IRAQI DINAR POLITICS & ECONOMY

The Ministerial Council for the Economy issues new decisions

The Ministerial Council for the Economy issues new decisions

6-29-2026

The Ministerial Council for Economy issued today, Monday (June 29, 2026), a number of decisions aimed at regulating the work of border crossings and unifying customs and tax procedures between the federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government, in order to enhance revenue management and reduce unofficial crossings.

The Media Office of the Ministerial Council for the Economy stated in a statement that “the Minister of Finance and Acting Minister of Planning, Faleh Al-Sari, held a session in the presence of the Ministers of Trade, Industry, Labor and Social Affairs, the Secretary-General of the Council of Ministers, the Governor of the Central Bank, the Vice President of Read more…

Iraq and Syria agree on two joint committees and discuss the rehabilitation of the oil pipeline.

Iraq and Syria agree on two joint committees and discuss the rehabilitation of the oil pipeline.

2026-06-29

Shafaq News – Baghdad
Iraq and Syria agreed on Monday to form two joint committees to enhance bilateral cooperation and follow up on the implementation of its outcomes, while the two sides discussed the rehabilitation of oil pipelines, and cooperation in the fields of energy, water, agriculture, transportation and border crossings.

This came in a joint statement issued after a meeting in Damascus between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Read more…

Oil expert: External pipelines are a political gamble and Iraq is incapable of protecting them

Oil expert: External pipelines are a political gamble and Iraq is incapable of protecting them

6-29-2026

Information / Special..
Oil expert Hamza Al-Jawahiri warned on Monday against the government’s move to establish oil export projects via pipelines passing outside Iraqi territory, describing these steps as facing “serious political and economic challenges” in light of the country’s current situation.

Al-Jawahiri told Al-Maalouma that “Iraq, which is still unable to protect its oil pipelines within its borders, will in no way be able to secure export lines that pass through foreign territories.”

Al-Jawahiri cited three harsh historical experiences in which Iraq “lost billions of dollars,” as well as “losing its Read more…

Adjusting quotas is better than withdrawing: Economist warns against Iraq leaving OPEC

Adjusting quotas is better than withdrawing: Economist warns against Iraq leaving OPEC

6-29-2026

Information/Baghdad…
Economic expert Abdul Rahman Al-Mashhadani warned of the dangers of any move by Iraq to leave OPEC, explaining that Iraq lacks many of the necessary elements to enable it to withdraw from the organization.
Al-Mashhadani told Al-Maalouma, “Discussing Iraq’s exit from OPEC is not a simple matter at all. Iraq cannot leave the organization because it would be unable to withstand any price war.”
He added, “Iraq has already suffered greatly from the price war between Russia and Saudi Arabia, which led Riyadh to offer a barrel of oil at less than $7 below its usual price while increasing Read more…

Badr Parliamentary Bloc: The Al-Jumaili case will not affect the completion of the cabinet.

Badr Parliamentary Bloc: The Al-Jumaili case will not affect the completion of the cabinet.

6-29-2026

The Information Agency / Baghdad…
MP Karim Aliwi, from the Badr parliamentary bloc, affirmed on Monday that the legal procedures and recent arrests of suspects in the Adnan al-Jumaili case will not have any negative or obstructive impact on efforts to complete the remaining cabinet positions. He emphasized the overwhelming political and parliamentary desire to resolve this issue and vote on the vacant ministries in the near future.
Aliwi told the Information Agency that the Parliament and political forces are determined to finalize the remaining Read more…

MP: Corruption is the main reason behind foreign investment reluctance towards Iraq

MP: Corruption is the main reason behind foreign investment reluctance towards Iraq

6-29-2026

Information/Baghdad…
MP Mohammed Hadi affirmed on Monday that the primary reason for the country’s collapse is the rampant corruption within all state institutions.
Hadi told the Information Agency, “Corruption is the foremost driver of the destruction of nations, as it plunders their budgets, dismantles their educational and health institutions, and drives away foreign investment due to the lack of financial security.”
He added, “The solution to ending corruption begins with enforcing the rule of law and holding the corrupt Read more…

Blow up the big heads… Has the battle to break immunities begun in Baghdad?

Blow up the big heads… Has the battle to break immunities begun in Baghdad?

6-29-2026

Information / Baghdad…
The Iraqi scene is witnessing one of the broadest anti-corruption campaigns since 2003, after the confessions of former Deputy Oil Minister Adnan al-Jumaili became the starting point for wide-ranging investigations targeting officials, members of parliament, directors general, and prominent political figures. Security operations are expected to continue for the next 72 hours, and dozens of officials have been barred from leaving the country. Official sources maintain that all procedures are based on judicial orders and within legal Read more…

Al-Jalabi: The arrests by the Reconstruction and Development Party are a devastating blow to the Sudanese coalition.

Al-Jalabi: The arrests by the Reconstruction and Development Party are a devastating blow to the Sudanese coalition.

6-29-2026

Information/Baghdad…
Zuhair al-Jalabi, a member of the State of Law Coalition, confirmed on Monday that the arrest campaign targeting a number of prominent political figures, including members of the Reconstruction and Development Coalition led by former Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, on corruption charges, represents a devastating blow to the coalition.
Al-Jalabi told the Information Agency, “The arrests, which included approximately eight prominent figures from the Reconstruction and Development Coalition, as well as other alliances such as the Azm Alliance Read more…

Parliament is expected to convene in early July to decide on nine ministerial portfolios in al-Zidi’s government.

Parliament is expected to convene in early July to decide on nine ministerial portfolios in al-Zidi’s government.

6-29-2026

The Information/Baghdad…
Member of the Coordination Framework, Uday Abdul-Hadi, predicted on Monday that a session of the Council of Representatives would be held during the first week of July to vote on nine ministerial portfolios in Ali al-Zaidi’s government.
Abdul-Hadi told Al-Maalouma, “There is political support for completing the formation of Ali al-Zaidi’s government from the forces within the Coordination Framework, in coordination with the other political forces and movements.” He anticipated “a session Read more…

Al-Zaydi announces the date for “monopolizing weapons” and reveals a settlement with those involved in corruption.

Al-Zaydi announces the date for “monopolizing weapons” and reveals a settlement with those involved in corruption.

2026-06-29

Shafaq News – Baghdad
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi affirmed on Monday that his government is committed to ending the proliferation of weapons outside the state’s control and combating corruption. He announced the convening of a “National Sovereignty Conference” at the end of this year to enshrine the state’s monopoly on force, while also revealing a plan to reach legal settlements with those involved in corruption cases in exchange for the return of looted funds.

Al-Zaydi said in an interview with the newspaper “Al-Sharq Al-Awsat”, which was reviewed by Shafaq News Agency, that the decision to combat corruption is “final and irreversible”, stressing that corruption Read more…

11,000 Brazilian calves arrive in Iraq via Syria

11,000 Brazilian calves arrive in Iraq via Syria

2026-06-29

Shafaq News – Damascus
The Syrian General Authority for Ports and Customs announced on Sunday evening that 11,000 calves had entered Iraq through the Al-Tanf border crossing after passing through the country’s territory in transit.

According to a statement issued by the authority and seen by Shafaq News Agency, this step is an indication of the growing transit movement, with the increasing number of commercial convoys loaded with various goods, using Syria as a main route.

The authority explained that the convoy of calves came from Brazil and entered Syria through the port of Tartus, and Read more…

After 24 hours, the anti-corruption campaign in Iraq raises its tally to 67 detainees.

After 24 hours, the anti-corruption campaign in Iraq raises its tally to 67 detainees.

2026-06-29

Shafaq News – Baghdad
A security source revealed on Monday that the number of detainees in the anti-corruption campaign launched by the Iraqi authorities had risen to 67 during the first 24 hours.

The source told Shafaq News Agency that among those arrested were politicians, members of parliament, and employees, who were detained on charges related to financial corruption, squandering of public funds, and illicit enrichment.

He added that a large number of wanted people were able to escape or hide inside the country, but that strict security Read more…

Al-Sadr announces his support for Al-Zaidi’s “heroic” campaign and calls on Friday prayer leaders to hold a “peaceful stand”.

Al-Sadr announces his support for Al-Zaidi’s “heroic” campaign and calls on Friday prayer leaders to hold a “peaceful stand”.

2026-06-29

Shafaq News – Najaf
On Monday, Shiite nationalist leader Muqtada al-Sadr praised the campaign to arrest those accused of corruption led by Prime Minister Ali al-Zubaidi, describing it as a “heroic reform campaign,” while calling on “Friday imams” to organize a peaceful stand in support of the campaign.

Al-Sadr said in a post, which was seen by Shafaq News Agency, that “what the brother Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi did in terms of arrests against corrupt individuals is a heroic reform campaign that we hope will continue.”

He added that this campaign “restored hope to the hearts of Iraqis after corrupt individuals Read more…

Seven “urgent” questions to the Oil Ministry regarding US oil reserves.

Seven “urgent” questions to the Oil Ministry regarding US oil reserves.

2026-06-29

Shafaq News – Baghdad
On Monday, MP Hayam Al-Yasiri addressed an “urgent” parliamentary letter to the Ministry of Oil regarding media reports about supporting the US oil reserves with half a million barrels per day and establishing an energy and development fund with Washington, demanding answers to seven questions supported by documents within 15 days.

According to a document issued by Al-Yasiri’s office, published by Shafaq News Agency, the parliamentary question was based on Article (61/Second) of the Constitution, Articles Read more…

September 30th: Iraqi government sets deadline for surrendering unlicensed weapons

September 30th: Iraqi government sets deadline for surrendering unlicensed weapons

2026-06-29

Shafaq News – Baghdad
The Iraqi government announced on Monday that September 30 is the deadline for handing over weapons, stressing that any weapons remaining after this date will be considered “irregular”.

Iraqi government spokesman Haider al-Aboudi said during a press conference, attended by a Shafaq News Agency correspondent, that the deadline for handing over weapons is September 30, which is the date approved by the government.

He added that any weapon not surrendered after the deadline would be considered Read more…

Al-Amiri bloc: American support contributed to the success of the anti-corruption campaign

Al-Amiri bloc: American support contributed to the success of the anti-corruption campaign

2026-06-29

Shafaq News – Baghdad
Mukhtar al-Moussawi, a member of parliament from the Badr bloc led by Hadi al-Amiri, confirmed on Monday that the anti-corruption campaign led by the Iraqi government “will include everyone,” noting that “American support” contributed to the success of this operation and the exposure of corrupt individuals.

Al-Moussawi told Shafaq News Agency: “We are with Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi to recover public funds and we support him in this process,” considering that those accused in corruption cases possess groups that could have Read more…

“Iraq’s oil is at Trump’s disposal”… Why does this controversial question recur annually?

“Iraq’s oil is at Trump’s disposal”… Why does this controversial question recur annually?

2026-06-29

Shafaq News – Special Report
Every time an American president renews the state of emergency concerning Iraq, the same question resurfaces: “Does the United States control Iraqi oil revenues?”

US President Donald Trump’s decision to extend the national emergency related to Iraq for another year has reignited political and economic debate within the country, especially with the circulation of information indicating that all Iraqi oil revenues Read more…

Tomorrow, the first steps towards unifying the Peshmerga forces will begin under the supervision of the international coalition.

Tomorrow, the first steps towards unifying the Peshmerga forces will begin under the supervision of the international coalition.

2026-06-29

Shafaq News – Erbil
The first practical steps to unify the Peshmerga forces will begin tomorrow, Tuesday, through a training course supervised by the international coalition, as part of efforts to integrate and restructure the forces affiliated with the Ministry of Peshmerga in the Kurdistan Region.

A senior official in the Ministry of Peshmerga in the Kurdistan Regional Government told Shafaq News Agency that the process of reorganizing the Peshmerga forces, which is supervised by the international coalition, will begin tomorrow with the opening of Read more…

The Iraqi government issues new decisions

The Iraqi government issues new decisions

6-29-2026

The Iraqi government issued a new set of decisions on Monday (June 29, 2026) as part of its efforts to follow up on service, economic and administrative files, and to take the necessary measures regarding a number of issues on its agenda.

The Prime Minister’s Media Office stated in a statement that “Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi chaired yesterday, Sunday, the eighth regular session of the Council of Ministers, in which developments in the country were discussed, and the topics on the agenda were reviewed and the necessary decisions were made regarding them.”

The statement added that “at the beginning of the session, Al-Zaydi stressed that what happened in the crackdown Read more…

Exclusive: Al-Zaidi will discuss in Washington the release of a $30 billion Iraqi financial guarantee.

Exclusive: Al-Zaidi will discuss in Washington the release of a $30 billion Iraqi financial guarantee.

2026-06-28

Shafaq News – Baghdad
An informed source revealed on Sunday that Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi will discuss, during his upcoming visit to Washington next month, the release of one of the Iraqi bank guarantees held by the United States, estimated at about $30 billion, in addition to economic and investment files.

The source told Shafaq News Agency that Al-Zaidi’s visit to Washington will focus on redefining the relationship between Baghdad and Washington “clearly and comprehensively,” as well as Read more…