IRAQI DINAR POLITICS & ECONOMY

Risks and gains at the Washington summit: Will al-Zaidi’s “magic” work with Trump?

Risks and gains at the Washington summit: Will al-Zaidi’s “magic” work with Trump?

2026-07-12

Shafaq News – Special Translation
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, through his visit to Washington, faces a new and difficult reality, as he finds himself forced to deal with an American administration that has moved away from the idea of ​​a “historical commitment” to Baghdad, and now seems more willing to distance itself from the relationship unless it is convinced that it brings direct benefits to the United States.

According to a report by the Atlantic Council , translated by Shafaq News Agency, al-Zaidi, who enjoys strong American support for his administration, is expected to confirm his readiness to disarm Iranian-backed factions and Read more…

Exclusive: The coordinating body inspects al-Zaidi’s bags before meeting Trump

Exclusive: The coordinating body inspects al-Zaidi’s bags before meeting Trump

2026-07-12

Shafaq News – Baghdad
Amer Al-Fayez, leader of the “Design” Alliance and a leading figure in the Coordination Framework, confirmed on Sunday that Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi briefed the Framework’s forces on the issues he will discuss during his scheduled visit to Washington tomorrow, noting that the visit’s agenda focuses primarily on the economy and investment, in addition to his participation in a regional meeting discussing the repercussions of the war with Iran.

Al-Fayez told Shafaq News Agency that “Al-Zidi presented to the Coordination Framework forces all the files that he Read more…

Al-Zaidi reveals the agenda of his upcoming meeting with Trump in Washington

Al-Zaidi reveals the agenda of his upcoming meeting with Trump in Washington

2026-07-12

Shafaq News – Baghdad
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zubaidi revealed on Sunday that his upcoming talks with US President Donald Trump will focus on strengthening the partnership between Baghdad and Washington, attracting US investments to Iraq, developing security and economic cooperation, and expanding the Strategic Framework Agreement.

In an article published in the Washington Post entitled “Why I’m Going to Washington,” Al-Zaidi said he would Read more…

Masoud Barzani on Graham: His supportive stances will remain immortal in the memory of the Kurdish people.

Masoud Barzani on Graham: His supportive stances will remain immortal in the memory of the Kurdish people.

2026-07-12

Shafaq News – Erbil
Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani expressed his deepest condolences on Sunday for the death of “a friend of the Kurdish people,” US Republican Senator Lindsey Graham.

The Kurdish leader said in a post on social media that he received with great sadness and sorrow the news of the death of Senator Lindsey Graham, adding: “His name and his supportive and sincere positions on the legitimate rights of the Kurdish people will remain immortal in the memory of this people.” Read more…

As confirmed by Shafaq News, Al-Zaidi will travel to Washington tomorrow.

As confirmed by Shafaq News, Al-Zaidi will travel to Washington tomorrow.

2026-07-12

Shafaq News – Baghdad
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zubaidi will head to the US capital, Washington, on Monday, at the head of a high-level delegation, in a visit that Baghdad has confirmed is of great importance, especially as it comes at a delicate regional time.

Iraqi government spokesman Haider al-Aboudi said at a press conference attended by Shafaq News Agency that “al-Zaidi’s visit to the United States is an embodiment of developing balanced foreign relations Read more…

The Kurdistan Democratic Party announces its readiness to activate the Kurdistan Parliament “without conditions”.

The Kurdistan Democratic Party announces its readiness to activate the Kurdistan Parliament “without conditions”.

2026-07-12

Shafaq News – Erbil
Kamal Kirkuki, a member of the political bureau of the Kurdistan Democratic Party and head of its relations office, confirmed on Sunday that his party is ready to activate the Kurdistan Parliament “without any preconditions,” noting the party’s openness to all initiatives that serve the interest of activating the legislative institution and forming the new government cabinet.

Kirkuki said in a press conference attended by Shafaq News Agency that “the Kurdistan Democratic Party proudly Read more…

The Iraqi government: Restricting weapons is an internal decision, and completing the cabinet depends on agreements.

The Iraqi government: Restricting weapons is an internal decision, and completing the cabinet depends on agreements.

2026-07-12

Shafaq News – Baghdad
The Iraqi government confirmed on Sunday that the completion of the cabinet is still linked to political agreements between the various forces, despite two months having passed since the confidence vote was granted to 14 ministers.

Government spokesman Haider al-Aboudi stressed that the issue of restricting weapons to the state is an Iraqi decision aimed at securing the atmosphere and consolidating internal stability, as it is a fundamental step to revive the Iraqi economy and create Read more…

“The collapse of the pretext” is behind the escalation by Iraqi factions… What awaits the resistance’s weapons after two months?

“The collapse of the pretext” is behind the escalation by Iraqi factions… What awaits the resistance’s weapons after two months?

2026-07-12

Shafaq News – Baghdad/Washington
The rhetoric of escalation from a number of armed factions in Iraq has resurfaced in recent days, coinciding with rapid internal and regional developments, most notably the controversy surrounding the issue of restricting weapons to the state, and the anti-corruption campaign launched by the government.

In addition to the large funeral processions for former Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in Najaf and Karbala, which political parties saw as an indication of the continued popular and political presence of forces close to Tehran. Read more…

Exclusive: Iraq records 50 earthquakes in one month

Exclusive: Iraq records 50 earthquakes in one month

2026-07-12

Shafaq News – Baghdad
Ali Abdul Khaliq, director of the Seismic Monitoring Department at the General Authority for Meteorology and Seismic Monitoring, revealed on Sunday that 50 earthquakes were recorded in Iraq and neighboring regions during the month of June, stressing that no human losses were recorded.

Abdul Khaliq told Shafaq News Agency that “the Iraqi seismic monitoring network recorded a total of 50 earthquakes during June 2026, including 22 earthquakes inside Iraq Read more…

Exclusive: Al-Zaidi participates in a Gulf conference in Washington to discuss the “Iran war”

Exclusive: Al-Zaidi participates in a Gulf conference in Washington to discuss the “Iran war”

2026-07-11

Shafaq News – Baghdad
An informed source revealed on Saturday new details about Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s visit to Washington, indicating that it will include meetings with members of the US Congress, in addition to his participation in a Gulf conference in the US capital to discuss the repercussions of the Iranian war .

The source told Shafaq News Agency that “Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, accompanied by a number of ministers and political and economic figures, will leave Baghdad for Washington next Monday, where the visit will begin with a meeting with US President Donald Trump and a number of members Read more…

Among them are “Rafidain and Rasheed”… A plan to merge 4 state-owned banks within two years

Among them are “Rafidain and Rasheed”… A plan to merge 4 state-owned banks within two years

2026-07-11

Shafaq News – Baghdad
An informed government source revealed on Saturday that the Iraqi Ministry of Finance is seeking to restructure and merge a number of state-owned banks, as part of a plan aimed at improving banking performance and enhancing the efficiency of the financial sector.

The source told Shafaq News Agency that “the Ministry of Finance intends to merge Rafidain and Rasheed banks into one bank, and the Agricultural and Industrial banks will also be merged Read more…

Parliamentary source: Judicial orders expected against government figures convicted of corruption

Parliamentary source: Judicial orders expected against government figures convicted of corruption

7-11-2026

Information / Baghdad…
A parliamentary source revealed on Saturday that investigations are ongoing into those accused in corruption cases, confirming that judicial orders will soon be issued against government figures convicted of financial and administrative corruption.
The source told the Information Agency, “Investigations are still underway with those accused in corruption cases, and judicial orders will soon be issued against government figures convicted of financial and administrative corruption.” Read more…

Ishraqa Kanoun calls on Al-Zaidi to investigate Iraqi funds frozen in American accounts

Ishraqa Kanoun calls on Al-Zaidi to investigate Iraqi funds frozen in American accounts

7-11-2026

The Information Agency / Baghdad –
MP Hussein Sahib, from the Ishraqa Kanoun bloc, called on Prime Minister Ali al-Zubaidi on Saturday to use his official visit to Washington to raise several important issues, most notably the issue of frozen Iraqi funds abroad and the arming of security forces.
Sahib told the Information Agency, “The Prime Minister’s visit to the United States presents an opportunity to raise issues that affect Iraq’s vital interests, Read more…

Parliamentary Finance Committee reveals details of the 2027 budget

Parliamentary Finance Committee reveals details of the 2027 budget

7-11-2026

The head of the parliamentary finance committee, Uday Awad, revealed on Saturday the most prominent aspects of the 2027 budget proposal, explaining that it will adopt a program and performance budget in a number of government institutions and agencies.
Awad told Al-Maalomah News Agency, “The 2027 budget will be a program and performance budget, while the remaining sections will be structured according to the program and performance guidelines.” He explained that “this approach comes within the framework of developing budget preparation Read more…

A legal expert explains the fate of the corrupt individuals’ money and properties.

A legal expert explains the fate of the corrupt individuals’ money and properties.

7-11-2026

Information / Baghdad…
Legal expert Ali al-Tamimi confirmed on Saturday that the government cannot confiscate or directly dispose of funds, assets, and real estate seized during investigations into those accused of financial and administrative corruption. Instead, these are deposited in a special fund until final judicial rulings are issued.
Al-Tamimi told the Information Agency that “the seizure of funds, real estate, and vehicles belonging to those accused of corruption by security and oversight agencies falls under temporary Read more…

The era of transparency: Parliament confronts corruption with the weapon of interrogations.

The era of transparency: Parliament confronts corruption with the weapon of interrogations.

7-11-2026

Information / Report…
In a move that heralds a crucial transitional phase, parliamentary oversight has returned with unprecedented force. Parliamentary procedures are no longer mere routine actions, but have transformed into a public confrontation aimed at unlocking long-standing corruption cases and reactivating the long-dormant tool of parliamentary questioning. Under the dome of the assembly, the walls of silence have begun to crumble as sensitive issues and suspicions of public funds mismanagement emerge from closed drawers into platforms of transparency and accountability. This places Read more…

“Rights” is taking action to stop the misappropriation of public funds and end “exceptions” in government contracts.

“Rights” is taking action to stop the misappropriation of public funds and end “exceptions” in government contracts.

7-11-2026

Information / Special..
MP Saud Al-Saadi, from the parliamentary rights bloc, revealed on Saturday that there are numerous files related to various sectors that will be opened during the upcoming sessions of the House of Representatives, especially issues related to combating corruption and protecting public funds.

Al-Saadi told Al-Maalouma that “the Rights Bloc will adopt the vote on the government contracts law as a fundamental step to close the loopholes for wasting public money.” Read more…

Al-Zaydi announces the government’s readiness to support the return of Christians and includes them in the “One Million Residential Plots” project.

Al-Zaydi announces the government’s readiness to support the return of Christians and includes them in the “One Million Residential Plots” project.

2026-07-11

Shafaq News – Baghdad
Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi announced on Saturday that the government is ready to provide all necessary facilities to support the return of Christian families to the country, stressing that they are included in the project of one million residential plots.

This came during his reception in Baghdad of the Patriarch of the Chaldean Church in Iraq and the world, His Beatitude Patriarch Mar Paul III Nona, and the delegation accompanying him, which included Read more…

Al-Zaydi goes to Washington to bargain with Trump: weapons for the factions in exchange for a broader partnership.

Al-Zaydi goes to Washington to bargain with Trump: weapons for the factions in exchange for a broader partnership.

2026-07-11

Shafaq News – Special Translation
All eyes are on the upcoming visit of Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zubaidi to the White House next week, as it is considered one of the most sensitive stops in Iraqi-American relations in years, as it comes amid escalating pressure on Baghdad to resolve the issue of armed factions, in contrast to Iraqi efforts to transform the relationship with Washington into a broad economic and investment partnership.

According to a report by the Middle East Eye website , US President Donald Trump views Iraq through the lens of Read more…

Government response to the judiciary: Recovering the funds of corrupt individuals must guarantee the full rights of the treasury.

Government response to the judiciary: Recovering the funds of corrupt individuals must guarantee the full rights of the treasury.

2026-07-11

Shafaq News – Baghdad
The Iraqi Ministry of Finance confirmed on Saturday that any mechanism for paying the amounts owed by those convicted in corruption cases must ensure that the public treasury receives its full dues, in response to a statement issued yesterday by the Supreme Judicial Council.

The ministry stated in a statement received by Shafaq News Agency that its role in cases related to recovering funds obtained from corruption cases is limited to financial aspects and recovering Read more…