International proposal for a new oil pipeline from Basra to Ceyhan, Turkey

International proposal for a new oil pipeline from Basra to Ceyhan, Turkey

2026-04-19

Shafaq News – Washington
The International Energy Agency’s executive director, Fatih Birol, proposed on Sunday the construction of a new oil pipeline linking the Basra oil fields in Iraq to the Turkish “Ceyhan” terminal on the Mediterranean Sea, with the aim of reducing dependence on the Strait Read more…

The Dawa Party: Maliki is still a candidate for prime minister and no alternative has been presented.

The Dawa Party: Maliki is still a candidate for prime minister and no alternative has been presented.

2026-04-19

Shafaq News – Baghdad
The Iraqi Dawa Party confirmed on Sunday that its leader, Nouri al-Maliki, remains the sole candidate for prime minister, while denying that any alternative to him had been put forward.

The party said in a statement received by Shafaq News Agency, “ The Read more…

Through the “Export Support Fund”… Iraqi trade announces a plan to develop non-oil exports

Through the “Export Support Fund”… Iraqi trade announces a plan to develop non-oil exports

2026-04-19

Shafaq News – Baghdad
Minister of Trade Dr. Atheer Dawood Al-Ghurairi affirmed that the ministry is proceeding with the implementation of its programs aimed at developing non-oil exports and expanding the base of local production by activating Read more…

Trump: We hope Iran will accept our offer or we will destroy all power plants and bridges (Update)

Trump: We hope Iran will accept our offer or we will destroy all power plants and bridges (Update)

2026-04-19

Shafaq News – Washington
US President Donald Trump confirmed on Sunday that an agreement with Iran will happen one way or another.

Trump said in brief remarks to ABC News: “The agreement with Iran will happen one way or another, in a friendly way or a hard way.”

He added: Read more…

The President told the Iranian Ambassador: The importance of continuing dialogue and sparing the region the dangers of war.

The President told the Iranian Ambassador: The importance of continuing dialogue and sparing the region the dangers of war.

2026-04-19

President Nizar Amidi affirmed to the Iranian Ambassador to Iraq, Mohammad Kazem Al-Sadeq, on Sunday the importance of continuing dialogue and sparing the region the dangers of wars. The Presidential Media Office stated in a statement that “President Nizar Amidi received at Baghdad Palace the Iranian Read more…

Iraqi Dinar Guru opinions 4-18-2026

Iraqi Dinar Guru opinions 4-18-2026

4-18-2026 Newshound/Intel Guru Mnt Goat Article: “Minerals and “white gold” put Najaf on the investment map in Iraq” This…article…solidifies to us once again the importance of Iraq and its wealth…get out of their ‘rentier’ economy of sole 95% of oil revenues. Is this part of what we all have been waiting for? Yes… A dinar rate of 1320? I don’t think so…silica mining (white gold) and other projects like it in part is what is going to get the reinstatement at a higher rate once it goes back on FOREX. We don’t go the bank until its back on FOREX. Of course, we all know that the reinstatement is being intentionally held back. Iraq could easily sustain a rate of about $3.22 right now as it was prior to the 1991 war… Read more…

Parliamentary Finance Committee: The government will determine the amounts for the emergency support law to send to Parliament.

Parliamentary Finance Committee: The government will determine the amounts for the emergency support law to send to Parliament.

4-18-2026

Information/Special…
Member of the Parliamentary Finance Committee, Basim al-Gharabi, explained on Saturday that the Ministry of Finance is currently working on determining the amounts allocated for the Emergency Support Law in preparation for sending it to the Central Bank and then presenting it for a vote Read more…

After an absence of nearly a year, Qaani returns to the Iraqi file with a visit to Baghdad.

After an absence of nearly a year, Qaani returns to the Iraqi file with a visit to Baghdad.

2026-04-18

Shafaq News – Baghdad
An informed source reported on Saturday that the commander of the Quds Force in the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, Ismail Qaani, arrived in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, in the past few hours on an unannounced visit.

The source told Shafaq News Agency that “Qaani held a series of meetings with Read more…

At the request of the Sudanese government, the “decisive” meeting of the coordination framework has been postponed, and a Sunni leader has entered the fray (update).

At the request of the Sudanese government, the “decisive” meeting of the coordination framework has been postponed, and a Sunni leader has entered the fray (update).

2026-04-18

Shafaq News – Baghdad
A political source revealed on Saturday that the coordination framework meeting was postponed at the request of caretaker Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, while indicating that a Sunni leader is on the negotiating line to decide on the prime minister candidate.

The source told Shafaq News Agency that “the coordination framework meeting Read more…

Trump: Iran cannot blackmail us and we will wait until the end of the day (Update)

Trump: Iran cannot blackmail us and we will wait until the end of the day (Update)

2026-04-18

Shafaq News – Washington
US President Donald Trump confirmed on Saturday that talks with Iran are ongoing, indicating that some information regarding the Strait of Hormuz would be obtained by the end of the day.

Trump said in a speech followed by Shafaq News Agency: “We are talking with Read more…

Leaks suggest the coordination framework meeting has been postponed to Monday.

Leaks suggest the coordination framework meeting has been postponed to Monday.

4-18-2026

Information/Baghdad…
Jassim Mohammed Jaafar, a leader in the State of Law Coalition, revealed on Saturday that there are leaks indicating that Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, the candidate of the Euphrates Bloc, has requested postponing the coordination framework meeting scheduled for today, Saturday, until next Monday. He also confirmed the continued Read more…

Source: Washington plans to reposition its forces in Iraq

Source: Washington plans to reposition its forces in Iraq

4-18-2026

Al-Maalomah/Anbar…
A responsible source in Anbar province revealed on Saturday that the US intends to redeploy its forces in Iraq following the recent aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The source told Al-Maalomah, “Security leaders in Anbar indicated the existence of a plan to redeploy US forces at Ain al-Assad Air Base Read more…

Al-Moussawi: The framework is moving towards a “compromise candidate,” and Al-Badri is the closest to the premiership.

Al-Moussawi: The framework is moving towards a “compromise candidate,” and Al-Badri is the closest to the premiership.

4-18-2026

Information / Baghdad…
MP Jassim al-Moussawi, a member of the Coordination Framework, revealed on Saturday that political forces within the framework are leaning towards selecting a “compromise candidate” for the position of Prime Minister, confirming that Read more…

Tensions are high inside the Green Zone… Will Saturday’s meeting break the deadlock in the framework disputes, or will it be postponed until further notice?

Tensions are high inside the Green Zone… Will Saturday’s meeting break the deadlock in the framework disputes, or will it be postponed until further notice?

4-18-2026

Baghdad/Report…
Political and public attention is focused on the anticipated meeting of the leaders of the Coordination Framework, scheduled for this Saturday evening. Conflicting reports circulate regarding the possibility of all factions convening under one roof, or whether the meeting will be postponed at the last minute.
This meeting, described as a “decisive meeting,” comes at a critical Read more…

Coordination framework: Three names are still being considered for the premiership, with a final decision to be made in an official statement.

Coordination framework: Three names are still being considered for the premiership, with a final decision to be made in an official statement.

4-18-2026

Information/Baghdad…
On Saturday, Abdul Samad al-Zarkoushi, a member of the Coordination Framework, confirmed that three names remain under consideration for the position of Prime Minister in the next government. He emphasized that the final decision will be made Read more…

Moody’s downgrades its outlook for Iraq to “negative” amid regional risks

Moody’s downgrades its outlook for Iraq to “negative” amid regional risks

2026-04-18

Shafaq News – Baghdad
Moody’s credit rating agency has lowered its outlook for Iraq from stable to negative, amid escalating risks associated with the conflict in the Middle East and its impact on the stability of the Iraqi economy.

The agency explained in a report, which was reviewed by Shafaq News Agency, Read more…

Uncertainty surrounds the fate of the “crucial” framework meeting for the position of Prime Minister.

Uncertainty surrounds the fate of the “crucial” framework meeting for the position of Prime Minister.

2026-04-18

Shafaq News – Baghdad
An informed source suggested on Saturday that the coordinating framework that includes the ruling Shiite political forces in Iraq may resort to postponing its “crucial” meeting to present a candidate for the position of Prime Minister Read more…

International Monetary Fund: Sharp contraction to hit Iraq’s economy in 2026

International Monetary Fund: Sharp contraction to hit Iraq’s economy in 2026

2026-04-18

Shafaq News – Baghdad
The International Monetary Fund’s Regional Economic Outlook report revealed expectations that the Iraqi economy will contract significantly during 2026, due to the repercussions of the war and disruptions to trade and production in the region.

According to the report, issued in April and reviewed by Shafaq News Agency, Read more…

A new US aircraft carrier is approaching the Strait of Hormuz.

A new US aircraft carrier is approaching the Strait of Hormuz.

2026-04-18

Shafaq News – Tehran
The Associated Press quoted officials on Saturday as saying that the US aircraft carrier Gerald Ford had entered the Red Sea, accompanied by two US Navy destroyers.

According to officials, the carrier is heading towards areas near the Strait of Hormuz, stressing that this move comes within Read more…

US military officials: The Revolutionary Guard launched three attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

US military officials: The Revolutionary Guard launched three attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

2026-04-18

Shafaq News – Washington/London/Tehran
US military officials revealed that Iran’s Revolutionary Guard launched three attacks targeting commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, as Tehran closed it again to maritime traffic.

For its part, the British Maritime Operations Authority announced Read more…