Wednesday, July 15, 2026

Iraq Requests MORE U.S. Dollars After Trump Meeting!

Coinciding with the meeting between al-Zaidi and Trump, Iraq requests an additional shipment of dollars.

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Iraqi government spokesman Haider al-Aboudi revealed on Tuesday that the Central Bank of Iraq had submitted a request to obtain an additional tranche of foreign currency (dollars) from the US Federal Reserve, indicating that Prime Minister Ali al-Zubaidi's meeting with US President Donald Trump contributed to framing the relationship between the two countries and moving it from the security sphere to the economic sphere .

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Al-Aboudi said, in a statement followed by Al-Sa’a Network, that “the Iraqi delegation in Washington, headed by Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi, clarified the course of relations with the United States, and Al-Zaidi’s meeting with President Trump contributed to framing the discussions and understandings within the framework of a strategic relationship built on economic foundations, which clearly confirms that Iraq possesses strategic weight at the regional level .”

He explained that "the decision to restrict weapons to the state is a sovereign decision taken by the Iraqi government headed by Ali al-Zaidi, and that the economy represents the biggest challenge facing Iraq today, especially since the state's oil-dependent revenues have been exposed to great risks as a result of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the tensions witnessed in the region ."

He pointed out that "the presence of international forces in Iraq in 2014 came at the request of the Iraqi government, which sought help from its international friends, but the reasons that necessitated the presence of these forces no longer exist today ."

He added that "Iraq is moving towards seeking economic and developmental foundations that serve the higher interests of the state, and on this basis the partnership between Baghdad and Washington is built on the economy, in a way that ensures the sustainability of the relationship between the two countries and moves it from the realm of security to the realm of the economy ."

Al-Aboudi confirmed that "the flow of foreign currency into Iraq has resumed after the reasons that were hindering the continued arrival of foreign currencies have subsided ."

As is well known, the Central Bank of Iraq has an account with the US Federal Reserve, but air transport conditions during the past months hindered the arrival of dollar shipments to the country, before these payments were resumed again .




Prime Minister: The government is proceeding with a comprehensive reform and restructuring process for the banking and insurance sector.

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Prime Minister: The government is proceeding with a comprehensive reform and restructuring process for the banking and insurance sector.


Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi affirmed on Wednesday that the government is proceeding with a comprehensive reform and restructuring process for the banking and insurance sectors.
The Prime Minister's Media Office stated in a press release received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA) that "Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi received US Treasury Secretary Scott Bisent and his accompanying delegation on Tuesday evening, Baghdad time, at his residence in Washington."


According to the statement, the Prime Minister emphasized during the meeting that "Iraq is currently at a new stage, striving to build a strong, sovereign state, free from corruption, and with a robust and sustainable economy." He noted that "the government has prioritized combating corruption and ensuring the state's monopoly on the use of force through a package of important measures."


He explained that "Iraqis will see the results of these measures next year, which will witness improvements in several areas, most notably energy and investment, in addition to strengthening stability." He stressed that "the government is proceeding with a comprehensive reform and restructuring process for the banking and insurance sectors, alongside tax and customs reforms, which will contribute to building a more efficient and sustainable economy."


For his part, the US Treasury Secretary, according to the statement, expressed his country's support for the Iraqi government's policies and its serious efforts to shift the relationship between the two countries from a military presence to investment, economic development, and the advancement of the business sector, moving towards achieving genuine economic growth through the optimal utilization of Iraq's economic resources and potential.
He affirmed the United States' readiness to assist Iraq and enable it to implement its economic plans and programs, overcome obstacles to development, and work on establishing a timetable to support the Iraqi economy and strengthen economic and financial reform efforts.






Iraqi PM Discussed Bilateral Cooperation and Regional Stability with U.S. Special Envoy in Washington

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Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Falih al-Zaidi's meeting with  Tom Barrack, U.S. Special Envoy to Iraq and Syria.

 

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Falih al-Zaidi received Tom Barrack, U.S. Special Envoy to Iraq and Syria, at his residence in Washington, D.C., on Monday evening.

The two sides discussed prospects for strengthening cooperation between Iraq and the United States, according to a statement by the PM's media office.

The statement  added that they also reviewed the progress of bilateral economic relations, noting their recent growth, and explored opportunities to further expand cooperation and strategic partnership.

The discussions covered the latest regional developments, with both sides underscoring the importance of supporting efforts to enhance security and stability, reduce tensions, and reinforce Iraq's pivotal role in fostering dialogue and contributing to regional de-escalation.

The Iraqi Prime Minister arrived on Washington on Monday at the head of an official delegation following an invitation from the United States.

According to Iraqi government spokesperson Haider al-Aboudi, the visit will include the signing of several memorandums of understanding, particularly in the oil and gas sector.

Al-Aboudi said during a press conference that Iraq is seeking to attract a number of U.S. companies as part of efforts to expand investment in the energy sector and increase the country's oil production capacity.




Iraq Faces Liquidity Crisis Despite Vast Resources, Finance Committee's Kochar Says

Finance Committee member Jamal Kochar says Iraq's liquidity crisis, declining revenues, and rising domestic debt reflect decades of governance failures, as Baghdad advances new fiscal reforms to stabilize public finances.

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Jamal Kochar, a member of the Iraqi Parliament's Finance Committee. (Photo: Kurdistan24)

Iraq's latest financial difficulties are not the result of a shortage of natural wealth, but of decades of political mismanagement, according to Jamal Kochar, a member of the Iraqi Parliament's Finance Committee, who argues that the country's economic vulnerabilities reflect deep-rooted governance failures rather than limited resources.

Speaking to Kurdistan24 on Monday, Kochar described Iraq as a country endowed with exceptional economic potential that has struggled to translate its assets into sustainable prosperity.

In his assessment, abundant reserves of oil, natural gas, minerals, fertile agricultural land, water resources, and maritime access should have provided a strong foundation for long-term development.

Instead, he said, chronic corruption, political patronage, and ineffective administration have prevented those advantages from benefiting the broader population.

Kochar's remarks come as Iraq confronts mounting fiscal pressure marked by shrinking liquidity, weakening state revenues, and a growing reliance on domestic borrowing to finance government spending.

He identified those three challenges as the country's most immediate economic concerns, warning that policymakers have few alternatives available to close widening budget gaps.

At the center of his criticism is Iraq's system of political power-sharing, which he argued has placed partisan interests ahead of professional administration.

According to Kochar, appointments to senior positions are frequently driven by political affiliation rather than merit, weakening state institutions and undermining effective management of public resources.

He also accused entrenched corruption of draining national wealth, arguing that public funds have been diverted through systemic mismanagement while significant resources have left the country.

In his view, governance failures, not resource scarcity, remain the principal obstacle to Iraq's economic stability.

The parliamentarian also pointed to Iraq's continued dependence on hydrocarbon exports as a structural weakness.

Citing figures discussed by Finance Minister Falih al-Sari, Kochar said current government revenues have fallen to between $1 billion and $2 billion.

He further noted that Iraq has been unable to export natural gas since early February, while oil income has been constrained by lower export volumes, with shipments limited to crude exported through the Kurdistan Region and a smaller volume transported by tanker through Syria, totaling less than one million barrels per day.

That dependence, he suggested, leaves Iraq particularly exposed to regional disruptions.

Kochar questioned the country's geopolitical calculations amid heightened tensions across the Middle East, arguing that regional instability could impose significant economic costs on Iraq.

Referring to concerns surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, he warned that any prolonged disruption affecting Iraqi energy exports would force Baghdad into difficult fiscal decisions at a time when public finances are already under strain.

He also addressed the reform agenda of Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, cautioning that it remains too early to judge whether the new government can deliver lasting structural change.

According to Kochar, a decisive test will come later this year as Baghdad pursues efforts to consolidate all weapons under state authority while seeking to attract major American and British companies. Whether those initiatives succeed, he said, could provide a clearer indication of the government's ability to implement meaningful reforms.

Another source of concern is Iraq's expanding domestic debt burden.

Kochar said the government has increasingly relied on internal borrowing to finance public-sector salaries because foreign borrowing requires parliamentary approval under existing legislation.

He estimated outstanding obligations at 66 trillion Iraqi dinars owed to the Central Bank of Iraq, approximately 106 trillion dinars owed to other domestic banks, and an additional 33 trillion dinars owed to contractors and investors.

Those liabilities, he warned, could become even more difficult to manage if regional disruptions further constrain state revenues.

Against that backdrop, the federal government is preparing a package of legislative and fiscal measures aimed at strengthening public finances.

Kochar told Kurdistan24 that the Ministry of Finance has drafted five bills intended to diversify state revenue, restructure the national budget, and support broader fiscal reform.

The proposals are expected to underpin a redesigned General Budget Law that replaces the traditional budget structure with a new three-part framework, initially to be tested within the Ministry of Electricity and in Salahuddin and Diwaniyah provinces.

Among the government's proposals is an "oil-for-projects" financing model under which infrastructure development would be linked to energy exports.

Kochar said Iraq also plans to establish an investment fund, with the United Arab Emirates and Qatar reportedly pledging $100 billion in support.

He added that Baghdad has reached an agreement with the United States involving oil supplies in exchange for infrastructure projects in the oil and electricity sectors, while discussions are continuing with Germany and France regarding similar cooperation.

The proposed legislation would also include reforms affecting investment, agricultural land management, the sale of state-owned properties, and mechanisms to facilitate the transfer of public-sector employees into the private sector.

Separately, Baghdad has requested that OPEC raise Iraq's production quota to five million barrels per day, arguing that higher output would help ease mounting fiscal pressures.

 

For Kochar, however, new legislation alone will not resolve Iraq's economic challenges.

His assessment suggests that lasting financial stability will depend not only on increasing revenues or attracting investment, but also on strengthening institutions, improving governance, reducing political patronage, and restoring confidence in the state's ability to manage one of the region's richest resource bases responsibly.

Summary

Jamal Kochar says Iraq's financial crisis reflects governance failures despite vast natural wealth. The Finance Committee member warns of rising domestic debt, falling revenues and oil dependence as Baghdad advances new fiscal reforms to stabilize public finances and diversify state income.



Hegseth welcomes Al-Zaidi

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 US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth received Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi at the ministry headquarters.

Prior to that, the Prime Minister held official talks with US President Donald Trump , and Al-Zaidi stressed that Iraq needs a strategic partner the size of the United States to overcome economic challenges.

Trump said his country supports al-Zaidi's government in promoting stability and economic steps.

 

The Commander-in-Chief directs that the relationship with the United States be formulated within the parameters of Iraqi sovereignty.

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The Commander-in-Chief directs that the relationship with the United States be formulated within the parameters of Iraqi sovereignty.


The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and Prime Minister, Ali Faleh al-Zaidi, has directed the formation of a committee to define the nature of the security and military relationship between Iraq and the United States, and to formulate this relationship within the parameters of Iraqi sovereignty and its requirements.


The spokesman for the Commander-in-Chief, Sabah al-Nu’man, stated in a press release received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA) that “the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and Prime Minister, Ali Faleh al-Zaidi, held official talks at the US Department of Defense with Secretary of Defense Pete Higseth, which included a comprehensive review of the security and military relations between Iraq and the United States.”


He added, “The talks also resulted in an agreement to enhance support and cooperation in the areas of training and raising the capabilities of our armed forces in all their branches, as well as technical, technological, and digital cooperation in the fields of security and military applications, equipment and armament, and the preservation of sovereignty.”


He continued, “Following the discussions, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces directed the formation of a committee concerned with communicating with the American side, to determine the form of the security and military relationship between the two countries, in light of the preparation for the complete withdrawal of the American forces operating within the international coalition to fight ISIS, which will end on September 30, and that the relationship be formulated within the parameters of Iraqi sovereignty and its requirements, according to the approach of supporting the full authority of our armed forces on Iraqi territory, as they are capable of protecting Iraq on land and in the air.”

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Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi has ordered, on Tuesday, the formation of an Iraqi committee to negotiate the future security and military relationship with the United States following the planned withdrawal of US forces serving as part of the Global Coalition against ISIS.

The prime minister's military spokesperson, Sabah Al-Numan, stated that the directive followed official talks between Al-Zaidi and US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon on Tuesday evening, Baghdad time, adding that the committee will engage with US officials to define the framework of future security and military cooperation ahead of the coalition mission's scheduled conclusion on September 30.

“The new relationship will reflect Iraq's sovereignty and support the Iraqi armed forces' full authority across the country, emphasizing their ability to protect Iraq by land and air.

During the meeting, Al-Zaidi and Hegseth reviewed bilateral security and military ties and agreed on several areas of mutual interest, including continued intelligence sharing to support counterterrorism efforts.

The two sides also agreed to strengthen coordination to dismantle terrorist networks and safe havens, while expanding cooperation in training, military equipment, and efforts to enhance the capabilities of Iraq's armed forces. The discussions also covered broader technical, technological, and digital cooperation in security and defense applications, as well as military equipment and armaments, with both sides reaffirming respect for Iraq's sovereignty.

Earlier, Al-Numan told Shafaq News in an exclusive interview that Baghdad plans to establish a bilateral military partnership with Washington after the coalition mission ends, focusing on training, arms cooperation, intelligence sharing, and strengthening Iraq's armed forces.

 

Trump: We won't need our army in Iraq.

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US President Donald Trump confirmed on Tuesday (July 14, 2026) that the United States and Iraq are moving towards a new phase of strategic partnership, announcing that his country will not need to keep its military forces in Iraq in the future, while revealing major oil agreements that will be announced soon.

During a joint press conference with Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi in Washington, which was followed by "Baghdad Today," Trump said, "We have a strong partnership with Iraq," describing al-Zaidi as a "great leader," and expressing his belief that "he will remain in his position for a long time."

He added that "the United States will sign major oil agreements that will be announced soon," stressing that "American companies will enter the Iraqi market" as part of expanding economic and investment cooperation between the two countries.

Trump indicated that "the United States will not need to have its army in Iraq," considering that relations between Baghdad and Washington are moving towards strengthening economic cooperation instead of relying on a military presence.

Trump stated that "we will make many deals with Iraq because it has great potential."

For his part, Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi stressed that his visit to Washington would not be a mere formality, noting that it was intended to announce a "joint strategic partnership" between the two countries.

Al-Zaydi explained that his government is working to expand economic cooperation with the United States, stressing that American companies will enter the Iraqi market through new investment projects.

On the security file, the Prime Minister stressed that "after September 30 there will be no need for any factions," stressing that the Iraqi security forces have become capable of protecting the country's territory. He also revealed that the government has received large quantities of weapons from some factions, noting that the government will cooperate with entities that transition to political action within the legal frameworks.

These statements come during Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi’s first official visit to Washington since assuming the premiership, amid extensive political, security and economic activity between Baghdad and Washington.

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Al-Aboudi: The Washington visit lays the foundation for a new economic phase in Iraqi-American relations.

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Al-Aboudi: The Washington visit lays the foundation for a new economic phase in Iraqi-American relations.

 

 

Government spokesman Haider al-Aboudi revealed on Tuesday the schedule for Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi’s visit to Washington, stating that he will visit Congress and the Treasury Department, as well as American financial institutions. He also indicated that the meeting between the Prime Minister and the US President today was positive.
 
Al-Aboudi said in a statement to the program “The Scene” which is broadcast on Al-Iraqiya News and followed by the Iraqi News Agency (INA): “The visit of the Prime Minister, at the head of a ministerial delegation and businessmen, to the United States is exceptional,” indicating that “the positive event today in Iraqi-American relations is moving from the area of security to the economy and investment.”
He added that “the Iraqi delegation adopts an economic doctrine aimed at securing Iraq’s economic activity and exporting Iraqi oil by creating the largest space for investment and development,” noting that “energy and financial matters were present in the atmosphere of understanding and agreement between the Prime Minister and the US President today.”
He pointed out that “the atmosphere of the meeting between the Prime Minister and the US President today was positive, and all indicators of interaction were present between the two sides,” explaining that “the government’s ministerial program adopted, from the first moment, the strengthening of Iraq’s foreign relations, especially with internationally influential countries, with the aim of growth and economic stimulation.”
He added that “Iraq is far from the axes of conflict, and does not interfere in the affairs of other countries, and the government proceeds from these principles to preserve the interests of the Iraqi state,” stressing that “the economy represents the biggest challenge for the Iraqi state.”
He explained that “what we have observed, and what observers have noted, is that the United States values its partnerships with Iraq,” pointing out that “the government headed by al-Zidi adopts the economy as a fundamental pillar of the relationship with Washington.”
He explained that “we have a date on September 30, after which the American military presence will end, and with it will begin developmental requirements represented by long-term economic partnerships, through stimulating the investment environment and providing stable climates for investment,” noting that “the Iraqi government is moving towards comprehensive reform.”
He stressed that “Al-Zaidi’s visit to Washington represents the most important visit to Iraq over the successive governments since 2003 until now, as it establishes a new page, and does not make security the focus of this relationship, but rather makes the economy the focus of the relationship,” noting that “the warm reception that everyone pointed out reflects the systematic impact of the Iraqi government in dealing with complex issues.”
He noted that “the media coverage of al-Zaidi’s meeting with Trump, in general, was remarkable, as the Iraqi, Arab and foreign press paid great attention to the meeting.”
Regarding the visit schedule, Al-Aboudi explained that “the Prime Minister’s visit schedule began today with a meeting with US President Donald Trump, followed by a visit to the Department of Defense, and there will be other stops including Congress, as well as the Treasury Department, and the US institutions responsible for funding.”
He added that “in the coming hours there will be a reconciliation of views at the level of the Central Bank and financial institutions, and this understanding will culminate in a positive signing for the benefit of Iraqi financial institutions,” stressing that “the visit will witness understandings and meetings that will benefit the Iraqi financial system.



The Ministers of Oil and Electricity discuss prospects for joint cooperation with the US Deputy Secretary of Energy.

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 Oil Minister Bassem Mohammed Khudair Al-Abadi and Electricity Minister Ali Saadi Wahib discussed prospects for joint cooperation in the field of energy with US Deputy Energy Secretary James Danley.

The Ministry of Oil stated in a statement seen by (Shafaqna Iraq) that “Oil Minister Basim Muhammad Khudair Al-Abadi met with US Deputy Secretary of Energy James Danley, in the presence of Electricity Minister Ali Saadi Wahib, Director General of Basra Oil Company Basim Abdul Karim, and Director General of the Oil Marketing Company “SOMO” Ali Nizar.”

She added that “the two sides held a meeting during which they discussed prospects for joint cooperation between the two countries in the field of energy.”

Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi is visiting the United States at the head of a government delegation and confirmed that his visit to Washington is to announce a joint strategic partnership with the United States.

Expanding partnerships with global energy companies

In addition, Electricity Minister Ali Saadi Wahib confirmed during a meeting with US Deputy Energy Secretary James Danley that Iraq wants to continue and expand its partnership with major global energy companies.

He said, “We affirmed Iraq’s desire to continue and expand its partnership with major global energy companies, foremost among them GE, in order to contribute to the development of the electricity system and the addition of new production capacities.”

As we explained, the implementation of expansion projects is linked to securing the necessary fuel and diversifying gas supply sources, to ensure the sustainable operation of power generation plants and raise the efficiency of the national system.”

The US side supported Iraq's request

He added that “the meeting also addressed the importance of US support for Iraq’s request to import gas from Turkmenistan, as it is one of the important options for diversifying gas sources and enhancing energy security. Providing these supplies would contribute to restarting power plants that are shut down or operating below their design capacity due to gas shortages, and adding new generating capacity to the national grid, which would positively impact the hours of electricity supply to citizens.”

He continued: “We reaffirmed that Iraq seeks to build strategic and sustainable partnerships and provide a suitable environment for investments by international companies, in a way that serves common interests, supports the stability of the energy system, and meets the increasing demand for electricity.”

Oil Minister Bassem Mohammed Khudair Al-Abadi and Electricity Minister Ali Saadi Wahib discussed prospects for joint cooperation in the field of energy with US Deputy Energy Secretary James Danley.

The Ministry of Oil stated in a statement seen by (Shafaqna Iraq) that “Oil Minister Basim Muhammad Khudair Al-Abadi met with US Deputy Secretary of Energy James Danley, in the presence of Electricity Minister Ali Saadi Wahib, Director General of Basra Oil Company Basim Abdul Karim, and Director General of the Oil Marketing Company “SOMO” Ali Nizar.”

She added that “the two sides held a meeting during which they discussed prospects for joint cooperation between the two countries in the field of energy.”

Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi is visiting the United States at the head of a government delegation and confirmed that his visit to Washington is to announce a joint strategic partnership with the United States.

Expanding partnerships with global energy companies

In addition, Electricity Minister Ali Saadi Wahib confirmed during a meeting with US Deputy Energy Secretary James Danley that Iraq wants to continue and expand its partnership with major global energy companies.

He said, “We affirmed Iraq’s desire to continue and expand its partnership with major global energy companies, foremost among them GE, in order to contribute to the development of the electricity system and the addition of new production capacities.”

As we explained, the implementation of expansion projects is linked to securing the necessary fuel and diversifying gas supply sources, to ensure the sustainable operation of power generation plants and raise the efficiency of the national system.”

The US side supported Iraq's request

He added that “the meeting also addressed the importance of US support for Iraq’s request to import gas from Turkmenistan, as it is one of the important options for diversifying gas sources and enhancing energy security. Providing these supplies would contribute to restarting power plants that are shut down or operating below their design capacity due to gas shortages, and adding new generating capacity to the national grid, which would positively impact the hours of electricity supply to citizens.”

He continued: “We reaffirmed that Iraq seeks to build strategic and sustainable partnerships and provide a suitable environment for investments by international companies, in a way that serves common interests, supports the stability of the energy system, and meets the increasing demand for electricity.”

The Prime Minister affirms the government's commitment to transforming the Iraqi economy towards pluralism and diversification.

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The Prime Minister affirms the government's commitment to transforming the Iraqi economy towards pluralism and diversification.


Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi affirmed on Wednesday the government's commitment to diversifying the Iraqi economy and bolstering the Development Fund with projects that keep pace with global developments, particularly through a focus on the digital economy.


The Prime Minister's Media Office stated in a press release received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA) that "Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi received the Executive Director of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), Ben Black, and his accompanying delegation at his residence in Washington, D.C., early Wednesday morning, Baghdad time."

The statement added that "the meeting addressed opportunities and areas of cooperation between Iraq and the DFC, including participation in infrastructure reconstruction and expanding financing partnerships for development projects and plans that will revitalize the Iraqi economy in the energy, transportation, agriculture, digital economy, and services sectors. The discussion also focused on moving to the implementation phase and commencing these projects."

During the meeting, the Prime Minister indicated, according to the statement, that the government is proceeding with the transformation of the Iraqi economy towards diversification and bolstering the Development Fund with projects that keep pace with global developments. This includes focusing on the digital economy, establishing integrated digital government outlets, expanding electronic payment services, creating specialized national data centers, and investing in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity—areas in which he emphasized the importance of American companies' participation to accelerate the digital transformation process.

For his part, Black expressed the Development Finance Corporation's readiness to enter the Iraqi market with a package of financing partnerships for investment projects, contribute to the Development Fund, and support American companies in their partnership plans within the Fund's projects across all Iraqi development sectors.


Minister of Electricity: Iraq wants to expand its partnership with major global energy companies

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Minister of Electricity: Iraq wants to expand its partnership with major global energy companies


Iraqi Electricity Minister Ali Saadi Wahib affirmed during a meeting with US Deputy Secretary of Energy James Danley that Iraq desires to continue and expand its partnership with major international energy companies.
Wahib stated in a press release received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), "We met in a joint meeting in Washington, D.C., with the Iraqi Minister of Oil and US Deputy Secretary of Energy James Danley, and we discussed ways to enhance cooperation between Iraq and the United States in the energy sector. We emphasized Iraq's desire to continue and expand its partnership with major international energy companies, foremost among them GE, in a way that contributes to developing the electricity grid and adding new production capacity. We also clarified that the implementation of expansion projects is contingent upon securing the necessary fuel and diversifying gas supply sources to ensure the sustainable operation of power plants and improve the efficiency of the national grid."


He added, "The meeting also addressed the importance of US support for Iraq's request to import gas from Turkmenistan, as this is a crucial option for diversifying gas sources and enhancing energy security. Providing these supplies would contribute to restarting power plants that are currently shut down or operating below their design capacity due to gas shortages, and would add new generating capacity to the national grid, positively impacting the hours of electricity available to citizens."


He continued, "We reaffirmed that Iraq seeks to build strategic and sustainable partnerships and provide a suitable environment for investments by international companies, serving mutual interests and supporting the stability of the energy system to meet the growing demand for electricity."


Meanwhile, Oil Minister Basim Mohammed Khudair al-Abadi discussed prospects for joint cooperation in the energy sector with US Deputy Secretary of Energy James Danley.


The Ministry of Oil stated in a press release received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA) that "Oil Minister Basim Mohammed Khudair al-Abadi met with US Deputy Secretary of Energy James Danley, in the presence of Electricity Minister Ali Saadi Wahib, Director General of Basra Oil Company Basim Abdulkarim, and Director General of the State Oil Marketing Company (SOMO) Ali Nizar."


She added that "the two sides held a meeting during which they discussed prospects for joint cooperation between the two countries in the field of energy."


Iran, the factions, Kurdistan, and OPEC

10 key points from the night of Trump and Al-Zaidi: “No fear…wait for me at the end of the year.”

 

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10 key points from the night of Trump and Al-Zaidi: “No fear…wait for me at the end of the year.”

 

 

Network 964 summarizes the top ten points from the live broadcast from the Oval Office during a major half-hour meeting between Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Zaidi and US President Donald Trump, attended by senior officials and international media. The 30 minutes appeared to be filled with surprises, unlike previous summits between Baghdad and Washington.

1 - Trump, at the entrance to the White House, points to al-Zaidi: He won... I love Iraq... For now, that's all I have to say.

2 - Trump's first words to al-Zaidi: You are a handsome young man and a winner in Iraq.

3 - Trump: “I envy al-Zaidi”... He will remain in office for a long time and has accomplished a lot.

4 - Trump remembers Maliki and says to Al-Zaidi: There is a high level of chemistry between us and I was keen for you to win.

5 - Trump: Iraqis' feelings towards me have improved, and thank you to Al-Zaidi.

6 - Al-Zaidi tells Trump: I come to you from the oldest civilization in the world.

7 - Al-Zaidi's first words to Trump: The factions' weapons are now in my possession, and wait for me until the end of the year.

8 - Al-Zaidi complains to Trump about OPEC: I want a bigger share of the world's oil.

9 – Trump tells al-Zaidi something about Iran: Your fear is over... I am the guardian.

10 - Al-Zaidi tells Trump something about Kurdistan: Part of my body is like Basra.

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Maliki's coalition calls on al-Zaydi to end America's dominance over the Iraqi banking system

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Maliki's coalition calls on al-Zaydi to end America's dominance over the Iraqi banking system

 


Hussein Mardan, a member of the State of Law Coalition, confirmed on Tuesday that the United States dominates the banking sector in Iraq.


Mardan told the Information Agency that "Washington dominates the banking sector and is trying to prevent Iraq from establishing a banking system independent of its control, which is why it imposes sanctions on Iraqi banks."
He added that "imposing these restrictions on Iraqi Islamic and investment banks, in particular, aims to eliminate local competitors from the market, paving the way for American banks to monopolize the Iraqi banking sector."
Mardan called on Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Mohsen al-Ahmad to "pressure Washington, during his ongoing talks there, to end the dominance of American banks over the Iraqi financial system."


It is worth noting that the United States has imposed sanctions on a number of Iraqi private banks in recent years, with the aim of preventing Iraq from establishing a banking system independent of American hegemony.