Trump sparks controversy by naming the Strait of Hormuz “Trump Strait”

Trump sparks controversy by naming the Strait of Hormuz “Trump Strait”

2026-04-30

Shafaq News – Washington
On Thursday, US President Donald Trump reposted an image on Truth Social in which he referred to the Strait of Hormuz as the “Trump Strait,” in a move described as a “new escalation,” coinciding with his issuing strongly worded threats to Iran.

This post comes after Trump posted an AI-generated image Read more…

The Parliamentary Finance Committee vows to stop the “farce” of the 2025 budget schedules: a clear legal violation, and we will not vote for them.

The Parliamentary Finance Committee vows to stop the “farce” of the 2025 budget schedules: a clear legal violation, and we will not vote for them.

2026-04-30

Shafaq News – Baghdad
On Thursday, MP Bassem Al-Gharabi, a member of the parliamentary finance committee, strongly criticized the Ministry of Finance for sending the 2025 budget schedules in April of 2026, considering this a “clear violation” of the law and a “clear breach” of the binding Read more…

Khamenei announces a “new administration” for the Strait of Hormuz that will bring “calm” to the region.

Khamenei announces a “new administration” for the Strait of Hormuz that will bring “calm” to the region.

2026-04-30

Shafaq News – Tehran
Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei announced on Thursday a “new management” for the Strait of Hormuz that will bring “calm and economic benefits” to the region, stressing his country’s determination to Read more…

The Central Bank of Iraq is discussing with Azerbaijan the opening of bank branches and the development of electronic payment systems.

The Central Bank of Iraq is discussing with Azerbaijan the opening of bank branches and the development of electronic payment systems.

2026-04-30

Shafaq News – Baghdad
On Thursday, the Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq, Ali Mohsen Al-Alaq, discussed with the Azerbaijani Ambassador to Baghdad, Eldar Selimov, the development of cooperation, including opening bank branches in both Read more…

Iraqi Dinar Guru opinions 4-29-2026

Iraqi Dinar Guru opinions 4-29-2026

4-29-2026 Newshound Guru Jeff Nothing is happening in Iraq till this government is done. That’s why they even came out a couple weeks ago saying Iraq’s 2026 budget will not get approved until the government is formed…We don’t have to wait for the prime minister to form his entire cabinet. He just needs to form the majority of his cabinet…and then it can go to a final parliamentary vote. Read more…

Shafaq News reveals the initial map for the distribution of ministries in Al-Zaidi’s government.

Shafaq News reveals the initial map for the distribution of ministries in Al-Zaidi’s government.

2026-04-29

Shafaq News – Baghdad
On Wednesday, an informed political source revealed the initial map for the distribution of ministerial portfolios in the government of Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zidi, indicating that the Reconstruction and Development Coalition, led by outgoing Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, is heading towards obtaining the largest share within the new cabinet, Read more…

Exclusive: Washington makes progress in relations with Baghdad contingent on “dismantling the factions”

Exclusive: Washington makes progress in relations with Baghdad contingent on “dismantling the factions”

2026-04-29

Shafaq News – Washington
Mustafa Hashim
A spokesman for the US State Department confirmed on Wednesday that dismantling Iraqi factions is a “key pillar” for making progress in bilateral relations between Baghdad and Washington.

The spokesman told Shafaq News Agency, “The US administration was very Read more…

An economist says it’s likely that a spending law and a budget for 2027 will be passed.

An economist says it’s likely that a spending law and a budget for 2027 will be passed.

4-29-2026

Information/Baghdad…
Economic expert Dr. Safwan Qusay prefers enacting a special spending law for the remainder of this year and proceeding with the legislation of a budget for next year. Qusay told Al-Maalouma, “The remaining time of this year doesn’t necessitate enacting a budget law. It’s better to proceed with a special law Read more…

The Algerian explains the scenario for choosing Al-Zidi for the position of Prime Minister

The Algerian explains the scenario for choosing Al-Zidi for the position of Prime Minister

4-29-2026

Information/Baghdad…
Abdul Rahman al-Jazaeri, head of the political body of the National Tribal Movement, explained the mechanisms and scenario behind the selection of Ali al-Zaidi for the position of Prime Minister.

Al-Jazaeri told Al-Maalouma, “There is a trend towards Read more…

A move to appoint 3 vice presidents, with Maliki at the forefront.

A move to appoint 3 vice presidents, with Maliki at the forefront.

4-29-2026

Al-Maalomah/Baghdad…
Hashim al-Haboubi, a leader in the National Accord Movement, revealed on Wednesday a serious political move to reinstate the position of Vice President of the Republic and appoint three individuals to these posts. He indicated that the Speaker of Parliament alluded to this move publicly during Read more…

The dollar surges in Iran, nearing 180,000 tomans.

The dollar surges in Iran, nearing 180,000 tomans.

2026-04-29

Shafaq News – Tehran
Foreign currency prices in Iran’s free market saw a sharp rise on Wednesday, amid a worsening economic crisis and the continued crippling naval blockade of its ports, with the US dollar exceeding 180,000 tomans, marking an increase of nearly Read more…

First US comment on al-Zaidi’s appointment as Prime Minister of Iraq

First US comment on al-Zaidi’s appointment as Prime Minister of Iraq

2026-04-29

Shafaq News – Washington / Baghdad
The United States mission in Iraq expressed its support on Wednesday for Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zubaidi in his efforts to form a government capable of fulfilling the aspirations of all Iraqis for a brighter and more peaceful future.

In a statement, the mission reiterated its solidarity Read more…

Washington: Democrats are considering suing Trump if he continues the war on Iran.

Washington: Democrats are considering suing Trump if he continues the war on Iran.

2026-04-29

Shafaq News – Washington
Sources in the US Congress reported on Wednesday that a number of Democrats are considering filing a lawsuit against President Donald Trump if he decides to continue the war after May 1 without obtaining formal Read more…

Iraqi Oil Ministry launches first phase of Bin Omar gas investment with a capacity of 80 million cubic feet per day

Iraqi Oil Ministry launches first phase of Bin Omar gas investment with a capacity of 80 million cubic feet per day

2026-04-29

Shafaq News – Basra
The Ministry of Oil inaugurated on Wednesday the first phase of the accelerated Bin Omar gas investment project in the Nahr Bin Omar field, in a move aimed at enhancing associated gas investment and supporting the energy system in Iraq.

In this regard, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Oil for Gas Affairs, Read more…

Al-Zaydi receives support from Al-Maliki and assurances from Al-Amiri, Al-Hakim, and Al-Khazali

Al-Zaydi receives support from Al-Maliki and assurances from Al-Amiri, Al-Hakim, and Al-Khazali

2026-04-29

Shafaq News – Baghdad
Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zidi intensified his meetings with leaders of the Coordination Framework on Wednesday, as part of consultations to form the new government, amid calls to expedite the formation of a national Read more…

The coordinating framework is meeting tonight with Al-Zaydi to outline the roadmap for the new government.

The coordinating framework is meeting tonight with Al-Zaydi to outline the roadmap for the new government.

2026-04-29

Shafaq News – Baghdad
A source within the coordination framework revealed that political and party leaders will hold their first meeting this Wednesday evening with Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zidi to discuss the formation of the new cabinet.

The source told Shafaq News Agency that the attendees will Read more…

Two experts disagree on the UAE’s withdrawal from OPEC, ranging from a price collapse to a limited impact.

Two experts disagree on the UAE’s withdrawal from OPEC, ranging from a price collapse to a limited impact.

2026-04-29

Shafaq News – Baghdad
Iraqi oil and economic experts have differing opinions on the repercussions of the United Arab Emirates’ withdrawal from OPEC, ranging from warnings of a sharp drop in oil prices to estimates that rule out a major Read more…

Al-Zaydi forms two teams to write the government program and select the cabinet.

Al-Zaydi forms two teams to write the government program and select the cabinet.

2026-04-29

Shafaq News – Baghdad
On Wednesday, Abu Mithaq al-Masari, a member of the Coordination Framework, announced that the Prime Minister-designate had formed two teams to write the government program and select the cabinet, confirming that al-Zaydi had announced the procedure during Read more…

Despite Tehran’s announcement, shipping data refutes claims that Iranian oil violated the embargo.

Despite Tehran’s announcement, shipping data refutes claims that Iranian oil violated the embargo.

2026-04-29

Shafaq News – Washington
Shipping data reported by the Wall Street Journal on Wednesday revealed no indications that any Iranian oil shipment had reached foreign markets.

The newspaper quoted Kpler, a company specializing in energy and shipping data, as saying that “Iran is facing Read more…

Armed with a rifle, Trump threatens Iran via “Truth Social”.

Armed with a rifle, Trump threatens Iran via “Truth Social”.

2026-04-29

Shafaq News – Washington
On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump issued a threat to Iran in a post on the Truth Social platform.

Trump appeared in an AI-generated image holding a rifle, with the caption: Read more…