IRAQI DINAR POLITICS & ECONOMY

The Iraqi dinar between strong reserves and a crisis of confidence: Will the dollar’s turmoil turn into wider economic pressures?

The Iraqi dinar between strong reserves and a crisis of confidence: Will the dollar’s turmoil turn into wider economic pressures?

9-21-2026

Researcher Shatha Khalil*
The significance of the Central Bank of Iraq’s recent statement lies not only in its reaffirmation of the country’s sufficient foreign currency reserves, but also in its timing and what it reveals about the nature of the pressures facing the Iraqi economy. On September 19, 2026, the Central Bank confirmed its ability to meet the demand for foreign currency to finance foreign trade, settle bank card transactions, and provide dollars to Read more…

Exceptional measures at Harir base… A new American convoy departs Erbil

Exceptional measures at Harir base… A new American convoy departs Erbil

9-20-2026

Information/Erbil…
Informed sources revealed on Sunday that exceptional security measures have been imposed around the Harir base near Erbil, coinciding with the departure of a new convoy of US forces as part of the withdrawal of their forces before September 30.

The sources explained to Al-Maalomah that “Al-Harir base witnessed, at the early hours of dawn, exceptional security measures, coinciding with helicopters flying overhead Read more…

The decision on the vacant ministerial positions has been postponed until next month.

The decision on the vacant ministerial positions has been postponed until next month.

9-20-2026

Information/Baghdad…
Member of Parliament Ghalib Muhammad suggested that the decision on the vacant ministerial positions in Al-Zidi’s government would be delayed until next month, noting that there were internal and external factors that were the reason for the delay in completing the government throughout the past period.

Mohammed told Al-Maalomah that “the resolution of the remaining ministries Read more…

There is no security with a foreign presence… Iraq is moving towards regaining its sovereign decision-making power.

There is no security with a foreign presence… Iraq is moving towards regaining its sovereign decision-making power.

9-20-2026

Information/Report…
Some biased political parties that support the presence of the occupier continue to issue statements and warnings about the destabilization of security and stability after the American military withdrawal from Iraq. This comes at a time when many political parties and competent authorities confirm that the security forces, in all their branches, have been Read more…

Vacant ministries await resolution… Movement within the framework to propose new candidates

Vacant ministries await resolution… Movement within the framework to propose new candidates

9-20-2026

Information/Baghdad…
MP Alaa Sabah revealed on Sunday that there is intensive political activity within the Coordination Framework forces aimed at finalizing the nomination of candidates for the vacant ministerial portfolios in the government in preparation for presenting them to Parliament.

Sabah told Al-Maalomah News Agency that “the forces of the Coordination Framework are intensifying their meetings and internal understandings to Read more…

Discounted oil and customs exemptions… What did Jordan offer in return for Iraqi concessions?

Discounted oil and customs exemptions… What did Jordan offer in return for Iraqi concessions?

9-20-2026

Information / Report
While the Iraqi street faces accumulating economic and living challenges, the issue of oil and trade relations between Baghdad and Amman has resurfaced, sparking a massive wave of popular and political astonishment and condemnation.

The criticism centers on the insistence of successive governments on granting the Jordanian side extensive customs exemptions and major economic privileges, allowing it to obtain Iraqi oil at preferential prices that are almost free, without any tangible return that serves the Iraqi Read more…

Al-Moussawi calls for the US Federal Reserve to lift its control over Iraqi oil sales.

Al-Moussawi calls for the US Federal Reserve to lift its control over Iraqi oil sales.

9-20-2026

Information/Special…
MP Mukhtar al-Moussawi called on Sunday for lifting the US Federal Reserve’s control over Iraqi oil sales, noting that the oil revenue file represents a pressure tactic that has been used repeatedly against Iraq.
Al-Moussawi explained to Al-Maalouma that “the established procedure dictates that the proceeds from Iraqi oil sales are deposited in dollars into accounts at the US Federal Reserve before reaching Read more…

Key Card confirms a halt in electronic payment operations

Key Card confirms a halt in electronic payment operations

2026-09-20

Shafaq News – Baghdad
Key Card, the company responsible for electronic payment cards, issued a statement on Sunday confirming that some outages had occurred and that it was working to resolve them.

The company said in a statement: We would like to assure Key card users that your cards are operating normally inside and outside Iraq, with some limited Read more…

Masrour Barzani calls for the confiscation of weapons and the activation of the Kurdistan Parliament to form the new government.

Masrour Barzani calls for the confiscation of weapons and the activation of the Kurdistan Parliament to form the new government.

2026-09-20

Shafaq News – Erbil
Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani renewed on Sunday his support for the process of restricting weapons to the state throughout Iraq, while calling on boycotting members of the regional parliament to end their boycott and carry out their legislative duties in preparation for the formation of the new government. Read more…

Al-Zaidi and world leaders in New York: The Middle East and artificial intelligence top the agenda at the United Nations meetings.

Al-Zaidi and world leaders in New York: The Middle East and artificial intelligence top the agenda at the United Nations meetings.

2026-09-20

Shafaq News – Follow-up
Around 130 heads of state and government are participating in the United Nations General Assembly meetings in New York this week, amid anticipation of US President Donald Trump’s attendance for the second year in a row, and at a time when the widening scope of conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, along with the risks Read more…

The Federal Court postpones its decision on the formation of the Kurdistan government until October 26.

The Federal Court postpones its decision on the formation of the Kurdistan government until October 26.

2026-09-20

Shafaq News – Baghdad
The Federal Supreme Court (the highest judicial authority in Iraq) decided on Sunday to postpone consideration of the case concerning the formation of the new government of the Kurdistan Region until next month.

According to the information received, the court has set October 26 as the new date for holding the session dedicated to this matter.

The decision to postpone comes in conjunction with what was announced yesterday, Saturday, by Ali Hama Salih, Read more…

Iraq’s domestic public debt exceeds 109 trillion dinars by the end of July

Iraq’s domestic public debt exceeds 109 trillion dinars by the end of July

2026-09-20

Shafaq News – Baghdad
Data from the Central Bank of Iraq showed that total domestic public debt rose to about 109.5 trillion dinars by the end of July 2026, compared to about 90.5 trillion dinars at the end of 2025, an increase of about 19 trillion dinars, or 21%, during seven months.

According to data seen by Shafaq News Agency, domestic public debt rose from Read more…

Al-Rasheed launches loans for purchasing renewable energy systems

Al-Rasheed launches loans for purchasing renewable energy systems

2026-09-20

Shafaq News – Baghdad
On Sunday, Al-Rasheed Bank announced the launch of loans for the purchase of renewable energy and solar energy systems, financed by the Central Bank of Iraq, with a maximum limit of 30 million dinars.

The bank stated in a statement received by Shafaq News Agency that the loans include citizens and employees, and are granted with a total interest rate of 3% Read more…

Al-Hakim to the US Chargé d’Affaires: Addressing weapons outside the framework of the state is an Iraqi constitutional right.

Al-Hakim to the US Chargé d’Affaires: Addressing weapons outside the framework of the state is an Iraqi constitutional right.

2026-09-20

Shafaq News – Baghdad
The head of the National State Forces Alliance, Ammar al-Hakim, discussed on Sunday with the acting US ambassador to Baghdad, Steven Feiglin, the latest political developments in Iraq and the region and ways to develop bilateral relations between the two countries.

During the meeting, Al-Hakim reiterated his call to address the problem of Read more…

Sudden halt of electronic payment cards outside Iraq

Sudden halt of electronic payment cards outside Iraq

2026-09-20

Shafaq News – Baghdad
An informed source revealed on Sunday that a number of Iraqi electronic payment cards have stopped making payments, purchases, shopping, and cash withdrawals outside the country, attributing this to a number of reasons, including high commissions, coinciding with Read more…

The parliamentary finance committee on the budget law: It will arrive next month, and postponing it to 2027 is a possible option.

The parliamentary finance committee on the budget law: It will arrive next month, and postponing it to 2027 is a possible option.

2026-09-20

Shafaq News – Baghdad
The Finance Committee in the Iraqi Parliament confirmed on Sunday that the government intends to send the draft general budget law for 2027 to Parliament before the end of next October.

Committee member Jamal Kojar told Shafaq News Agency that “the House of Representatives has not yet received the draft budget from the government, and therefore it is not possible to determine an exact date for its approval,” explaining that “the approval process Read more…

Exclusive: Iraq after September 30: A partnership independent of Iran and the possibility of an American return

Exclusive: Iraq after September 30: A partnership independent of Iran and the possibility of an American return

2026-09-20

Shafaq News – Washington/ Mustafa Hashim
Andrew Tabler, a researcher at the Washington Institute and a former official at the US National Security Council, confirmed on Sunday that the future of relations between Baghdad and Washington is heading towards establishing a direct strategic and bilateral relationship, stressing that Iraq’s stability and its ability to control its territory will be a key factor in the continuation of this Read more…

Kirkuk-Banias pipeline: A Syrian agreement with Iraq to replace the dilapidated oil pipeline

Kirkuk-Banias pipeline: A Syrian agreement with Iraq to replace the dilapidated oil pipeline

2026-09-20

Shafaq News – Damascus
During a hearing before the People’s Assembly, Syrian Energy Minister Mohammed al-Bashir reviewed the field and financial situation of the energy sector in the country, revealing the existence of major operational challenges and strategic projects in cooperation with the Iraqi side.

During the session, which was followed by Shafaq News Agency, the minister confirmed that the Ministry of Energy includes the electricity, water, oil and mineral resources sectors, noting that Read more…

The State of Law coalition insists on Qasim Atta for the Interior Ministry… Abdul Hadi: Finalizing the appointment of nine ministers depends on consensus.

The State of Law coalition insists on Qasim Atta for the Interior Ministry… Abdul Hadi: Finalizing the appointment of nine ministers depends on consensus.

9-19-2026

Information/Baghdad..
On Saturday, Coordination Framework member Uday Abdul-Hadi confirmed that there is near-unanimity within the State of Law Coalition to support Lieutenant General Qasim Atta as a candidate for the Ministry of Interior portfolio, noting that the coming period will determine the path of consensus regarding the Interior Ministry and eight other ministerial portfolios.

Abdul-Hadi explained in his interview with Al-Maalouma that “there is almost Read more…

The 2027 budget is facing comprehensive parliamentary scrutiny… Al-Shammari: No crises will hinder its approval

The 2027 budget is facing comprehensive parliamentary scrutiny… Al-Shammari: No crises will hinder its approval

9-19-2026

Information/Baghdad…
Member of Parliament’s Finance Committee, Mohammed Al-Shammari, confirmed on Saturday that the draft general budget law for 2027 will be subject to intensive technical study and detailed auditing as soon as it is officially sent by the Ministry of Finance and the government to the House of Representatives, noting that the existence of prior political understandings will contribute to its smooth passage without Read more…