An economist says salaries are secured for two months, but concerns are about May.
Al-Mashhadani told Al-Furat News Agency that "the salaries of employees, retirees, and social safety net beneficiaries are secured for the months of March and April."
He explained that "the government needs approximately 8 trillion dinars monthly to cover salaries, social protection, and pensions," noting that "given the current lack of liquidity, the government may be unable to pay in May, but salaries are secured for March and April."
He clarified that "Iraq will receive its current oil export revenues in two months, which guarantees the payment of salaries for the next two months," adding that "the Central Bank has expressed its readiness to lend to the government from its dinar reserves, which are no less than 30 trillion dinars, enabling it to cover the government's financial needs for at least the next five months."
Al-Baiji: The presidency will be decided next week, and the PUK candidate is the most likely to win.
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MP Mansour al-Baiji revealed on Thursday that the selection of the new president of the republic is nearing resolution, predicting that political negotiations on this matter will conclude next week. He also indicated that the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan
(
PUK) candidate is ahead of his rivals. Al-Baiji told the Information Agency that "the political blocs' efforts have reached advanced stages in nominating a presidential candidate," explaining that "next week will be decisive for this issue, ending the political deadlock and moving forward with forming the government."
He added that "current indicators and data within the halls of parliament suggest that the PUK candidate is the most likely to secure the position," noting "broad understandings supporting this choice to ensure the stability of constitutional entitlements."
He clarified that "resolving the presidential issue will directly pave the way for tasking the candidate of the largest bloc with forming the new cabinet," emphasizing "the necessity of prioritizing the national interest to expedite the passage of laws that serve the Iraqi citizen."
Parliamentarian: The House of Representatives is obligated to pass financial laws if requested by the government.
Kujer told Al-Furat News Agency that "Parliament is obligated to proceed with approving and enacting financial laws if requested by the government."
He explained that, given the current caretaker government, the most suitable option is to enact a law similar to the Emergency Food Security and Development Support Law, as an alternative for managing financial affairs and meeting essential needs at this time.
A Kurdish leader calls for patience in choosing a prime minister who enjoys national consensus.
Burhan Sheikh Raouf, a member of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), stressed the necessity of consensus among the various parties and components to resolve the issue of the prime ministership and agree on a candidate who enjoys broad support for this position.
Sheikh Raouf told Al-Maalouma, “The next government must be stable, free from problems, and maintain balanced relations with all parties, both domestically and internationally. Therefore, it is natural for the formation of the government to be delayed, as happened in previous parliamentary sessions.”
He added, "Exceeding constitutional deadlines and delaying the formation of the government is a normal occurrence, as the formation of the previous government was delayed for nine months. However, this is for the benefit of Iraq and to overcome problems and disagreements among the various components."
He explained that "there is a pressing need to reach agreements among the different components regarding the prime minister, as he is not affiliated with any particular component but will be the president of all Iraqis. This necessitates patience in order to reach a consensus on the selection of the new prime minister."
Sarout rules out the formation of a government after Eid al-Fitr and identifies three main complications.
Former MP Abbas Sarout ruled out on Thursday the formation of the government after the Eid al-Fitr holiday, pointing to three complications that may lead to a delay in its formation.
Sarwat told Al-Maalomah, “I rule out the speculations some are making about the possibility of forming a government during the Eid al-Fitr holiday, given the existence of three direct complications.”
He explained that "the most prominent of these complications is the lack of consensus among the political forces within the framework regarding a roadmap to end the mutual disputes, due to the differing opinions on the identity of the candidate for the next prime minister." He added that "the Kurdish position constitutes another complication, which can be summarized as the lack of agreement on nominating a consensus figure for the presidency."
He pointed out that "the current challenges in the region and their repercussions on the security of capitals, including Baghdad, represent the third complication," emphasizing that "forming a government after Eid al-Fitr is unlikely, and a delay is possible."
He added that "there are ongoing meetings and discussions, but they have not yet led to a resolution of these complications," noting that "the ball is now in the court of the political forces, as they are the parties responsible for implementing the provisions of the constitution and proceeding with the formation of the next government."
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The number doubled in two hours... nearly 5,000 US troops are on their way to the Middle East
On Friday evening, US officials revealed new details about the deployment of ground troops to the Middle East, confirming that their number is approximately five thousand soldiers.
NBC News quoted officials as saying that "about 5,000 additional Marines and sailors will be deployed to the Middle East to support the war."
ABC News reported earlier on Friday that orders had been issued to send 2,200 Marines to the Middle East.
The channel quoted US officials as saying that "orders have been issued to send a US Navy expeditionary unit comprising 2,200 Marines aboard three US Navy amphibious ships to the Middle East."
She added: "The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit is permanently stationed in Japan and operates in the Indo-Pacific region, but has now been ordered to head to the Middle East," explaining that "its deployment does not mean that the unit will be used as a ground force in Iran, but it provides land, amphibious, and air assets that can be made available to military commanders when needed."
This specific naval reconnaissance unit, according to the American channel, includes a squadron of F-35 fighter jets and a squadron of MV-22 Osprey aircraft.
Iraqi Foreign Ministry Protests U.S. Military Operations in Baghdad, Kirkuk, Anbar, and Babil
Iraq formally warned the United States against unilateral military actions and emphasized the need for coordination with Baghdad to protect its sovereignty and citizen safety.
The Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday formally protested U.S. military actions on Iraqi territory, warning that recent strikes represent a violation of the country’s sovereignty and pose threats to civil and military institutions, officials said.
Undersecretary Mohammed Hussein Bahr al-Uloom met with Joshua Harris, Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, to discuss the security implications of ongoing regional hostilities, the ministry said in a statement.
During the meeting, Bahr al-Uloom conveyed the Iraqi government’s strong condemnation of recent U.S. strikes in Baghdad, Kirkuk, Anbar, and Babil, which killed 14 gunmen and wounded 24 others.
He emphasized that continued military operations endanger the safety of Iraqi citizens and undermine the stability of governmental institutions, including those in the Kurdistan Region.
The undersecretary reaffirmed Iraq’s commitment to protecting embassies and diplomatic missions in accordance with the Vienna Convention, and noted that legal measures will be taken against individuals who attack foreign missions, the ministry said.
Bahr al-Uloom also requested that the United States coordinate with Iraqi authorities prior to any operations originating on Iraqi soil, stressing the importance of understanding local cultural and social dynamics to manage crises effectively.
In response, Harris highlighted the U.S. strategic partnership with Iraq, particularly regarding armament and logistical support.
He stressed that “America's war is only with Iran, and the country's policy in the region consists only of limited responses and the defense of its interests,” according to the statement. Harris also called for heightened protection of U.S. diplomatic missions in Baghdad and Erbil.
The meeting follows an intensification of U.S. military activity in the region, including precision strikes targeting Iranian military assets and broader operations described by U.S. officials as part of efforts to dismantle Iran’s missile and drone capabilities.
Central Command reported that thirteen U.S. service members have been killed during the current campaign, and six crew members of a KC-135 refueling aircraft died in a crash in western Iraq.
President Donald Trump reiterated on Friday that the United States remains committed to continuing operations until Iran’s offensive military capacities are neutralized, asserting that Iranian air and naval forces have been largely degraded.
The president’s remarks were delivered in an interview with Fox News’ Brian Kilmeade, highlighting ongoing U.S. military coordination in the Gulf region.
Bahr al-Uloom’s statement underscored Baghdad’s demand for respect of Iraqi sovereignty and for U.S. forces to work in coordination with local authorities to prevent further civilian and institutional harm. The Iraqi government continues to monitor the security situation closely and maintain diplomatic safeguards for foreign missions.
Trump Announces U.S. Will Intensify Strikes on Iran Over Coming Week
President Trump reaffirmed that the U.S. military will continue its campaign of precision strikes until Iran's offensive military capabilities are fully dismantled and regional security is restored.
President Donald Trump announced on Friday that the United States military is prepared to intensify kinetic operations against Iran, stating that the Pentagon has already achieved approximately 90 percent destruction of the country’s missile capabilities following a series of precision strikes.
The president’s comments, delivered during a March 13 interview with Fox News’ Brian Kilmeade, follow a period of heightened tensions characterized by maritime friction in the Strait of Hormuz and reports of domestic security threats within the United States. President Trump indicated that the current military campaign, which he described as ahead of schedule, is aimed at the total dismantlement of Iran’s strategic offensive capacity and its defense industrial base.
Military operations have focused on the systematic neutralization of aerial and naval assets. According to the president, the Iranian Navy has been effectively eliminated, with U.S. forces currently searching for what may be the final remaining vessel in their fleet. The air force and primary leadership tiers have also been described as severely compromised or "gone."
Supporting the primary offensive, the president cited the efficacy of previous operations, specifically referencing "Midnight Hammer." He noted that the use of B-2 bombers in that mission was foundational in "obliterating" Iranian facilities, a move he asserted was necessary to prevent a wider regional conflict and ensure the security of Israel. Current operations have built upon this by targeting manufacturing plants where missiles and drones are produced.
The strategic focus remains on conventional military infrastructure. While reports have circulated regarding Iran’s stockpiles of highly enriched uranium—estimated by some officials to be over 400 kilograms—President Trump stated that the U.S. is not currently focused on an operation to seize that material. Instead, the administration’s priority remains the continued destruction of missile and drone delivery systems.
The regional impact of the conflict has extended to the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy corridor. President Trump acknowledged that the strait is not currently open and stated that the U.S. is prepared to escort oil tankers through the waterway if necessary. He characterized the Iranian efforts to disrupt shipping as a "last ditch effort" by a regime whose conventional naval power has been depleted.
To mitigate the economic impact of the maritime disruption, the United States has coordinated an unprecedented release from the strategic oil reserve, a move joined by 32 other nations. The president also indicated that the administration is reviewing a potential suspension of the Jones Act to facilitate more flexible domestic shipping and alleviate oil shocks.
Regional dynamics among Gulf allies have reportedly shifted in favor of U.S. objectives. President Trump noted that while some nations in the region had previously maintained a neutral stance, recent Iranian strikes against Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, and Bahrain have solidified a "very solid" and unified relationship with the United States. He emphasized that these allies are currently utilizing Patriot missile systems to successfully intercept incoming threats with near-total accuracy.
Regarding the internal stability of the Iranian government, the president addressed recent communications attributed to the supreme leader. He noted that while a long statement was issued, the leader was not seen or heard, leading to assessments that he remains "damaged." The president contrasted the regime’s rhetoric with its internal actions, specifically citing the use of "thugs" and "machine guns" to suppress domestic protesters. He alleged that approximately 32,000 people were killed by the regime prior to the start of current hostilities.
Domestically, the interview addressed several security incidents within the United States. Reports detailed an attack at Old Dominion University involving a naturalized citizen from Sierra Leone previously convicted of supporting ISIS, as well as an attack on a synagogue in Michigan. In New York, an incident involving an improvised explosive device (IED) near Gracie Mansion was also noted.
President Trump attributed these domestic security challenges to previous immigration policies, stating that 25 million people entered the country illegally during the prior administration, including individuals he characterized as criminals and those from mental institutions. He emphasized that under his current administration, the border is now "100 percent" secure, reporting zero illegal entries over the last eight months.
The president also discussed the "Save America Act," a legislative priority focused on voter identification and proof of citizenship for elections. He argued that the act is essential for national security and electoral integrity, claiming that 86 percent of Democrats approve of the measures despite political opposition in Congress.
On the international front, President Trump confirmed an upcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. He noted that despite high economic competition, the relationship remains "good" and "strong." He highlighted reports of energy shortages in China, characterized by long gas lines, which he suggested would frame the context of the upcoming diplomatic discussions.
The president concluded by reaffirming the "peace through strength" doctrine, noting that while he built the military to deter conflict, the current circumstances necessitated a "little excursion" to ensure that "crazy people" do not obtain nuclear weapons. He stated that the military currently possesses "virtually unlimited ammunition" and will continue to apply pressure until the mission’s objectives are fully realized.
Sudani’s coalition released from Maliki nomination concession, says bloc MP
The Reconstruction and Development Coalition and its leader Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani are no longer bound by a previous concession to support Nouri al-Maliki’s nomination as prime minister, coalition MP Aliya Nsaif said Wednesday, citing both domestic and international opposition to his candidacy.
“The Reconstruction and Development Coalition today is dealing realistically with internal and regional data,” Nsaif told Dijlah TV. “As long as there is a national space rejecting the nomination of Mr. Maliki, and there is also regional and international rejection, based on these two internal and external rejections we are now released from that concession.”
The Coordination Framework nominated Maliki on Jan. 24 following Iraq’s November 2025 elections. After being nominated, he faced mounting pressure to stand down but refused to formally withdraw, repeatedly absenting himself from Framework meetings and leaving the alliance in the position of having to either force him out or proceed with a nominee Washington had publicly rejected. U.S. President Donald Trump warned that Washington could reconsider its support for Iraq if Maliki became prime minister, and the Foreign Ministry said the U.S. message included an “explicit hint” of sanctions.
Nsaif also addressed the assault on Bahaa al-Araji, head of the coalition’s parliamentary bloc, who was struck inside parliament after expressing opposition to Iraq’s involvement in the regional conflict. “When a member of parliament expresses his opinion and says he does not want to drag Iraq into the ongoing war and that the commander-in-chief should decide, does this position require that he be slapped?” she said. “What is this terrorism? This is terrorism of the word.”
She said some factions had reacted emotionally due to their historical and religious ties with Iran, but warned against escalatory rhetoric. “I say to them: this is the Islamic Republic — go there if you have energy and want to release it. Do not make this people bear responsibility.”
Bahaa al-Araji calls for a decisive second term for al-Sudani: an urgent necessity
Bahaa Al-Araji, a leader in the “Reconstruction and Development” coalition, confirmed that renewing Al-Sudani’s term has become an “urgent necessity” imposed by the rapid developments in the region.
Al-Araji called on the opposing parties within the framework to abide by the decision of the senior leadership and to distance themselves from “media posturing” that serves dubious agendas.
Al-Araji added: “The stability of Iraq’s security and keeping it away from conflict zones is the top priority. At this critical stage, there is no room for maneuvering at the expense of the nation’s security.”
Informed sources within the coordination framework revealed that the official announcement of the re-nomination of Al-Sudani, which was scheduled for last Monday, has been postponed due to reservations from some forces.
The sources explained that the dissenting parties failed to convince the majority of their position, which was described as “disproportionate to the magnitude of the serious challenges” facing Iraq. According to these sources, key figures within the framework are pressing for a swift resolution to this issue, accusing other parties of prioritizing “regional interests” over the national interest.
In a more forceful tone, MP Alia Nassif, a member of the Reconstruction Coalition, confirmed that the coalition is “free” from giving up the nomination of Al-Sudani in favor of the head of the State of Law Coalition, Nouri Al-Maliki.
Nasif warned Shia political leaders against continuing what she described as “obstinacy and playing games with regional conflicts,” indicating that the United States might resort to drastic measures to completely change the current system if the political turmoil persists. Nasif stated that Washington “will not simply stand by and watch,” but might instead “crush and dismantle” the existing system to replace it with a new model.
Among them Iraq... Total Energies prepares to halt oil production in 3 countries
Reuters reported that French oil company Total Energies announced it has halted or is preparing to halt production in Qatar, Iraq, and some offshore sites in the UAE, amid escalating security tensions in the region .
The agency, as reported by Al-Sa’a Network, stated that “the cessation of production in the Middle East could lead to a loss of approximately 15% of its global production .”
This decision comes after two Iranian explosive-laden boats were targeted, resulting in them colliding with two fuel tankers and catching fire near the port of Umm Qasr in Basra
International Development and Iraqi National Bank lead the private banking sector in Iraq
The Iraq Future Foundation issued its annual report on the performance of private banks in
Iraq for the year 2025, revealing that the Supreme Iraqi Bank and the International Development Bank continue to top the list of the largest private banks in the country, with assets exceeding 3 trillion dinars each.
For major financial institutions.
The report indicated that the bankAl AhlyThe Iraqi Bank leads the market share with 17.5%, while the International Development Bank comes in second with a 10.3% share of total banking sector assets.
The report also classifies both banks as market leaders, noting their 16.8% deposit growth during the period under review and their combined 31% share of total cash credit extended in the private banking sector.
According to the report, this performance reflects the expansion of lending activity, increased customer confidence in major banks, and the growing role of private banks in financing economic activities within Iraq.
The Iraq Future Foundation confirmed that the report's findings are based on a comprehensive analysis of the performance profiles and financial data of private banks, in addition to monitoring the most significant developments in the Iraqi banking sector during the year
China provides $200,000 in emergency aid to Iran
The military confrontation between the United States and Israel on one side and Iran on the other entered its fourteenth day, with Israel, the US, and Iran exchanging missile strikes and airstrikes that have broadened the scope of tension in the region. With the escalation of military operations, fears are growing that the war will widen and that other regional actors will become involved in the conflict.
A march targeting the US embassy in Baghdad
The US embassy in Baghdad was attacked by a drone early Saturday morning, according to an Iraqi security official who spoke to AFP, as reported by Al-Sa’a Network.
The official, who asked not to be named, said that "a drone hit the embassy," while another security source confirmed that "the attack targeted the diplomatic compound in the Green Zone."
This targeting comes in the context of the war that broke out on February 28 between the United States and the Israeli occupation on one side and Iran on the other, the repercussions of which have extended to several countries in the region .
Earlier, the US Embassy in Baghdad warned its citizens in Iraq of increasing security risks, calling for caution and urging them to avoid places that could make them potential targets for attacks .
The embassy confirmed that Iran and its allied armed groups continue to pose a threat to American interests in Iraq, noting that American sites, companies, and hotels frequented by foreigners have been attacked in the past .
It also urged American citizens to review their personal security situations, noting that leaving Iraq as soon as possible, when it is safe to do so, may be the best option for many given the ongoing tensions in the region .
Trump: There is no end date for the war, and we seek complete military dominance over Iran.
US President Donald Trump asserted on Saturday that his country seeks to impose complete military dominance over Iran, indicating that the war will continue as long as necessary.
Trump told reporters that most of Iran’s military capabilities had disappeared, that Tehran no longer had any significant radars or effective air defense systems, and that US forces had decimated Iran’s navy and air force.
He added that he could not predict how long the repercussions of the war on global energy prices would last, noting that his country was considering several options for dealing with the vital Strait of Hormuz issue.
These statements fall within the context of the joint military operation between Washington and Tel Aviv, which was launched on February 28th and, according to the announcement by the American administration, aims to destroy the Iranian missile arsenal and its production capacity, eliminate the Iranian navy, and prevent Tehran from possessing nuclear weapons.
Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, through which about twenty percent of the world’s oil supplies pass, and where the war has led to a near-halt in commercial shipping, US forces destroyed 16 Iranian ships used for planting mines near the strait, while the Iranian Revolutionary Guard announced that it would not allow oil to pass through the strait as long as the US raids continued.
In terms of human casualties, the military operations have so far claimed the lives of more than 1,200 people in Iran, 570 in Lebanon, and 12 in Israel. On the American side, seven US soldiers have been killed and approximately 140 others wounded in Iranian retaliatory strikes.
