IRAQI DINAR POLITICS & ECONOMY

Iran announces it is addressing banking difficulties with Iraq and is preparing to activate financial agreements.

Iran announces it is addressing banking difficulties with Iraq and is preparing to activate financial agreements.

2026-08-20

Shafaq News – Tehran
The governor of the Central Bank of Iran, Abdolnaser Hemmati, stated that the existing obstacles to banking transactions between Iran and Iraq have been removed, confirming that the groundwork has been laid to utilize these resources in the coming weeks, following recent talks with Iraqi officials.

According to the Iranian news agency Mehr, Hemmati stressed the importance of collecting outstanding payments and accelerating economic interactions. Read more…

State employees’ salaries have entered the entitlement phase, but disbursement has not yet begun.

State employees’ salaries have entered the entitlement phase, but disbursement has not yet begun.

2026-08-20

Shafaq News – Baghdad
An informed source revealed on Thursday that the salaries of state employees for this month have entered the entitlement stage, but disbursement operations have not actually begun yet, attributing this to a lack of financial liquidity and a decline in revenues.

The source explained to Shafaq News Agency that the concerned authorities have begun disbursing the salaries of employees of self-financing departments, while the salaries of central financing employees are still awaiting disbursement procedures, despite the approaching end of this month. Read more…

Shipping activity picks up: 9 tankers gather at Basra oil ports, the highest number since February

Shipping activity picks up: 9 tankers gather at Basra oil ports, the highest number since February

2026-08-20

Shafaq News – Basra
A source at Iraqi ports reported on Thursday that nine oil tankers are currently docked at the port of Basra, waiting to be loaded with shipments of crude oil.

The source told Shafaq News Agency that five tankers are currently docked at the Basra oil port awaiting crude oil loading operations, while four other tankers are waiting their turn. Read more…

Qalibaf from Baghdad: Iran supports the Iraqi government’s steps to regulate weapons and is committed to the security agreement.

Qalibaf from Baghdad: Iran supports the Iraqi government’s steps to regulate weapons and is committed to the security agreement.

2026-08-20

Shafaq News – Baghdad
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf expressed his country’s support on Thursday for the steps taken by the Iraqi government to establish a legal framework regulating weapons under the command of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, stressing Tehran’s commitment to the security agreement concluded with Baghdad.

This came during his meeting with National Security Advisor Qasim al-Aboudi, where they discussed the latest Read more…

Alternatives to the Strait of Hormuz: How does Iraq plan to free its oil exports from the “single outlet”?

Alternatives to the Strait of Hormuz: How does Iraq plan to free its oil exports from the “single outlet”?

2026-08-20

Shafaq News – Baghdad/Kirkuk/Erbil
The Iraqi oil export crisis is no longer just a challenge related to delivering crude oil to global markets, but has turned into a real test of the state’s ability to protect its main financial resource in light of the geopolitical changes taking place in the region, most notably the disruption of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, which has brought back to the forefront a question that has been raised for years: Can Iraq get rid of dependence on a single export outlet?

This question was the focus of the expanded meeting held by Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi with the leaders of Read more…

The State of Law coalition maintains its position: no changes to the names of our previous ministerial nominees.

The State of Law coalition maintains its position: no changes to the names of our previous ministerial nominees.

8-19-2026

Information / Special..
Salah Boushi, a member of the State of Law Coalition, confirmed on Wednesday that completing the cabinet is a political and governmental priority, noting that resolving this issue must be done through understanding and dialogue between the political forces, in order to ensure the formation of a government capable of performing its duties without obstruction.

Bushi told Al-Maalomah that “the State of Law Coalition is holding firm to its position regarding its candidates Read more…

Exclusive: Two prime ministers and members of parliament on the list of an international committee investigating Iraqi corruption cases

Exclusive: Two prime ministers and members of parliament on the list of an international committee investigating Iraqi corruption cases

2026-08-19

Shafaq News – Baghdad
An informed source revealed on Wednesday that a new list is being prepared that includes Iraqi political and governmental figures suspected of involvement in cases of squandering public funds, corruption and money smuggling, noting that the names under review include two former prime ministers, current and former members of parliament and officials of various ranks.

The source told Shafaq News Agency that the international committee currently in Iraq, which includes experts specializing in tracking smuggled and stolen funds, conducted, in coordination with the relevant Iraqi government Read more…

Removing zeros: A currency restructuring or a step to boost confidence in the dinar?

Removing zeros: A currency restructuring or a step to boost confidence in the dinar?

2026/08/19

The issue of removing zeros from the Iraqi currency has resurfaced, amid economic debate about the feasibility of this step and its implications for the value of the dinar and the purchasing power of the citizen, as well as the readiness of the banking and financial sectors to implement it.

Economic experts believe that removing zeros, if implemented within a comprehensive study and a clear plan, could contribute to restructuring the currency and simplifying financial and banking transactions, while emphasizing that the measure itself Read more…

A former deputy confirms Trump’s interference in the cabinet formation and the resistance’s weapons.

A former deputy confirms Trump’s interference in the cabinet formation and the resistance’s weapons.

8-19-2026

Information/Baghdad…
Former MP Hussein Mardan confirmed that US President Donald Trump interfered in the cabinet formation process and the issue of the Islamic Resistance’s weapons, which delayed the appointment of any ministers or MPs affiliated with the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) or resistance factions.
Mardan told Al-Maalouma, “Washington’s interference was clear in the cabinet formation process and the political process in general. Trump intervened directly and sent messages rejecting any minister or MP affiliated with the PMF or resistance factions.” Read more…

Two million barrels since the beginning of August… Iraq opens alternative routes for its oil exports

Two million barrels since the beginning of August… Iraq opens alternative routes for its oil exports

8-19-2026

Information/Baghdad –
Anbar Alliance leader Mohammed al-Dhari al-Dulaimi revealed on Wednesday that Iraq has exported approximately two million barrels of oil since the beginning of August via the Ceyhan pipeline in Turkey and by tanker trucks to Syria and Jordan.
Al-Dulaimi told the Information Agency that “crude oil exports via the Ceyhan pipeline and by tanker trucks through the Trebil border crossing with Jordan and the al-Walid crossing in western Anbar have reached unprecedented levels, exceeding two million barrels since the beginning of August. These quantities are roughly equivalent to what Iraq previously exported through the Strait of Hormuz, and it is hoped that the pace of refined oil exports to Turkey, Jordan, and Syria will increase in the coming days.” Read more…

Exclusive: The coordination framework pushes Al-Amiri and Al-Hakim to prevent clashes with the factions.

Exclusive: The coordination framework pushes Al-Amiri and Al-Hakim to prevent clashes with the factions.

2026-08-19

Shafaq News – Baghdad
An informed source reported on Wednesday that the special committee formed by the Coordinating Framework for Dialogue with armed factions refusing to hand over weapons has begun its meetings and contacts, with the aim of discussing mechanisms for implementing the decision to restrict weapons to the state.

The source told Shafaq News Agency that the committee includes Badr Organization leader Hadi al-Amiri and the head of the Hikma Movement, Ammar al-Hakim, and will undertake the task of dialogue and negotiation Read more…

Lifting subsidies and tightening tax collection: The Iraqi government approves a new package of economic decisions.

Lifting subsidies and tightening tax collection: The Iraqi government approves a new package of economic decisions.

2026-08-19

Shafaq News – Baghdad
On Tuesday evening, Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi chaired the fifteenth regular session of the Council of Ministers, which witnessed a discussion of the latest developments in the general situation in the country, a review of the files on the agenda, and the adoption of a number of necessary decisions and measures regarding them.

The Prime Minister’s Media Office stated in a statement received by Shafaq News Agency that, as part of the government’s measures to increase export and import capacities, the recommendation regarding the purchase of Read more…

Chevron reveals to Shafaq News developments in West Qurna, Nasiriyah, and the oil pipeline through Syria

Chevron reveals to Shafaq News developments in West Qurna, Nasiriyah, and the oil pipeline through Syria

2026-08-19

Shafaq News – Washington
On Wednesday, the American company Chevron revealed progress in its negotiations regarding the West Qurna 2 and Nasiriyah oil fields, in parallel with its involvement in a potential project to establish a cross-border pipeline that would transport Iraqi oil through Syria to the Mediterranean Sea, at a time when Baghdad is seeking to expand its production and diversify its crude oil export outlets away from the Strait of Hormuz.

In an official response to questions from Shafaq News Agency, the company said that Chevron Read more…

British report: Pipeline projects will not free Iraq from the grip of Hormuz

British report: Pipeline projects will not free Iraq from the grip of Hormuz

2026-08-19

Shafaq News – Translation
Amid the prolonged crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, Iraq is scrambling to find new outlets and routes to export its oil products, including through some pipeline projects that face significant logistical challenges. However, the British website Sea Trade Maritime News believes that Iraq will remain primarily dependent on two-way tanker traffic through Hormuz, especially in order to meet its two Asian giant customers, India and China.

After the British website specializing in maritime trade affairs stated in a report, translated by Shafaq News Agency, Read more…

Qalibaf in Baghdad… Al-Halbousi demands “special treatment” for Iraqi oil via the Strait of Hormuz, and Al-Amidi warns against escalation.

Qalibaf in Baghdad… Al-Halbousi demands “special treatment” for Iraqi oil via the Strait of Hormuz, and Al-Amidi warns against escalation.

2026-08-19

Shafaq News – Baghdad
On Wednesday, President Nizar Amidi discussed with Iranian Islamic Consultative Assembly Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf the latest regional and international developments, prospects for bilateral relations, and ways to develop them. Meanwhile, during a separate meeting with Qalibaf, Speaker of Parliament Hebat al-Halbousi called for consideration of Iraq’s “special circumstances” in exporting oil through the Strait of Hormuz.

A statement from the media office of the Presidency of the Republic, received Read more…

Iraq’s revenues decline by 42% in June 2026

Iraq’s revenues decline by 42% in June 2026

2026-08-19

Shafaq News – Baghdad
The revenues of the Iraqi federal budget declined during June 2026 to about 35.946 trillion dinars, compared to 62.004 trillion dinars in the same month of 2025, a decrease of about 26.058 trillion dinars, or about 42%.

According to budget implementation data reviewed by Shafaq News Agency, oil revenues in June 2026 amounted to approximately 28.506 trillion dinars, Read more…

Iraq emphasizes to Iran the importance of prioritizing wisdom in resolving conflicts.

Iraq emphasizes to Iran the importance of prioritizing wisdom in resolving conflicts.

8-19-2026

The Iraqi Presidency stated that President Nizar Amidi discussed with Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, who is visiting Baghdad, the latest developments on the regional and international scenes. It added that the President affirmed Iraq’s firm position and support for all efforts to end conflicts and resolve crises in the region, and stressed that Iraq clearly stands by any measures that contribute to strengthening regional peace and preserving the sovereignty and independence of states. Read more…

A member of parliament calls for urgent measures to restore the Iraqi oil pipeline from Saudi Arabia.

A member of parliament calls for urgent measures to restore the Iraqi oil pipeline from Saudi Arabia.

8-18-2026

The head of the Al-Asas parliamentary bloc, Alaa al-Haidari, called on the government Tuesday to take urgent legal action to reclaim the Iraqi-Saudi oil pipeline, stressing the need to protect Iraq’s rights in this matter.
Al-Haidari told Al-Maalomah News Agency, “The Yanbu pipeline is one of the important issues that requires urgent government action to restore Iraq’s rights through established legal procedures.”
He added, “The government is required to seriously address this issue and follow up on it from all legal and technical aspects to ensure the preservation of Iraq’s interests, funds, and oil assets.” Read more…

Al-Zaidi and the United Nations discuss rural development and the private sector

Al-Zaidi and the United Nations discuss rural development and the private sector

2026-08-18

Shafaq News – Baghdad
On Tuesday, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi affirmed his commitment to developing rural areas and supporting the agricultural sector, as well as supporting and developing the private sector, in order to contribute to achieving sustainable development and diversifying the economy. This came during his meeting with the acting UN Resident Coordinator in Iraq, Peter Hawkins.

According to a statement from Al-Zaidi’s office received by Shafaq News Agency, the meeting discussed cooperation Read more…

Economist: Removing zeros will reduce inflation and withdraw money from corrupt officials.

Economist: Removing zeros will reduce inflation and withdraw money from corrupt officials.

8-18-2026

Information/Baghdad…
Economic researcher Haitham al-Khazali believes that removing zeros from the currency will reduce inflation in the financial markets and markets. He added that it will also draw cash held by citizens, merchants, and investors into banks, and compel corrupt individuals to surrender their illicit funds.
Al-Khazali told Al-Maalouma, “The government’s move to remove zeros from the currency would be a step in the right direction if it proceeds with such a transformation, as it would restore the Iraqi currency’s strength and reduce the inflation rate.” Read more…