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The United States has effectively controlled Iraqi oil revenues in dollars since 2003, giving Washington exceptional leverage to interfere in Baghdad’s affairs through the US Federal Reserve {the US Central Bank}.
At a time when concerns are rising about the impact of tensions and war in the region on the mechanism of financial transfers, and the possibility of this affecting the flow of oil revenues to Iraq.
In this context, oil expert Hamza Al-Jawahiri explained to Al-Furat News Agency that: “Iraq’s entitlements with the US Federal Reserve are fixed,” noting that “there are no sanctions imposed on Iraq as happened with Russia or Iran.”
Al-Jawahiri added, "Iraq is a friendly country to the United States and has security agreements with it, which means there will be no interruption in the transfer of Iraqi funds."
Pakistan continues its mediation efforts between Washington and Tehran amid escalating conflict.
Despite the war entering its sixth week, Pakistan continues its diplomatic efforts to push the United States and Iran toward negotiations, while Tehran has stressed its commitment to defending its national sovereignty.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, during a telephone call with his Pakistani counterpart Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Saturday evening, affirmed his country's appreciation for Islamabad's efforts, but stressed that Iran is "determined to defend itself with all capabilities," describing the targeting of infrastructure, peaceful nuclear facilities, hospitals and schools as "war crimes."
For his part, the Pakistani Foreign Minister reviewed the steps his country is taking to stop the war and restore stability to the region, stressing the importance of continuing consultations to achieve this goal.
Araqchi had previously denied that his country had refused to participate in talks through the Pakistani mediator, explaining that any negotiations must guarantee a “final and permanent end to the war.”
This comes as US President Donald Trump continues to pressure Tehran, giving it until April 6 to reach an agreement and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, threatening to "open the gates of hell" if it does not comply. Iran responded by warning that "the gates of hell will be opened on US forces."
Reports indicate that Washington presented a 15-point plan to end the war, including giving up nuclear weapons, handing over highly enriched uranium, and limiting the missile program, while Tehran put forward five conditions, most notably paying compensation and ending the war permanently with international guarantees.
Axios: US, Iran and mediators push for 45-day ceasefire
Axios quoted four informed American, Israeli, and Middle Eastern sources as saying that the United States, Iran, and a group of mediators from the region are discussing the terms of a possible 45-day ceasefire that could lead to a permanent end to the war.
The report indicated that mediators are discussing the terms of a two-stage agreement, with the first stage being a possible 45-day ceasefire during which negotiations will take place to end the war permanently.
The report stated that the second phase would be an agreement to end the war.
He added that the ceasefire could be extended if more time was needed for negotiations.
US President Donald Trump told the Wall Street Journal on Sunday that the deadline he gave Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz or face attacks on vital infrastructure expires Tuesday evening.
The Foreign Minister thanks Iran for exempting Iraq from the conditions for its oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein expressed his gratitude to Iran for allowing Iraqi oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
A statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a copy of which was received by Iraq Observer, said: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Fuad Hussein received the Iranian Ambassador to Iraq, Mohammad Kazem Al-Sadegh. During the meeting, the Minister expressed his gratitude for allowing the passage of tankers carrying Iraqi oil through the Strait of Hormuz, noting the importance of continuing this cooperation in the near future.
Mechanisms for joint cooperation between the two sides were also discussed to ensure the implementation of this commitment in a way that serves mutual interests.
For his part, the Iranian ambassador reviewed his country’s position on the latest developments related to the war, while the meeting also addressed regional conditions and their repercussions.
Hussein emphasized Iraq’s firm policy of rejecting war and the need to end it, stressing the importance of resolving conflicts through dialogue and peaceful negotiations.
He also pointed out that the region needs to adopt an approach based on open and rational dialogue, which will enhance opportunities for cooperation between regional countries and achieve common stability.
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A Kurdish delegation arrives in Baghdad to discuss salaries and the implementation of ASYCUDA.
All eyes are on an upcoming round of talks between the federal government and a delegation from the Kurdistan Region, amid efforts to address outstanding financial and economic issues, primarily employee salaries and mechanisms for regulating customs operations. This coincides with the implementation of modern systems designed to standardize procedures and enhance monetary stability in the country. A source in the regional government stated that a delegation comprising Omid Sabah, Amanj Rahim, and Abdul Hakim Khosrow arrived in Baghdad to hold talks with the Ministerial Council for the Economy, in the presence of Finance Minister Taif Sami, followed by a series of other meetings.
The source added that the discussions will focus on two main issues. The first concerns the March salaries of the region's employees, where Baghdad will be informed that local revenues in Kurdistan have declined, with current collections amounting to only 50 to 60 billion dinars. The Kurdistan Region will express its readiness to hand these funds over to the federal Ministry of Finance.
The source indicated that a decision on this matter is expected during the cabinet meeting scheduled for Tuesday. He added that the second file will address the ASYCUDA automated system for customs data, and discussions will be held with the federal government to reach a technical mechanism for implementing this system in Kurdistan as well.
For his part, the Director General of the Customs Authority, Samer Qasim Dawood, announced that the advance customs information system has been implemented at the Ibrahim Khalil border crossing, with traders receiving dollars at the official exchange rate. Dawood stated that the advance customs information system has been implemented for importing food, medicine, and medical supplies through the Ibrahim Khalil border crossing. He explained that this step comes after years of discussions and coordination between the federal and regional governments to unify customs procedures.
SOMO requests its customers to specify oil loading times within 24 hours.
A document seen by Reuters shows that Iraq's state oil marketing company SOMO has asked its customers to submit oil loading schedules within 24 hours, following reports that Iraq has been exempted from restrictions on oil transit through the Strait of Hormuz .
According to the document, which was reviewed by Al-Sa’a Network, the company confirmed that “the loading ports, including the Basra Oil Port and its associated facilities, are still operating at full capacity, and that it is ready to implement all contracted loading programs without restrictions.”
SOMO called on its customers to "provide it with shipping schedules within the specified timeframe, including identifying the vessels and quantities, to ensure the continuity and stability of crude oil export operations and to address loading programs in a timely manner."
This comes at a time when the market is anticipating the resumption of Iraqi oil exports, which could contribute to raising production after it fell last month to about 800,000 barrels per day, amid continued doubts in the market about the willingness of some ship owners to send their tankers to the Gulf in light of the US-Israeli war on Iran .
First Iraqi oil tanker makes its way through the Strait of Hormuz
loomberg reported on Sunday that the first Iraqi oil tanker had crossed the Strait of Hormuz, following Iran's announcement that it had granted Iraq a special exemption allowing it to use the waterway despite restrictions imposed on most countries.
According to ship tracking data, the "Ocean Thunder, a Suezmax tanker, loaded its cargo from Basra ports at the beginning of March and is currently heading to Malaysia. This type of tanker has a capacity of about one million barrels of crude oil."
The data showed that "the tanker followed a narrow northern corridor between the Iranian islands of Larak and Qeshm, a route that recent movements indicate is being carried out with the supervision and approval of Tehran."
However, Bloomberg cautioned that "tracking data may not be entirely accurate, due to the possibility of electronic jamming or the shutdown of transmitters in high-risk areas."
This development comes at a time when oil traders are closely monitoring shipping traffic in the strait, which was effectively closed following the US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, causing a rise in oil and petroleum product prices, amid fears of wider economic repercussions.
Iran announced on Saturday that Iraq was exempt from the restrictions imposed on navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, stressing that the measures targeted only "hostile countries," while emphasizing respect for Iraqi sovereignty.
For his part, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein expressed Baghdad’s gratitude to Tehran for this step, stressing the importance of continued cooperation to ensure the smooth flow of oil exports in light of regional tensions.
Iraq is among the countries most affected by the closure of the strait, as its oil production has declined from about 3.5 million barrels per day to about 1.3 million barrels, while exports have decreased to about 800,000 barrels per day due to the disruption of shipping.
Trump sets a new date for the end of the Iran war
link
The US president saidDonald TrumpThe war againstIranIt will be over in days, not weeks.
In response to a question about whether his two-to-three-week timetable for the warIranIt still exists, according to the "EP" network.C News", He saidTrump"He would like to end the war within days because no sane group of people could endure the punishment that would befall them if it did not happen."
Bloomberg News quoted Trump as telling ABC News, "It's possible to reach an agreement with Iran, and if we don't, we'll blow up the whole country." When asked about the possibility of postponing the deadline he set for Iran to reach an agreement to end the war, Trump said, "I don't want to talk about it."
Regarding whether U.S. troops are necessary on the ground, Trump said, "I don't think it's necessary, but I don't rule anything out."
Earlier on Sunday, Trump threatened to attack Iranian power plants, bridges, and civilian infrastructure if they were not reopened.Strait of Hormuz.
Monday... the start of negotiations between the Kurdistan economic delegation and Taif Sami
On Monday (April 6, 2026), Wafa Mohammed, a member of the Kurdistan Democratic Party, revealed that an economic delegation from the Kurdistan Region had begun its official negotiations in Baghdad with Federal Finance Minister Taif Sami to resolve issues related to oil and customs between the two sides.
Wafa Mohammed told Baghdad Today that "the delegation, which arrived in Baghdad headed by Omid Sabah and including Amanj Rahim and Abdul Hakim Mustafa, will hold a series of meetings today with Finance Minister Taif Sami and the relevant customs committees, as part of efforts to close a number of outstanding financial files between the central government and the region."
Mohammed explained that "the agenda of the negotiations focuses on unifying the customs system, in addition to the files of Kurdistan's oil, its export mechanisms, and the settlement of revenues," noting that "the discussions will also address the amount of 120 billion dinars allocated to the region, which it was unable to pay in full last month, only transferring 60 billion dinars, which necessitates direct coordination with the Federal Ministry of Finance."
Wafa Mohammed confirmed that "the meetings will also address the issue of lifting restrictions and sanctions on the dollar," explaining that "the region's share of the US currency has not yet arrived, and the Kurdish team is seeking to reach practical solutions during tomorrow's meetings in order to end the financial and administrative problems between Baghdad and Erbil."
According to what was published by “Baghdad Today” earlier, an informed source stated that “a high-level delegation from the Kurdistan Regional Government is heading to the capital, Baghdad, to discuss the ASYCUDA system file with the relevant authorities in the federal government.”
Media outlets close to the Kurdistan Democratic Party, as reported by Baghdad Today, stated that "the talks will focus on the mechanism for implementing the system for managing and regulating border crossings and customs operations between the region and Baghdad."
ASYCUDA is an automated customs management system, designed by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), that aims to automate customs procedures, data recording, duty calculation, and facilitate foreign trade through a unified database. In Iraq, its implementation has led to a reduction in manipulation and smuggling, and improved duty control.
A source reassures Baghdad residents: The sounds heard were caused by fireworks celebrating the national team's victory.
A security source reassured residents of the capital, Baghdad, on Sunday (April 5, 2026), after news circulated about explosions in a number of areas, confirming that the sounds that were heard were just fireworks launched in celebration of the Iraqi national team's victory.
The source told Baghdad Today that "the fireworks were launched from the vicinity of Mall of Iraq due to a special event to honor the national team after its recent victory," stressing that "there were no explosions or security incidents inside the capital."
He added that "the security forces conducted routine sweeps to ascertain the situation, and it was found that there was no threat," calling on citizens "not to spread rumors and to rely on official statements."
SNL - Donald Trump’s House of Wings
This is being played in Iraq and Iran social media but this text is with it
Activists are circulating a clip of Trump and commenting: "If only he'd stayed focused on Kentucky Fried Chicken instead of getting involved with Iran..."
A high-ranking Iranian diplomatic source warned of the repercussions of any potential US ground military intervention on Iranian soil, emphasizing that Tehran would have the final say in determining the outcome of any such confrontation.
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The source stated in a press briefing, "If the Americans launch a ground operation, we will be the ones to end it," in a clear show of force reflecting the Iranian leadership's confidence in the capabilities of its armed forces.
These statements come amidst escalating tensions between the two countries, with US President Donald Trump announcing that Washington would carry out devastating strikes against Iran within the next three weeks.
Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Pete Higseth, in his remarks on Tuesday, did not rule out resorting to a ground operation as one of the available military options.
The United States and Israel had opened a joint military front on February 28th, launching strikes targeting vital sites on Iranian territory, including the capital, Tehran.
In response, Iran continues its military retaliation with strikes targeting Israel and US military bases across the Middle East, a scenario that portends a shift towards unprecedented regional instability.
Trump announces a strike has been carried out in Tehran, ending the lives of a number of military leaders.
US President Donald Trump announced today, Saturday (April 4, 2026), that a strike was carried out in Tehran that ended the lives of a group of military leaders.
Trump said in a tweet on his “X” platform account, which was followed by “Baghdad Today”, that “the massive strike in Tehran ended the lives of many Iranian military leaders.”
He added that "the leaders targeted in the strike on Tehran ran the Iranian military establishment in a bad and unwise manner."
This strike comes in the context of escalating conflict between the United States and Iran since last February, during which the region witnessed a series of reciprocal attacks targeting military and civilian interests of both sides, including American bases and Iranian sites in neighboring countries.
go to websites
A positive appearance: Exchange rate stability reflects the strength of reserves and the flow of goods.
The financial advisor to the Prime Minister, Mazhar Muhammad Saleh, confirmed on Saturday that the stability of exchange rates in the local market reflects positive indicators, while pointing out that the strength of reserves and the accumulation of commodity stock contributed to reducing the fluctuations of the parallel market.
Saleh told Al-Furat News Agency: "The stability of exchange rates in the local market reflects positive indicators that are embodied in two main directions."
He added that “the flexibility of financing foreign trade from the country’s foreign currency reserves, which are among the most efficient according to the standard of trade efficiency of reserves,” indicating that “these reserves extend to cover more than a year of imports, compared to the global standard, which is estimated at only about three months, in addition to continuing to meet the demand for foreign currency at the official rate of 1320 dinars per US dollar.”
He added that "the accumulation of diverse commodity stocks, both governmental and private, covers the country's needs for essential and durable goods for a period ranging from one to three years," noting that "this stability came as a result of adopting alternative trade methods, through the efficient and rapid use of the ports of neighboring countries, which ensures the smooth flow of goods to local markets."
He pointed out that "these factors combined have contributed to reducing exchange rate fluctuations in the parallel market, and have led to a high degree of price stability, with the exception of some seasonal fluctuations in the prices of a limited number of goods."
He stressed that "the market maintained its expectations that the conflict in the Gulf and Middle East region will remain short-term and will not extend for a long period."
An economist says that declining demand has lowered the dollar's price on the parallel market.
Economic expert Salah Nouri confirmed on Saturday that the stability of the dollar exchange rate in the parallel market is due to a decline in demand, while pointing out that this is related to the current regional conditions.
Nouri told Al-Furat News Agency that "the stability of the dollar exchange rate in the parallel market is due to low demand as a result of the current regional conditions by those who do not resort to using central bank transfers."
Al-Marsoumi: Iraq only has 6 oil tankers and May salaries are at risk
Economic expert, Nabil Al-Marsoumi, warned of the repercussions of the current oil situation on financial stability in Iraq, stressing that the country owns only 6 small oil tankers, at a time when a salary crisis looms in the coming months.
During his appearance on the “Free Talk” program on Al-Furat satellite channel, Al-Marsoumi said: “Iraq is the only country in OPEC that does not have a real oil fleet,” noting that “reliance on limited or rented means of transport weakens export flexibility, especially in light of regional tensions, despite the recent permission to allow oil to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.”
He explained that “Iraq canceled tanker leasing contracts with the Arab Company due to suspicions of corruption, which has left it currently lacking any maritime transport contracts,” indicating that “the country resorted to alternative solutions by exporting black oil by land through the Kurdistan Region and the Al-Walid crossing towards the Syrian port of Banias.”
Al-Marsoumi confirmed that “April salaries are secured; however, the real challenge will begin in May, when the government may have to resort to internal and external borrowing while taking austerity measures to control spending.”
He explained that "the exported quantities amount to about 160,000 barrels per day with monthly contracts of 650,000 tons, with transportation and transit fees ranging between 25% and 30% of the value per ton. Despite its high cost, it generates revenues ranging between 300 and 400 million dollars," describing this as "a forced solution."
He pointed out that "relying on a single export route, especially through Syria, represents a logistical risk," calling for "activating alternative routes through Jordan or Turkey, in addition to the need to establish oil storage facilities outside Iraq to avoid halting exports in emergency situations."
Al-Marsoumi criticized the country's oil policy, describing it as "immature," and called for "the establishment of a sovereign wealth fund to which 5% of the state's revenues would be allocated to address economic crises."
Regarding the oil sector, he explained that "a number of foreign companies left Iraq during the current crisis with the declaration of force majeure," expecting "their return after the situation stabilizes," while warning that "stopping the oil fields may lead to a decline in production and it will take time to restore it to its previous levels."
Al-Marsoumi pointed out that “the rise in global oil prices will not have a positive impact on Iraq at the moment due to limited exports and production storage,” noting that “spot market prices have exceeded futures prices as a result of supply shortages and high demand for heavy oils.”
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Informed sources told Iran International that the core of central power in the Islamic Republic regime has fallen under the complete control of a military council comprising senior Revolutionary Guard officers, who have erected a security cordon around Mojtaba Khamenei and are preventing Masoud Pezeshkian’s government reports on the country’s situation from reaching him.
In light of this political impasse, President Masoud Pezeshkian has repeatedly requested an urgent meeting with Mojtaba Khamenei in recent days, but all these requests have gone unanswered, and no meeting or contact has taken place.
Meanwhile, speculation arose about the impact of Mojtaba Khamenei’s health condition on the emergence of this current political situation.
As the repercussions of the war escalate, Trump is considering a broad cabinet reshuffle.
Reuters reported on Saturday, citing five sources familiar with discussions within the White House, that US President Donald Trump is considering a broader cabinet reshuffle following the dismissal of Attorney General Pam Bondi, amid growing frustration over the political fallout from a war with Iran.
The sources stated that "any potential reshuffle could represent an attempt to reset the administration's operations, amid escalating political challenges, with the war continuing for six weeks, accompanied by rising fuel prices and a decline in Trump's popularity, along with growing concerns among Republicans as the midterm elections approach in November."
Several allies noted that "Trump's recent address to the nation did not achieve the desired effect, despite being seen as an attempt to demonstrate control and confidence, which increased calls for changes at the level of messaging or officials."
According to the sources, "Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutenick are among the names that could be subject to dismissal, despite the White House's insistence that it continues to have full confidence in them."
On the other hand, no final decisions have yet been made regarding the changes, as Trump is considering "making limited adjustments rather than a broad restructuring, in order to avoid creating an impression of chaos within the administration, as happened during his first term."
This comes at a time when recent polls have shown Trump's approval rating has dropped to 36 percent, with a majority of Americans opposing the war amid mounting economic pressures and rising energy prices.
The sources suggested that "the outlines of the anticipated changes will become clear in the coming period," noting that the dismissal of Bondy "may not be the last."
kurdish news
After a call with Trump, Graham supports a military strike on Iranian power plants.
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham asserted that Trump would use "overwhelming force" if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened.
Graham said he spoke with President Donald Trump today, and after a phone call, he is convinced that the president will carry out his threat to strike Iranian power plants if they do not reach an agreement or reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Graham wrote on X.com: "After speaking with President Trump this morning, I am absolutely certain that he will use overwhelming military force against the regime if it continues to obstruct the Strait of Hormuz and rejects a diplomatic solution to achieve our military objectives. If it is not clear to Iran and others by now that President Trump means what he says, I don't know when it ever will."
Graham added that he "fully" supports Trump's warning to strike energy facilities if Iran does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz by April 6. The president had informed Iran in a social media post this morning that it had 48 hours.
Trump threatens Iran with attacks on bridges and power stations
US President Donald Trump escalated his rhetoric against Iran on Friday (April 3, 2026), threatening to expand military strikes to include bridges and power plants deep inside Iran, in the latest series of fiery statements accompanying the ongoing war since last February.
Trump said in a post on Truth Social: "Our military, the greatest and most powerful in the entire world, has not yet begun to destroy what is left in Iran. Bridges are next, then power plants."
He added: "The leadership of the new regime knows what needs to be done, and it needs to be done, and quickly."
This threat comes just one day after his remarks in which he said that "Iran's largest bridge is completely collapsing and will never be used again," warning that "more is coming," in reference to the continuation of US and Israeli military operations on Iranian soil.
Trump also urged Iran to "make a deal before it's too late," warning that failure to reach an agreement would lead to "the demise of what remains of the state," as he put it. In earlier remarks on Thursday, he said the United States would launch strikes within "two or three weeks" aimed at "returning Iran to the Stone Age."
Since February 28, the United States and Israel have continued to carry out intensive raids on targets inside Iran, including the capital Tehran. These strikes have resulted in widespread human losses and the destruction of vital facilities, in addition to the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and a number of leaders of the Revolutionary Guard and the Iranian army.
Warnings of a "salary shock" in May... A 5 trillion deficit puts pressure on government formation and budget approval.
On Thursday, economist Nabil Al-Marsoumi warned of a potential shortfall of up to five trillion dinars in securing employee salaries for the month of May due to the sharp decline in oil sales caused by the disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. He urged the swift formation of the next Iraqi government with full sovereign powers to meet the needs of citizens by preparing the current year's budget.
Iraq needs more than nine trillion dinars per month, equivalent to (six billion dollars), to secure the salaries of public sector employees and workers, retirees, and to provide social welfare and food basket grants, relying on more than 90% of the financial revenues generated from oil exports, which have decreased by more than 80% after the disruption of energy supply chains in the Strait of Hormuz due to the escalating pace of military escalation in the region.
In this regard, Al-Marsoumi said in an analysis he published that although Iraq continued to export oil through the Strait of Hormuz until the eighth of March, oil revenues did not exceed $1.9 billion, which is equivalent to about 2.5 trillion dinars, indicating that according to these data, the country needs another 5 trillion dinars just to pay next month’s salaries.
He stressed that “it is necessary to expedite the formation of a fully empowered Iraqi government and prepare the 2026 budget in order to give the government the legal cover for internal and external borrowing, discounting remittances at the Central Bank of Iraq, and taking other measures to meet the basic needs of the Iraqi people, especially those related to salaries, social welfare, and the most important services such as water, electricity, and others.”
Iraq is experiencing a state of "political deadlock" as the forces and parties that won the legislative elections held in late 2015 have not been able to complete the constitutional requirements, including electing a new president of the republic and assigning a prime minister to form the next government. The steps achieved so far have been limited to electing the parliament's leadership only.
Observers warn of the repercussions of this continued delay on the political, economic and service levels in the country, especially in light of the rapidly escalating security and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East region, which necessitate the existence of a fully empowered government to manage the current crises.
Oil companies are withdrawing from Iraq, deeming it high-risk.
International oil companies, including BP , have begun evacuating foreign staff from their sites in Basra and Kirkuk, as security threats escalate in the country.
Politico reported on Thursday (April 2, 2026) that companies described Iraq as a "high-risk environment" due to the increasing number of rocket and drone attacks targeting vital facilities and Western interests.
The report indicated that the evacuation was part of precautionary measures to protect employees, while maintaining operational processes at a minimum through local staff.
This move comes after a series of evacuations that began in March, involving foreign employees at oil fields in southern Iraq, following drone incidents inside production sites.
Hundreds of workers from American and European companies have also gradually left their posts, amid fears that energy facilities could become direct targets in the ongoing conflict.
These developments coincide with an escalation of attacks inside Iraq, which have targeted oil fields and facilities, military sites, and diplomatic missions.
Despite continued production, the reduction in foreign presence raises concerns about declining investments and a slowdown in field development, at a time when Iraq is almost entirely dependent on oil revenues.
The Iraqi government had previously affirmed its commitment to keeping the country out of the conflict, stressing that Iraq "is not a party to the conflict" and refuses to be drawn into it.
However, developments on the ground, and the evacuation of foreign companies, reflect the magnitude of the challenge in shielding Iraq from the repercussions of regional escalation.
Due to a "lack of trust," the US informs Israel that talks with Iran have stalled.
The Hebrew newspaper "Israel Hayom" revealed on Friday that the American administration informed Israel that talks with Iran had reached a dead end due to "lack of trust" between the two sides.
The newspaper quoted a diplomatic source as saying that "lack of trust" is the main obstacle to any negotiated breakthrough, as Iran insists on an immediate ceasefire with international guarantees that attacks will not resume, while America sets conditions, most notably the full and unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the handover of all enriched uranium stockpiles.
The newspaper reported that the American and Israeli sides are preparing to expand the scope of the strikes to last at least 10 more days, focusing on the infrastructure of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard and civilian facilities used by the regime, amid efforts to undermine Tehran’s ability to finance its military activities.
Although major power plants and oil facilities have so far been avoided, the destruction of the Karaj bridge and non-military factories indicates a shift in field strategy.
According to assessments presented by US President Donald Trump, the operations achieved tangible results in several areas, most notably nuclear and missile capabilities, where most of the infrastructure of the military nuclear project was destroyed, and about 80% of the advanced missiles and 90% of the launch platforms were neutralized.
“Changing or weakening the regime” also emerged as a strategic goal discussed between Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with the acknowledgment that this path could take months given the weakness of the internal opposition.
The Strait of Hormuz remains the most prominent point of tension, as the Revolutionary Guard continues to target tankers, prompting Washington to strengthen its military presence and criticize "European laxity" in defending energy supplies.
The report concluded that estimates in Israel indicate that the war will not end without an agreement that guarantees the return of navigation in the strait to normal completely.
april 4
Brett McGurk: Negotiations with Tehran have reached a dead end and we will not change our conditions.
Brett McGurk, the former White House coordinator for Middle East and North Africa affairs, stated that diplomatic efforts to reach an agreement with Iran have reached a "dead end".
McGurk explained in an interview with CNN on Saturday, April 4, 2026, that there is a "significant gap of mistrust" between the warring parties, which is hindering any positive step to stop the war, stressing that Washington will not show any flexibility regarding its basic conditions.
According to McGurk, the US administration insists on two main points as preconditions for any kind of ceasefire:
The complete and unconditional opening of the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping. The handover of all Iranian enriched uranium stockpiles to international authorities. These statements from the former White House coordinator come as the war enters its fifth week, with continued US and Israeli airstrikes targeting strategic bases deep inside Iran.
McGurk noted that as long as Tehran does not comply with international obligations, military and diplomatic pressure will intensify against it, with the aim of protecting the stability of the region and securing global waterways.
An analytical comparison between the central bank's support for the national economy and Iraq's qualification for the World Cup
On April 1st, Iraqis everywhere, from the far north to the far south, and those living abroad, erupted in a frenzy of joy that defied all logic as their national team qualified for the World Cup, the highest tournament in which nations can participate. Iraq's name echoed across news agencies, newspapers, and media outlets worldwide. The true reason for this was that the team represented all Iraqis and had qualified after being restructured and developed by an experienced coach who refused to accept defeat and whose goal was always to overcome challenges. This success was further fueled by players who loved Iraq and possessed the spirit of challenge and determination to reach the World Cup.
In an analytical approach that some may find strange, I find it consistent with the reality that the world is currently experiencing in complex political, security and, most importantly, economic circumstances.
Especially the countries of the geographical region and Iraq directly, and its suffering from the effects of the current situation on our economy and the cessation of Iraq’s main revenue, which is oil exports, along with the lack of liquidity in the government and a financial situation and challenge that threatens the imminent collapse of the Iraqi economy if the current war continues.
Here, the Central Bank of Iraq emerged to announce its commitment to confronting the crisis and its determination to overcome the challenges, steer the economy away from collapse for as long as possible, and address the shortcomings in other sectors. This was clarified in its statement on March 8th.
So the Central Bank is now steering the ship of the economy towards the shore of rescue and real reform through wise measures it has taken for the years 2023-2025 and is currently taking through its implementation of the economic reform strategy, achieving monetary and financial stability, and building foreign currency and gold reserves, which ensures the smooth running of the economy and confirms that it is always the savior in all the economic shocks that Iraq has suffered in the past and present.
This is what will make all Iraqis rejoice, just as they rejoiced when our national team qualified for the World Cup.
Therefore, the belief is that Iraqis will always triumph in the economy, sports, and other fields because they believe that they create opportunities from challenges.
O God, protect Iraq and its noble people, and let us proclaim this with the loudest voices.
Hold your head high, you are Iraqi.
Is Washington paving the way for a limited ground operation in Tehran or for a wider regional confrontation?
With Donald Trump’s repeated threats to potentially seize Iran’s Kharg Island, questions have intensified about Washington’s true intentions toward Tehran, and whether it is considering the option of a ground intervention.
These concerns were reinforced after the deployment of thousands of American soldiers to the Middle East in recent days, amid ambiguity surrounding the nature of their missions and the objectives of their deployment.
The importance of Kharg Island as the main outlet for Iranian oil exports makes it a strategic target for any attempt to put economic pressure on Tehran, especially with Trump’s repeated threats since the beginning of the war, which included hinting at “returning Iran to the Stone Age” or targeting energy facilities on a large scale.
Limited military scenarios : Most analysts rule out a repeat of the Iraq invasion scenario, given its still-present repercussions in the region. In this context, Nisan Rafati, an Iran analyst at the International Crisis Group, distinguishes between a full-scale invasion and limited operations, suggesting that Washington is more likely to resort to a limited ground intervention targeting specific sites, such as nuclear facilities or enriched uranium stockpiles.
Rafati points out that one of the motives for this scenario may be to break Iranian control over the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20% of the world’s oil trade passes, especially after it was closed as the war escalated.
Air strikes and assassinations: The United States and Israel carried out air strikes last June targeting what they described as the "Iranian nuclear threat," resulting in the deaths of prominent military figures, including Mohammad Bagheri, Hossein Salami, and Gholam Ali Rashid, in operations that Benjamin Netanyahu considered a blow to an "existential threat."
Despite the risks of regional escalation , experts warn that any ground intervention, even a limited one, could lead to a wider confrontation. Rafati anticipates that Iran will deploy its forces for a direct confrontation, while maintaining its capability to launch missile and drone attacks. He also points to the potential for the conflict to expand to include attacks on American interests in Iraq, Lebanon, and Yemen.
In this context, the threats to navigation in the Bab al-Mandab Strait stand out, as the Houthis have previously targeted ships in the Red Sea, disrupting global trade.
The feasibility of intervention is questionable . Canadian academic Thomas Juneau doubts the viability of any ground operation, arguing that while capturing Kharg Island might be relatively easy, holding it would expose US forces to intense attacks. He also believes the current number of US troops deployed is insufficient for a large-scale operation, noting that the invasion of Iraq required approximately 150,000 troops, while Iran is larger and geographically more complex.
Iran's proxies are at the forefront of regional affairs. Estimates of the role of Iran's allies vary; while Juno believes their influence has diminished, Rafati emphasizes their continued threat, particularly in Iraq, where armed factions have previously targeted American interests. He also warns that the threat extends beyond direct attacks, encompassing the creation of an unsafe environment for navigation through increased insurance costs and disruption of trade.
Iraq is in danger . For his part, Iraqi security expert Mukhlid Hazem warns of Iraq becoming an arena of conflict, pointing to the possibility of pro-Tehran factions becoming involved in any confrontation, and even the possibility of sending fighters to participate on the ground.
He explains that the greatest threat lies within Iran itself, where the Revolutionary Guard and Basij forces possess a long-standing combat doctrine, supported by a complex geographical nature.
The war's repercussions have extended to the Gulf states, whose infrastructure has been targeted by Iranian attacks, raising fears of further escalation. Given these countries' strong alliances with Washington, the war may compel them to reassess their relationships and diversify their defense partnerships.
In the same context, energy expert Ibrahim Fahmy says that the war has broader economic dimensions, which may aim to slow Chinese growth by affecting energy supplies.
He warns that any land escalation could lead to an unprecedented rise in oil and gas prices, and possibly a complete disruption of maritime trade.
Given these circumstances, the possibility of a US ground intervention remains open to all possibilities, but it is fraught with significant risks, both militarily and economically.
Between power calculations and regional reactions, the region appears to be facing a highly complex phase, where geopolitical interests intertwine with energy stakes and global security.
The coordination framework confirms that the session to elect the President of the Republic will be held on April 11.
Coordination Framework member Mahmoud Al-Hayani confirmed on Saturday (April 4, 2026) the insistence on holding the session to elect the President of the Republic on its scheduled date of April 11, stressing that there is no intention to postpone the session under any circumstances.
Al-Hayani told Baghdad Today that “the political forces are moving towards completing the constitutional requirements, in line with the requirements of the current stage, and the session to elect the President of the Republic will be held on its scheduled date without postponement.”
He added that "adherence to constitutional procedures is a national priority to ensure the stability of the political process and to move towards completing the formation of constitutional authorities, and all concerned parties are working to create the necessary conditions for the success of the session and to achieve the required consensus."
A member of the coordinating framework stated that "postponing the session is absolutely out of the question," stressing that "there is a clear determination to resolve this constitutional entitlement within the specified timeframe."
For months, Iraq has been experiencing delays in fulfilling constitutional requirements, most notably the election of the President of the Republic, due to ongoing disputes between political forces, which has led to the obstruction of the formation of the new government.
The House of Representatives publishes the agenda for next Monday's session.
The Media Department of the Council of Representatives announced today, Saturday (April 4, 2026), that the Council will hold its session next Monday to complete the voting on the members of the parliamentary committees.
Agenda
Session No. 15
Monday, April 6, 2026
Chamber of Deputies
Session Proceedings:
Recitation of verses from the Holy Quran
Completion of voting on the members of the Permanent Parliamentary Committees
The session begins at 11:00 a.m.
Qani: The fate of US forces in the region is "inevitable escape".
The commander of the Quds Force of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, Ismail Qaani, launched a scathing attack on the American military presence in the Middle East region, stressing that the ultimate fate of all these forces is to flee and evacuate the region completely.
In a post on the “X” platform (formerly Twitter), Qaani addressed the withdrawal of the American aircraft carrier “Gerald Ford”, saying: “The criminal Trump should also dismiss the commander of the aircraft carrier Gerald Ford, because this commander, out of his extreme fear of the heroic Mujahideen and the steadfast Yemeni people, did not dare to cross the Bab al-Mandab Strait.”
The commander of the Quds Force added that this warship, after two weeks of "floundering and getting lost" in the region's waters, ended up fleeing the Red Sea and the region under the cover of a "fabricated narrative" justifying its withdrawal.
Qaani concluded his message by emphasizing that there is no future for American forces in the region, stressing: "The fate that awaits all American terrorist forces is to flee from this region."
Trump: 48 hours remain before the gates of hell are opened on Iran.
US President Donald Trump escalated his rhetoric against Iran on Saturday (April 4, 2026), threatening harsh measures if no agreement is reached on opening the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump said in press statements followed by “Baghdad Today” that the ten-day deadline he gave to Iran to conclude an agreement or reopen the Strait was about to expire, adding that “only 48 hours remain before the gates of hell are opened,” in reference to a possible escalation.
These statements come amid escalating regional tensions and international concerns about the repercussions of the continued closure of the strait on global energy markets and trade.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most important waterways for oil transport, through which a large part of the world's energy supply passes, making any threat to close it a source of widespread international concern.
"The Seal of the Prophets" responds to Trump's final countdown
The Iranian armed forces responded to the latest countdown announced by US President Donald Trump before he begins bombing infrastructure in Iran and puts the country at the mercy of "hell".
Major General Ali Abdollahi, commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, assured President Trump that "if Iranian infrastructure is attacked, the gates of hell will be opened for you."
Major General Abdullahi added: "After a series of defeats, the aggressive (warmongering) US president took a desperate, reckless, unbalanced, and stupid step to threaten the country's infrastructure and national assets."
He added: "Our armed forces will not hesitate for a moment to defend the rights of the homeland and protect national property, and will stop any aggressor in his tracks."
He said: "In the event of an attack by the Zionist-American enemy, we will target all the infrastructure used by the terrorist American army, as well as the infrastructure of the Zionist entity, without limits and continuously."
The commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters confirmed that "since the beginning of the imposed war, we have fulfilled all our promises, and the meaning of this message is simply: the gates of hell will be opened upon you."
Earlier, President Trump reminded Iran that there were 48 hours left of the deadline he had set for it to reach an agreement to end the war that has been ongoing for more than a month, warning that it would face hell if it refused.
Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform: "Remember when I gave Iran 10 days to make a deal or open the Strait of Hormuz? Time is running out, only 48 hours left before hellfire descends upon them!"
The spokesman for the Khatam al-Anbiya headquarters stated that Iran respects Iraqi sovereignty in light of Baghdad's firm stances in supporting Tehran, stressing that no obstacles will be placed in the way of Iraqi trade in the Strait of Hormuz.
In a statement issued on Saturday, April 4, 2026, Ibrahim Zolfaghari, spokesman for the Khatam al-Anbiya headquarters, revealed that Iraq was exempted from all the restrictions and strict measures imposed by Iran in the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Zulfiqari explained that these restrictions only apply to countries classified as "hostile states," noting that Iran has great respect for Iraqi national sovereignty, and describing the Iraqi people as a steadfast and strong nation in the face of American hegemony.
He added that Iraq's supportive stances toward Iran "did not go unappreciated," but rather contributed to strengthening the will to continue the struggle. The statement also emphasized that Iraq, thanks to its positions and support, can seize a historic opportunity to end the presence of American forces on its soil.
Since the outbreak of war between (America, Israel) and Iran, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard has closed the Strait of Hormuz to oil tankers, leading to a significant increase in fuel prices in global markets.
This statement comes in the wake of the air strikes launched by the United States and Israel on Iran on the morning of Saturday, February 28, 2026, which resulted in the killing of a number of the country’s leaders, while Iran responded quickly by launching missile barrages towards Israel and targeting several US military bases and headquarters in countries of the region.
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