IRAQI DINAR POLITICS & ECONOMY

Ministry of Oil: Plan to transport southern crude oil via tankers to increase export rates at Ceyhan port

Ministry of Oil: Plan to transport southern crude oil via tankers to increase export rates at Ceyhan port

8-23-2026

The Ministry of Oil announced on Sunday a plan to increase the volume of oil exports through the Turkish port of Ceyhan to 750,000 barrels per day by transporting crude oil from the southern fields using tanker trucks. The ministry also indicated that the plan calls for increasing the volume of exports through the southern ports, which have currently risen to more than two million barrels per day. The spokesman for the Ministry of Oil, Salim al-Rikabi, told the official news agency that “the ministry’s plan calls for increasing the volume of exports through the Turkish port of Ceyhan by an average of 750,000 barrels per day by transporting southern crude by tankers, in addition Read more…

Kurdistan refuses to hand over the Peshmerga’s weapons or dissolve and integrate them into the federal forces.

Kurdistan refuses to hand over the Peshmerga’s weapons or dissolve and integrate them into the federal forces.

8-22-2026

Information/Erbil…
Independent Kurdish politician Didar Haval revealed on Saturday that Masoud Barzani’s government has refused to comply with the federal government’s decisions regarding the handover of weapons by the Kurdish Peshmerga militia, its disbandment, or its integration into the Ministry of Defense or the Ministry of Interior. The government considers the surrender of Kurdish forces’ weapons a “red line that cannot be crossed.” Read more…

Coordination framework: No agreement on Interior and Defense Ministry candidates… Discussions continue

Coordination framework: No agreement on Interior and Defense Ministry candidates… Discussions continue

8-22-2026

Information/Baghdad…
On Saturday, Abdul Samad al-Zarkoushi, a member of the Coordination Framework, confirmed that there is no definitive agreement on the candidates for the security ministries in Ali al-Zaidi’s government.
Speaking to Al-Maalouma, al-Zarkoushi explained that “the reports claiming an agreement on the candidates for the ministerial portfolios in Ali al-Zaidi’s government, specifically the Ministries of Interior and Defense, are inaccurate. No agreement has been reached yet, despite the ongoing dialogues between the various political forces.”
He added that “discussions regarding the remaining nine ministerial portfolios in Ali al-Zaidi’s government, Read more…

MP: The looted funds are enough to transform Iraq into an attractive environment for investment.

MP: The looted funds are enough to transform Iraq into an attractive environment for investment.

8-22-2026

Information/Baghdad…
Member of Parliament Ali al-Kinani affirmed on Saturday that the continued rampant financial and administrative corruption in state institutions represents the greatest threat to Iraq’s security and stability. He pointed out that the funds looted through corrupt deals and fictitious projects could have transformed Iraq into an attractive environment for investment.
Al-Kinani told the Information Agency that “the continued spread of financial and administrative corruption in state institutions hinders development and deprives citizens of their most basic rights to services and Read more…

Iraqi oil is redrawing the energy map, moving away from the Strait of Hormuz trap.

Iraqi oil is redrawing the energy map, moving away from the Strait of Hormuz trap.

2026-08-22

Shafaq News – Special Translation
According to the Stimson Institute, there is a strategic logic to Iraq’s pursuit of the Mediterranean Sea, as this orientation not only limits the exposure of Iraqi oil exports to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, but also enhances economic integration between Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon, at a time when the governments of the three countries, with encouragement from Washington, are seeking opportunities for reconstruction and prosperity outside the Iranian orbit. Read more…

Iran allows Iraqi oil tankers to cross the Strait of Hormuz

Iran allows Iraqi oil tankers to cross the Strait of Hormuz

2026-08-22

Shafaq News – Tehran
Iran’s official news agency IRNA reported on Saturday that Iran had allowed Iraqi oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, following a request from the Iraqi government.

The agency did not provide further details regarding the number of tankers, the nature of the shipment, or which Iraqi party made the request. Read more…

The President of the Republic: The remaining ministerial appointments will be finalized soon, and the failure of the government means the failure of everyone.

The President of the Republic: The remaining ministerial appointments will be finalized soon, and the failure of the government means the failure of everyone.

2026-08-22

Shafaq News – Baghdad
Iraqi President Nizar Amidi predicted on Saturday that the remaining ministerial posts in the current government cabinet would be decided soon, indicating that there was an agreement on some portfolios and only two or three ministries remained, while stressing the need to protect political and security stability in the country.

This came during his participation in a discussion session within the proceedings of the “Eighth Baghdad Dialogue” Read more…

For the first time, Iraqi trucks carry out cross-border transport operations under the TIR agreement.

For the first time, Iraqi trucks carry out cross-border transport operations under the TIR agreement.

2026-08-22

Shafaq News – Baghdad
The General Company for Land Transport, affiliated with the Ministry of Transport, announced on Saturday that Iraqi trucks have joined, for the first time, in carrying out transport operations under the international (TIR) ​​agreement, after transport operations carried out within the country were carried out only by foreign trucks throughout the past period.

The company’s director, Murtadha Al-Shahmani, said in a statement that the transport operations exceeded 5,000 Read more…

Among them are security conditions and a two-year grace period… Baghdad announces new details regarding the “Starlink” license.

Among them are security conditions and a two-year grace period… Baghdad announces new details regarding the “Starlink” license.

2026-08-22

Shafaq News – Baghdad
Iraqi Communications Minister Mustafa Jabbar Sand denied on Saturday that the ministry had signed a direct agreement with the American internet service provider Starlink, stressing that Earthlink continues to operate in the country.

This came during his participation in a panel discussion on the sidelines of the “Eighth Baghdad Dialogue” conference, organized by the Iraqi Institute for Dialogue.

During the session, Sand said that the Ministry of Communications is trying to capitalize on competition between Read more…

Source: Most government banks have ceased lending activity and there are no lending plans.

Source: Most government banks have ceased lending activity and there are no lending plans.

2026-08-22

Shafaq News – Baghdad
An informed source revealed on Saturday that most government banks have stopped practicing their credit activity, noting the absence of credit plans at a number of those banks for the current year, which has been reflected in the limited granting of loans and advances of all kinds.

The source told Shafaq News Agency that most government banks do not have clear credit plans, which has led to the suspension or decline of construction and renovation loans and financing for Read more…

Kirkuk Governor: Turkish Deputy Energy Minister visits the province; oil exports are among the most prominent issues.

Kirkuk Governor: Turkish Deputy Energy Minister visits the province; oil exports are among the most prominent issues.

2026-08-22

Shafaq News – Kirkuk
Kirkuk Governor Mohammed Saman Agha confirmed on Saturday that the contract with BP aims to develop the oil fields in the province and increase their production capacity, while revealing an upcoming visit by the Turkish Deputy Minister of Energy to Kirkuk.

Agha told Shafaq News Agency that “the Turkish Deputy Minister of Energy will visit Kirkuk soon to discuss projects for developing oil fields and energy sector infrastructure, as well as discussing mechanisms to enhance joint cooperation between Iraq and Turkey, particularly in the field of oil exports.” Read more…

Al-Zaydi from the Agricultural Week: We are keen to support local production and reduce dependence on imports

Al-Zaydi from the Agricultural Week: We are keen to support local production and reduce dependence on imports

2026-08-22

Shafaq News – Baghdad
On Saturday, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi inaugurated the 17th annual Agricultural Week, organized by the Ministry of Agriculture in the capital, Baghdad.

The session was launched with the attendance of the Ministers of Agriculture, Trade, Education, Water Resources and Environment, along with a number of officials, specialists and representatives of companies and institutions working in the agricultural sector. Read more…

Exclusive: Parliament hosts Finance Minister to discuss the financial crisis and solutions

Exclusive: Parliament hosts Finance Minister to discuss the financial crisis and solutions

2026-08-22

Shafaq News – Baghdad
The First Deputy Speaker of the Iraqi Parliament, Adnan Faihan, revealed on Saturday that the Minister of Finance, Faleh Al-Sari, is expected to be hosted in Parliament to discuss the details of the financial crisis facing Iraq.

Faihan told Shafaq News Agency that “the Minister of Finance has requested to attend the House of Representatives, and the request to host him will be included on the agenda of one of the upcoming sessions, with the date of the hosting to be determined in the coming days,” indicating that “the Minister wants to explain the details of the financial Read more…

The President of the Republic: No Iranian official has requested a delay in the arms control file.

The President of the Republic: No Iranian official has requested a delay in the arms control file.

8-22-2026

President Nizar Amidi affirmed on Saturday that the decision to restrict weapons to the state is an Iraqi decision. Amidi stated at the eighth Baghdad Dialogue Conference that “discussions were held with the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, and messages were conveyed to Iran regarding a review of the relationship between the two countries.” He pointed out that “Iranian officials confirmed that the decision to restrict weapons to the state is an Iraqi decision, and no Iranian official requested a delay in this matter.” Read more…

No confrontation, no conflict… The government sends a message of “dialogue” to the factions: Your appointment is September 30th.

No confrontation, no conflict… The government sends a message of “dialogue” to the factions: Your appointment is September 30th.

2026-08-21

Shafaq News – Baghdad
The Iraqi government reiterated on Friday that the deadline for restricting weapons to the state is set for September 30, noting that the government has informed the armed factions of the date and the mechanisms for dealing with the issue.

Government spokesman Haider al-Aboudi said that the dialogue with the factions is progressing well, and is based on the principles of state sovereignty and the interests of the Iraqi people, Read more…

The Integrity Commission begins auditing retirees’ files and reveals more than 16,000 deceased individuals whose salaries are still being paid.

The Integrity Commission begins auditing retirees’ files and reveals more than 16,000 deceased individuals whose salaries are still being paid.

8-21-2026

Information/Baghdad..
The Federal Integrity Commission announced on Friday that it has begun auditing the files of retirees and cross-referencing the data of the National Retirement Authority, explaining that working committees headed by it and with the membership of the Federal Financial Control Bureau, the Martyrs Foundation, the National Retirement Authority and the Ministry of Interior were formed for this purpose, after the approval of Prime Minister Ali Al-Zidi.

The commission stated in a report received by Al-Maalomah Agency that “the committees will Read more…

Al-Surji: The region has entered a dark tunnel and the fate of forming a government remains unknown.

Al-Surji: The region has entered a dark tunnel and the fate of forming a government remains unknown.

8-21-2026

Information/Baghdad…
A member of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), Ghiath al-Surji, confirmed that the Kurdistan Region has entered a dark tunnel due to the unresolved issue of forming a government and the uncertain future resulting from the Kurdistan Democratic Party’s (KDP) demands. Al-Surji told Al-Maalouma, “The Kurdistan Region is still being run by a caretaker government because the new government has not been formed due to the conditions the KDP is trying to impose.” Read more…

Al-Zaidi’s advisor to Shafaq News: The government is working on a comprehensive package of economic reforms.

Al-Zaidi’s advisor to Shafaq News: The government is working on a comprehensive package of economic reforms.

2026-08-21

Shafaq News – Baghdad
On Friday, Mazhar Muhammad Salih, the Prime Minister’s economic advisor, affirmed that Iraq is working to reduce the fragility of its economy related to fluctuations in oil prices through a package of measures aimed at increasing non-oil revenues, reforming the financial and banking sectors, supporting the private sector, investing in gas and energy, and rearranging public spending priorities.

Saleh told Shafaq News Agency that the continued heavy reliance of the Iraqi economy on oil makes public revenues Read more…

Focusing on the financial aspect… A second meeting between Iraq and Turkey to discuss the path to development

Focusing on the financial aspect… A second meeting between Iraq and Turkey to discuss the path to development

2026-08-21

Shafaq News – Baghdad
The Iraqi Ministry of Transport announced on Thursday that it held a second joint meeting with its Turkish counterpart regarding the framework memorandum of understanding for developing transport infrastructure in Iraq within the framework of the Development Road project.

The ministry said in a statement received by Shafaq News Agency that the meeting was held at the headquarters of the General Company for Iraqi Railways in Baghdad, and the discussions focused on financial aspects and ways Read more…

Al-Zaydi reassures Iraqis that salaries will be secured and affirms: We have multiple options to confront the Hormuz crisis.

Al-Zaydi reassures Iraqis that salaries will be secured and affirms: We have multiple options to confront the Hormuz crisis.

2026-08-21

Shafaq News – Baghdad
Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi reassured employees and retirees on Friday that monthly salaries and government payments would be fully secured, while emphasizing that Iraq is going through “difficult and challenging” circumstances due to regional developments and the disruption of oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz.

Al-Zaydi said, during his participation in the proceedings of the “Eighth Baghdad Dialogue” conference organized by the Iraqi Institute for Dialogue, that Iraq is facing Read more…