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…
Abdul-Hadi rules out adopting the single-basket principle for deciding on ministerial portfolios.
6-15-2026
Information/Baghdad…
On Monday, Uday Abdul-Hadi, a member of the Coordination Framework, ruled out the possibility of finalizing the remaining ministerial portfolios in Ali Zaidi’s government using the “single package” principle.
Speaking to Al-Maalouma, Abdul-Hadi said, “The meetings held in recent days between various political forces have contributed to narrowing viewpoints, and there is a preliminary agreement to finalize five to six ministerial portfolios and identify candidates for them.” He added that “the coming days will likely see Read more…
Parliamentarian: Voting on the Popular Mobilization Forces and Oil and Gas laws will take place in the next legislative session.
2026-06-15
Shafaq News – Baghdad
On Monday, MP Duha Al-Sadkhan, from the “National Approach” bloc, revealed a set of laws scheduled to be read and voted on during the next legislative session of the House of Representatives, most notably the oil and gas law and the Popular Mobilization Forces law.
Al-Sadkhan told Shafaq News Agency, “There are more than 100 laws in the halls of the House of Representatives, and some of the laws need to be read and discussed, while others need to be Read more…
Iraq wins international lawsuit against Orange, saving its treasury from paying $800 million.
2026-06-15
Shafaq News – Baghdad
On Monday, the Ministry of Justice announced a legal achievement represented by winning the international arbitration case filed by Orange against the Republic of Iraq/Communications and Media Commission, which resulted in the dismissal of all claims of the plaintiff company and spared the Iraqi state from paying financial compensations estimated at approximately (800) million US dollars.
The ministry stated in an official statement that the arbitration panel’s decision also included obligating Orange to Read more…
Iraq asks Türkiye to extend the Kirkuk-Ceyhan oil pipeline agreement for one year.
2026-06-15
Shafaq News – Baghdad
Iraq has asked Turkey to extend the Kirkuk-Ceyhan oil pipeline agreement for at least a year, in a move aimed at giving both sides more time to negotiate a new agreement regulating oil exports through this vital route.
Reuters quoted Ali Nizar, head of Iraq’s State Oil Marketing Organization (SOMO), as saying that Baghdad had made a formal request to Ankara for additional time to complete talks on an alternative agreement covering one of the most important routes Read more…
America refutes Iran’s claims about the fate of “frozen billions”
2026-06-15
Shafaq News – Washington
US officials on Monday denied Iran’s claims that the agreement reached included the release of frozen assets in global banks.
Officials told Axios and CNN that Washington denies Tehran’s claims about being given billions of dollars in frozen funds before the start of the scheduled 60-day negotiation period following the signing of the agreement on Friday.
One official added, “This is absolutely untrue. This is a pay-for-performance agreement, and no frozen funds will be Read more…
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Following the US-Iran agreement, a gas tanker crossed the Strait of Hormuz heading east.
2026-06-15
Shafaq News – Middle East
Reuters reported on Monday that a liquefied natural gas tanker had crossed the Strait of Hormuz heading east, in the first sign of a return to normal shipping traffic following the agreement between the United States and Iran.
The agency quoted ship tracking data as saying that the tanker continued its course through the strategic strait that connects the Arabian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Read more…
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An Iraqi official announces the completion of the electrical interconnection with Jordan within 3 months.
2026-06-15
Shafaq News – Anbar
The mayor of Rutba district, Imad al-Dulaimi, announced on Monday that the Iraqi-Jordanian electricity interconnection project has entered its final stages, expecting the completion of the linking line between Rutba and al-Qaim within the next three months, which will contribute to adding new energy to the national grid.
Al-Dulaimi told Shafaq News Agency that the Rutba district has been supplied for about three years by the electrical interconnection line with Jordan with a capacity of 132 kilovolts and around the clock, indicating that after its completion the project will witness Read more…
Nechirvan Barzani: The US envoy’s visit to Erbil is important, and we will discuss the outstanding issues in Baghdad.
2026-06-15
Shafaq News – Erbil
Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani stressed on Monday the importance of the visit of US Special Envoy to Iraq and Syria, Tom Barak, to the capital Erbil, noting that the meetings will include discussions on the disputes and outstanding issues between the regional government and the federal government.
K24 satellite channel quoted President Nechirvan Barzani as saying, “This is the first time that Barak has visited Read more…
Barak arrives in Baghdad: I will discuss with al-Zaidi charting a new course for a strong relationship between Iraq and America.
2026-06-15
Shafaq News – Baghdad
US envoy to Iraq and Syria, Tom Barrack, arrived in Baghdad on Monday as part of a tour that includes a series of meetings with political leaders and government officials in the country, including the Kurdistan Region.
Upon his arrival, Barak posted on the “X” platform, stating that he would meet with Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi to convey to him the support of US President Donald Trump for the Iraqi government.
He added that he would discuss with al-Zaydi the strategic partnership between Iraq and America with the aim of Read more…
As of April, Iraq’s revenues exceeded 31 trillion dinars, with oil contributing 84% of the budget.
2026-06-15
Shafaq News – Baghdad
Data from the State Account for the federal budget up to April 2026 showed that Iraq recorded total revenues of 31.163 trillion dinars, compared to actual expenditures of 37.835 trillion dinars, reflecting the continued heavy reliance on oil resources to finance government spending.
According to the report issued by the Ministry of Finance/Accounting Department, which was reviewed by Shafaq News Agency, oil revenues amounted to 26.121 trillion dinars, constituting 84% of total revenues, while non-oil revenues amounted to about 5.041 trillion dinars, Read more…
Kirkuk International Airport operates direct flights to Dubai
2026-06-15
Shafaq News – Kirkuk
Kirkuk International Airport announced on Monday the launch of direct flights between Kirkuk and Dubai starting from June 21, in a move aimed at strengthening air connectivity between the province and the United Arab Emirates, and providing easier and more comfortable travel options for passengers.
The airport administration said in a statement received by Shafaq News Agency that the flights will operate at a rate Read more…
Iranian media: Hormuz to reopen Friday, tolls to be collected after 60 days
2026-06-15
Shafaq News – Tehran
An informed Iranian source revealed on Monday that the process of reopening the Strait of Hormuz will begin after the signing of the memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States scheduled for next Friday, noting that disagreements over some clauses continued until the last moments before the announcement of the agreement.
The Iranian news agency Tasnim quoted the source as saying that US President Donald Trump insisted on opening the Strait of Hormuz and lifting the embargo imposed on Iran simultaneously and immediately upon Read more…
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Iraqi atmosphere in Boston… “The Lions of Mesopotamia” prepare to face Norway with widespread fan support
2026-06-15
Shafaq News – Boston
Hours before the start of the highly anticipated World Cup match, Iraqi fans began flocking in large numbers to the American city of Boston, coming from various states, Canada, and neighboring countries, to support the Iraqi national team in its match scheduled for early Tuesday morning, as part of the 2026 World Cup competitions.
The gardens and areas surrounding the Iraqi national team’s residence witnessed a remarkable public presence, where Iraqi flags were raised and national chants and songs were sung expressing support Read more…
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