current stage may lead to a reconsideration of this course in the coming period.

Al-Saadi explained in his interview with Al-Maalouma that “speculation in Read more…

Al-Jawahiri: Iraq is capable of purchasing giant oil tankers, and the ban is political.

Al-Jawahiri: Iraq is capable of purchasing giant oil tankers, and the ban is political.

9-22-2026

Information/Special…
Oil expert Hamza al-Jawahiri stated on Tuesday that Iraq is capable of purchasing giant oil tankers to transport Iraqi crude to global markets, explaining that Iraq’s lack of a large fleet of these tankers stems from political, not technical, reasons.
Speaking to the Information Agency, al-Jawahiri said, “The obstacle preventing Iraq from purchasing giant oil tankers is political; there is no technical Read more…

The path to development: From the umbrella of theory to the horizon of application

The path to development: From the umbrella of theory to the horizon of application

2026-09-22

Dr. Firas Al-Muslawi
The Path to Development: From Theoretical Framework to Practical Application – A Political and Economic Vision for Iraq’s Present and Future

For decades, Iraq’s economic stability has been hostage to the sharp fluctuations in global oil markets, imposing a rentier reality that has hampered opportunities for inclusive growth and depleted the country’s resources. Today, the “Development Road” stands at the forefront of the national scene as the most important strategic transformation. This massive project is not merely a transit corridor for transportation, but Read more…

Al-Zaydi: The weapons control process begins with a 90-day deadline and ends in June 2027.

Al-Zaydi: The weapons control process begins with a 90-day deadline and ends in June 2027.

2026-09-22

Shafaq News – Washington
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi pledged on Monday to disarm armed factions in Iraq by June 2027, stressing that the factions have 90 days after which they will be outlawed.

Al-Zaydi told the New York Times that the disarmament plan would be implemented in stages, explaining that this step would be a key focus in Iraq’s management of its relations with its two main allies, the United States Read more…

Washington: Al-Zaidi and Rubio agreed to dismantle “terrorist militias” and prevent attacks from Iraq

Washington: Al-Zaidi and Rubio agreed to dismantle “terrorist militias” and prevent attacks from Iraq

2026-09-22

Shafaq News – New York/Baghdad
The US State Department announced that Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi and Foreign Minister Marco Rubio agreed, during their meeting in New York, on the importance of dismantling what it described as “terrorist militias,” preventing attacks launched from Iraqi territory, and enabling Iraq to fully exercise its sovereignty.

The State Department said in an official statement that Rubio met with al-Zaidi on Monday Read more…

Former Peshmerga Secretary General reveals new details about the withdrawal of coalition forces from Iraq

Former Peshmerga Secretary General reveals new details about the withdrawal of coalition forces from Iraq

2026-09-22

Shafaq News – Sulaymaniyah
The former Secretary-General of the Ministry of Peshmerga, and security expert, Jabbar Yawar, revealed on Monday evening that the end of this month will witness a complete withdrawal of the international coalition forces, including the American forces, from Iraqi territory, noting that the implementation of the withdrawal process began in two phases since Read more…

Baghdad offered an oil settlement; Korean companies are demanding $415 million from Iraq.

Baghdad offered an oil settlement; Korean companies are demanding $415 million from Iraq.

2026-09-22

Shafaq News – Special Translation
The South Korean newspaper Chosun Ilbo revealed that Korean defense and construction companies have accumulated overdue payments from the Iraqi government and other entities amounting to at least 565 billion Korean won (US$415.3 million), while Baghdad has proposed settling the debts with crude oil instead of cash payment. Read more…

Al-Hakim calls for transparency with the public “without fear or panic”: Iraq is experiencing a liquidity crisis with no resources.

Al-Hakim calls for transparency with the public “without fear or panic”: Iraq is experiencing a liquidity crisis with no resources.

2026-09-22

Shafaq News – Babylon
The head of the National State Forces Alliance, Ammar al-Hakim, confirmed on Tuesday that Iraq is experiencing a liquidity crisis due to the decline in oil production and export rates, on which the country depends by 94% to secure its budget, calling for expanding foreign investments and diversifying revenues to overcome this stage.

Al-Hakim said during a press conference he held after his meeting with the local government in Babil Governorate, Read more…

“100 days without terrorist crimes”… Iraqi Interior Ministry: Baghdad is among the safest capitals

“100 days without terrorist crimes”… Iraqi Interior Ministry: Baghdad is among the safest capitals

2026-09-22

Shafaq News – Baghdad
The head of the Department of Relations and Media at the Ministry of Interior, Major General Miqdad Miri, confirmed on Tuesday that Baghdad has become one of the safest capitals, noting that no major terrorist crimes have been recorded during the past 100 days, while revealing high coordination Read more…