Fiscal reform: The government's dilemma between austerity and public anger
Financial reform poses the biggest challenge to the next government, given the Iraqi economy's dependence on oil, the bloated public sector, and the delay in forming the executive authority.
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A report by the news website, The National, addressed the critical economic situation in Iraq, between declining oil prices and inflated public spending, amidst desperate government measures to contain the situation for a country that depends entirely on crude exports to finance most of its expenditures and entitlements, with an inflated public sector.
At a time when experts predicted that 2026 would be a turning point for the country’s economic situation, the next government would face a difficult dilemma requiring it to take painful and harsh reform measures to control public spending and reduce dependence on oil, otherwise it would risk facing a financial crisis deeper than its predecessors in 2008, 2014 and 2020.
Iraq has long been one of the world's major oil producers, relying on crude exports to finance most of its revenues. However, with the bloated public sector, millions of citizens dependent on salaries and social benefits, and fluctuating global oil prices, the gap between revenues and spending is widening at an alarming rate.
Oil-based budget
In November, Iraqis elected a new parliament, but three months later the process of forming a government remains stalled, leaving urgent economic decisions pending.
Before the elections, the current Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, repeatedly denied that the country was suffering economically, asserting that it was “in its best condition” – despite his pledge to reshape the economy if he won a second term.
Once formed, the government will face a sharp dilemma: either postpone reforms and risk a deeper financial crisis, or impose painful measures that could ignite public anger in a country where trust in institutions is fragile and living standards remain unequal.
International financial institutions, including the International Monetary Fund, have warned that Iraq’s current economic model is unsustainable. Public sector salaries and pensions consume the lion’s share of spending, while non-oil revenues are negligible, and economic diversification efforts have repeatedly faltered. Every delay narrows the government’s options and increases the cost of future reforms.
Public sector inflation
The report also noted that between 2003 and the end of last year, the number of government employees rose from one million to approximately 4.55 million. Separately, there are nearly three million government retirees and two million families covered by the social safety net, according to the Ministry of Planning.
Last year, Iraq spent about $6.5 billion a month on salaries, pensions and social welfare for these three groups – leaving only $500 million of its average monthly oil revenues of $7 billion.
Iraq's total revenues reached $87.1 billion during the first 11 months of 2025 – a 16% decrease compared to the same period in 2024 – according to figures from the Ministry of Finance. Of this total, oil sales amounted to $76.7 billion.
In contrast, spending during the same period amounted to $96.9 billion, widening the deficit to $9.8 billion, compared to just $800 million in the previous year.
A senior finance ministry official, speaking to The National on condition of anonymity, said: “The reality is painful and the future is bleak. Oil revenues are barely enough to pay salaries, pensions and social welfare.”
He added that there are other large financial obligations, including payments to energy companies – some of which are paid in kind with oil rather than cash – the purchase of gas and electricity from Iran, and outstanding government debts to bondholders and contractors.
Oil price pressures
Since last year, global oil prices have been declining for several reasons, including oversupply and OPEC's decision to maintain production levels.
On the other hand, the International Monetary Fund estimates that Iraq needs an oil price of $84 per barrel to balance its budget. Prices are currently approaching $70 per barrel, after being around $60 at the end of last year.
The current rise is believed to be temporary due to geopolitical tensions, and prices are expected to fall as regional security conditions stabilize.
To mitigate its losses, Iraq is considering requesting a review of its OPEC production and export quota, which stands at 4.25 million barrels per day, with a possible target of a gradual increase of between 150,000 and 300,000 barrels per day, which could add between $4 billion and $10 billion annually, depending on prices.
Political deadlock deepens the crisis
Economists also warn that the next government will not have much time to postpone.
Jad Azour, director of the Middle East and Central Asia Department at the International Monetary Fund, said during a seminar hosted by the Atlantic Council in February: “Some of the issues that the government needs to address should have been resolved years ago.”
He added that Iraq's excessive reliance on oil is at the heart of its vulnerability. Prices could fall further in 2026 after signs of weakness emerged in 2025, which will increase pressure on public finances.
Azour then stressed that restoring control over public finances and maintaining macroeconomic stability should be a priority for the next government, by addressing the state’s inflation in size and spending, and building financial reserves capable of absorbing shocks.
He also stressed the need to redefine the role of the state in the economy, so that it abandons the role of “largest employer” in favor of encouraging a dynamic private economy, and reducing dependence on oil by boosting non-oil revenues and rationalizing untargeted subsidies.
For his part, Ziad Daoud, senior emerging markets economist at Bloomberg, said the immediate goal is to ensure that Iraq does not enter a crisis if oil prices fall.
He pointed out that during the past two decades, oil prices have witnessed three sharp declines in the years 2008, 2014 and 2020, and each time Iraq entered a crisis of varying degrees of severity.
The pressure is transferred to the citizens
For many Iraqis, the crisis has already begun to take its toll in delayed payments and rising costs. Public sector salaries and pensions for January were delayed until the first week of February.
Sabah Mohammed, a 72-year-old retiree, said while waiting for his salary in Baghdad: “It’s very difficult… I had to borrow money to buy some medicine and basic necessities, and this is honestly embarrassing.”
Between technical solutions and political will
In an effort to boost non-oil revenues, the government imposed new customs duties in January, increasing them from 1–5% to 6–30%.
The General Customs Authority expects to generate more than 10 trillion dinars in 2026, compared to 2.5 trillion last year.
Analysts also believe that technical solutions are available, but the real challenge is political.
Ali Al-Mawlawi, an economist at the founder of Horizon Consulting, says: “The hardest part is passing unpopular measures, whether with the political elite or the public, because tough measures are often unpopular. This in itself is a big challenge.”
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The report, citing interviews with senior Iranian officials, members of the Revolutionary Guards and former diplomats, says Khamenei moved to secure continuity of leadership during a period of heightened tensions and domestic unrest.
Since then, Larijani has reportedly overseen the government’s crackdown on protests, handled sensitive nuclear diplomacy with Washington, and coordinated closely with regional allies including Russia, Qatar and Oman. He is also said to be leading wartime planning as Iran braces for possible US military action.
While Larijani is not considered a likely successor to the supreme leader as he is not a senior Shiite cleric he is described in the report as one of Khamenei’s most trusted crisis managers.
According to The New York Times, Khamenei has named multiple layers of successors for key military and political positions and delegated decision-making authority to a tightly knit inner circle in the event communications are severed or he is assassinated.
Amid escalating tensions, Iran has reportedly placed its armed forces on high alert, deployed missile systems near Iraq and along the Persian Gulf, and conducted military drills in preparation for a potential conflict.
$65 Billion Investment to Transform Al-Tayeb Border City into an Economic City
The head of the National Investment Commission, Haider Makkiya, announced on Saturday a planned investment in the border city of Al-Tayeb to transform it into an economic city, noting that the investment is valued at $65 billion.
Makkiya told the Iraqi News Agency (INA): “Al-Tayeb is a multi-service economic city located on an area of more than 120,000 dunams, and the value of investments there exceeds $65 billion, of which $5 billion is allocated to infrastructure, roads, electricity, sewage, and other services.”
He pointed out that “the city has an abundance of natural resources that enable it to succeed, including water, hills, fuel, and other natural resources such as sand and gravel. There is a wealth of natural resources that allow for the establishment of a city with this specialized focus.”
SOMO: All Correspondence with U.S. Confirms the Soundness of Our Procedures, No Threat of Sanctions
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The Iraqi Oil Marketing Company (SOMO) denied today receiving any official notification or threat regarding the imposition of sanctions by the United States of America, stressing that the control mechanisms followed in exporting oil and oil products enjoy high confidence and understanding with international parties.
The company's Director General, Ali Nizar al-Shatri, told the news agency Video News, "We have not received any official notification regarding the existence of US sanctions. We rely on official documents and correspondence and do not depend on statements made here and there." He pointed out that "all understandings and discussions, including with the US Treasury Department, indicate the soundness of the mechanisms, documents, and records adopted by SOMO."
He added that "the company imposes precise control mechanisms on all tankers entering Iraqi territorial waters, issuing daily reports detailing the nature of these tankers and their destinations, in coordination with the security forces on the ground." He explained that "these procedures inspire complete confidence in the institution's integrity and the preservation of the budget's vital lifeline."
He clarified that "Iraq has become a major exporter of petroleum products," revealing that "the revenues from exporting these products have begun to rival those from crude oil, which makes the company highly committed to preserving this vital economic sector for the country."
Sudanese Coalition: Washington's stance is harsher than the sanctions messages sent to the framework
The head of the Reconstruction and Development bloc, Bahaa Al-Araji, stated that the Iraqi ambassador in Washington confirmed that the United States’ position is more severe than the content of the messages that reached the coordination framework .
Al-Araji said in a televised interview followed by Al-Sa’a Network that “the ambassador confirmed to the leaders of the framework that the messages that came from Washington were correct, and that its position was more severe than what was contained in those messages .”
He added that "the American message that reached the framework included that the sanctions, if imposed, would not be limited to politicians, but would also include businessmen ."
He pointed out that "sanctions may be imposed on the State Oil Marketing Company (SOMO) and the Central Bank, as they are involved in the American mechanism, since oil is sold in dollars and then the proceeds are transferred to the Central Bank
Developments regarding the withdrawal of the nomination
Maliki refuses to meet Trump's envoy in Baghdad despite al-Sudani's attempt
Information obtained by Network 964 indicates that developments are escalating in the case of withdrawing Nouri al-Maliki’s nomination for the premiership, with a meeting between al-Maliki and Barak proving impossible.
Network 964 learned from political sources that Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani offered to mediate a meeting between prime ministerial candidate Nouri al-Maliki and Tom Barrack, the envoy of US President Donald Trump, who arrived in Baghdad this evening on a visit that was not previously announced, coinciding with the intensification of the prime ministership crisis, and the demands of several forces, including the Asaib Ahl al-Haq movement and the Hikma movement, for al-Maliki to withdraw after the American warning issued by Trump four days after al-Maliki’s nomination.
According to sources close to the State of Law Coalition, Maliki rejected the request made by Sudani to bring Maliki together with Trump's envoy. According to the coalition's spokesman, Aqeel al-Fatlawi, Maliki is waiting for "clarifications from the Iraqi ambassador in Washington, Nizar al-Khairallah," who is said to be carrying clarifications regarding the true American position on Maliki's candidacy and the circumstances surrounding Trump's tweet. Maliki believes that it was driven by internal and external parties, and he is trying to avoid any direct contact with an American figure before he personally ascertains the nature of the American position beyond what is being circulated.
According to the sources, Maliki has been refusing for weeks to attend the framework meetings or discuss any other scenario that would call for his withdrawal. His atmosphere is repeating one call, as he personally expressed it in his only interview on February 3, when he said that he was nominated by the framework and that he would not withdraw, but rather the framework should withdraw his nomination if it wished.
The opposition forces are demanding that Maliki withdraw in order to avoid embarrassing all the leaders of the Shiite forces and forcing them to withdraw Maliki’s nomination in response to American pressure, while Maliki’s supporters respond that he is not prepared to bear this embarrassment, that he is ready to face all pressures, and that the framework should back down if it wants, without forcing Maliki to appear in a position of retreat.
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Al-Maliki pledges global partnerships under Iraqi sovereignty
State of Law Coalition leader Nouri Al-Maliki affirmed on Sunday Iraq’s openness to solid international partnerships with the United States and Europe, noting that “Baghdad’s hand is extended” for regional and global cooperation.
In a post on X, Al-Maliki framed this stance as a national duty, stressing the importance of strengthening Iraq’s political process and investing in the country’s infrastructure, education, energy, and public services. He also insisted that Iraq’s identity is “purely Iraqi,” noting that decisions are made in the best interest of its people.
The remarks come amid a split within the Shiite Coordination Framework (CF), Iraq’s largest parliamentary bloc, over whether Al-Maliki should remain its candidate for the country’s next premier.
Earlier today, several sources informed Shafaq News that Al-Maliki insisted any decision to withdraw his nomination for prime minister must be made by a majority vote within the CF, framing voluntary withdrawal as “yielding to US pressure.” According to the sources, some figures within the CF are using intermediaries to encourage a withdrawal without public attribution, while others are mobilizing support to secure enough backing for a majority vote at a meeting expected within hours, ahead of a US-linked deadline.
The United States has openly opposed Al-Maliki’s potential return to office. A US State Department spokesperson indicated to Shafaq News that President Donald Trump’s position remains unchanged, cautioning that selecting Al-Maliki would prompt Washington to reassess its relationship with Iraq. The spokesperson cited concerns about the influence of Iran-backed armed factions in Iraqi politics and the need to strengthen economic partnerships aligned with US objectives.
Al-Maliki, who led the government for eight years between 2006 and 2014, has reaffirmed his commitment to his candidacy, noting that any reversal must come through a formal decision by the CF.
MP Kazem Al-Shammari: When Obama chose you instead of Allawi, wasn't that dictated? And ninety percent of the framework backed out of you.
MP Kazem Al-Shammari and the Iraqi Days
MP Kazem Al-Shammari, from the Services Alliance, said that he remembers the days when he represented the Iraqi List, which won the most votes in 2010, when the Obama administration exerted pressure and sent its Vice President Biden to Baghdad to push for Iyad Allawi's withdrawal and to grant Nouri Al-Maliki a second term.
Al-Shammari appealed to the leader of the State of Law coalition to “consider the higher interest of the country” and withdraw from the nomination in the face of Trump’s pressure.
Kazem Al-Shammari said: “The memories have passed before me now, and what we are experiencing today takes us back to 2010, when the American administration announced the same position but in the opposite direction. At that time, the Obama administration wanted Maliki, and sent Vice President Biden to Baghdad to put pressure on the Iraqi List, which won 91 seats. Biden insisted at that time that Maliki be the Prime Minister.”
He continued: Weren't those “dictates”? I was a member of parliament in the Iraqi List and I lived through those details, and I wonder today why those interventions are not called dictates while today's situation is described in this way?
At that time, we accepted the withdrawal of “Iraqiya” despite being the largest bloc, and that was to avert problems and achieve the national interest, because America wanted Maliki, so we said “that’s it,” and we respected the international necessity to protect the homeland, even though the will of the people was with “Iraqiya.”
He continued: “Today, this same US administration is warning that if Maliki assumes the presidency, sanctions will be imposed on the Central Bank, Iraqi funds will be frozen, SOMO (State Oil Marketing Organization) will be penalized, and other harsh economic measures will be taken. The same concerns that led us to accept in 2010 are now leading us to reject this. The country’s best interests dictate that we steer clear of a crisis we cannot handle and are incapable of confronting.”
He continued: “As for within the coordination framework, after some of them nominated al-Maliki, now about 90% of them have withdrawn, if the percentage has not reached 100%, and the State of Law is aware of this.”
Al-Walai and Al-Maliki call on Kurdish parties to expedite the selection of a presidential candidate.
Upon his arrival in Baghdad, Barak met with the Sudanese Prime Minister to discuss regional issues.
On Sunday, outgoing Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani discussed regional issues with US Special Envoy to Syria Tom Barrack.
Sudani’s office said in a statement received by Shafaq News Agency that “the meeting discussed bilateral relations between Iraq and the United States, the general situation in the region, and what Iraq is doing to support regional stability, and the stability of Syria in particular.”
He added, "The meeting also witnessed the exchange of views on preventing regional escalation, and the importance of resorting to dialogue and diplomatic paths to resolve conflicts, in addition to exploring opportunities for economic cooperation and supporting comprehensive development that enhances long-term stability. Al-Sudani stressed the need to address deep-seated problems by putting radical solutions to their causes, and preventing aggression and violations of the sovereignty of countries and peoples in the region."
For his part, Barak pointed to "the importance of the role that Iraq plays in resolving the region's problems, reducing tensions, supporting dialogue, and fighting terrorism," according to the statement.
It is noted that Barak arrived in Baghdad this evening and began his schedule by meeting directly with Al-Sudani, amid a major escalation in the region, especially the American threats to strike Iran.
US sets Geneva nuclear meeting pending Iran proposal
US is prepared to hold a new round of nuclear talks with Iran in Geneva on Friday if Tehran submits a detailed proposal within the next 48 hours, a senior US official told Axios on Sunday.
The official said the Trump administration is waiting for Iran’s draft before confirming participation in the meeting, adding that the US and Iran could discuss the possibility of an interim agreement before reaching a comprehensive nuclear deal.
According to Axios, US special envoy Steve Witkoff and White House adviser Jared Kushner asked Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to submit a detailed written proposal within days during the previous round of talks in Geneva. Washington’s position calls for zero uranium enrichment on Iranian soil, though US officials indicated they may consider what they described as “token enrichment” if Iran can demonstrate that the arrangement blocks any pathway to developing a nuclear weapon. US officials also indicated that Trump could order a strike at any time, although several advisers are currently encouraging the president to allow diplomacy to proceed.
Meanwhile, Reuters cited a senior Iranian official saying Iran and the United States are preparing to hold a new round of indirect nuclear talks in early March, stressing that Tehran will retain full control over its oil and mineral resources despite the diplomatic push.
On February 20, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected reports that Washington had demanded a complete halt to uranium enrichment as a precondition for a nuclear agreement, while affirming that Tehran had not offered to suspend enrichment activities
US Senator Lindsey Graham urged Trump to disregard advisers who oppose military action against Iran. Speaking to Axios February 21, Graham argued that avoiding confrontation could carry consequences.
The Ministry of Finance releases funds for state employees' salaries for the month of February.
The Ministry of Finance announced on Sunday the release of funding for the salaries of state employees and members of the security forces for the current month of February, confirming that it has begun sending the financial allocations to the relevant authorities in preparation for their distribution through approved banks.
The ministry stated in a statement received by the Iraq Observer Agency that “the disbursement procedures came after the completion of the administrative and technical requirements, in order to ensure the smooth transfer of salaries to the accounts of employees in various governorates.”
She added that “departments and institutions are expected to begin disbursing salaries gradually over the next few hours, according to the mechanisms adopted by each banking entity.”
Trump and protectionist policies: How will this affect the Iraqi economy?
He added in his interview with Al-Furat News Agency that "the decision may have indirect effects through higher global trade costs, disruption of supply chains, and increased prices of imported goods on which Iraq depends for consumption and production, noting the possibility of a decline in investments as a result of global uncertainty, as well as the possibility of pressure on oil prices if global growth slows down."
He added that “the decision to raise US tariffs to 15% does not directly affect Iraq due to the limited nature of its non-oil exports to the United States, but its indirect effects may appear through higher global trade costs, disruption of supply chains, or increased prices of imported goods on which Iraq depends for consumption and production, and perhaps a decline in investments as a result of global uncertainty, in addition to the possibility of pressure on oil prices if global growth slows down.”
He pointed out that “although Iraq is not at the heart of the trade dispute, it is affected by the repercussions of the protectionist wave that increases the volatility of the international economic environment, explaining that the increase in US tariffs raises the costs of trade globally and creates a more volatile economic environment, which may be reflected on the Iraqi economy through the gateways of investment costs and higher input prices, more than it directly affects oil exports.”
International financing: Iraq needs $233 billion for investment
The organization’s resident representative, Bilal Al-Saghir, said in a press statement that “a study was launched at the beginning of 2023 concerning investments and key sectors that Iraq should focus on for investment, with the aim of achieving two objectives: first, achieving economic development and diversified economic growth.”
He pointed out that "the second purpose is to address the environmental challenges facing Iraq, enabling it to achieve a diversified and sustainable economy in the long term for the people of Iraq and future generations."
He added that "the study estimates the investment needs in Iraq at $233 billion, related to key sectors, including the energy sector," stressing "the importance of moving from reliance on traditional fuel sources to more sustainable sources, whether solar, wind or other energy sources."
A new round of negotiations to join the World Trade Organization
Iraq is continuing its technical and legislative preparations to complete its accession process to the World Trade Organization, a move reflecting its efforts to strengthen its integration into the global economy and create a more stable and attractive investment environment. The Ministry of Trade confirmed that work is progressing rapidly to update the technical files related to goods.
In addition to reviewing the memorandum on the foreign trade system, in line with the new decisions relating to customs tariffs, as part of preparations for the fourth round of negotiations with the member states of the organization.
The spokesperson for the Ministry of Trade, Mohammed Hannoun, explained to Al-Sabah that the technical teams are continuing to complete the updating of the required data and information, in preparation for resuming negotiations on the goods and services files, which are among the basic pillars in the accession process.
He noted that the timeframe for Iraq's full membership in the organization remains contingent on progress in completing these negotiations, as well as the stability of the domestic economic situation. He expressed hope that Iraq's acceptance as a member would be announced in 2028-2029, provided the procedures proceed as planned. Addressing the reasons for the delays in the accession process over the past years, Hanoun explained that one of the most significant factors was the failure to enact several important economic laws during the previous parliamentary session, most notably the draft Intellectual Property Law, which is considered essential for fulfilling Iraq's obligations to member states. This law is viewed as part of a package of legislation necessary to guarantee the protection of commercial and industrial rights and to align the domestic legal environment with international trade rules.
According to experts, Iraq faces a number of objective challenges that require careful consideration before fulfilling the membership requirements. Foremost among these challenges is the continued heavy reliance on the oil sector as the primary source of revenue, given the weak diversification of the national economy's productive base. There is also a pressing need to modernize the legislative framework in the areas of trade, investment, and government subsidies, in order to align with the organization's rules and minimize any potential conflicts with its commitments.
Among the key areas of focus are the harmonization of customs and trade policies, enhancing transparency in administrative procedures, simplifying import controls, and developing the institutional and technical capacities of the entities responsible for managing the accession process and implementing international obligations. These steps are essential to ensure an orderly transition to a more open and competitive trade environment, without causing sudden shocks to the domestic market.
In the same context, the Administrative Undersecretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Mahdi Suhr al-Jubouri, affirmed that Iraq has reached an advanced stage of negotiations, particularly regarding aligning agricultural policies with international standards. In a statement to Al-Sabah newspaper, he explained that the Ministry is working to adapt to the requirements of the Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) of the World Trade Organization, which allows countries to take measures to protect human, animal, and plant health, while adhering to international standards issued by recognized institutions such as the International Plant Protection Convention and the World Health Organization.
Al-Jubouri explained that the legal framework governing the agricultural sector includes legislation that complies with international standards, such as the Animal Health Law No. (32) of 2013 and the Agricultural Quarantine Law No. (76) of 2012. These laws regulate pest and disease prevention measures, import controls, oversight of health certificates, and the application of agricultural quarantine rules at border crossings. He noted that these laws form an important foundation for enhancing confidence in Iraqi agricultural products in foreign markets.
In contrast, Al-Jubouri warned that the anticipated trade liberalization upon joining the WTO would lead to increased competition in the Iraqi market due to the gradual reduction of customs barriers, posing challenges for local producers, particularly in the agricultural sector. He emphasized the need for targeted and regulated agricultural support within clear legal frameworks to contribute to increased production efficiency, improved quality, and enhanced competitiveness.
Economic experts believe that completing the accession process represents a strategic step to enhance Iraq’s position in the international trading system, provided that this is accompanied by genuine structural reforms that contribute to diversifying the economy, improving the business environment, and developing the legislative and institutional infrastructure.
A senior Iranian official: A temporary agreement with Washington is expected.
A senior Iranian official announced that new talks with the United States are scheduled for early March, indicating they could lead to an "interim agreement." The official told Reuters on Sunday that Tehran and Washington have differing views on the scope and mechanism for lifting sanctions in exchange for restrictions on Iran's nuclear program.
The Iranian official stressed the need to recognize Iran's right to uranium enrichment within the framework of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. He indicated that "the Islamic Republic will hold indirect talks with the United States in early March, and there is a possibility of reaching an interim agreement."
The Iranian official said that his country would not relinquish control of its oil and mineral resources, but that American companies could always participate as contractors in Iranian oil and gas fields. He indicated that "Tehran could seriously consider an option that includes exporting part of its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, reducing its purity level, and forming a regional uranium enrichment consortium, but in return, its right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes must be recognized."
In contrast, US presidential envoy Steve Witkopf emphasized that Washington's "red line" in negotiations with Iran is that Tehran abandon uranium enrichment. In an interview with Lara Trump on Fox News, Witkopf stated, "Before we went there (to negotiate with Iran), President Donald Trump gave Jared Kushner and me instructions, and he set red lines: no enrichment, we must confiscate all the material (enriched uranium)."
Witkoff claimed that "Tehran will have enough uranium enriched to the level required to make a nuclear bomb within a week." He added that "the US president is surprised by Iran's unwillingness to give in despite the pressure and the presence of US forces deployed in the Middle East."
Witkoff confirmed that he met with Reza Pahlavi, the son of the former Shah of Iran, at the direction of President Trump. He noted that "Pahlavi is a strong man who cares about his country, but this is about President Trump's policies, not Pahlavi's policies."
Negotiations between Tehran and Washington regarding the Iranian nuclear program took place last Tuesday in Geneva. The Iranian delegation was headed by Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, while the American delegation was led by Wittkopf. Last Thursday, Trump stated that he would give Iran a maximum of 15 days to reach an agreement with the United States, believing this timeframe sufficient for signing a deal. Meanwhile, The New York Times reported on Sunday that Iran is deploying ballistic missile launchers along its western border with Iraq, within range of Israel, and along its southern coast on the Gulf, within range of American military bases and other targets in the region.
The newspaper added, quoting three members of the Revolutionary Guard and high-ranking officials, that "Iran is operating on the premise that US military strikes are inevitable and imminent, even as the two sides continue diplomatic dialogue and negotiations on the nuclear agreement."
The newspaper continued, stating that "Iran has raised its alert level to maximum across all its armed forces and is preparing for fierce resistance." It quoted sources as saying that "in the event of war, special police units, intelligence operatives, and Basij militia battalions affiliated with the Revolutionary Guard will be deployed in the streets of major cities. These elements will establish checkpoints to prevent internal unrest and search for agents linked to foreign intelligence services."
The newspaper quoted its sources as saying that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei had instructed his close advisor Ali Larijani, the secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, and a number of his close political and military associates, to ensure the regime’s continued survival in the face of various threats, whether they be American or Zionist military strikes or even attempts to target or assassinate the top leadership, including the Supreme Leader himself.
In a related development, The Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday that the USS Gerald R. Ford's extended deployment has taken a heavy toll on the crew and their families. The newspaper noted that one sailor was unable to attend his great-grandfather's funeral, while another sailor is considering leaving the service after being separated from her young daughter for nearly a year. Two other sailors reported problems with the ship's sanitation system. This comes as President Donald Trump has extended the ship's deployment for a second time, leaving a lasting impact on sailors and their families and prompting some to consider leaving the Navy after returning home, according to interviews the newspaper conducted with crew members and their families. The Ford, the largest US warship, has been at sea since June. In October, the Pentagon rerouted the ship from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean to support operations to seize oil tankers and kidnap Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
Earlier this year, the crew members received notification that their mission had been extended once again, which would take them back across the Atlantic to the "Middle East" to support possible US airstrikes on Iran.
Retired Admiral Mark Montgomery said that aircraft carrier missions usually last six months in peacetime, with the possibility of extending them for a few more months, but the sailors of the "Ford" have been away from home for eight months, which could extend to 11 months, breaking the record for the longest continuous mission for a US Navy ship.
The newspaper pointed to crew fatigue as a problem throughout the fleet, not just on the aircraft carrier USS Ford. In April and May 2025, near the end of an eight-month deployment, the USS Harry S. Truman lost several fighter jets while repelling attacks by Yemenis in the Red Sea.
Araghchi: Our missiles will not strike America, but they will target its bases.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, in a statement monitored by the American newspaper Al-Mada, affirmed that diplomacy is the only way to address American concerns regarding Iran’s nuclear program, adding that Tehran sees no need for American military buildup, and that this will not frighten it.
Araghchi said that his country continues to work on aspects of the agreement and its draft, and that a meeting is expected to be held with the American side next Thursday in Geneva, stressing that reaching an agreement with Washington remains within reach, with possibilities to achieve better terms than the 2015 agreement.
Araghchi noted that the discussions are currently focused solely on the nuclear issue, and that Iran has the right to enrich uranium for peaceful energy production. He explained that Tehran has presented its proposals to the American side regarding enrichment and is seeking a mutually agreeable solution. He added, "We developed the enrichment technology ourselves, and it is a source of pride for us; we cannot relinquish it."
On the defensive side, the Iranian official emphasized that Iran's missiles were capable of striking targets in Israel, which prompted the latter to request an unconditional ceasefire. He affirmed that his country was in a strong position to defend itself, as it had done previously, and had the right to respond to any American attack. He added, "Our missiles will not directly strike American soil, but we will target military bases if we are attacked."
"Do not rely on government jobs at all, and start your own project immediately."Full provided text:
"Do not rely on government jobs at all >> rely on forming a project, no matter how simple, and simple projects start to grow, then discover things for yourselves and develop your skills.I don't want some people to attribute this to me out of pride, but I believe that I am a polymath (well-rounded/encyclopedic person). I understand poetry, literature, industry, and many other matters. From the very beginning, I made sure to be a polymath who takes from everything."
