IRAQI DINAR POLITICS & ECONOMY

The ASYCUDA system is about to be activated at the Kurdistan border crossings.

The ASYCUDA system is about to be activated at the Kurdistan border crossings.

2026/07/19

The Border Crossings and National Product Protection Committee in the House of Representatives expected that the memorandum of understanding between the federal government and the Kurdistan Region regarding the unification of border crossings and the activation of the “ASYCUDA” system would soon be implemented.

Committee member Salwan Taha Aqrawi told Al-Sabah: “There is a memorandum of understanding between the two governments to coordinate Read more…

Launch of a new phase of the Grand Faw Port projects

Launch of a new phase of the Grand Faw Port projects

2026/07/19

The Ministry of Transport announced the launch of a new phase of strategic projects related to the Grand Faw Port, after securing its financial allocations, as part of a government plan aimed at completing the port’s infrastructure and enhancing its operational readiness as a pivotal logistics center in the region.

A source in the ministry’s media office explained that the new package represents the final steps in creating an integrated work environment that meets international standards. The projects include establishing a naval base for traffic management and technical Read more…

72 MPs question the oil minister about his agreements in Washington

72 MPs question the oil minister about his agreements in Washington

2026-07-19

Shafaq News – Baghdad
On Sunday, Iraqi Member of Parliament Hayam Al-Yasiri submitted a request to the Speaker of Parliament to host the Minister of Oil inside the Parliament building.

According to a document received by Shafaq News Agency, 72 MPs signed the parliamentary request to clarify to the Iraqi Oil Minister the “contracts and memoranda of understanding that were concluded with the American side during the recent visit to Washington, especially those related to the Energy and Development Fund and support for the American strategic reserve.” Read more…

The popular movement criticizes Al-Zaidi’s praise of the American administration and his work to serve Washington’s interests.

The popular movement criticizes Al-Zaidi’s praise of the American administration and his work to serve Washington’s interests.

7-19-2026

The head of the organizing committee for the Belt and Road Movement, Hussein al-Karawi, criticized Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s praise of the US administration and the reciprocal praise from Washington, noting that this was aimed at serving American interests in Iraq. Al-Karawi told Al-Maalomah, “The mutual praise between al-Zaidi and Trump did not come out of nowhere, but rather stemmed from American support and their welcoming of his appointment as prime minister. Therefore, al-Zaidi’s praise of the US Read more…

State of Law rules out Zaidi rebellion: Washington’s support does not mean it will break away from the coordination framework

State of Law rules out Zaidi rebellion: Washington’s support does not mean it will break away from the coordination framework

7-19-2026

The Information Agency / Baghdad –
Jassim Mohammed Jaafar, a leading figure in the State of Law Coalition, ruled out on Sunday the possibility of Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi rebelling against the Coordination Framework, taking advantage of the recent support he received from Washington.
Jaafar told the Information Agency, “The recent support Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi received from the American administration does not at all mean he will break away from the Coordination Framework.” He explained that “the American side previously exerted extensive pressure on former prime ministers to push them to leave the framework and antagonize the Islamic Republic of Iran, but that pressure failed.” Read more…

A member of parliament demands a resolution to the disputes over the vacant ministerial positions in al-Zaydi’s government.

A member of parliament demands a resolution to the disputes over the vacant ministerial positions in al-Zaydi’s government.

7-19-2026

The Information Agency / Baghdad –
MP Mohammed al-Moussawi called on the leaders of the Coordination Framework on Sunday to expedite the resolution of the nine remaining vacant ministerial posts in Prime Minister Ali al-Zubaidi’s cabinet in order to complete the government formation.
Al-Moussawi told the Information Agency, “The current stage requires the leaders of the Coordination Framework to resolve the issue of the nine vacant ministries and end the disputes Read more…

Corruption without exception… Calls to expand the campaign to include the Kurdistan Region

Corruption without exception… Calls to expand the campaign to include the Kurdistan Region

7-19-2026

Information / Report…
The fight against corruption in Iraq is no longer just a recurring theme in government statements or election promises. In recent times, it has become one of the most prominent issues closely monitored by political and public circles, with the escalation of legal proceedings against a number of officials and employees in Baghdad and the provinces. However, this campaign has simultaneously raised serious questions about its scope across all regions of the country, particularly the Kurdistan Region, which has faced accusations for years of having financial and oil-related files that have not been subject to federal auditing or accountability. Read more…

It started quickly… Al-Zaidi lays the groundwork for the “Barak track” in Qatar.

It started quickly… Al-Zaidi lays the groundwork for the “Barak track” in Qatar.

2026-07-19

Shafaq News – Baghdad
On Sunday, informed sources revealed details of Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s visit to Qatar, as well as explaining in detail the issues he will discuss in Iran and Turkey.

Sources told Shafaq News Agency that “Prime Minister Ali al-Zubaidi’s visit to Qatar focused on how to control the region’s security and identify a new alternative route to the Strait of Hormuz for exporting oil to global markets.”

Another source within the coordination framework indicated that ” the countries of Al-Zaidi’s foreign visits were Read more…

Al-Zaidi announces the conclusion of his visit to Washington: We will embody the economic and strategic partnership.

Al-Zaidi announces the conclusion of his visit to Washington: We will embody the economic and strategic partnership.

2026-07-19

Shafaq News – Baghdad
Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi announced on Saturday the conclusion of his visit to Washington, while stressing the need to move forward in embodying partnerships with it.

Al-Zaidi said in a post on the X platform: “As we conclude our visit to Washington, returning to our beloved Baghdad, we express our deep gratitude to the administration of President Trump and to the friendly American people for the warm welcome and appreciation.” Read more…

For the third week in a row, America does not import crude oil from Iraq.

For the third week in a row, America does not import crude oil from Iraq.

2026-07-19

Shafaq News – Baghdad / Washington
Data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration on Sunday showed that the United States did not import any shipments of Iraqi crude oil last week, for the third week in a row.

According to weekly data seen by Shafaq News Agency, US imports of Iraqi oil reached “zero” during the weeks ending June 27, July 3, and July 10, 2026, after having recorded 71,000 barrels per day in the week ending June 19, and 107,000 barrels per day Read more…

With the return of 7 Iraqi banks, the “parallel” dollar faces a decline in the markets.

With the return of 7 Iraqi banks, the “parallel” dollar faces a decline in the markets.

2026-07-19

Shafaq News – Baghdad
Economic expert Mohammed Al-Hassani suggested on Sunday that the return of seven Iraqi banks to foreign transactions would contribute to lowering the dollar exchange rate in the parallel market and reducing speculation by expanding channels for obtaining foreign currency from official outlets.

Al-Hassani told Shafaq News Agency that “the return of these banks will lead to withdrawing part of the demand in the parallel market, especially the demand of traders and importers, which Read more…

Hormuz repercussions: Iraq will lose 300 million barrels of oil production during 2026

Hormuz repercussions: Iraq will lose 300 million barrels of oil production during 2026

2026-07-19

Shafaq News – Baghdad
The Economic Observatory “Eco Iraq” announced on Sunday that Iraq extracted about 440.3 million barrels of oil during the first half of 2026, while the loss in production amounted to about 302.8 million barrels compared to the normal rate, as a result of the repercussions of the war in the region.

The observatory stated in a statement received by Shafaq News Agency that “oil production during the months of January and February was at its normal levels, with an average exceeding 4.1 Read more…

Masrour Barzani: Kurdistan is a key supporter of al-Zaidi’s campaign against corruption, and implementing the constitution will end the disputes.

Masrour Barzani: Kurdistan is a key supporter of al-Zaidi’s campaign against corruption, and implementing the constitution will end the disputes.

2026-07-19

Shafaq News – Erbil
The Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, Masrour Barzani, affirmed on Sunday the region’s supportive and active backing for the campaign led by the Federal Prime Minister, Ali al-Zaidi, to combat corruption, stressing that adherence to the constitution is the fundamental path to resolving outstanding issues and guaranteeing the region’s rights, which will positively impact overall stability in the country.

This came in a speech he delivered during the sponsorship and opening of the strategic (Balanda – Barzan) water project, which will provide drinking water to 53 villages in the areas of Mergasur, Khalifan and Aqra. Read more…

Carrying an initiative, Al-Zaidi visits Iran as a “mediator” to end the escalation with America.

Carrying an initiative, Al-Zaidi visits Iran as a “mediator” to end the escalation with America.

2026-07-19

Shafaq News – Baghdad
Informed sources revealed on Sunday that Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi intends to make an official visit to the Iranian capital, Tehran, at the end of this week.

Sources told Shafaq News Agency that “Al-Zaidi’s anticipated visit to Tehran comes within the framework of an Iraqi diplomatic move aimed at strengthening Baghdad’s role in reducing regional tensions, as Al-Zaidi will carry an Iraqi initiative aimed at Read more…

Three tankers are preparing to load 6 million barrels of oil at Basra ports.

Three tankers are preparing to load 6 million barrels of oil at Basra ports.

2026-07-19

Shafaq News – Basra
A source at the Iraqi Ports Company stated on Sunday that three giant oil tankers recently docked at the ports of Basra, in the far south of the country, and are preparing to load six million barrels of crude oil and sail with them towards global markets.

The source told Shafaq News Agency that the three tankers are currently in the process of loading and docking at the export ports, with a cargo of 2 million barrels each. Read more…

Shipping data: Iraq leads Gulf oil export growth despite Hormuz crisis

Shipping data: Iraq leads Gulf oil export growth despite Hormuz crisis

2026-07-19

Shafaq News – Baghdad
Data from shipping companies Kpler and Vortexa showed that Iraq was among the leading countries driving the rise in crude oil and condensate exports from the Gulf during the first half of July, at a time when the region’s exports reached their highest levels since before the outbreak of the Iran-Iraq War in late February, despite the slowdown in tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz as fighting resumed.

According to data from the two companies, exports Read more…

Among them are the Arabian gazelle and the Iraqi wolf… 134 species of animals are threatened with extinction in Iraq

Among them are the Arabian gazelle and the Iraqi wolf… 134 species of animals are threatened with extinction in Iraq

2026-07-19

Shafaq News – Baghdad
The Strategic Center for Human Rights warned on Sunday of a “very serious” environmental challenge facing Iraq, represented by the continuous decline in the numbers of aquatic and terrestrial animals, indicating that the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s databases confirm the existence of 134 species of living organisms threatened with extinction within the country.

A report issued by the center, which was received by Shafaq News Agency, stated that “protecting wildlife is no longer just an environmental issue, but is directly linked to food security and the human right to a healthy environment,” Read more…

Al-Zaidi and the Emir of Qatar stress the need for all parties to respect freedom of navigation in Hormuz

Al-Zaidi and the Emir of Qatar stress the need for all parties to respect freedom of navigation in Hormuz

2026-07-19

Shafaq News – Doha
On Sunday, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zubaidi and Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani stressed the need for the United States and Iran to commit to dialogue and diplomacy, and to implement what was agreed upon in the memorandum of understanding between the two countries, in order to guarantee freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and enhance regional stability.

This came during an official meeting held by the two sides at Lusail Palace in the Qatari capital, Doha, which Read more…

A legal expert reveals the fate of corrupt individuals’ funds registered in the names of relatives.

A legal expert reveals the fate of corrupt individuals’ funds registered in the names of relatives.

7-18-2026

Information / Baghdad…
Legal expert Ali al-Tamimi revealed on Saturday the legal procedures the judiciary takes when corrupt individuals transfer stolen funds to their relatives or family members, explaining that penalties vary depending on the individual’s knowledge of the source of those funds. Al-Tamimi told the Information Agency that “the judiciary deals with these cases according to legal procedures that fall into two categories. The first is when the person receiving the funds is aware that they are stolen. In this case, they are considered an accomplice to the theft and are subject to the same penalty as the corrupt individual.” Read more…

Al-Maamouri demands that Al-Zaidi open an investigation into state properties: they are being used for money laundering.

Al-Maamouri demands that Al-Zaidi open an investigation into state properties: they are being used for money laundering.

7-18-2026

The former MP, Amir al-Maamouri, called on Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi on Saturday to launch an urgent investigation into state-owned properties, asserting that political parties and figures exert significant control over this sector.
Al-Maamouri stated in a statement obtained by Al-Maalomah News Agency that “the state-owned properties file requires a comprehensive and immediate review due to the illegal exploitation by some influential entities.”
He added that “a number of political parties and figures are using these properties for money laundering Read more…