IRAQI DINAR POLITICS & ECONOMY

Finance Minister: Iraq is moving towards approving its first program and performance budget.

Finance Minister: Iraq is moving towards approving its first program and performance budget.

8-16-2026

Information/Baghdad…
Finance Minister Faleh Sari confirmed on Sunday that Iraq is moving towards approving its first program and performance-based budget in its history.
The ministry said in a statement received by the Information Agency that “the Finance Minister confirmed during his meeting with the British Ambassador that Iraq is moving towards approving its first program and performance-based budget in its history, according to a new methodology in managing Read more…

Iraqi trade officials discuss economic and banking cooperation with the governor of the Central Bank of Iran.

Iraqi trade officials discuss economic and banking cooperation with the governor of the Central Bank of Iran.

2026-08-16

Shafaq News – Baghdad/Tehran
During his meeting with an Iranian delegation on Sunday, Iraqi Trade Minister Mustafa Nizar Al-Ani discussed ways to strengthen economic and trade relations between Iraq and Iran, and to open new horizons for joint cooperation in a way that serves the mutual interests of the two countries.

According to a statement from the ministry received by Shafaq News Agency, the meeting addressed the importance of developing the volume of trade exchange, facilitating Read more…

The Prime Minister directs that taxes and customs duties be deducted in advance from foreign transfers starting from September 1st.

The Prime Minister directs that taxes and customs duties be deducted in advance from foreign transfers starting from September 1st.

8-16-2026

Prime Minister Ali al-Zubaidi directed that taxes and customs duties be deducted in advance from foreign transfers starting from September 1st. A document issued by the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers, published by the official news agency, stated that “in order to preserve public funds and protect them from waste, and to ensure the proper use of state resources, the Prime Minister directed the following during the Council of Ministers’ thirteenth regular session held on August 6, 2026: Read more…

A member of parliament calls for an end to the US Federal Reserve’s control over Iraqi funds.

A member of parliament calls for an end to the US Federal Reserve’s control over Iraqi funds.

8-16-2026

The former MP, Fawzi Akram Tarzi, called on Sunday for an end to the US Federal Reserve’s control over Iraqi funds, noting that this control has been exploited in recent years as a tool of pressure to achieve clear interests. Tarzi
explained to Al-Maalomah that “the revenues from Iraqi oil sales belong to the people and represent a significant portion of the country’s resources. Therefore, the US Federal Reserve’s control over these funds and its regulation of their flow to Baghdad infringes upon national sovereignty and reflects Read more…

A member of the framework: There is no limit to weapons before overcoming 3 dangers threatening Iraq

A member of the framework: There is no limit to weapons before overcoming 3 dangers threatening Iraq

8-16-2026

Information/Baghdad…
On Sunday, Abdul Samad al-Zarkoushi, a member of the Coordination Framework, called for a delay in the weapons control process, given the three challenges surrounding the Iraqi situation.
Speaking to Al-Maalouma, al-Zarkoushi explained that “the weapons control process is a crucial task that directly impacts the security and stability of the country, and it must be carried out in a stable and secure environment, free from any challenges. However, in the current situation, there are three direct challenges: the regional situation and Read more…

State of Law reveals preliminary framework agreement to finalize cabinet formation this week

State of Law reveals preliminary framework agreement to finalize cabinet formation this week

8-16-2026

The Information Agency / Baghdad…
Jassim Mohammed Jaafar, a leader in the State of Law Coalition, confirmed on Sunday the high level of governmental and political seriousness in resolving the issue of filling the vacant ministerial posts. He revealed that a preliminary agreement has been reached within the coordination framework to finalize this matter this week.
Jaafar told the Information Agency, “The current political movement is witnessing significant understanding between the forces within Read more…

Al-Zaydi’s government is on shaky ground… The crucial week is fraught with the “complication” of the security ministries.

Al-Zaydi’s government is on shaky ground… The crucial week is fraught with the “complication” of the security ministries.

8-16-2026

Information / Report…
Political and parliamentary pressure is mounting to fill the remaining vacant ministerial posts in Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi’s government, with strong indications that the cabinet will be completed this week.
Despite the positive atmosphere surrounding the recent consultations, the “security ministries” remain a major obstacle to final agreement due to deep disagreements over their appointment.
These complex developments come at a time when the country is experiencing Read more…

The Iraqi judiciary announces the seizure of $20 million and 60 kg of gold in the Adnan al-Jumaili case.

The Iraqi judiciary announces the seizure of $20 million and 60 kg of gold in the Adnan al-Jumaili case.

2026-08-16

Shafaq News – Baghdad
The investigating judge of the Central Anti-Corruption Criminal Court announced on Sunday that, in coordination with the Kurdistan Region, $20 million, $340,000, and 200 million Iraqi dinars were seized, in addition to the recovery of 60 kilograms of gold and the seizure of 7 cars, in the case of the detained Undersecretary of the Ministry of Oil for Liquidation Affairs, Adnan al-Jumaili, and the parties involved with him.

A statement issued by the Supreme Judicial Council quoted the judge as saying that the follow-up and investigation Read more…

Al-Walai criticizes US control over “Iraqi funds” and calls for diversifying markets and banking relationships.

Al-Walai criticizes US control over “Iraqi funds” and calls for diversifying markets and banking relationships.

2026-08-16

Shafaq News – Baghdad
The Secretary-General of the Sayyid al-Shuhada Brigades, Abu Ala al-Walai, criticized on Sunday the American dominance over Iraq’s economic resources and assets, calling for liberation from it through diversifying markets and the network of economic relations.

Al-Walai said in a post on the “X” platform that one of the clearest aspects of Iraq’s diminished sovereignty is America’s economic domination of it, its occupation and control over its money literally, and its complete control over its wealth, asking: Do the free people of dear Iraq accept that its wealth be Read more…

Kurdistan Democratic Party: Meeting expected with Patriotic Union to resolve the issue of the government and parliament

Kurdistan Democratic Party: Meeting expected with Patriotic Union to resolve the issue of the government and parliament

2026-08-16

Ali Hussein, the head of the Kurdistan Democratic Party’s organizational office in Sulaymaniyah and Halabja, revealed on Sunday that a meeting is expected at the leadership level of the Kurdistan Democratic Party and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan to discuss moving forward with activating the Kurdistan Parliament and the new regional government, stressing that efforts in this regard are nearing the achievement of their goals.

Hussein said during a press conference attended by Shafaq News Agency that “the two parties will Read more…

Exclusive: Official move towards Washington and Tehran to liberate Iraqi oil in the Strait of Hormuz

Exclusive: Official move towards Washington and Tehran to liberate Iraqi oil in the Strait of Hormuz

2026-08-16

Shafaq News – Baghdad
Zainab al-Khazraji, a member of the Oil, Gas and Natural Resources Committee in the House of Representatives, revealed on Sunday that there is an official Iraqi diplomatic move towards both the United States and Iran to ensure the continued passage of Iraqi oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz.

Al-Khazraji told Shafaq News Agency that “there are two main routes in the strait, one controlled by US forces and the other by Iranian forces,” indicating that Baghdad is seeking, through direct dialogues with both sides, to ensure the passage of foreign tankers carrying Iraqi oil through the strait. Read more…

At the head of an economic delegation, the head of the Central Bank of Iran visits Iraq.

At the head of an economic delegation, the head of the Central Bank of Iran visits Iraq.

2026-08-16

Shafaq News – Tehran / Baghdad
The head of the Iranian Central Bank, Abdolnaser Hemmati, is expected to arrive in Baghdad later this afternoon, Sunday, at the head of a high-level economic delegation, on an official visit, according to a source at the Iranian embassy in Iraq who spoke to Shafaq News Agency.

For its part, the official Iranian news agency IRNA stated that Hemmati’s visit to Iraq aims to hold talks with officials in the economic and banking sectors in Iraq. Read more…

Integrity Commission: Nearly (nine) billion dinars and (seven) gold bars were seized in the home of the Deputy Minister of Electricity for Transportation Affairs

Integrity Commission: Nearly (nine) billion dinars and (seven) gold bars were seized in the home of the Deputy Minister of Electricity for Transportation Affairs

8-16-2026

The Federal Integrity Commission announced on Sunday the seizure of nearly nine billion dinars and seven gold bars and ingots in the home of the Deputy Minister of Electricity for Transport and Distribution Affairs. A statement issued by the Commission, published by the official agency, stated that “a team from the Baghdad Investigation Directorate, after intensive follow-up, investigation and inquiry operations, was able to find large sums of money and quantities of gold in several homes belonging to the accused (Khaled Ghazai Attia), Deputy Minister of Electricity for Transport and Distribution Affairs, against whom the Commission’s staff had previously executed an arrest warrant.”

The statement added that “the seized funds amounted to 1,175,000,000 Iraqi dinars and 5,839,000 US dollars, Read more…

Al-Zaydi directs the purchase of (47) thousand megawatts of electricity

Al-Zaydi directs the purchase of (47) thousand megawatts of electricity

8-16-2026

Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi directed on Saturday the purchase of (47) thousand megawatts of electricity, stressing that 2027 will be the year of doubling the production and distribution of electrical energy.

His office stated in a statement that “Al-Zaydi visited the headquarters of the Ministry of Electricity, as part of the effective follow-up on the performance of state service institutions, where he began by chairing an expanded meeting of officials and senior staff in the ministry, in which he stressed the need to redouble efforts, fight corruption, and Read more…

Al-Zaydi launches a plan to rebuild Diwaniyah and declares it the agricultural capital of Iraq.

Al-Zaydi launches a plan to rebuild Diwaniyah and declares it the agricultural capital of Iraq.

2026-08-15

Shafaq News – Baghdad
On Saturday, Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi met with a delegation from Diwaniyah Governorate, which included members of parliament from the governorate, the governor, and the head and members of the local council, to discuss the situation in the governorate and its service and development needs. He also announced the launch of a plan to rebuild Diwaniyah and the intention to declare it the agricultural capital of Iraq.

Al-Zaydi stressed, in a statement received by Shafaq News Agency, that Diwaniyah Governorate deserves exceptional Read more…

The Iraqi peaceful movement calls for including Turkish forces in the deadline for foreign withdrawal.

The Iraqi peaceful movement calls for including Turkish forces in the deadline for foreign withdrawal.

8-15-2026

The Iraqi Peaceful Movement described the Turkish military presence in Iraq as an occupation on Saturday, noting that the force comprises more than seven military brigades, raising many questions.
The head of the movement, Ammar al-Tamimi, explained to Al-Maalomah that “the movement rejects any foreign military presence on Iraqi soil, regardless of nationality,” clarifying that “the Turkish forces present in the governorates of Dohuk, Erbil, and Sulaymaniyah number up to seven military brigades, along with several large bases, airstrips, and heavy weapons batteries.” Read more…

Al-Zaydi: 2027 will mark the beginning of a transformation in the electricity sector in Iraq.

Al-Zaydi: 2027 will mark the beginning of a transformation in the electricity sector in Iraq.

2026-08-15

Shafaq News – Baghdad
Prime Minister Ali al-Zubaidi affirmed on Saturday that 2027 will be the year of doubling electricity production and doubling distribution and transmission capacity, representing an important launch to change the reality of electricity in Iraq, assuring Iraqis that government measures are continuing to end the sluggishness in the electricity file and stop the waste and corruption that has continued for decades.

This came during a visit by Al-Zaydi to the headquarters of the Ministry of Electricity, as part of Read more…

Coordination framework: Intensive inter-agency meetings to complete the government cabinet

Coordination framework: Intensive inter-agency meetings to complete the government cabinet

2026-08-15

Shafaq News – Baghdad
A source within the coordination framework revealed on Saturday that meetings have intensified between influential leaders in the political scene to discuss the requirements of the next stage, including completing the government cabinet and selecting moderate candidates who are acceptable to the political parties.

The source told Shafaq News Agency that “the meetings between the influential Shiite leaders in the political scene are focusing on the mechanism for selecting candidates to fill the vacant ministerial portfolios, most importantly Read more…

MP warns: Laxity in combating corruption expands its effects on state institutions

MP warns: Laxity in combating corruption expands its effects on state institutions

8-15-2026

Information/Baghdad…
MP Ahmed Abdul Noor stressed on Saturday the necessity of continuing anti-corruption efforts and not backing down from them, warning of the danger of halting the campaign launched by Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi.
Abdul Noor told the Information Agency, “Combating corruption requires the continuation of campaigns and oversight measures, and we cannot allow them to slow down, because any pause or laxity will give corrupt individuals an opportunity to resume their activities.”
He added that “the campaign launched by Prime Minister Ali al-Zubaidi represents an important step towards confronting corruption and exposing those involved in cases of waste and misappropriation of public funds,” calling for Read more…

American Institute: Iraqi-Gulf Partnership Offers a Way to Diversify Oil Exports

American Institute: Iraqi-Gulf Partnership Offers a Way to Diversify Oil Exports

2026-08-15

Shafaq News – Special Translation
Iraq needs to diversify its oil export options, including through the Emirati option, which also appears risky. The United States must encourage Baghdad’s rapprochement with the Gulf states in this context and in the context of improving relations, at a time when Iraqis are struggling to deal with the financial crisis, according to the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.

The American Institute said in a report translated by Shafaq News Agency that Iraq’s oil exports are hovering around Read more…