Internal conflict gives Trump the green light to intervene in the prime minister selection process.
2-18-2026
The conflict within the Iraqi political process continues regarding the presidency and the prime ministership. Although the presidential post is associated with the Kurds and is contested between the two main parties in the region, the most prominent conflict revolves around the selection of the new prime minister. Read more…
MP: Iraqi refinery production has doubled by 10% in the past 16 months
2-18-2026
Information/Baghdad…
MP Mudhar al-Karawi confirmed on Wednesday that Iraqi refinery production rates have increased by 10% over the past 16 months.
Speaking to Al-Maalouma, al-Karawi said, “Achieving 100% self-sufficiency in fuel for Iraq is a top priority, especially since Read more…
Parliamentary demand for the framework to hold an “extraordinary” session to elect the President of the Republic
2-18-2026
Information / Baghdad…
Member of Parliament Mahmoud al-Shammari called on the leaders of the Coordination Framework on Wednesday to direct the convening of an extraordinary parliamentary session to resolve the issue of the presidency, stressing Read more…
Exclusive – US State Department: Nominating Maliki will force us to reassess our relationship with Iraq
2026-02-18
Shafaq News – Washington/ Mustafa Hashim
The US State Department confirmed on Wednesday that the United States’ position remains “firm and unwavering” regarding the nomination of State of Law Coalition leader Nouri al-Maliki for the Iraqi premiership, hinting at harsh diplomatic Read more…
The coordination framework is heading towards a “crucial” meeting before the end of a new US deadline.
2026-02-18 04:13
Shafaq News – Baghdad
A political source reported on Wednesday that the forces of the Coordination Framework are heading towards holding a “decisive” meeting in the coming hours to decide on their candidate for the premiership, before the end of a new American deadline on Thursday.
A source within the coordination framework told Read more…
Sulaymaniyah: Iranian currency circulation booms with high profits
2026-02-18 05:29
Shafaq News – Sulaymaniyah
A currency trader in the central market of Sulaymaniyah revealed on Wednesday the growing practice of “currency trading” between Iranian and Iraqi traders, through the purchase of sums in Iranian currency and their entry into electronic accounts, before transferring them back to Iran to take advantage of price differences Read more…
Investment Authority: Significant increase in foreign investment demand
2026-02-18
The Investment Authority confirmed on Wednesday that Iraq has witnessed a remarkable increase in investment interest over the past two years. It indicated that expanding investment opportunities towards priority sectors enhances long-term Read more…
Iraqi Dinar Guru opinions 2-17-2026
2-17-2026 Intel Guru Frank26 As much as diplomacy was the best route it is possible that time is up. It is possible that we need to remove Maliki…It is the Iranian influence that is pushing the coordinated framework to have Maliki be the nominee for the Prime Minister of Iraq. It is Trump that is telling parliament and the Iranian infection inside of Iraq…get out of Iraq. Maliki cannot be prime minister…We are removing Maliki. Trump does not want any Iranian influence in Iraq whatsoever in order to bring forth the security and stability that is needed for the new exchange rate. Read more…
The Kurds agree on a single candidate for the presidency… a significant step that could end the political chaos.
2-17-2026
Information/Report…
The Iraqi political scene is witnessing intense activity regarding the presidential election, amid increasing pressure to fulfill constitutional requirements in a way that strengthens political stability and ensures respect Read more…
Araghchi: We have reached an understanding with America and copies of the potential agreement will be exchanged.
2026-02-17 06:33
Shafaq News – Geneva
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi announced on Tuesday that an understanding had been reached with the United States on “main principles,” and indicated that work was underway on two versions of the potential agreement document for the two sides to exchange.
Araqchi said in his first comment after the end of the second round of talks Read more…
Initial understandings reached among the Kurds to present a unified candidate to Baghdad
2-17-2026
Information/Special..
Jamal Khalil, a member of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, confirmed today that “political consultations between his party and the Kurdistan Democratic Party are still ongoing,” noting that “significant progress has been made, resulting in an agreement in broad outlines Read more…
Al-Jalabi: Talk of Maliki withdrawing from the prime ministerial race is just wishful thinking.
2-17-2026
Information/Baghdad…
Zuhair al-Jalabi, a member of the State of Law Coalition, asserted that talk of Nouri al-Maliki withdrawing from the presidential race is nothing but wishful thinking, noting that some parties are using social media to make statements to achieve Read more…
Maliki’s advisor: There will be no withdrawal or retreat from the framework agreement.
2-17-2026
The Information Agency / Baghdad –
Abbas al-Moussawi, advisor to the head of the State of Law Coalition, affirmed on Tuesday that the coalition’s position is firm and unwavering, emphasizing that this commitment stems from a deep-seated conviction and a moral and political Read more…
Al-Shammari: The next government is required to reduce unnecessary expenditures.
2-17-2026
Information / Baghdad…
Member of Parliament Ahmed al-Shammari called on the incoming government Tuesday to implement an administrative overhaul to reduce the number of advisors in the presidencies and ministries, while also streamlining spending on foreign delegations, describing them as the biggest drain Read more…
Half the salaries of officials to save Iraq: A lost initiative under the dome of parliament
2026-02-17 00:02
Shafaq News – Baghdad
A parliamentary call for members of parliament, ministers, and those holding special ranks to donate half or more of their monthly salaries to the state treasury, in an attempt to address the economic crisis plaguing Iraq, has sparked widespread reaction among the Iraqi public.
This initiative, which was announced earlier Read more…
A parliamentary proposal to boost Iraq’s budget by $650 million through the import of 100,000 cars annually
2026-02-17 02:14
Shafaq News – Baghdad
On Tuesday, the head of the “Victorious” parliamentary bloc, Faleh al-Khazali, revealed a proposal to import 100,000 cars annually in exchange for scrapping old models with a fee of $4,000 per car, stressing that this project – if implemented – Read more…
Iran: We are prepared to stay in Geneva for days or weeks to reach a final agreement with America.
2026-02-17 03:38
Shafaq News – Tehran
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baghaei confirmed on Tuesday that the Iranian delegation is prepared to stay in Geneva for several days or even weeks to reach a final agreement with the United States on the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program.
“Time is a crucial factor for us, and the current stage is sensitive Read more…
Categories:
UNCATEGORIZED Tags:
Maliki… A third term: a political dilemma or a wise decision?
2-17-2026
Iraqi political circles followed with interest the outcome of the nomination of Mr. Nouri al-Maliki for the Iraqi premiership for the third time by the majority of members of the Coordination Framework, and took into account its international and regional dimensions and interests Read more…
Iraqi Dinar Guru opinions 2-16-2026
2-16-2026 Newshound/Intel Guru Mnt Goat “IRAQ’S MALIKI STANDOFF: THREE EXITS, NO EASY WAY OUT” A Framework official told Alhurra that three scenarios are now under discussion to end the deadlock… I believe none of these scenarios will work and are just conversation and not real solutions… There is in FACT only one solution and that is to give al-Sudani yet another term. I believe that in the end he will be nominated and appointed for yet another term. Read more…
Parliamentary move to host the Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq to discuss “salaries and citizens’ income”
2026-02-16 09:01
Shafaq News – Baghdad
On Monday, MP Duha Al-Bahadli, from the National Approach bloc, revealed a parliamentary move to host the Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq, Ali Al-Alaq, to discuss the reasons for the fluctuation in cash liquidity and mechanisms for Read more…
