Shock: Iraqi banks "without liquidity" after government measure; salaries the biggest problem
Informed sources revealed on Sunday that the country’s financial liquidity crisis has worsened, confirming that available resources are no longer sufficient to secure the payment of salaries for employees and retirees in the coming period.
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Sources who spoke to Shafaq News Agency reported that the government was forced to withdraw about 20 trillion dinars from Al-Rafidain Bank, in addition to between 7 and 8 trillion dinars from Al-Rasheed Bank, as well as withdrawing about 7 billion dollars from another bank, along with sums of money from industrial and agricultural banks, in order to cover salaries during the past months.
She explained that these measures have led to the depletion of a large portion of the liquidity available in government banks, which makes the option of delaying the payment of employee salaries strongly on the table during the next stage if urgent financial solutions are not found to contain the crisis.
She pointed out that the continuation of these conditions may exacerbate the financial crisis, especially with the existence of observations related to mismanagement, waste of public money and suspicions in some files, which calls for taking urgent reform measures to ensure financial stability and secure the salaries of employees and retirees on their specified dates.
US Senator: Iraq has made remarkable progress in development paths
: US Senator Elissa Slotkin affirmed on Saturday that Iraq has faced economic challenges and made significant progress in its development paths.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a press release received by Al-Ghad Press that "Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Fuad Hussein, met with US Senator Elissa Slotkin on the sidelines of the 62nd Munich Security Conference."
The statement added, "At the beginning of the meeting, the Minister reviewed the developments in the Iraqi political landscape and the efforts exerted by political blocs to form a government in accordance with constitutional requirements, noting that Iraq has achieved considerable progress in recent years on both the political and security fronts, in addition to confronting economic challenges and making progress in development."
It continued, "The two sides also discussed the overall developments in the Middle East region, including the latest political and security developments in Syria, as well as the ongoing negotiations between Iran and the United States in Muscat regarding the Iranian nuclear program."
The statement indicated that "both sides emphasized the importance of these negotiations leading to positive results that contribute to strengthening stability and averting the risks of escalation in the region."
President Nechirvan Barzani meets with the US Secretary of State
Continuing his meetings and engagements on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, His Excellency Mr. Nechirvan Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Region, met this afternoon (Saturday, February 14, 2026) with Mr. Marco Rubio, Secretary of State of the United States of America.
During the meeting, America’s relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, and prospects for joint cooperation between them, were discussed. President Nechirvan Barzani reiterated his thanks and appreciation for the United States’ support for Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.
For his part, the US Secretary of State affirmed his country’s commitment to supporting Iraq and the Kurdistan Region and protecting security and stability in the region, praising the Kurdistan Region’s status as a key partner and stabilizing factor.
The situation in Syria, the rights of the Kurds there, and the latest developments in the region were another focus of the meeting, in which both sides emphasized the protection of the rights of the Kurds and the components in a unified Syria.
The Sudanese bloc rejects the caretaker government: either form a government or hold early elections.
On Saturday, Mohammed Al-Khalidi, a leader in the Reconstruction and Development Coalition, expressed his rejection of the proposal to keep outgoing Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani in a caretaker government. He pointed out that Ammar Al-Hakim, head of the Wisdom Movement, Qais Al-Khazali, secretary of Asaib Ahl Al-Haq, and Haider Al-Abadi, head of the Victory Coalition, threatened to break away from the coalition and form a political bloc if a government was not formed. However, Hussein Al-Shihani, a member of parliament from the Sadiqun Movement, quickly denied this information, stressing that there was no intention to break away from the coalition.
Al-Khalidi said in an interview with journalist Haider Zweir, which was followed by 964 Network , that “Mr. Ammar al-Hakim, Mr. al-Khazali and Mr. al-Abadi said: If we do not reach a result, we will split off and announce a political bloc, if the government is not formed.”
Al-Khalidi asked: “What is a caretaker government? Where did this caretaker government come from? This is unacceptable and such talk should not be uttered. Either a government is formed or we return to early elections, and this is what the constitution stipulates.”
For his part, MP Hussein Al-Shihani, from the Sadiqun bloc, responded to the split from the framework, saying: “There is absolutely no indication from Al-Hikma, Sadiqun, or Mr. Al-Abadi of splitting from the coordinating framework, and Mr. Al-Hakim and Sheikh Qais are among the most keen on the unity of the framework.”
Kujer: Fluctuations in oil prices directly impact the budget and the economic reality.
Kujer told Al-Furat News Agency that “a decrease in the price of a barrel of oil by one dollar means a loss to the general budget and the state treasury of about four million dollars, while an increase in the price by one dollar leads to an increase in treasury revenues by the same amount.”
The Iraqi economy relies mainly on revenues from crude oil exports, which makes the general budget highly sensitive to price movements in global markets, whether upward or downward.
Expert: Ignoring US threats could plunge Iraq into complex crises
Strategic affairs expert Hussein Al-Asaad confirmed on Saturday (February 14, 2026) that the United States’ threats to impose sanctions on Iraq if any new government is formed that does not have its approval must be taken very seriously and carefully considered, given their potential repercussions on the political, economic and financial stability of the country.
Al-Asaad told Baghdad Today that “Washington has multiple pressure tools, starting with financial and banking sanctions, and not ending with economic and trade restrictions, in addition to its direct impact on Iraq’s relationship with international institutions and foreign investments. Any escalation in this matter may negatively affect the value of the national currency, market activity, and the financing of vital projects.”
He explained that "the current stage requires Iraqi political forces to adopt a realistic and balanced approach, based on protecting national sovereignty on the one hand, and avoiding entering into uncalculated clashes with influential international powers on the other, especially in light of the sensitive regional conditions and internal economic challenges."
He added that "the formation of the government must be based on a broad national consensus and a clear government program that reassures the international community about Iraq's commitments, while at the same time preserving its independent decision-making. Ignoring or downplaying American warnings may open the door to complex crises, the price of which will be paid primarily by the citizens."
Al-Asaad concluded by saying that "managing this file requires active diplomacy, responsible political dialogue, and a strategic vision that protects Iraq's higher interests and prevents the use of sanctions as a tool of pressure that hinders the path of stability and state-building in the next stage."
From time to time, political and economic warnings are raised in Iraq that any tension with influential international powers, especially in financial and economic matters, may affect market activity, investments, and foreign transactions, prompting some parties to call for a balance that combines preserving national decision-making with avoiding escalation.
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The Iraqi parliament resorts to the Federal Court to resolve the issue of the presidency... document
The Speaker of the Iraqi Parliament, Hebat al-Halbousi, has submitted a request to the Supreme Federal Court to interpret a constitutional provision related to the election of the President of the Republic, given the inability to hold a session with a quorum for this purpose.
According to an official document issued by the Presidency of the House of Representatives, published by Shafaq News Agency, the request is based on the texts of the Constitution and the Federal Court Law, and aims to interpret Article (72/Second/B), which stipulates that the President of the Republic shall continue to exercise his duties after the end of his term until a new president is elected within thirty days from the date of the first session of the House of Representatives.
The document explained that the election of the President of the Republic was not achieved within the constitutional period, despite the House of Representatives continuing to hold its sessions, due to the lack of a legal quorum in more than one session dedicated to this purpose.
The request indicated that the council continues to hold its sessions according to the usual agenda, without including the item of electing the president of the republic, due to the lack of the required quorum, and asked the Federal Court to state the legal opinion on this matter.
The Iraqi constitution stipulates that the president must be elected within a period not exceeding 30 days from the date of the first session of the House of Representatives.
Taking into account this period from the first session held on December 29, 2025, the constitutional time limit ended on the night of January 28, 2026.
Three blows to Maliki in one night... his closest ally signals a retreat
"The framework has already begun discussing the alternative."
It appears that more and more resistance factions are gradually distancing themselves from supporting Maliki and moving to the opposing side, which began with the Asaib movement and the Hikma movement and today includes a large gathering of factions and political forces. The Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada bloc, led by Abu Ala al-Walai, said that the framework has already begun discussing replacing Maliki.
The Victorious Bloc, affiliated with the Sayyid al-Shuhada Brigades, hinted at the possibility of withdrawing Nouri al-Maliki’s nomination for prime minister, given “the importance of the close economic relations between Iraq and America,” according to what was stated by MP Jassim al-Moussawi.
The hints from the Loyalist bloc come in conjunction with the demands of the Services bloc (linked to the Imam Ali Brigades faction) to collect signatures to dissolve Parliament, in order to end the current political deadlock, while Parliament Speaker Hebat al-Halbousi gave the third indication when he decided to go to the judiciary, due to the expiration of the legal period for electing the President of the Republic.
It appears that the bloc supporting Maliki is shrinking day by day. After his nomination began with the support of 10 out of 12 leaders within the Shiite coordination framework, the Victory Coalition, led by Haider al-Abadi, expressed its objection in a subsequent statement to the nomination decision.
The opposition bloc began with the leader of the Wisdom Movement, Ammar al-Hakim, who was absent from the meeting, and the leader of the Asaib Ahl al-Haq movement, whose circles raised clear voices and at unusual levels against al-Maliki’s nomination.
Following the stormy tweet from US President Donald Trump against al-Maliki’s nomination, some opponents of al-Maliki’s nomination say that the forces supporting him have retreated, with the exception of the Badr Organization and the Sayyid al-Shuhada Brigades, represented by the Victorious Bloc, which is part of the State of Law Coalition, and which represents the most important faction supporting al-Maliki, before the bloc’s MP, Jassim al-Moussawi, made his final signal, which was interpreted as a retreat from supporting al-Maliki.
On the night of al-Maliki’s nomination by the Coordination Framework, Abu Alaa al-Walai appeared with heartfelt emotions, thanking everyone who contributed to this achievement. He addressed the head of the Badr Organization, Hadi al-Amiri, saying, “You did not fall short, Hajji,” in recognition of his efforts in hosting the session that resulted in al-Maliki’s nomination.
Al-Moussawi stated in an interview with journalist Ahmed Al-Tayeb, which was followed by the 964 network , that “the new actor that entered this stage was unexpected, which is the American intervention that is happening for the first time in this way, which brought the understandings back to square one,” explaining, “There was a prior agreement on the premiership and other entitlements, except for the reservations of two parties within the framework, and now these reservations have deepened in light of the external intervention, for fear that this will be reflected on the economic situation of the country.”
Al-Moussawi added, “Today we are witnessing an expansion of the disagreement within the coordination framework regarding the seriousness of this intervention, especially as we are living through a difficult economic situation.” He explained that “the brothers within the framework, especially Haj Abu Israa, have their opinion and final say, but if we go to the second option, which is the alternative, we will need some time to reformulate the understandings.”
Al-Moussawi pointed out that “Iraq is an oil-producing country and we have close economic ties with the United States that cannot be avoided, so it is possible that we will proceed with our choice, or perhaps we will reconsider the entire project (nominating al-Maliki),” noting that “talk about an alternative is now being raised within the framework, and the current deadlocks are different from the previous ones that were caused by demonstrations and confrontations. Today’s deadlock is on the table, and it can be overcome, but the matter requires a little time.”
Al-Kadhimi “solves” the Sudanese problem… “Emergency law” prevents Baghdad’s paralysis and “extends”?
Sources and comments from "Al-Araby Al-Jadeed"
A political source close to the Coordination Framework forces revealed a move to legislate a new food security law, a solution previously adopted by Mustafa Al-Kadhimi's government in 2022, with the aim of financing necessary state expenditures and securing food commodities. It serves as a temporary alternative to the general budget during an emergency situation. The new move seeks to legitimize the continuation of Mohammed Al-Sudani's government as a caretaker government capable of providing financial cover for expenditures, their developments, and emergencies for a period of one year, in order to avoid financial and administrative paralysis. The source explains that the idea is based on drafting a bill with less controversial mechanisms. However, this path faces objections, as political forces believe that any new financial legislation under a caretaker government represents a circumvention of the constitution.
The source told Al-Araby Al-Jadeed website, which was followed by 964 Network , that “the forces of the framework bear the greatest part of the responsibility for managing the current stage, so they are concerned with finding practical solutions to the crisis, and they are the ones who adopt this proposal to avoid the crisis.”
He added: “The idea is based on drafting a bill with less controversial legal mechanisms, while trying to protect it politically through prior understandings with parliamentary forces, to reduce the chances of challenging it before the Federal Court.” However, this approach is not without objections, as political forces believe that any new financial legislation under a caretaker government represents a clear circumvention of constitutional texts, and establishes a precedent that may be exploited in the future to expand the powers of the interim government.
No turning back on the ASYCUDA... The government calls on traders to accept the new reality
The 2003 system has ended
The Iraqi government called on Sunday (February 15, 2026) for those objecting to the implementation of the ASYCUDA system and customs tariffs to accept the new reality and comply with the law. Speaking on behalf of the government, spokesperson Bassem Al-Awadi explained that this system, which is implemented in more than 100 countries, will be applied in Iraq under international and UN supervision. He added that part of the ASYCUDA implementation is linked to Iraq's international obligations in the areas of combating money laundering, currency and goods smuggling, and international trade. He further stated that after 2003, Iraq relied on a process he termed "arbitrary" in managing customs and taxes, and that the time has come to change this process.
Al-Awadi stated in an interview with the official channel, which was followed by 964 Network , that “during the past few days with the beginnings of the implementation of the ASYCUDA system, there was some delay in the ports and many goods were delayed. According to the government’s estimates, some of them were delayed normally and others were delayed abnormally. When the government implemented the ASYCUDA system, this does not mean that there is a problem between it and the traders, but this step is an organizational process.”
Al-Awadi added, “In order to facilitate the movement of goods and make things easier for the private sector and Iraqi traders, the Iraqi government decided to zero out the government’s percentage of goods in warehouses - these warehouses are a joint facility between the ports and maritime transport, and also in cooperation with the private sector - so the government’s fees were zeroed out, and also 50% of the fees of the investing partner were zeroed out.”
Al-Awadi pointed out that “in light of the recent atmosphere that we all experienced, and the many rumors that try to make the government and the Iraqi state in general seem like something poised to harm the private sector or harm the people, and this is something that does not exist,” indicating that “the private sector and the merchant class are witnesses to the level of interaction that the government has undertaken, and in the end, only the truth will prevail.”
Al-Awadi pointed out that “trade from 2003 until today, especially with regard to taxes and customs, was more like arbitrariness. In simple terms, things were done in the form of a small container with 3 million and a large container with 4 million, regardless of what was inside the container. This was an old method that was imposed by the reality of the change after 2003, and it continued due to the repercussions and recent events.”
Al-Awadi stressed that “the ASYCUDA system is a United Nations system and was not brought by the Iraqi government. It is implemented in 102 countries around the world and is linked to the United Nations Convention against Torture (UNCTAD). Part of the implementation of ASYCUDA is linked to Iraq’s international obligations in the areas of combating money laundering, smuggling of currency and goods, and international trade.”
The government spokesman stressed that “this system is not targeting a specific class, and the rumors that speak of a lack of liquidity in the Iraqi state and that is why it went towards this system are untrue. All of this is incorrect, because the process of trade, accounting and customs since 2003 was an arbitrary emergency process, and in the end, now this year or next year or after 3 years, everyone knows that these temporary matters must end and we must move towards the right things.”
Al-Awadi explained that “this new system (ASYCUDA) has been implemented, and we do not have (Quranic texts nor angels). It is an electronic automation system, operated by Iraqi teams under international and UN supervision.” He pointed out that “over time and after implementation, if there is any kind of injustice that may befall an economic class, group, or a specific type of goods, there are unions and federations of the Iraqi private sector and spokespeople for them, and the door of the Prime Minister and the Iraqi government is open to them, and it is possible to address any injustice that may affect merchants or other classes.”
The Kurds are keeping the good news secret to avoid embarrassing the Shiites and Maliki's situation...
Parliament is on recess until the Trump and Khamenei issues are resolved.
On Sunday, Ikhlas al-Dulaimi, a leading figure in the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), linked the suspension of parliamentary sessions to the negotiations between Iran and the United States. She indicated that political circles are awaiting the outcome of these negotiations before proceeding with government formation. She also revealed the existence of lobbies within parliament that she said control the disruption, obstruction, and suspension of sessions. This came in response to accusations that the Kurds were obstructing sessions due to the lack of agreement on a presidential candidate. Al-Dulaimi suggested that parliament take a recess until the confrontation between US President Donald Trump and Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei ends. Regarding the possibility of withdrawing Nouri al-Maliki's nomination for prime minister due to US objections, al-Dulaimi dismissed this, noting that the entire coordinating body is close to Iran. This occurred during an interview with journalist Ahmed Mulla Talal, who opened his program with breaking news that the two Kurdish parties had reached an agreement that afternoon to nominate Nizar Amidi for the presidency. He added that the agreement stipulated that this would not be announced publicly in order to avoid increasing pressure on the coordinating body. The one who is preoccupied with whether to proceed with or withdraw Nouri al-Maliki's nomination for Prime Minister.
The coordinating framework is looking for an alternative to Maliki.
Iraqi parliamentarian: Election of a president is unlikely without prior political agreement
As pressure mounts to convene a parliamentary session to elect a new president, an Iraqi parliamentarian warned that the process could falter without a prior political agreement. Meanwhile, with the US vetoing Nouri al-Maliki's candidacy remaining in place, a leader in the Hikma Movement revealed that the coordinating body is working to identify a new candidate acceptable to all parties.
Sunday, February 15, 2026 – Iraqi MP Faisal Al-Issawi told Kurdistan 24: “There is intense pressure within Parliament to hold a session dedicated to electing the President of the Republic during this week, but there is no tangible political agreement so far, and it is difficult to proceed with the session without consensus.”
Al-Issawi pointed out that the Speaker of the House of Representatives addressed the Federal Supreme Court to request clarification regarding Article (72)/ Paragraph Two/ Clause (B) of the Constitution, which relates to the continuation of the President of the Republic in his duties and setting a date for the election of his successor, stressing that everyone is waiting for the court’s response.
The data indicates that the main obstacle to electing a president lies in the failure to resolve the issue of the prime ministerial candidate within the "coordination framework." According to the Iraqi constitution, the candidate of the largest parliamentary bloc must be tasked with forming the government immediately after the presidential election, thus linking the two positions to each other as a single package.
In this context, Sami Al-Jizani, a member of the Wisdom Movement, stated that "the coordination framework is continuing its political efforts to break the current deadlock, especially in light of the sensitive circumstances and challenges facing the region."
Al-Jizani revealed an "anticipated political breakthrough in the next few days through the introduction of an alternative candidate," explaining that "this candidate will be chosen by consensus of the framework's forces, and must be acceptable and non-controversial at the local, regional, and international levels."
Al-Jizani added that just as the Shiite forces contributed to supporting the Sunni component to decide the election of the Speaker of Parliament, efforts are now focused within the "Shiite House" to overcome internal differences.
Although Nouri al-Maliki remains the only official candidate of the Coordination Framework for the premiership at the moment, American reservations and the refusal to assign him have pushed the Framework's forces towards searching for alternative options to ensure the government's passage.
A leader in reconstruction: The president's announcement will be delayed.
During his appearance on the “Free Talk” program on Al-Furat satellite channel, Al-Danbous said, “The announcement of the President of the Republic will be delayed, as political custom in Iraq is more prevalent than law and constitution,” noting that “the political scene is affected by a number of internal and external factors.”
He added that "the world is witnessing a state of unipolarity led strongly by the United States of America, especially under the administration of President Donald Trump," considering that "Washington has enabled the Zionist entity to continue violating human rights and exceeding international norms," pointing to "the declaration of the annexation of the West Bank as Israeli territory."
Al-Danbous pointed out that "Arab and Islamic power in the region has declined after the events that took place in Lebanon, Yemen and Syria," indicating that "the region is going through a complex conflict that imposes additional challenges on the countries."
He stressed that “Iraq, in light of this regional and international conflict, must be a true trust in the hands of decision-makers, in a way that preserves its stability and spares it the repercussions of the surrounding tensions.”
A member of the Sadiqun movement: There is no deadlock in the framework, and the Federal Court will rule in favor of the Kurds.
Al-Saadi said during his appearance on the “Free Talk” program on Al-Furat satellite channel: “There is no political deadlock within the coordination framework, and harmony and consensus remain the prominent feature within it.”
He added that "the political deadlock exists within the Kurdish house, and the framework is waiting for the Kurdish forces to agree on a candidate for the presidency," noting that "Masoud Barzani informed the framework's delegation that the Democratic Party's candidate for the presidency enjoys Kurdish consensus."
Al-Saadi explained that "political consensus is not a flaw if it serves the interests of the political process, as involving everyone in decision-making and bearing responsibility represents a healthy situation that enhances political participation."
He stressed that "the Kurdish forces bear responsibility for violating the constitutional timelines and the consequences thereof regarding the nomination of the President of the Republic," noting that "the Speaker of Parliament, Hebat al-Halbousi's address to the Federal Court regarding the election of the President of the Republic came within the framework of searching for a constitutional way out, and we are waiting for this file to be resolved."
He pointed out that "the Federal Court may take into account the political situation and the country's interest, and may grant additional time to the Kurdish forces in order to decide on their candidate."
Al-Saadi concluded by saying that "the continued deadlock within the Kurdish house may push the representatives of the framework to proceed with electing the Patriotic Union candidate for the presidency of the republic, if no agreement is reached."
The Central Bank of Iraq celebrates a select group of its distinguished employees.
During the ceremony, awards were distributed in three main categories: Outstanding Team, Outstanding Employee, and Ideal Employee, recognizing the exceptional efforts made by employees across all departments.
The event also honored Dr. Falah Salim, Director of Human Resources, on his nomination for the "Best Arab Employee" award, representing the Republic of Iraq, in recognition of his career and contributions to developing the institutional work environment.
In his address at the ceremony, the Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq, Ali Al-Alaq, emphasized that this recognition is an appreciation of the efforts of a group of employees who have moved beyond traditional work frameworks to embrace creativity and leadership, noting that this excellence reflects the high level of competence possessed by the bank's staff.
He added that working in an institution the size of the Central Bank requires employees to be able to innovate and adapt to the demands of central banking and the rapid developments in the financial and business sectors.
He pointed out that the management of the Central Bank of Iraq is keen to provide a supportive and stimulating work environment for all employees, which contributes to enhancing institutional performance and positively impacts the Iraqi economy.
Media Office,
February 15, 2026
