Initial agreement to name Halbousi and Fayyad as vice presidents of the republic
2026-10-18
Shafaq News – Baghdad
An informed source revealed on Sunday that political forces are moving towards reactivating the positions of the two vice presidents of the republic, within the understandings of the state administration coalition for the next period.
The source told Shafaq News Agency that the political forces reached a preliminary agreement to name the leader of the Progress Party, Muhammad al-Halbousi, and the head of the Popular Mobilization Forces, Faleh al-Fayyad, as vice presidents of the republic. Read more…
Iraqi Dinar Guru opinions 10-17-2026
10-17-2026 Newshound Guru Jeff Now that the cabinet is done the remaining steps are going to start moving a lot quicker…Getting the budget amended against the new rate, 150+ plus approved reforms, government program, …going international with the 2027 budget period, all of that is going to start moving a lot quicker…faster. It took forever to get to this point…that goes to show you how close the rate change is…The rest of the dominoes are going to start to fall. They have to. Read more…
Additional debt: An economist warns of the repercussions of borrowing from the International Monetary Fund.
10-17-2026
Information/Baghdad…
On Saturday, economic expert Saleh al-Khafaji outlined the potential negative effects of borrowing from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on the Iraqi economy. He called on the government to be transparent with the public regarding the existence of any borrowing efforts, the amount of funds required, and the economic repercussions. Speaking to Al-Maalouma, al-Khafaji explained that “the IMF has revealed the Iraqi government’s intention to Read more…
Development: We are ready to cooperate with the Central Bank of Iraq and the US Treasury and clarify the facts.
10-17-2026
Baghdad-Mail
In light of the statement issued by the US Treasury Department on October 15, 2026, and the accusations it contained against the International Development Bank for Investment and Finance, the bank’s management affirms that it is dealing with this development with the utmost seriousness, responsibility, and transparency.
Throughout its years of operation, the International Development Bank has Read more…
Al-Zaydi calls for a comprehensive agreement with Türkiye on water and urges its companies to invest in Iraq.
2026-10-17
Shafaq News – Baghdad
On Saturday, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zubaidi called for a comprehensive agreement with Turkey on water issues and for the implementation of the development road project, stressing Iraq’s keenness to establish the best relations with Ankara and make it an important economic partner.
This came during Al-Zaidi’s reception of Turkish Foreign Minister Read more…
Economic Observatory: Iraq extracted approximately 834.7 million barrels of oil during 2026
10-17-2026
The Iraqi Economic Observatory (ECO -Iraq) announced on Saturday that Iraq extracted approximately 834.7 million barrels of crude oil during the first nine months of 2026.
In a statement reported by Al-Maalomah News Agency, the observatory said, “Iraqi oil production maintained its usual levels during January and February, averaging over 4.1 million barrels per day, before declining sharply starting in March, coinciding with the repercussions of the war in the region. Production reached its lowest point in May, then began to recover gradually Read more…
Politician: Al-Zaidi’s talks with Trump in New York remain “mysterious” and raise doubts
10-17-2026
The Information Agency / Baghdad…
Political analyst Sabah al-Akeeli confirmed on Saturday that the details of the meeting between Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi and US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly meetings in New York remain undisclosed, indicating that it is still shrouded in mystery and the subject of widespread political and public speculation.
Al-Akeeli told the Information Agency, “High-level discussions conducted by the Prime Minister necessitate informing the Cabinet and Parliament Read more…
Divisions plague Azm… Al-Issawi threatens to withdraw due to disagreements over positions
10-17-2026
Al-Maalomah/Anbar…
A source in Anbar province revealed on Saturday that internal disputes within the Azm Alliance are escalating due to conflicts over the distribution of ministerial positions, coinciding with the completion of Ali Falih al-Zaidi’s government formation.
The source told Al-Maalomah News Agency that “MP and Azm Alliance leader Faisal al-Issawi threatened to withdraw from the alliance, citing the absence of genuine programs and serious projects to serve the community, as well as the alliance’s transformation into a marketplace for distributing positions among its leaders.” Read more…
Al-Mashhadani: The Iraqi economy cannot be fixed by changing the exchange rate alone.
10-17-2026
Information / Baghdad –
Economic expert Abdul Rahman Al-Mashhadani affirmed on Saturday that raising the dollar exchange rate might provide quick and temporary liquidity to the state treasury, but it does not constitute financial reform in itself without comprehensive strategic plans.
Al-Mashhadani told the Information Agency, “True financial reform in Iraq lies in building a genuine, diversified revenue system, working to recover smuggled Read more…
Al-Hashemi: The government will resort to borrowing despite the change in the exchange rate… a contradiction in Al-Zidi’s statements
10-17-2026
Information / Baghdad –
Economic expert Ziad al-Hashemi criticized the Iraqi government’s move to borrow from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Saturday, arguing that this step raises questions about the justifications for devaluing the Iraqi dinar, which was presented as a measure to avoid resorting to more painful financial options, including external borrowing.
In a post on his Facebook page, al-Hashemi stated that the negotiations with the IMF for financial support reveal, in his opinion, a contradiction Read more…
We were: Influential political blocs are behind the obstruction of the Christian candidate for the Ministry of Immigration
1017-2026
The head of the Assyrian Democratic Movement, former MP Yonadam Kanna, accused influential political forces on Saturday of obstructing the selection of a candidate for the Ministry of Migration and Displacement, a post allocated to the Christian community. He pointed to external political interference, which he said seeks to impose its will on the community’s electoral entitlement. Read more…
Al-Moussawi expects the 2027 budget draft to arrive by the end of this month.
10-17-2026
Information/Baghdad…
MP Mukhtar al-Moussawi predicted on Saturday that the draft 2027 budget law would reach the Parliamentary Finance Committee by the end of this month, noting that significant amendments to its articles are undeniable.
Al-Moussawi explained to Al-Maalouma that “the draft 2027 budget law is expected to reach the Parliamentary Finance Committee by the end of this month for scrutiny, review, and extensive discussions regarding Read more…
The head of the “Ishraqat Kanoun” bloc told Al-Maalouma: Creating new positions hinders parliamentary oversight… and raising the dollar exchange rate is killing the dinar.
10-17-2026
Information / Press Interview…
In light of the rapid political and economic developments in Iraq, there is an urgent need to review the state’s administrative structure and the files of financial and oversight reform. To shed light on these issues, the Information Agency interviewed Dr. Haider al-Mutairi, head of the Ishraqat Kanun parliamentary bloc, who strongly criticized the government’s expansion efforts, describing them as “disguised sectarian quotas.” Al-Mutairi also outlined his bloc’s vision for combating corruption, the reasons for the decline of the local currency, and their firm stance on Read more…
Washington: Corruption hinders investment in Iraq despite promising opportunities
2026-10-17
Shafaq News – Washington
On Friday evening, the Bureau of Economic, Energy and Business Affairs at the U.S. State Department issued a report on the investment climate in Iraq for 2026, concluding that corruption, bureaucracy, weak financing and security challenges top the list of obstacles to investment, while noting that the energy, agriculture, industry and technology sectors stand out as the most promising opportunities. Read more…
US military: Iraqi factions are diverting their members’ salaries to Iran to counter the embargo
2026-10-17
Shafaq News – Special Translation
The commander of the US Central Command, Admiral Brad Cooper, said that armed groups in the region, including Iraqi factions, have begun transferring funds to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard to alleviate the economic pressures it faces after nine months of war.
Cooper explained, in a video message posted late Friday night on the X platform, that the naval blockade has cost Iran an estimated $25 billion in oil revenues, noting that the US Read more…
Categories:
UNCATEGORIZED Tags:
The head of the International Monetary Fund pledges “strong” support for Iraq.
2026-10-17
Shafaq News – Follow-up
The head of the International Monetary Fund, Kristalina Georgieva, announced on Saturday that the Fund intends to “strongly” support Iraq through a much-needed loan program.
“We will provide Iraq with financial and policy support,” Georgieva explained at a closing press conference of the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank in Bangkok. Read more…
The Islamic Cooperation Council session kicks off in Baghdad, and Al-Zaidi calls for the protection of international trade (Update)
2026-10-17
Shafaq News – Baghdad
On Saturday, Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi inaugurated the 52nd session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, hosted by the capital, Baghdad.
The official spokesperson for the 52nd session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Ambassador Hassanein Kamel, said in a statement received by Shafaq News Agency that the session began with the participation of official Read more…
Iraqi oil production is gradually recovering, reaching 4.4 million barrels per day during the month.
2026-10-17
Shafaq News – Baghdad
The Eco Iraq Observatory announced on Saturday that Iraq’s oil production for last September recorded the highest daily rate since the beginning of 2026, at 4.399 million barrels per day.
The observatory said in a statement received by Shafaq News Agency that Iraqi oil production maintained its usual levels during January and February, with an average exceeding Read more…
Washington renews its support for al-Zaidi’s “vision” despite the controversy surrounding the government formation.
2026-10-17
Shafaq News – Special Translation
The US administration has reaffirmed its support for Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi in achieving his vision, despite criticisms regarding the completion of the government formation, particularly concerning the position of deputy prime minister, which was obtained by Asaib Ahl al-Haq, according to Voice of America radio .
The American radio station reported, in a report translated by Shafaq News Agency, that the completion of al-Zaidi’s Read more…
More than 17 billion dinars in tax revenues have disappeared from a government bank.
2026-10-17
Shafaq News – Baghdad
An informed source revealed on Saturday the disappearance of sums of money exceeding 17 billion Iraqi dinars, belonging to revenue collection and electronic accounts in one of the government banks.
According to the source speaking to Shafaq News Agency, the Federal Integrity Commission and the Federal Board of Financial Control are required to intervene to investigate the reasons for the disappearance of these funds, review the financial records and Read more…
