The government announces the purpose of al-Zaidi’s visit to Washington
2026/06/16
Government spokesman Haider Al-Aboudi confirmed on Tuesday that Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi’s visit to Washington aims to strengthen the Iraqi-American partnership, noting that economic, trade and investment issues will be at the forefront of the visit’s agenda.
Al-Aboudi said in a press statement: “The Prime Minister, Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi, will pay an official visit to Washington in mid-July with the aim of establishing the necessary momentum to strengthen the Iraqi-American partnership and elevate it to an effective level within the framework of the strategic relationship Read more…
Radhi: The stability of the dollar is linked to the continued flow of oil revenues.
6-16-2026
Information/Baghdad…
Rasoul Radhi, a member of the State of Law Coalition, confirmed the resumption of oil revenue transfers from the US Federal Reserve to Iraq after a recent halt. He noted that the funds arrived in Iraq, particularly after the selection of the new prime minister.
Radhi told Al-Maalouma, “The exchange rate of the dollar in local markets depends on the foreign currency sent to Iraq, especially since Iraqi oil sales go to the US Federal Reserve.”
He added, “Iraq receives approximately $350 million weekly from the Federal Reserve as revenue from oil sales, but Read more…
Despite the disagreements, the absence of division between the blocs opens the door to completing the cabinet.
6-16-2026
Information/Baghdad…
Previous statements from most political parties indicated that the cabinet would be finalized after Eid al-Adha. However, this has not yet happened, despite 20 days having passed since the end of the holiday and the return of pilgrims to the country. This confirms the existence of internal disagreements that have not been openly discussed in the media. Nevertheless, statements from some parties suggest that there are no divisions among the political blocs, despite external interference and internal disputes that may be overcome in order to proceed with nominating Read more…
A call for strict governmental and legal action to control the oil smuggling issue across the region.
6-16-2026
The economic expert Hashim al-Haboubi called on the federal government on Tuesday to take firm and realistic measures against the Kurdistan Regional Government to prevent ongoing oil smuggling operations, coinciding with the recent international breakthrough of reopening the Strait of Hormuz to compensate for Iraq’s losses in recent months.
Al-Haboubi told the Information Agency that “the recent agreement between Tehran and Washington, which allowed for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the resumption of oil exports, necessitates decisive government action to control the internal Read more…
A race against time… Parliament heads to an extraordinary session to decide on the cabinet.
6-16-2026
Information / Report…
Political and parliamentary efforts are intensifying to complete the new cabinet and fill the remaining vacant ministerial posts before the end of the current legislative recess. This comes amidst increasing pressure from members of parliament on the leaders of political blocs to expedite agreement on the nominated candidates and convene an extraordinary session to vote on them.
MP Mukhtar al-Youssef revealed that there is a parliamentary movement underway to gather the necessary signatures to hold an extraordinary session of parliament to finalize the remaining cabinet positions. He confirmed that a number of MPs are exerting significant Read more…
Trump: The Strait of Hormuz will remain open without any fees.
2026-06-16
Shafaq News – Paris
US President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that the Strait of Hormuz will be fully reopened by next Friday, stressing that the strait will be opened without imposing any fees.
Speaking on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Paris, Trump said, “Iran will not have a nuclear weapon, and the Strait of Hormuz will be opened without any fees even after the 60-day period ends,” adding that “the new relationship with Iran has become normal, and things will move forward quickly in the next phase.”
He added that “Iran wants to get this done and return to normal business,” noting that Read more…
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Türkiye opposes extending the oil pipeline agreement with Iraq.
2026-06-16
Shafaq News – Ankara
A senior Turkish official said on Tuesday that Ankara does not want to extend the existing Ceyhan-Kirkuk oil pipeline agreement under the current circumstances, after Baghdad requested an extension of at least one year to allow time for further talks.
When asked about the Iraqi request for an extension, the Turkish official told Reuters: “There is no point in extending an agreement that was subject to arbitration.”
Iraq had asked Turkey on Monday to extend the Kirkuk-Ceyhan oil pipeline agreement for Read more…
Cautious anticipation… What awaits Iraq after the US-Iran agreement?
2026-06-16
Shafaq News – Baghdad/London
While political assessments in Baghdad and the region’s capitals race to read what might result from the recent US-Iranian understanding, the Iraqi scene seems closer to a gray area that oscillates between optimism about the possibility of capitalizing on the breakthrough, and cautious waiting until it becomes clear whether the agreement will actually hold on the ground or remain a fragile political framework that is susceptible to shaking at the first regional test.
This ambiguity is further compounded by the complexities of the Iraqi scene itself, where political, security and Read more…
Al-Zaidi at the White House in mid-July… Iraq and America reaffirm strategic partnership
2026-06-16
Shafaq News – Baghdad
Iraq and the United States affirmed on Tuesday their commitment to strengthening a “strong and mutually beneficial” strategic partnership that includes security, energy, and investment, as well as supporting political and economic stability in the country.
This came in a joint statement issued today by Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi and US President Donald Trump’s special envoy Tom Barrack, as reported by Shafaq News Agency.
According to the statement, Al-Zaidi and Barak reaffirmed the shared commitment of the Iraqi Read more…
Losses approaching 8%… Iraqi oil leads global crude declines
2026-06-16
Shafaq News – Basra
Iraqi crude oil prices fell sharply on Tuesday, making them among the biggest losers in global markets, amid pressure stemming from optimism about a preliminary agreement between the United States and Iran.
Basra Heavy crude fell to $53.50 a barrel, a loss of $4.64 or 7.98%, while Basra Medium crude declined to $55.60 a barrel, down by the same amount and by 7.70%. Read more…
Araghchi: The war has ended on all fronts and the agreement will come into effect on Friday.
2026-06-16
Shafaq News – Tehran
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi confirmed on Tuesday that the war on all fronts, including Lebanon, has ended, noting that the peace agreement with the United States will come into effect on Friday.
Araghchi said in press statements that “the declaration of the end of the war was the most important achievement in the first phase of the agreement, and it was officially announced yesterday morning, Monday,” indicating that “the official start of the implementation Read more…
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Parliamentary movement to end acting appointments to senior positions in Iraq
2026-06-16
Shafaq News – Baghdad
On Tuesday, MP Ibtisam Al-Hilali, from the State of Law Coalition, revealed a political movement within the House of Representatives to submit a request to the Speaker of the House aimed at issuing a parliamentary resolution that sets a date for ending the management of senior and special positions, undersecretaries of ministries, and acting directors-general.
Al-Hilali told Shafaq News Agency that there are dozens of senior positions in the Iraqi government, including Read more…
Barak from Erbil: Trump has special respect for the Kurdish people and the Kurdistan Region.
2026-06-16
Shafaq News – Erbil
US President Donald Trump’s special envoy to Iraq and Syria and US ambassador to Turkey, Tom Barrack, affirmed on Tuesday that President Trump has special respect for the Kurdish people, the Kurdistan Region, and its leadership.
This came during a meeting between Barak and the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, Masrour Barzani, in Erbil, in the presence of the Chargé d’Affaires of the US Embassy in Baghdad, Joshua Harris, and the Commander of the Coalition Forces in Iraq Read more…
Abdi and Barak meet as Kurdish Council delegation arrives in Erbil
2026-06-16
Shafaq News – Damascus
A source from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) reported on Tuesday that SDF commander Mazloum Abdi will hold a meeting with US Special Envoy to Syria and Iraq Tom Barrack in Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, coinciding with the arrival of a delegation from the Kurdish National Council to the region.
The source told Shafaq News Agency’s correspondent in Syria that “Abdi arrived yesterday in the Kurdistan Region and is supposed to hold meetings with US envoy Tom Barrack, as well as with the region’s president, Nechirvan Barzani.” Read more…
Iraqi Dinar Guru opinions 6-15-2026
6-15-2026 Intel Guru Frank26 All the pieces are falling into place for [Iraq’s] monetary reform. Trust me, Z is not coming to Washington DC simply to talk about investors. Mark my word. With the Strait of Hormuz now open, [Iraq’s] oil is going to flow and the HCL is going to explode with the new exchange rate. People can say this is quite a coincidence. No, this was supreme timing… Read more…
Trump’s envoy praises the role of the Iraqi judiciary in fulfilling constitutional requirements.
2026-06-15
Shafaq News – Baghdad
On Monday, US President Donald Trump’s envoy to Iraq, Tom Barrack, praised the role of the Iraqi judiciary in forming the government and parliament in accordance with constitutional requirements.
The judiciary’s media office said in a statement received by Shafaq News Agency that “the head of the Supreme Judicial Council, Faiq Zaidan, received today the presidential envoy to Iraq, Ambassador Tom Barrack.”
He added that “Tom Barrack praised, during the meeting, the role of the judiciary Read more…
Iranian President: We have decided to sign the memorandum of understanding with America next Friday
2026-06-15
Shafaq News – Tehran
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian confirmed on Monday that the agreement between Iran and the United States is scheduled to be signed next Friday.
Mehr News Agency quoted Pezeshkian as saying, in response to a question about why there was no protest against the administration of the country during the war: “This was achieved thanks to the actions and efforts of the governors and the provincial governors… Everyone helped.” Read more…
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Al-Zaidi follows in his predecessors’ footsteps… a visit to Washington amid unresolved issues
6-15-2026
Information/Baghdad…
It seems that the current Prime Minister, Ali al-Zidi, has followed the same custom witnessed by previous governments by the Prime Minister visiting the United States and the White House. This raises many questions about the importance of this visit and the true nature of its content, which is not disclosed in the media and official protocol statements. This comes at a time when some political parties are warning against al-Zidi going to Washington before the government is formed and all ministerial portfolios are completed, especially since the government is currently incomplete and needs 9 candidates Read more…
Al-Tamimi calls for adopting a “Made in Iraq” strategy to support the economy and the electricity sector.
6-15-2026
Information/Baghdad –
On Monday, MP Riyadh al-Tamimi called for the adoption of a “Made in Iraq” strategy as a priority to support the national economy and its institutions, particularly in the electricity sector.
Speaking to Al-Maalouma, al-Tamimi said, “The General Company for Transformers, a leading company in terms of production quality, has an annual production capacity exceeding 6,000 transformers of various capacities, making it a significant asset for supporting Read more…
Economist: Printing new paper currency to address the financial deficit is illegal
6-15-2026
Al-Maalomah/Anbar…
Economic expert Rashid al-Saadi revealed on Monday that the Central Bank’s printing of new banknotes to address the financial deficit is illegal and requires new legislation.
Al-Saadi told Al-Maalomah News Agency, “The Central Bank cannot print new banknotes to address the country’s financial deficit. Its role, according to current law, is limited to printing replacement currency for torn and worn banknotes, as well as compensating for internal Read more…
