Since the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Iraq has lost approximately $38 billion due to the halt in oil exports.
2026-06-20
Shafaq News – Baghdad
The Economic Affairs Observatory “Eco Iraq” announced on Saturday that Iraq has lost about 350 million barrels of oil exports since the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, equivalent to about $37.7 billion, calling for accelerating the implementation of the “New Levant” project as a strategic option to secure alternative export outlets and reduce dependence on maritime outlets.
The observatory stated in a statement received by Shafaq News Agency that Iraq, prior to the closure of the Strait Read more…
“Reconstruction and Development” clarifies: African loans date back to the Saddam era and were not granted by the Sudanese government.
2026-06-20
Shafaq News – Baghdad
The “Reconstruction and Development” coalition responded on Saturday to the statements made by MP Mohammed Al-Shammari regarding his claims about the government of Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani granting loans to African countries, considering that “these statements are far from the truth and lack accuracy, and involve misleading public opinion and an attempt at political defamation.”
The coalition explained in a statement today that the loans in question are not recent and were not granted during the Sudanese government, but rather date back to the seventies and eighties of the last century, when the previous Read more…
For the first time since 1978, Iraq begins drilling an exploratory oil well in Salah al-Din.
2026-06-20
Shafaq News – Baghdad
On Saturday, the technical and engineering staff of the Iraqi Drilling Company began drilling a new exploratory well in the Amerli district of Salah al-Din Governorate, under a tripartite contract that includes the North Oil Company, the Iraqi Drilling Company and the Oil Exploration Company.
This well is the first of its kind in the northern governorates since 1978, in a step that reflects the Ministry of Oil’s orientations towards revitalizing exploration work and developing promising Read more…
Following the FATF decision, economists warn of a heavy cost and financial isolation for Iraq after its return to the grey list.
2026-06-20
Shafaq News – Baghdad/Erbil
Economic experts warned on Saturday of the repercussions of Iraq’s return to the “grey list” of countries under enhanced monitoring regarding efforts to combat money laundering and financial crimes, stressing that the slowness in addressing this issue could land the country on the “black list,” where Baghdad faces international financial and economic isolation.
A step backward and an international alarm bell
In this regard, Ziad Al-Hashemi, a researcher and consultant in economics and international Read more…
Security forces shut down the finance department at the Central Electricity Company on suspicion of major financial corruption.
6-20-2026
An informed source reported on Friday (June 19, 2026) that a security force closed the financial department of the Central Electricity Distribution Company, after suspicions arose of corruption and major financial manipulation.
The source said that “the security force raided the financial department of the Central Electricity Distribution Company,” noting that “this move came after suspicions of corruption files and major financial manipulation.” Read more…
Iraqi Dinar Guru opinions 6-19-2026
6-19-2026 Newshound Guru Clare Article: “Al-Zaydi begins removing officials after Barrak’s visit… Al-Alaq is out of the Central Bank, according to the framework – Urgent” Quote: “Coordination Framework rushed to report the dismissal of the head of the Central Bank of Iraq, Ali al-Alaq, and his replacement by Nizar Nasser, who was the head of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Office of the Central Bank. This comes after nearly two days of long and complex discussions held by the Iraqi Prime Minister with Trump’s envoy in Baghdad, Tom Barrack.” Read more…
Iranian Foreign Ministry: Claims by some media outlets regarding the closure of the Strait of Hormuz are unfounded.
6-19-2026
Information/Follow-up…
The Iranian Foreign Ministry confirmed on Friday that claims by some media outlets regarding the closure of the Strait of Hormuz were untrue, explaining that Friday’s meeting in Switzerland had been postponed to another day.
The ministry stated in press statements that “since the signing of the memorandum of understanding was done electronically, holding the Switzerland meeting is no longer urgent.”
She added, “We plan to hold a meeting for negotiations in the coming days,” confirming that Read more…
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Financial distress and patchwork solutions… Will the borrowing crisis and budget deficit trigger the exposure of inherited corruption files?
6-19-2026
Information / Report..
The country’s financial reality faces a major challenge that is the most important and difficult test to assess the success or failure of the Al-Zaidi government, at a time when government solutions have begun to move towards the option of “borrowing”, amid warnings that it is a patchwork solution that does not address the roots of the financial crisis left by the repercussions of the war in the region and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
With the accumulation of the financial crisis, another legislative and economic challenge emerges related to Read more…
A former deputy denies the existence of deep disagreements hindering the completion of Al-Zidi’s cabinet.
6-19-2026
Information/Baghdad…
Former MP Abdul Hadi Mohan denied the existence of deep disagreements between political blocs or parties within the Coordination Framework that would hinder the completion of Ali al-Zaidi’s cabinet. He pointed out that the Coordination Framework continues its work and meetings and has not disintegrated.
Mohan told Al-Maalouma, “The disagreements regarding the selection of candidates for the nine remaining ministerial portfolios in al-Zaidi’s cabinet are minor and superficial, and can be Read more…
A politician stated that the unofficial border crossings in the region are being sold in complete secrecy and under Barzani’s supervision.
6-19-2026
Information/Duhok…
Independent Kurdish politician Didar Haval revealed on Friday that the sale of unofficial border crossings with Turkey and Syria to smuggling networks dealing in petroleum products and foodstuffs is being carried out in complete secrecy and under the supervision of Masoud Barzani.
Haval told the Information Agency, “Masoud Barzani’s government has opened a market for selling unofficial border crossings with Turkey and Syria to smugglers of petroleum products and foodstuffs for huge sums of money, away from the eyes of the federal Read more…
Gold is heading for its third weekly loss due to the strength of the dollar and signs of monetary tightening.
2026-06-19
Shafaq News – Erbil
Gold prices fell slightly on Friday, heading for their third consecutive weekly decline, pressured by rising dollar levels and signals of monetary tightening from the Federal Reserve (the US central bank), which negatively affected the appeal of the non-yielding yellow metal.
Gold fell 0.5% in spot trading to $4,189.26 per ounce by 00:43 GMT, while U.S. gold futures for August delivery dropped Read more…
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An economic institution warns against the “dollarization” of the Iraqi economy and the deepening of poverty if the dinar is devalued.
2026-06-19
Shafaq News – Baghdad
The “Iraq Future” Foundation for Economic Studies and Consultations warned on Friday of the repercussions of reducing the value of the Iraqi dinar against the US dollar, stressing that the negatives of such a step – if the federal government takes it – will outweigh its temporary benefits to the country’s economy.
These warnings come at a time when political and financial circles are increasingly discussing the possibility of devaluing the local currency as an option to address the current deficit and alleviate pressure on Read more…
Reuters, citing sources: The Revolutionary Guard has formed cells in southern Iraq to attack Gulf states.
2026-06-19
Shafaq News – Follow-up
Reuters quoted eight Iraqi sources on Friday as saying that Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has formed new secret cells in Iraq to carry out attacks on Gulf states hosting US forces, bypassing existing armed group networks to avoid detection.
According to the agency, citing those sources, three or four cells, each consisting of about 10 elite fighters, launched at least seven drone attacks from desert locations near the southern cities of Basra and Samawah, targeting sites in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the UAE between April 20 Read more…
Washington’s approach to the al-Zaydi government: a “test period” for the security file and anticipation of energy and electricity deals.
2026-06-19
Shafaq News – Washington/ Mustafa Hashim
Attention in the US capital, Washington, is focused on formulating a new political approach towards the Iraqi government headed by Ali al-Zaidi, amid arrangements being made for an anticipated official visit he will make to the White House in mid-July to discuss security, investment, and regional stability.
“Compromise candidate” under American scrutiny
In this regard, former US diplomat and senior fellow at the National Council on US-Arab Relations, Professor William, stated that political circles in Washington view al-Zaidi with “cautious optimism” Read more…
Iraq opens 7 new international routes through its territory, witnessing the implementation of more than 1000 transport operations.
2026-06-19
Shafaq News – Baghdad
The Director of the Land Transport Department of the Technical Department at the Ministry of Transport, Israa Hanoun, confirmed on Friday that Iraq has made great progress in implementing the international TIR (Transportation Infrastructure) system for cross-border transport.
Hanoon explained, in a statement received by Shafaq News Agency, that the system has been fully operational in the country, as seven new international routes have been opened Read more…
Following the easing of the Hormuz crisis, two tankers docked at the port of Basra to load 2.3 million barrels of oil.
2026-06-19
Shafaq News – Basra
An official source at the General Company for Iraqi Ports revealed on Friday that two giant oil tankers have docked at the Basra oil port to begin loading large shipments of crude oil, in the first signs of the return of maritime traffic to normal through the vital Strait of Hormuz.
The source told Shafaq News Agency that “the first tanker (Lucia ) docked at berth number (1), while the second tanker (Romania) docked at Read more…
Tehran sets conditions for ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz
2026-06-19
Shafaq News – Tehran
Iran’s Strait of Hormuz Authority announced on Friday that ships would be allowed to pass through the strait under specific conditions.
The authority stated in a statement on the “X” platform that “ships wishing to cross the Strait of Hormuz will be granted the right of passage during the time period announced in the memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran, provided that the requirements and procedures stipulated for passage are met.”
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council on Thursday set rules for commercial ships to pass Read more…
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Swiss Foreign Ministry: US-Iranian negotiations will not take place today
6-19-2026
The Swiss Foreign Ministry announced the cancellation of technical talks scheduled between Washington and Tehran today, hours after the White House postponed Vice President Jay D. Vance’s visit to Switzerland. The ministry said in a statement that “talks scheduled for Friday between the United States and Iran at the Bürgenstock mountain resort have been cancelled, hours after the White House announced the postponement of US Vice President Jay D. Vance’s visit to Switzerland, where he was to participate in talks with Tehran on Read more…
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The 2026 budget is under threat… signs of a lack of approval amid a growing financial crisis.
6-19-2026
The issue of the general budget in Iraq is once again at the forefront of controversy, with increasing indications that a budget for 2026 may not be approved, given the complex financial and economic challenges, including declining oil revenues, the stumbling of some executive processes in the government, and regional effects on export activity.
These data open the door to questions about the future of public spending, the state’s priorities, and its ability to Read more…
MP Abu Turab al-Tamimi: There is no political will to complete the cabinet, and there is a conflict among the constituent groups.
6-19-2026
The Iraqi political scene is witnessing a state of controversy regarding the process of completing the cabinet, amid differing positions among parliamentary blocs and widening disagreements among political forces.
In this context, MP Abu Turab al-Tamimi, a leader in the Badr parliamentary bloc, indicated today, Friday (June 19, 2026), that there are political obstacles that prevented the voting process on the cabinet from proceeding during the last sessions, considering that what is happening reflects an entanglement of interests and calculations between the various parties. Read more…
