Iraqis feel economic strain as the Iran war drags on
Orders to postpone strikes for 5 days
Trump: We had good talks with Iran to find a complete solution to the war
US President Donald Trump announced on Monday that the United States and Iran had held very good and productive talks over the past two days regarding a complete resolution of hostilities in the Middle East. He indicated that these in-depth and constructive talks would continue throughout the week, and instructed the Department of Defense to postpone all military strikes against Iranian power plants and infrastructure for five days, subject to the success of the ongoing meetings and discussions.
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I am pleased to inform you that the United States and the Republic of Iran have held very good and productive talks over the past two days regarding a comprehensive and complete resolution of our hostilities in the Middle East. Based on the scope and tone of these in-depth, detailed, and constructive talks, which will continue throughout the week, I have instructed the Department of Defense to postpone any and all military strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for five days, subject to the success of the ongoing meetings and discussions. Thank you for your attention to this matter!
Returning to dialogue and understanding
Iraq informs Türkiye of its moves to stop the war: International coalition exerts pressure
National Security Advisor Qasim al-Araji discussed on Monday with Turkish Ambassador Anil Bora Inan the developments of military operations in the region and their repercussions on security and stability. Al-Araji stressed that the Iraqi government had conducted a series of contacts with brothers and friends to stop the ongoing war, expressing his hope to end the escalation through a strong international diplomatic alliance. He reiterated the government's keenness to develop relations with Türkiye in various fields.
National Security Advisor, Mr. Qasim Al-Araji, received today, Monday, the Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Iraq, Mr. Anil Bora Inan.
The meeting addressed developments in military operations in the region and their impact on security and stability.
Mr. Al-Araji affirmed that the Iraqi government has conducted a series of contacts with brothers and friends to stop the ongoing war, expressing his hope that the escalation will end through a strong international diplomatic alliance that contributes to stopping military operations and returning to dialogue and understanding, leading to the achievement of lasting peace in the region.
Mr. Al-Araji also reiterated the Iraqi government’s keenness to develop relations with Turkey in various fields, in a way that serves common interests, especially in the political, security and economic aspects, as well as strengthening cooperation and exchanging information and experiences in the field of combating terrorism.
For his part, the Turkish ambassador explained that his country, in cooperation with friendly countries, has intensified its diplomatic efforts by conducting multiple contacts to contain the crisis, reduce tension, and push for the resumption of negotiations, in order to enhance political and economic stability. He emphasized his country’s commitment to strengthening relations with Iraq and expanding the horizons of bilateral cooperation in the fields of economy, energy, and development, in addition to security cooperation and combating terrorism, in order to achieve the interests of the two friendly countries.
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Iraq increases its holdings of US Treasury bonds to $42 billion
Official data released by the US Treasury Department within the "Treasury International Capital (TIC)" system on Monday showed that Iraq's total holdings of US bonds amounted to about $42 billion at the end of December 2025, after being $41.1 billion in November, registering a monthly increase of about $0.9 billion.
Shafaq News Agency followed up on those data which showed that Iraq’s holdings of long-term bonds amounted to $40.8 billion, while short-term bonds reached about $1.2 billion, bringing the total to $42 billion.
The monthly table for 2025 showed a continued gradual increase in holdings of long-term bonds, compared to relative stability in short-term bonds, as the year began with a total of about $39.85 billion in January, before gradually rising to $42 billion in December.
Compared to last year, when Iraq’s total holdings of US bonds amounted to about $23.4 billion in December 2024, this shows an annual increase of nearly 79% in one year, driven by a focus on long-term bonds.
Trump: What's happening in Iran is like regime change, and I don't want to kill Mojtaba Khamenei.
US President Donald Trump said on Monday that his country is not seeking further escalation with Iran, while stressing that contacts are continuing to reach an agreement between the two sides.
Trump stated, in remarks to CNBC and other media outlets, that he "does not want Mojtaba Khamenei to be killed," and that he does not know if he is still alive.
In a related context, he described what is happening inside Iran as "a change of regime," stressing that the United States is very keen to reach an agreement, but he has not heard anything from Mojtaba Khamenei so far.
He explained that Washington had held "strong talks" with Tehran, noting that there were "major and significant points of agreement," and that these talks took place with the participation of envoys including Steve Wittkopf and Jared Kushner.
Trump stressed that his country "does not want Iran to have a nuclear weapon," emphasizing the pursuit of peace in the Middle East, and that Tehran also wants to reach an agreement.
He noted that contacts are ongoing with "senior Iranian leaders," suggesting that new telephone talks will take place during the day, leading to a settlement.
Meanwhile, the US president reiterated to AFP that "things are going very well," noting that he had spoken to "a very respected, high-level Iranian leader."
Trump added that both sides are seeking to reach an agreement, saying: "They called, I didn't call."
Sudanese: Dissolving the factions will be easier after next September, after the end of the international coalition's mission.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani confirmed on Monday that the issue of disbanding Iraqi armed factions will become easier after September 2026, with the end of the international coalition's mission and the withdrawal of foreign forces from Iraq.
In an interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, he pointed out that the factions view these foreign forces as an “occupation.”
Al-Sudani added that Iraqi security forces have successfully thwarted numerous attacks, alongside political efforts to curb the activities of these factions, and expressed his hope for the return of American military trainers.
We hope for the return of the American coaches.
Sudani: Dissolving the factions will be easier after next September
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani said on Monday, during an interview with the Italian newspaper “Corriere della Sera”, that the issue of disbanding Iraqi armed factions will become easier after September 2026, with the end of the international coalition’s mission and the withdrawal of foreign forces from Iraq, noting that the factions view these foreign forces as an “occupation.” Al-Sudani confirmed that the Iraqi security services have succeeded in thwarting many attacks, in addition to political efforts to reduce the activity of these factions, expressing his hope for the return of American military trainers.
ow do you assess the Israeli-American attack on Iran?
“Among the main reasons is the Israeli-Palestinian issue, which destabilizes the entire region. Frequently, every few years, Israel causes wars, tragedies, and deaths, placing itself above international law. Iran has long positioned itself as the defender of the Palestinian cause, and this led to the June 2015 war as well as to this latest war. Unfortunately, the United States has been drawn into a new attack, but the objective remains unclear: Is it regime change, the destruction of the nuclear and missile program, or the defeat of Iran’s allies? The problem remains that we are all involved.”
Donald Trump threatens to destroy Iran’s energy system if Tehran does not stop its attacks in the Gulf and does not open the Strait of Hormuz.
“It’s a dangerous spiral of violence. Iran, in turn, is promising to retaliate. Ultimately, it will be the energy infrastructure across the region that suffers the most.”
In Iraq, there are hardline Shia armed groups loyal to Tehran that target American bases and international coalition forces, including Italian ones. Some accuse you of not doing enough to stop them, and even of allowing a “state within a state.” What is your response?
“Our military and national security forces are working together to control all illegal violence. In fact, our forces have managed to thwart a large number of attacks. There has also been effective political action to neutralize these groups from their inception and cut off their sources of funding. But the situation in Iraq is very complex, and its roots go back to the time when these groups were formed to fight ISIS alongside the Americans. After the defeat of ISIS, we also worked with the international coalition to dismantle them. We know that some of these groups consider the presence of foreign forces an occupation. For this reason, we agreed with our allies to end the mission of the international coalition, which will conclude in September 2026. At that point, with no foreign combat troops on Iraqi soil, it will be easier to dismantle these armed groups.”
Indeed, international forces are leaving Iraq and some embassies have closed. Are you satisfied?
“We welcome the continued operation of European embassies. Our government is committed to ensuring the safety of foreign diplomats, and we hope for the swift return of those who have left. As for NATO troops, today they are only advisors and trainers, and they do not have a combat role, and this applies to all foreign forces present in Iraq.”
Are you afraid of a return to civil war between Shiites and Sunnis or the return of ISIS?
“No, I rule that out. Iraq has changed, and I don’t see a risk of civil war or a return of terrorism. There are only a limited number of isolated jihadists whom we are pursuing. But the problem now is that American aircraft, as well as Iranian missiles and drones, are violating our airspace. We don’t want our country to be an arena for others’ conflicts; rather, we seek balance and dialogue.”
Do you hope for the return of military trainers to Iraq?
"Yes, I hope so."
But on the other hand, the Americans are attacking Iraqi Shiite militias….
“We strive to ensure the safety of everyone. Unfortunately, the United States also bombed the Popular Mobilization Forces, resulting in deaths and injuries, which we strongly condemn.”
You have previously spoken about “Iraq First,” inspired by Trump’s rhetoric. What are your relations with the United States like?
“The United States is a friend, and we have longstanding and important strategic relations. Washington toppled Saddam Hussein’s regime in 2003, and then helped defeat ISIS. Our relations are strong, and we have close economic cooperation, especially in the oil sector. At the same time, we also have good relations with Iran, and this enables us to play the role of mediator.”
Iraq lost 70% of its oil exports in three weeks, exports which constitute 90% of its budget. Have you asked Tehran to allow the oil to pass through the Strait of Hormuz?
“It is true that Iraq depends on oil exports. We condemn the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, because it constitutes a violation of international law and freedom of navigation.”
Could Iraq join the Gulf states in a military operation to protect oil tankers?
“We do not believe in military solutions. Protecting ships by force will provoke Iran to retaliate and will not encourage navigation. Therefore, we will not join any military action in the Gulf.”
Do you think Netanyahu and Trump were able to bring about a change in the Iranian regime?
“They were wrong, it didn’t happen and it won’t happen. It’s an illegal intervention. NATO, Europe and a large part of the international community condemn this war. I personally support the European position, where diplomacy should be given priority.”
How can Iran's nuclear program be stopped?
“We must return to international agreements to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons, and they must apply to everyone, including Israel, which possesses nuclear weapons. Iran was negotiating before it was suddenly attacked, and this is further proof that war is not the solution.”
First Iraqi oil tanker to cross the Strait of Hormuz since the outbreak of war
A giant oil tanker carrying two million barrels of Iraqi crude successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz, according to Bloomberg.
According to ship-tracking data compiled by Bloomberg, the tanker Omega Trader, operated by Japan's Mitsui O.S.K. Lead, arrived in Mumbai, India, in the past few days. The tanker's last known signal before reaching India was from the Arabian Gulf more than ten days ago.
The passage of this tanker represents the first observed movement of Baghdad's oil barrels through the vital waterway since the outbreak of the war, which has entered its fourth week.
Reports indicate that most of the ships that finally made it through unloaded their cargo in India, whose government contacted Iranian officials to ensure a safe passage for energy ships bound for it. The Iranian navy even escorted one of the liquefied gas ships through the strait.
Iran offers oil to India at a price higher than Brent crude after sanctions are temporarily lifted
Industry sources reported on Monday that Iran offered crude oil to Indian refineries at prices $6 to $8 per barrel higher than Brent crude, after the administration of US President Donald Trump temporarily lifted sanctions to ease the energy crisis caused by the US-Israeli war on Iran.
The sources stated that India, the world's third-largest importer and consumer of oil, has not received any shipments from Tehran since May 2019 as a result of US pressure, but is currently facing a severe shortage of energy and liquefied petroleum gas shipments due to the disruption of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, through which a large percentage of the world's oil passes.
The sources added that Indian refineries have one month to maximize their purchases of Iranian oil, noting that payment may be in dollars or even Indian rupees, while companies seek to confirm the payment mechanism before signing any deal, especially in light of Iran's isolation from the SWIFT system.
Sujata Sharma, Associate Secretary at the Indian Ministry of Petroleum, indicated that any decision to purchase Iranian oil would be a “technical and commercial decision” to be made by the importing oil companies, stressing that the government would not interfere in setting the terms.
This move comes as part of international efforts to reduce the escalating energy crisis in the Middle East resulting from the war, after the United States issued a temporary 30-day exemption from sanctions covering oil loaded on any ship, including tankers that were previously subject to sanctions.
