Al-Zaydi's financial advisor: The Market Development Council is a new glimmer of hope for the Iraqi economy.
The video for this My FX Buddies Blog is below here:
The financial advisor to the Prime Minister, Mazhar Muhammad Saleh, confirmed today, Thursday, that the national strategy for developing the private sector, or what is called the “Market Development Council”, was written a long time ago in cooperation with international organizations, including UNCTAD and the World Bank, and aims to support the modern economy in Iraq.
Saleh told Al-Maalomah that "integrating the relationship between the state and the market is a key axis for developing the Iraqi market, especially with the escalating financial crises facing the country, the latest of which is the halt in oil exports due to the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz."
He added that "the Market Development Council started its work during the previous government, but only two meetings were held, and the project was not completed or implemented," indicating that "Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi's government program addressed this issue, especially with regard to the economic and financial reform item."
The financial advisor continued, "The main objective of the Market Development Council is to raise the contribution of the non-oil sector to the gross domestic product from about 35% to about 55%, which will boost financial revenues and enable Iraq to contain any risks resulting from regional tensions, and reduce dependence on oil as a main resource for the state treasury."
Saleh pointed out that "the council will contribute to laying the foundations for building the Iraqi market clearly," noting that "60 to 70% of businesses inside Iraq are not registered or identified with regard to taxes, regulatory bodies and banks, and are considered to be evading funds."
The Strait of Hormuz crisis presented Iraq with a new challenge after oil exports through its southern ports ceased, disrupting the country's most important source of revenue, on which it depends for 95% of its income. This prompted government officials to seek alternative sources to maximize revenue and mitigate the impact of the export halt on the national economy.
Parliamentary Oil Committee: Passing the oil and gas law is our priority
The Oil, Gas, and Natural Resources Committee affirmed that one of its priorities is passing the Oil and Gas Law, which regulates the fair distribution of oil wealth. Committee member Mohammed al-Fartousi stated in an interview with the official newspaper, "One of the committee's priorities in this session is passing the Oil and Gas Law, which regulates the fair distribution of oil wealth." He explained that "this law is considered crucial, especially since Iraq relies on oil for 90 percent of its revenue. Therefore, it is illogical to lack a law regulating the relationship between the federal government and the Kurdistan Region, governing this resource, and regulating the sale process and the central government's control over oil."
He added, "The committee is determined to finalize the Oil and Gas Law during this session and will consult with all parties and legal authorities to issue a draft law that ensures no party is wronged." He emphasized that "the committee is serious about passing this law." Al-Fartousi pointed out that "the delay in resuming oil exports via the Ceyhan-Fishkhabur pipeline is due to purely technical reasons."
He noted that "the next government's program must include coordination with the Kurdistan Region regarding oil exports and its oil fields, and all of this is linked to the Oil Law." "And gas." He added that "the committee will not start from scratch, but will rely on the previous draft and existing understandings to move towards legislating the law during the next stage
The US dollar: Can Washington guarantee its continued flow into Iraq under al-Zaidi's rule?
The US dollar has returned to the forefront of political debate, with assurances that Washington will not stop the flow of currency to Iraq during Ali al-Zaidi's government, amid talk of trade and financial ties that make it difficult to impose financial restrictions that could threaten Iraqi economic stability.
Political analyst Adel Al-Manea confirmed that the United States will not prevent the flow of dollars to Iraq during Ali Al-Zaidi’s government, attributing this to the existence of commercial and financial ties with the American side that will exert pressure towards the continued flow of currency to the country.
Al-Mana’ said: “Talk of new alliances or coalitions that include more than 140 MPs does not actually exist at the moment,” considering that “they do not go beyond being political understandings and reactions to what happened during the session to grant confidence to Al-Zidi’s government.”
Al-Mana’a pointed out that “the current political reality within the coordination framework can be described as ‘a harmony of faces and a difference of hearts,’ stressing that ‘the majority of political parties and rational people are pushing towards passing what remains of Al-Zidi’s cabinet according to the convictions of the representatives, away from political pressures.’”
He explained that “one of the political leaders predicted that Hebat al-Halbousi would not continue as Speaker of Parliament after the vote of confidence session,” noting that “the Sadiqun movement will not participate in al-Zidi’s government.”
Regarding the visit of US General David Petraeus to Iraq and his meeting with al-Zaidi, al-Mana’ said, “It came in the context of emphasizing that no factions should participate in al-Zaidi’s government without exception.”
He pointed to “American proposals related to restructuring some security institutions and including the Popular Mobilization Forces within a new security ministry that includes various security agencies.”
Al-Mana’ also suggested that “Qasim Atta will be appointed Minister of Interior after the Eid al-Adha holiday,” revealing that “more than 28 MPs withdrew from the Reconstruction and Development Alliance due to the failure to adhere to some of the promises and understandings that accompanied the formation of the government.”
He stressed that “Al-Zaydi was put forward by a “heavy” figure from outside the coordination framework and was accepted by most political forces in order to end the political deadlock,” emphasizing “the rejection of any tampering with the Popular Mobilization Forces file, as it is an institution established by a law from the House of Representatives.”
Secured for two months... Former member of the parliamentary finance committee rules out the government stopping salary payments
Former member of the Parliamentary Finance Committee, Abdul Hadi Mohan, confirmed on Thursday that the government has the ability and capacity to secure salaries for two months, while ruling out the possibility of the government stopping the payment of employee salaries despite the current challenges.
Mohan told Al-Maalomah, "The federal budget has been significantly delayed and has not yet been enacted despite the need for it. This delay is linked to the time it took political parties to form the new government and the problems within the cabinet."
He added, "Recently, the Ministry of Finance, which represents the most important aspect of the federal budget, especially at this critical time, has been finalized, along with other ministries, to allow the Prime Minister to complete the budget."
He explained, "There are significant challenges facing the current government, especially given the current situation in the region. However, Iraq has the capacity to secure salaries for the next two months, and it is unlikely that there will be any interruption in salary payments in the coming period."
Sovereign wealth funds... do they represent Iraq's gateway to financial stability and sustainable
development?
The Baghdad Center for Legal and Economic Development held an economic workshop today, Thursday, May 21, 2026, entitled:
“Sovereign Wealth Funds and Their Impact on Establishing Cash Liquidity,” presented by Professor Dr. Jaafar Talib Al-Jundail, and attended by a select group of academics, researchers, and those interested in economic and financial affairs.
At the beginning of the session, Professor Thamer Al-Haimas, Vice President of the Center, welcomed the attendees and Professor Dr. Jaafar Al-Jundail, stressing the importance of the topic at hand, due to its direct connection to the future of rentier economies, and to the ability of countries to manage their wealth and achieve financial and monetary stability and sustainable development.
In his opening remarks, Al-Haims pointed out that sovereign wealth funds are no longer just financial savings tools, but have transformed in many international experiences into strategic institutions for protecting the national economy, regulating liquidity, absorbing the effects of economic crises, and securing the rights of future generations, especially in countries that depend mainly on oil resources.
He also reviewed a part of Dr. Jaafar Al-Jundail’s scientific and academic career, pointing to his research and scientific contributions in the fields of economic thought, natural resource economics, energy and petroleum, as well as his extensive academic experience inside and outside Iraq.
For his part, Dr. Jaafar Al-Jundail delivered his lecture, in which he addressed the concept of sovereign wealth funds and their economic and financial objectives, drawing on the experiences of a number of countries that have succeeded in managing their financial surpluses and transforming them into tools for investment, development, and long-term monetary stability.
Al-Jundail stressed that the sovereign wealth fund is not just a savings vehicle, but a strategic tool for managing financial surpluses, reducing the effects of inflation, enhancing monetary stability, and providing safe liquidity for the state during crises and emergencies. He pointed out that Iraq needs a long-term economic vision linked to sound management, governance, and transparency in order to invest national wealth in a way that serves sustainable development and the rights of future generations.
The workshop witnessed interventions and discussions by a number of attendees, who presented their observations and insights on the reality of the Iraqi economy and the possibility of establishing effective sovereign wealth funds, while the lecturer answered various questions and inquiries, which enriched the workshop and opened the door to an important economic and knowledge-based dialogue.
At the end of the session, Dr. Ali Mahdi, the head of the center, presented a plaque of appreciation to Professor Dr. Jaafar Talib Al-Jundail, in recognition of his scientific contributions, academic contributions, and accumulated research experience in the field of economics and scientific thought.
The Federal Court sets next July as the date to decide on the appeal against the appointment of Ali al-Zaidi as Prime Minister.
The Federal Supreme Court has decided to set July 1st as the date for considering the lawsuit challenging the validity of Ali al-Zidi’s appointment as Prime Minister.
Former MP Raed Al-Maliki, who initiated the appeal, said in a press statement on Thursday, "I received the official notification via email, along with the response from the President's representative to the lawsuit. His response included the following arguments:
- The plea that the appellant, Raed Al-Maliki, lacks a legitimate interest.
- The argument that the dispute was not directed, because the assignment was made by the largest parliamentary bloc and not by the President of the Republic.
He defended the candidate's political experience, arguing that he had connections with political circles and owned a satellite channel that covered and broadcast political matters.
- The response of the Vice President of the Republic confirmed that whoever assumes such a position must relinquish the interests he owns after assuming the position in order to avoid conflict of interest, otherwise he will be held accountable.
Al-Maliki reiterated his commitment to pursuing the lawsuit and attending its sessions, and stated that a response to the arguments of the President's representative would be submitted, noting that challenging the validity of the decree appointing the Prime Minister is a public law case, and is not subject to the same rules as private cases.
A government advisor emphasizes the importance of activating the market development council and investing in five million dunams.
The Prime Minister’s financial advisor, Mazhar Muhammad Saleh, stressed on Thursday the importance of activating the Market Development Council to support the modern economy in Iraq, while emphasizing the need to invest in five million dunams of agricultural land that have been damaged by desertification.
Saleh told the Iraqi News Agency, as reported by "Economy News": "The government program aims at institutional reform and defining institutions, their mechanisms, and their performance, as Iraq has a large number of institutions, and they are also weak." He explained that rebuilding Iraqi institutions is a very important matter, because the large capacity without oversight has drained the Iraqi state.
He added that "government institutions have become bloated and large and constitute a burden on the national economy, so that they have become market-based, meaning that market institutions are being stifled by heavy state institutions."
He pointed out that "economic reform begins with reforming old institutions and their laws and facilitating procedures," explaining that "many administrative complexities have become inherited and are not based on a legal basis."
He added that "young leaders are important in the economic reform process, as they possess a mindset of development, openness and change."
Regarding building a diversified national economy, he stated that "coexisting with a rentier oil economy and relying on the budget is one of the fundamental problems," calling for "turning towards all available non-oil resources."
He pointed out that "Iraq has natural resources that have not been invested in, and the private sector has not been allowed to partner and invest in them," noting that "our mission today is for the national and international private sector to partner with the government, using the latest technologies, to re-engage all of Iraq's resources."
He explained that "the agricultural sector represents the first starting point through the agricultural sovereignty and agricultural licensing project," indicating that "Iraq owns five million dunams of land affected by desertification, and a joint governmental-private holding company can be established on it, in cooperation with international companies, such as agricultural licensing rounds."
He added that "this step will lead to a green revolution starting with four or five million dunams that will secure Iraqi food security."
He continued, "The digital economy is a key focus in the reform process, through the creation of a strong institutional entity that oversees the digital cloud, cybersecurity, and attracting modern technology."
He pointed out that "the Market Development Council represents the link between the state and the private sector," stressing "the importance of redefining the council and activating it to support the birth of the modern economy in Iraq."
Among them are members of parliament: The US Treasury sanctions nine individuals for allegedly facilitating Hezbollah activities.
The US Treasury Department announced on Thursday new sanctions targeting nine individuals accused of facilitating Hezbollah's activities and undermining Lebanese sovereignty.
The sanctions package included members of the Lebanese parliament, the Iranian ambassador to Beirut, Mohammad Reza Raouf Sheibani, and Lebanese security officials, who it said "exploited their positions to support Hezbollah and obstruct efforts to disarm it."
The US Treasury, in a statement translated by Shafaq News Agency, said that the sanctioned individuals "serve Tehran's malicious agenda and impede the path to peace and recovery for the Lebanese people."
In conjunction with these measures, the US State Department’s “Rewards for Justice” program has set up a financial reward of up to $10 million for any information leading to the dismantling of Hezbollah’s financial networks and mechanisms.
Washington issued a strongly worded warning that this step is "just the beginning," vowing to hold accountable anyone who continues to provide cover for the party, cooperates with it, or undermines Lebanon's sovereignty.
A statement issued by the US State Department stressed that Lebanon’s stability, security and independence require the complete disarmament of Hezbollah and the restoration of the Lebanese government’s exclusive and absolute authority over the security file throughout the country.
The statement concluded by reaffirming the United States' commitment to supporting the Lebanese people and their legitimate institutions in building a more secure and prosperous future.
Experts: Stability Board is an important step to overcome the financial crisis
The economic landscape is witnessing rapid progress toward restructuring the financial and economic system on more stable and flexible foundations, given the challenges associated with fluctuating oil prices and increasing pressure on the public budget. In this context, calls have emerged for the establishment of a Financial Stability Council as an institutional tool aimed at strengthening coordination between fiscal and monetary policy, and achieving a balance that protects the national economy from future crises.
Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi had directed, during the first session of the Council of Ministers the day before yesterday, the development of an integrated economic policy for the country and the establishment of a Financial Stability Council as among the priorities of the government program.
This trend comes in conjunction with a government vision that emphasizes the importance of moving from a rentier economy to a diversified economy based on partnership between the state and the market, in order to ensure the sustainability of financial system reform.
The Prime Minister’s advisor, Dr. Mazhar Muhammad Salih, said that what the Prime Minister presented in his first speech reflects a new economic philosophy based on reforming the financial system as the basic entry point for building an economy more capable of facing challenges. He pointed out that the financial strengthening plan aims to reduce the annual deficit and decrease debt growth, in addition to moving towards a flexible financial space that allows directing public spending towards productive economic and social goals, while reducing financial waste and achieving higher efficiency in resource management.
Revenue diversification
Saleh explained that this approach relies on two parallel paths. The first is diversifying the national economy and reducing dependence on oil as the sole source of economic activity, while the second path focuses on diversifying public revenues and reducing the link between the general budget and oil revenues and the fluctuations of global markets.
He explained that the future economic vision for Iraq is based on the principle of partnership between the state and the market within the concept of the “social market”, which contributes to breaking the rentier link between oil and the general budget, and building a more sustainable and stable economy.
Coordination between fiscal and monetary policy
For his part, financial expert Mustafa Akram Khantoush described the establishment of the Financial Stability Board as a positive and important step at this time, calling for the inclusion of other parties within the board in order to broaden its scope.
Department of advice and expertise.
Khantoush explained that Iraq faces financial challenges related to declining oil revenues and the difficulty of covering government obligations, which requires greater coordination between fiscal and monetary policy, especially with regard to management.
Salaries and liquidity.
He stressed the importance of increasing meetings and joint coordination between the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank to overcome the current pressures, noting that the Council can play a pivotal role in regulating the budget and economic policies during the next stage, which will help Iraq overcome the current crisis and achieve gradual financial stability.
Financial Stability Board
For his part, financial expert Dr. Nabil Rahim Al-Abadi considered the establishment of the Financial Stability Board to be a “courageous decision” in theory, but stressed that its success depends on the nature of its technical structure and the extent to which the financial and monetary authorities adhere to its decisions.
Al-Abadi pointed out that previous experiences witnessed the establishment of many councils and committees that lost their effectiveness over time, warning against repeating the same scenario unless the council is granted professional independence and real powers away from political influences.
Comprehensive vision
He stressed that the modern concept of financial stability boards goes beyond the traditional idea of “coordination committees,” as it is based on three basic pillars that include mandatory powers, a comprehensive view of financial risks, and early warning mechanisms linked to clear precautionary measures.
Al-Abadi called for granting the council effective oversight powers, including the ability to suspend major financial or monetary decisions for a specific period until financial impact assessment studies are submitted, stressing that this represents a real guarantee for protecting monetary stability. And the savings of the citizens.
Towards a new economic phase
Observers believe that establishing a Financial Stability Council could be a turning point in managing the Iraqi economy if it is built on clear institutional and professional foundations, especially given the growing need for tools capable of confronting economic fluctuations and enhancing confidence in fiscal and monetary policies.
The success of this step also depends on the state's ability to move from traditional crisis management to long-term economic planning, achieving a balance between the requirements of financial stability and the goals of sustainable development, and opening the way for a more diversified and efficient economy. In the next stage.
Central Bank governor warns of chronic deficit, says Iraq may need foreign loans
Iraq’s Central Bank Governor Ali al-Allaq warned Thursday that the country’s budget deficit had become “real and chronic,” reflecting structural dependence on oil revenues, and said Iraq may need to seek external borrowing after state banks reached their lending limits.
“The deficit in the past was a numerical deficit and the budget would end without a real deficit, but now the situation has changed and there is an actual deficit,” Allaq told state newspaper Al-Sabah. He said the danger lay in the deficit becoming “chronic and structural,” meaning state revenues were effectively confined to the oil sector.
Allaq said domestic debt had become concentrated in state banks and the Central Bank, and that “the lending capacity of government banks has reached high limits,” pointing to external borrowing as a potential recourse. He noted that IMF loans come with “conditions and structural reforms,” and said countries typically resort to foreign loans when domestic resources cannot finance development needs or cover deficits from falling revenues.
The governor said weak coordination between monetary and fiscal authorities risked “economic imbalances affecting monetary stability, the exchange rate and inflation levels,” and called for better integration between the two sides. He said the Central Bank had previously proposed a “program budget” model to improve spending efficiency but the proposal had not been implemented.
Allaq denied any intention to change the dinar exchange rate, saying current policy focused on maintaining stability and “enhancing confidence in the national economy.” He also dismissed concerns over the government’s ability to meet payroll obligations. “The salaries are secured for the foreseeable future,” he said.
The comments follow a warning Wednesday from financial expert Mahmoud Dagher that Iraq was facing its worst financial crisis since 2003, with monthly oil revenues below $1 billion against a monthly requirement of more than $6 billion to cover salaries and pensions. Dagher said the government’s remaining option was creating new dinars through Central Bank lending to the Finance Ministry, a move he warned could raise domestic debt to as much as 140 trillion dinars ($91.5 billion).
Want to Support My FX Buddies?
ThanksSupport My FX Buddies
BuyMeACoffee CashApp:$tishwash
https://paypal.me/tishwash
.jpeg)
The coordinating framework decides to proceed with completing the cabinet after Eid and calls for protecting Iraq's security and sovereignty.
The Coordination Framework decided on Wednesday to proceed with completing the cabinet formation after the Eid holiday, while calling on security agencies to finalize ongoing investigations and take necessary measures to ensure the protection of Iraq's security and sovereignty.
A statement issued by the Coordination Framework, received by Mawazin News, indicated that "the Coordination Framework held an important and urgent meeting at Hadi al-Amiri's office, in the presence of Prime Minister Ali al-Zubaidi, to discuss developments in the current political phase and upcoming obligations."
The statement added that "the attendees began the meeting by congratulating the Prime Minister on receiving the confidence of the Council of Representatives, wishing him success in fulfilling his national duties and serving the Iraqi people. The attendees also emphasized the unity and cohesion of the Coordination Framework and its commitment to continuing joint efforts to strengthen political stability and safeguard the country's higher interests."
He noted that "those present expressed their appreciation for the efforts exerted by Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani during his tenure as Prime Minister, and for the service and executive efforts witnessed during the past period, which garnered widespread public appreciation." He affirmed that "the Coordination Framework decided to proceed with completing the cabinet formation after the Eid holiday, in accordance with constitutional procedures and national understandings."
Regarding security and regional affairs, the Coordination Framework, according to the statement, reiterated its rejection of any aggression or attack targeting neighboring or Arab countries, emphasizing the importance of respecting the sovereignty of states and sparing the region further tension.
It also called upon the security services to complete the ongoing investigations and take the necessary measures to ensure the protection of Iraq's security and sovereignty.
After meeting with Iraqi leaders, Petraeus hands Washington an "implementation plan" for disarming weapons.
Clock Network
In a notable development concerning the arms file in Iraq, the newspaper “Al-Sharq Al-Awsat” revealed high-level diplomatic and security moves that took place in Baghdad during the past few days, led by US General David Petraeus, amid talk of preparing an “executive paper” believed to include a vision for restructuring the security landscape and ending the current formula for armed formations, most notably the Popular Mobilization Forces, through integration and reform mechanisms within official institutions .
The newspaper, in a report seen by Al-Sa’a Network, quoted its sources as saying that “Petraeus stayed for 5 days in Baghdad, during which he met with high-ranking Iraqi officials, and the fate of the Popular Mobilization Forces fighters was at the heart of serious discussions .”
She added that "Petraeus's meetings focused on one goal, which is to reform the military establishment and end the current form of the Popular Mobilization Forces, while exploring viable mechanisms for integrating its members into the security institutions ."
She indicated that "Ali al-Zaidi will discuss this sensitive issue with US President Donald Trump if a planned visit to the White House takes place ."
She indicated that "the initial date may be set after Eid al-Adha in June, with the possibility that it will be affected by the circumstances of the negotiations between Washington and Tehran ."
She continued, "Some Iraqi officials spoke to the American general as if they were speaking to Trump, and were unusually frank about their concerns regarding the potential repercussions of plans that are still theoretical concerning the Popular Mobilization Forces ."
The report explained that "the United States' confidence in the Sudanese government has declined sharply in recent months, due to what was perceived as leniency towards attacks by armed factions during the war, which may place the government before additional demands related to security and political guarantees ."
He added that "Petraeus did not answer questions raised by Iraqi officials regarding whether there was sufficient cover to confront Iran in the event that the Popular Mobilization Forces were dissolved ."
He added that "Iran urged the parties concerned to resist the American course that aims to end the largest military force that guarantees its interests in the region ."
He pointed out that "Revolutionary Guard generals who play supervisory roles in Shiite factions, including those who run the operations room of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, may obstruct any move towards dissolving the Popular Mobilization Forces ."
He stressed that “the majority of the leaders of the Shiite coalition informed the Prime Minister that they agree on the dangers of the factions, but solving the problem requires a national dialogue and an incentive plan, within a broader vision that includes the religious authority in Najaf, given the sensitivity of the political and security balances .”
He explained that "Washington now views these proposals as attempts to buy time, and that the warning about the dangers of disbanding the Popular Mobilization Forces is being used as a counter-pressure tactic ."
He pointed out that "American officials who preceded Petraeus's discussions in Baghdad explained that ignoring the Popular Mobilization Forces issue is extremely costly ."
He added that “proposals submitted by members of the coordination framework, which included upgrading the Popular Mobilization Forces and other factions to a new ministerial formation or restructuring them within an administrative framework under the supervision of the Prime Minister, were not accepted by the American side
Transportation: Commencement of the second phase of the trade exchange area
The Ministry of Transport has begun implementing the second phase of the trade exchange yard project located in the Al-Taji area at the entrance to Baghdad-Salah Al-Din, as part of its plans to develop logistical infrastructure and enhance trade exchange between governorates and border crossings.
The Director of the General Company for Land Transport affiliated with the Ministry, Murtadha Karim Al-Shahmani, said in an interview with the official newspaper, which was followed by “Al-Eqtisad News”, that the engineering and technical staff affiliated with the Ministry have actually started the work of the second phase of the project, which extends over an area of (387) dunams, indicating that the work is taking place in parallel with the completion of the contracting procedures for the commercial exchange square project at the entrance to Baghdad - Al-Kut, which has an area of about (210) dunams.
He added that the trade exchange yards projects are witnessing remarkable progress in completion rates, especially the projects surrounding the city of Baghdad, which are known as “retail” projects, noting that these projects represent an important step to support the land transport sector and regulate loading and unloading operations, as well as their role in reducing congestion within the capital and enhancing the efficiency of logistical services.
Al-Shahmani explained that the ministry is preparing to begin work on the Baghdad-Kirkuk trade exchange yard project, which covers an area of (350) dunams, after obtaining official approvals and no objection from the relevant government agencies to allocate the land and implement the project, noting that this project will constitute an important addition to the commercial transport network in the country.
He pointed out that the project for the trade exchange yard at the entrance to Baghdad - Anbar - Babylon has reached very advanced stages of implementation, especially after the start of work to connect the yard with the international road, which will contribute to facilitating the movement of trucks and goods, and achieving greater smoothness in transportation and trade exchange operations between the governorates.
Regarding the trade exchange yards projects at the border crossings, Al-Shahmani affirmed that the Ministry continues to follow up on the procedures related to the Shalamja, Al-Shaib, Arar and Trebil yards projects, while working to study the technical and administrative obstacles that may face the implementation phases, and finding appropriate solutions to ensure the completion of these projects according to the specified time plans, in order to enhance the role of the border crossings in supporting the national economy and stimulating regional trade.
Iraq's ambassador to Washington emphasizes the importance of supporting the Iraqi army and developing military cooperation.
Iraq’s ambassador to the United States, Nizar Khairallah, stressed to Republican Senator Tim Shehey of Montana on Thursday the importance of providing support to the Iraqi army and military establishment to enhance the country’s stability .
The Iraqi Embassy in Washington said in a statement that "the Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq to the United States of America, Nizar Al-Khairallah, met with the member of the Armed Services Committee and the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation in the US Senate, Republican Senator Tim Sheehy from Montana."
According to the statement, the meeting addressed "the importance of developing the military and security partnership between the two countries, and working to find common understandings to determine the priorities of the next stage in developing military cooperation after the international coalition phase, in a way that serves the interests of both countries."
The statement emphasized "the importance of providing appropriate support to the Iraqi army and military establishment, as this is a key factor in strengthening Iraq's stability."
The ambassador pointed out that “Iraq represents a key axis in the fight against ISIS and terrorism in the region, based on its long experience, accumulated expertise, and the information it possesses in this field,” noting that “the Iraqi people, as a result of the open war they have waged for twenty years against terrorism and the great sacrifices they have made, are among the most aware and motivated people in the world to confront terrorism.”
For his part, Senator Tim Shehey expressed his "interest in Iraq," noting "the progress it is witnessing compared to the years he served in Iraq within the ranks of the American Army."
He emphasized his support for strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries, noting that there are important opportunities to develop joint cooperation.
He expressed his "expectation of further success for Iraq on the path to stability and democracy, and his hope to visit Iraq soon."
An Iranian source told Reuters: There is no agreement with Washington yet, but the gaps have narrowed.
A senior Iranian source confirmed to Reuters that negotiations between Tehran and Washington have not yet led to a final agreement, but indicated that “gaps have narrowed” during recent rounds of indirect contacts.
The source added that the uranium enrichment file and Iranian control over the Strait of Hormuz remain among the most prominent points of contention between the two sides, despite the continuation of regional and international mediation efforts.
This comes at a time when the Iranian crisis is witnessing a simultaneous political and military escalation, with continued US pressure and intensive diplomatic efforts to avoid a wider confrontation in the region.
