IRAQI DINAR POLITICS & ECONOMY

Key issues include border demarcation and freezing the assets of corrupt officials: Iraqi Foreign Minister discusses “hot” files in Kuwait

Key issues include border demarcation and freezing the assets of corrupt officials: Iraqi Foreign Minister discusses “hot” files in Kuwait

2026-07-09

Shafaq News – Baghdad
A government source revealed on Thursday the most important issues discussed by Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein during his visit to Kuwait, including freezing funds deposited in Kuwaiti banks belonging to some detainees under anti-corruption procedures.

The source explained to Shafaq News Agency that “the Iraqi government is keen to enhance relations with the Arab (Gulf) region in particular, and therefore positive Iraqi messages are necessary to reinforce this, and the Foreign Minister carried with him several important files during his visit Read more…

“In a hole”… 14 billion new dinars seized in the Al-Jumaili case

“In a hole”… 14 billion new dinars seized in the Al-Jumaili case

2026-07-09

Shafaq News – Baghdad
On Thursday, the investigating judge of the Central Anti-Corruption Criminal Court announced the seizure of 14 billion Iraqi dinars in the case of the detained Undersecretary of the Ministry of Oil for Liquidation Affairs, Adnan al-Jumaili, and the parties involved with him.

The judge added, in a statement received by Shafaq News Agency, that as a result of the careful follow-up to seize the financial proceeds resulting from Read more…

IMF: Iraq faces a sharp economic contraction in 2026

IMF: Iraq faces a sharp economic contraction in 2026

2026-07-09

Shafaq News – Follow-up
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) predicted on Thursday that the Iraqi economy would be the most affected by energy and transport disruptions in the Middle East and Central Asia region during 2026, but it predicted a “strong” economic recovery during 2027 as energy conditions improve and trade activity returns.

The IMF said in its July 2026 update to the World Economic Outlook that Middle Eastern and Central Read more…

North Oil Company signed a contract with an American company to develop the Hamrin field with a production capacity of 140,000 barrels per day.

North Oil Company signed a contract with an American company to develop the Hamrin field with a production capacity of 140,000 barrels per day.

2026-07-09

Shafaq News – Baghdad
North Oil Company signed a contract on Thursday to develop the Hamrin field with the American company HKN, as part of the Iraqi Ministry of Oil’s plans to invest in oil fields with the aim of increasing oil and gas production rates.

Oil Minister Bassem Mohammed Khudair Al-Abadi, during his sponsorship and attendance at the contract signing ceremony, confirmed that signing the contract with the company comes in line with the government’s vision and strategy for optimal investment in oil and gas, Read more…

Doubts and caution surround Al-Zaidi’s campaign… Is it a small-time affair or a cosmetic display?

Doubts and caution surround Al-Zaidi’s campaign… Is it a small-time affair or a cosmetic display?

2026-07-09

Shafaq News – Translation
The British website Middle East Eye observed hesitation and caution among Iraqis and analysts in assessing the campaign carried out by the Iraqi authorities against dozens of people suspected of involvement in corruption cases, as they expressed their fear that it was merely a “scratch on the surface” of corruption.

According to the British website’s report , translated by Shafaq News Agency, many Iraqis remain unconvinced Read more…

The Prime Minister: We did not practice selectivity in corruption cases, and those involved have no option but to return the funds.

The Prime Minister: We did not practice selectivity in corruption cases, and those involved have no option but to return the funds.

7-9-2026

Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi affirmed on Thursday that there is no selectivity in dealing with corruption cases, noting that those involved in corruption have no option but to return the looted funds because they are the money of the Iraqi people. Al-Zaidi stated in his interview with Al-Arabiya channel, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Media Office, “We have not practiced any selectivity in dealing with corruption cases, as it is a criminal issue that has no relation to sectarianism, nationalism or other affiliations.”

He added, “The pursuit of those accused of corruption is ongoing, and it is natural that there will be reactions Read more…

Al-Zaydi: Tanks were used in “Operation Dawn” to close the Green Zone

Al-Zaydi: Tanks were used in “Operation Dawn” to close the Green Zone

7-9-2026

Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi confirmed on Thursday that the use of tanks in “Operation Dawn” was to close the Green Zone.

Al-Zaidi said in a televised interview that “Iraq will not leave OPEC, but we are seeking a fair share of exports,” noting that “corrupt individuals have no option but to return the looted funds to the state.”

He continued: “I will be visiting Syria soon, and it is important that Read more…

Italy awards Nechirvan Barzani its “highest honor”

Italy awards Nechirvan Barzani its “highest honor”

2026-07-08

Shafaq News – Erbil
The Italian government awarded the country’s highest honor to Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani on Wednesday, in recognition of his efforts to bring stability to the region.

A correspondent for Shafaq News Agency said that the Italian Ambassador General to Iraq, and representative of the Italian President, Nicolo Fontana, awarded the “Order of the Star of Italy” to the President of the Kurdistan Region during an official ceremony in Erbil. Read more…

Will “Operation Dawn” stop here? Doubts are growing about the seriousness of its continuation.

Will “Operation Dawn” stop here? Doubts are growing about the seriousness of its continuation.

7-8-2026

Information / Exclusive…
Political analyst Majashaa al-Tamimi affirmed on Saturday that Operation Dawn Charge could constitute a strategic turning point in the fight against corruption, provided it marks the beginning of a sustainable institutional process and is not merely a temporary campaign.
Speaking to Al-Maalouma, al-Tamimi stated, “The continuation of anti-corruption operations sends a firm message reflecting the state’s seriousness in pursuing corruption networks, which contributes to restoring public trust Read more…

The continued management of the agency’s special positions is controversial, as they have remained unchanged for 15 years.

The continued management of the agency’s special positions is controversial, as they have remained unchanged for 15 years.

7-8-2026

The peaceful movement in Diyala confirmed on Wednesday that approximately 80% of special-grade positions in Iraqi state institutions are filled by acting officials, noting that some of these individuals have held their posts for more than 15 years. The head of the movement, Ammar al-Tamimi, told Al-Maalomah that “reforming government institutions in Iraq is a popular demand, as it strengthens the state’s ability to combat corruption and end the monopolization of positions.”
He added that “of the more than 6,000 special-grade positions in the country, 80% are filled by acting officials, Read more…

Without consensus, Al-Zidi’s cabinet has been paralyzed since Al-Halbousi’s hammer broke its back.

Without consensus, Al-Zidi’s cabinet has been paralyzed since Al-Halbousi’s hammer broke its back.

7-8-2026

The spokesperson for the Reconstruction and Development Coalition, Firas al-Muslawi, confirmed on Wednesday that there is no political consensus among the Shia, Sunni, and Kurdish blocs regarding the completion of Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s cabinet. Al-Muslawi told Al-Maalomah that “passing the remaining ministerial posts requires parliamentary agreement among the political blocs in the Council of Representatives to proceed with the voting process.”
He added that “the absence of this consensus is reflected in the Council of Read more…

MP: Anti-corruption measures will reach all governorates, including the region.

MP: Anti-corruption measures will reach all governorates, including the region.

7-8-2026

Information/Baghdad…
Former MP Mohammed Ibrahim confirmed that the government’s measures to combat corruption and arrest corrupt officials and figures will not be limited to a specific governorate, but will extend to all governorates, including the Kurdistan Region.

Ibrahim told Al-Maalomah, “The government’s measures to combat corruption and arrest those who steal public funds do not only include Baghdad, but will extend to all governorates, including Read more…

Parliamentary move to resolve the cabinet formation issue during upcoming sessions

Parliamentary move to resolve the cabinet formation issue during upcoming sessions

7-8-2026

Information / Baghdad..
MP Abbas Al-Maliki stressed on Wednesday that the delay in completing the cabinet does not serve the political process, calling on political blocs to expedite the resolution of this issue and send the names of the remaining ministers to the House of Representatives for a vote.

Al-Maliki told Al-Maalomah News Agency that “the delay in completing the cabinet does not serve the political process and affects the government’s work and the implementation Read more…

The framework warns Al-Zaydi against halting the anti-corruption campaign: backtracking provides an opportunity to reshuffle the cards.

The framework warns Al-Zaydi against halting the anti-corruption campaign: backtracking provides an opportunity to reshuffle the cards.

7-8-2026

Information / Baghdad..
Hussein Mardan, a member of the Coordination Framework, stressed on Wednesday the need for Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi to continue his campaign to combat corruption, warning that stopping it would exacerbate corruption within state institutions.

Mardan told Al-Maalomah News Agency that “since 2003, political blocs have worked to strengthen the quota system, which has led to the spread of corruption in various parts of the state,” explaining that “corruption has caused the disruption of political, security Read more…

Regional disputes escalate… Calls to resolve the government formation crisis and end the revenue crisis

Regional disputes escalate… Calls to resolve the government formation crisis and end the revenue crisis

7-8-2026

Information / Baghdad..
Political disputes continue within the Kurdistan Region amid the stalled formation of the new government, coinciding with escalating calls to compel the regional government to fulfill its constitutional obligations towards Baghdad, particularly regarding the handover of oil and non-oil revenues, amid warnings of the impact of these crises on the living conditions of citizens.

Ongoing political deadlock

Political observer Atheer Al-Sharaa confirmed Read more…

Al-Bayati: We are waiting for a roadmap from the Ministry of Finance to address the economic challenges.

Al-Bayati: We are waiting for a roadmap from the Ministry of Finance to address the economic challenges.

7-8-2026

Information/Baghdad…
MP Mohammed al-Bayati confirmed on Wednesday that he is awaiting a roadmap from the Ministry of Finance for managing the financial situation in the coming period, given the challenges facing the Iraqi economy.
Al-Bayati told Al-Maalouma that “Iraq is going through a difficult financial phase due to its declining ability to export oil at high levels,” noting that “the Ministry of Finance faces significant challenges, and we are waiting for a roadmap that clarifies the features of the next phase, Read more…

A member of parliament predicts the completion of the government cabinet by the end of this month.

A member of parliament predicts the completion of the government cabinet by the end of this month.

2026-07-08

Shafaq News – Baghdad
MP Murtada al-Saadi, from the Reconstruction and Development bloc, confirmed on Wednesday that the House of Representatives is waiting for Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi to send the names of candidates for the vacant ministerial portfolios, while he predicted that the vote on them would take place at the end of this month.

Al-Saadi told Shafaq News Agency that “some of the names nominated for ministerial portfolios had some reservations and did not gain the confidence Read more…

Iraq issues a postage stamp commemorating Khamenei’s funeral procession in Najaf and Karbala

Iraq issues a postage stamp commemorating Khamenei’s funeral procession in Najaf and Karbala

2026-07-08

Shafaq News – Baghdad
Iraqi Minister of Communications, Mustafa Sanad, issued a decision on Wednesday to release a postage stamp to commemorate the funeral procession that Iraq witnessed for the body of the late Iranian Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

This comes as the funeral procession for Khamenei begins in the city of Najaf, with broad popular and official participation, amid strict organizational and security measures to keep pace with Read more…

Iraq exports more than one million barrels of oil to America in June

Iraq exports more than one million barrels of oil to America in June

2026-07-08

Shafaq News – Washington
The U.S. Energy Information Administration announced on Wednesday that Iraq’s crude oil exports to the United States exceeded one million barrels during the month of June.

The administration stated, in a table seen by Shafaq News Agency, that “Iraq exported 1.35 million barrels of crude oil to the United States during the month of June, a decrease from the month of May, in which Iraqi exports amounted to Read more…

The framework calls for a new mechanism to arrest corrupt officials “without tanks” and awaits al-Zaidi’s visit to Washington.

The framework calls for a new mechanism to arrest corrupt officials “without tanks” and awaits al-Zaidi’s visit to Washington.

2026-07-07

Shafaq News – Baghdad
An informed source revealed on Tuesday what transpired between the attendees at the home of Hadi al-Amiri, head of the Badr Organization, indicating that they focused on adopting a new mechanism for summoning those involved in suspected financial corruption, away from “tanks and security forces,” while pinning their hopes on Prime Minister Ali al-Zubaidi’s visit to Washington.

The source told Shafaq News Agency that “those gathered stressed the need for summoning those involved Read more…