What are the reasons for the decline in the dollar exchange rate against the Iraqi dinar?
The dollar exchange rate in Iraqi markets rose significantly in the fall of 2024, exceeding 1,550 dinars per dollar, or 155,000 dinars per $100, in some areas.
Trump's policies
internal factors
Economist: The dollar continues to decline locally as global demand for it declines.
Economic researcher Diaa Abdul Karim expects the dollar exchange rate to continue to decline in the parallel market due to the US-Iranian understandings, the lifting of some sanctions on Tehran, and the decline in demand for the dollar in global markets.
Abdul Karim told Al-Maalouma Agency, “There is a noticeable decline in the dollar exchange rate in the parallel market, and the coming days may witness a greater decline than the current one in light of the changes at the international level.”
He added, “There is fear in global markets regarding the tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump on the exports of some countries, which has led to a reduction in dependence on the dollar and a decline in this currency globally.”
He explained that "the negotiations currently underway between Tehran and Washington will also lead to a decline in the exchange rate in the parallel market, especially if understandings are reached that would lift some sanctions and thus remove some restrictions related to trade between the two countries."
Abdul Karim told Al-Maalouma Agency, “There is a noticeable decline in the dollar exchange rate in the parallel market, and the coming days may witness a greater decline than the current one in light of the changes at the international level.”
He added, “There is fear in global markets regarding the tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump on the exports of some countries, which has led to a reduction in dependence on the dollar and a decline in this currency globally.”
He explained that "the negotiations currently underway between Tehran and Washington will also lead to a decline in the exchange rate in the parallel market, especially if understandings are reached that would lift some sanctions and thus remove some restrictions related to trade between the two countries."
Al-Sudani: Our goal is to meet the needs of the Iraqi market and stop importing from abroad.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani stated on Thursday that his government's goals include strengthening public-private sector partnerships, meeting the Iraqi market's need for local production, and halting imports.
This came in a speech he delivered during the inauguration of the executive works, via video conference, for six industrial projects in Muthanna Governorate, at a total financial cost of $1.171 billion.
In his televised address, he said that the private sector is the state's true partner in fulfilling various developmental and service obligations and needs for citizens, adding, "We have great confidence in businesspeople in this field and in the facilities provided by the government."
He added, "Our goal is to meet the needs of the local market and stop importing from abroad," stressing the need to meet the needs of the local market, whether for government projects, ministries, governorates, or others.
Al-Sudani continued, "Iraq is currently witnessing a clear push to implement service and construction projects, which requires more diverse materials to meet the needs of this market, regardless of imports."
Will the price of oil be adjusted in Iraq's 2025 budget?
The Parliamentary Finance Committee ruled out any amendment to the price of a barrel of oil approved in the general budget.
This comes one day after Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani confirmed that the government had arranged the spending mechanism according to the principle of priority, with positive results achieved in many sectors.
Committee member Jamal Koujar said, "The price of a barrel of oil approved in the budget will not change, because any change requires a comprehensive revision to the budget structure, which means an increase in the deficit, which is already suffering from significant inflation."
Kocher explained that "reducing the price of a barrel would mean one of two things: either increasing the deficit, which is not possible under the current financial situation, or resorting to deleting many important items from the investment budget, which would harm development plans."
He added, "If the government adopts a price of $70 per barrel, it will justify Iraq's sale at less than the global price, which gives it flexibility in managing its approved expenditures."
Kocher pointed out that "the oil market remains unstable, and no one knows whether the negotiations being conducted by the administration of US President Donald Trump with Iran will lead to a revival of the oil market and a rise in its prices."
Meanwhile, Member of Parliament Rebwar Orahman confirmed that "the decline in global oil prices will not significantly impact the general budget at the present time," noting that "the government remains in control of the financial situation, particularly with regard to securing employee salaries."
"The government has not yet sent the budget tables to the House of Representatives, and we are awaiting this step to determine the exact figures," Orahman said, noting that "the current decline in oil prices has not yet reached the stage of having a significant impact, unless the price of a barrel falls to $50, in which case the budget could be affected."
He explained that "the situation is currently under control by the government, which is closely monitoring developments in the global market and awaiting external economic changes before taking any steps." He noted that "legally, the government can reduce the budgeted oil price to $60, but this will lead to an increase in the deficit, especially since the deficit is already present and planned for. If oil revenues decline, the deficit will be real."
The MP stressed that "the government is focusing heavily on ensuring salaries and has so far succeeded in fully securing them, which is an indication that the financial situation remains under control."
He pointed out the need to "monitor developments in global markets and take appropriate measures accordingly, to maintain the stability of the country's economic situation."
In a previous interview, the Prime Minister's Financial Advisor, Mazhar Mohammed Saleh, said, "There is a precise technical hedge to confront the oil asset cycle, which the legislator assumed when approving the three-year federal general budget (Law No. 13 of 2023, as amended). The hedge was to adopt a conservative oil price of $70 per barrel for exported oil, based on exporting 3.4 million barrels of oil per day." He explained, "This hedge includes spending within a comfortable budget, but at the minimum possible limit of 160 trillion dinars annually, instead of 200 trillion dinars annually."
Saleh continued: “If oil prices fall to an annual average of $60 – the maximum possible scenario in the 2025 budget – there are two options: either spending around 130 trillion dinars and maintaining the same deficit-to-GDP ratio as in 2024, or spending up to a ceiling of 156 trillion dinars and accepting actual borrowing in bonds that rises to 9 percent of GDP in order to secure salaries, wages, pensions, social care, support, and spending on service projects without interruption, taking into account the drop in oil prices and the double contraction in GDP growth.”
He stressed that "these are the expected possible options unless the oil asset cycle improves, which in any case depends on the upcoming OPEC+ policies regarding the future of production limits and the review of member quotas, as well as the development of the geopolitical situation in the world, especially in the Ukrainian-Russian war and the development of the situation in the Mediterranean Basin region, as the Gulf region is responsible for exporting approximately less than 40 percent of global crude oil exports, and the impact of this on energy price fluctuations in global markets, including crude oil markets."
Soon... Indications of an Oil Discovery in Iraq
Positive indicators are increasing that strengthen the chances of announcing a new oil discovery in southern Iraq, amid active government moves to activate the latest licensing rounds and expand the scope of investment in exploration blocks, which will contribute to raising the country's production capacity in the short and medium term.
According to a statement reviewed by the Washington-based Energy Platform, the Joint Management Committee for the seventh exploration block held its first meeting on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, headed by the Director of the Wasit Oil Authority, Engineer Ahmed Mahdi Sabri, and attended by officials from the Chinese company CNOOC, to which the block was awarded as part of the fifth and sixth supplementary licensing rounds.
This meeting is seen as a first step towards a project that could lead to a confirmed oil discovery in one of the richest potential hydrocarbon reserves.
During the meeting, it was agreed to approve the work program and operating budget for 2025, in addition to affirming the joint commitment to implementing global best practices in exploration and development.
Oil discovery site
According to technical assessments conducted by the operating company, Block 7 shows strong initial indications of promising oil reserves.
The geographic scope of the block includes the governorates of Diwaniyah, Hillah, Muthanna, Wasit, and Najaf, giving the project a strategic dimension, particularly as CNOOC intends to adopt advanced technologies that will contribute to enhancing the chances of a highly economically viable oil discovery.
It's worth noting that this move comes as part of the Iraqi Ministry of Oil's efforts to revitalize recently signed licensing contracts, in line with the goals of the government's program and the state's vision to promote comprehensive development.
Oil exploration in Iraq
Iraq's oil exploration portfolio is witnessing a significant shift. On October 27, 2024, the Ministry of Oil signed the final contracts for the latest licensing rounds, in the presence of Oil Minister Hayan Abdul-Ghani. Abdul-Ghani announced that these agreements will contribute to the addition of 750,000 barrels per day of crude oil, in addition to the production of 850 million standard cubic feet of gas per day.
The minister affirmed that the ministry has ambitious plans to develop new exploration blocks, which constitute a pivotal part of Iraq's oil exploration strategy for the next phase.
The contracts cover vast areas, including the Al-Faw, Jabal Sanam, Sumer, Adan, and Abu Khaima fields, in addition to the Al-Khulaisiyah and Middle Euphrates fields, enhancing the geographical diversity of investment opportunities.
Through these tours, the ministry seeks to attract quality investments that will secure the fuel needed for power plants and manufacturing industries, and open up broad prospects for employing Iraqi personnel, making oil exploration in Iraq an extremely important development tool.
Production challenges and international commitments
In contrast, the Iraqi government is still required to reconcile its investment expansion with its international obligations under the OPEC+ alliance.
In April, Baghdad announced its commitment to reduce oil production by 120,000 barrels per day, with the reduction set to increase to 140,000 barrels in May and June to compensate for production overruns over the past year.
During the Sulaymaniyah Forum on April 16, 2025, the Oil Minister stated that Iraq is seeking to persuade OPEC to increase its production quota, at a time when the market is witnessing increasing pressure to control supplies.
Abdul Ghani indicated that his country intends to extend exclusive invitations to American companies, such as Exxon Mobil and Chevron, to strengthen their presence in oil exploration projects in Iraq.
Iraqoil productionIraqi oil
Al-Sudani: Our goal is to meet the needs of the Iraqi market and stop importing from abroad.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani stated on Thursday that his government's goals include strengthening public-private sector partnerships, meeting the Iraqi market's need for local production, and halting imports.
This came in a speech he delivered during the inauguration of the executive works, via video conference, for six industrial projects in Muthanna Governorate, at a total financial cost of $1.171 billion.
In his televised address, he said that the private sector is the state's true partner in fulfilling various developmental and service obligations and needs for citizens, adding, "We have great confidence in businesspeople in this field and in the facilities provided by the government."
He added, "Our goal is to meet the needs of the local market and stop importing from abroad," stressing the need to meet the needs of the local market, whether for government projects, ministries, governorates, or others.
Al-Sudani continued, "Iraq is currently witnessing a clear push to implement service and construction projects, which requires more diverse materials to meet the needs of this market, regardless of imports."
Saudi punishment of Iraq": An economist warns of a new drop in oil prices amid "exponential spending."
An economist warned of a further decline in global oil prices, pointing to "Saudi retaliation targeting Iraq and Kazakhstan."
In a blog post published by economic expert Nabil Al-Marsoumi on his social media account on Thursday, April 24, 2025, which opened with the question: “ Why is Saudi Arabia seeking to punish Iraq and Kazakhstan?” he said that “ Saudi Arabia, frustrated with the overproduction from Kazakhstan and Iraq and their failure to adhere to their production quotas, is seeking to accelerate the increase in oil production next June, which may be similar to the increase in the current month of May, which amounted to 411,000 barrels per day.” He indicated that “this is what will push oil prices to further declines at a time when oil prices are hovering near their lowest levels in four years, amid a trade war between the United States and China and fears of a supply glut.”
Al-Marsoumi added, "Iraq needs significant oil financial resources to cover its growing public spending, while Kazakhstan, which exports about 1.2 million barrels per day, prioritizes national interests over the interests of the OPEC+ alliance when setting oil production levels." He noted that "the newly appointed Kazakh Energy Minister, Erlan Akzenzinov, confirmed that his country was unable to reduce oil production in its three major projects due to their control by major foreign companies."
Oil prices continue to fall to their lowest levels in four years on global markets, with the price of a barrel of Brent crude oil reaching $66.37 today.
Budget breakdown: Iraq lawmakers warn of 2025 void
Iraq’s federal budget remains in limbo as lawmakers blame political gridlock and waning government resolve for the delay in submitting the updated financial tables to parliament, raising fears that no federal budget will be passed for 2025.
“The 2023 Budget Law required the cabinet to forward the updated tables to the House of Representatives for approval,” Uday Awad, a member of the parliamentary finance committee, told Shafaq News.
Awad attributed the prolonged delay to “the political climate, looming elections, and the absence of a genuine political will to finalize the budget,” asserting that these factors had stalled the process.
He cautioned that there might not be a budget for 2025, given the government’s “lack of serious intent to send the draft to parliament.”
On April 16, the Prime Minister’s economic advisor, Mudhhir Mohammed Saleh, pointed to technical complications as a key obstacle. “Adjustments related to the costs of extracting and transporting oil from the Kurdistan Region necessitated a recalculation of budgetary allocations,” he explained to Shafaq News.
To budget for 2025." The Parliamentary Finance Committee announces its forecasts and identifies the reasons.
The Parliamentary Finance Committee identified, on Thursday, the reasons for the delay in sending the federal general budget to the House of Representatives for approval so far. It also expected that there would be no budget for 2025 in light of the lack of a genuine government will to send it to Parliament.
Committee member Adi Awad told Shafaq News Agency, "The 2023 budget law obliges the Council of Ministers to send the budget law tables to the House of Representatives for approval."
Regarding the reasons for this delay, Awad explained that "the political situation, the impending elections, and the lack of political will to approve the budget law's schedules contributed to its delay."
The MP predicted, "There may not be a budget for 2025 due to the government's lack of genuine will to submit it to Parliament."
On April 18, a member of the Parliamentary Finance Committee, Moeen Al-Kadhimi, told Shafaq News Agency that the government was "not serious" about submitting revised budget schedules for 2025.
It is noteworthy that the Prime Minister's financial and economic advisor, Mazhar Mohammed Salih, told Shafaq News Agency on April 16 that the reason for the delay in sending the 2025 budget tables to the Council of Representatives until now is due to "amendments related to the costs of extracting and transporting the Kurdistan Region's oil, which required re-evaluating the calculation methods."
Saad al-Nubi, a member of the Parliamentary Finance Committee, told Shafaq News Agency on April 15 that he was surprised by the government's delay in sending the budget law tables to the House of Representatives. He explained that "the budget was supposed to reach Parliament before the end of last month," noting that "the committee pressured the Minister of Planning and the Minister of Finance, asking them to explain the reason for the delay in sending it, but they have not received any response so far."
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Parliamentary Finance: The government's vote on the three-year budget has severed its ties to the House of Representatives.
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Iraq Stock Exchange to join Tabadul Digital Trading Platform
The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), the UAE's largest financial market, has signed an agreement with the Iraq Stock Exchange and the Iraqi Securities Commission (ISC), paving the way for Iraq to join the regional digital trading platform, Tabadul.
The signing ceremony was held at ADX headquarters on Tuesday.
The agreement follows a preliminary accord announced in January, aimed at enhancing cooperation between the capital markets of Iraq and the UAE. The partnership will focus on technology, innovation, post-trade systems, and the exchange of best practices.
By joining Tabadul, Iraq becomes the platform's ninth member, enabling seamless cross-border trading between Iraqi and Emirati investors and brokers. The platform allows remote market access and supports participation in IPOs across member exchanges, broadening investment horizons.
Rashid Bank announces the payment of semi-annual government bond interest to those entitled to it.
Rashid Bank announced today, Thursday, the payment of semi-annual interest on national government bonds to their beneficiaries. This is part of its full commitment to the specified timetable and a move to enhance investor and citizen confidence in the Iraqi financial and banking system.
The bank's media office stated in a statement that "this step comes within the framework of its ongoing support for the Ministry of Finance's efforts to stimulate the local financial market and encourage citizens to invest in government debt instruments with attractive returns and limited risks."
According to the statement, the bank "invited citizens wishing to invest in government bonds to visit its branches across Baghdad and the governorates to take advantage of the available opportunities that provide a steady and secure income."
He pointed out that "the interest payment process was carried out according to approved mechanisms, and in line with the instructions issued by the Central Bank of Iraq."
Economist: Market contraction is caused by the decline in oil prices and citizens' fears about the future.
Antoine added in an interview with Al Furat News Agency that "the Iraqi citizen's income is directly dependent on what the government spends, which has made him more cautious about any future fluctuations and has pushed him to save a portion of his money outside the banking system, which has contributed to deepening the state of contraction and weakening economic activity."
With every fluctuation in oil prices, the state's general budget is impacted, and public concern grows over the potential repercussions for employee salaries and government spending. This drives citizens to save in anticipation of any impending crisis, given the absence of real economic alternatives or an effective network of guarantees.
This cautious behavior led to a decline in market activity and a reduction in consumer spending, deepening the country's economic downturn.
Araqchi from China: We are cautious about talks with the US and the reason is...
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi confirmed that Tehran is cautiously optimistic about indirect nuclear talks with Washington due to the contradictory US positions.
"We have so far reached a better understanding than in the past on some principles, concepts and objectives of the talks, which can continue," Araqchi said.
He pointed out the possibility of reaching understandings if the demands were reasonable.
Araghchi's remarks from Beijing come after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke about the possibility of Iran having a civilian nuclear program without uranium enrichment .
Washington appoints the "best man" for technical negotiations with Iran next Saturday.
The administration of US President Donald Trump appointed on Thursday senior State Department official Michael Anton to lead the US team in the technical negotiations between Iran and the United States scheduled for next Saturday in Amman.
Politico reported that Anton, the State Department's director of policy planning, will lead a team of about a dozen people, mostly career officials from across the government, to hammer out the details of an agreement that would impose significant restrictions on Iran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.
He worked with Trump before.
This increasingly infntial administration official served on the National Security Council during the first Trump administration and then served as a fellow at the conservative Claremont Institute.
However, he has not announced any public position on the Iranian issue, which has long sparked intense and divisive controversy in Washington.
A US administration official described him as the ideal person for the position, given his experience and acumen. He added, "More importantly, he will ensure the implementation of Trump's agenda on this issue."
Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced in an interview with the Free Press yesterday that Washington is seeking an arrangement that would allow Iran to import enriched uranium fuel from abroad, so it can develop a civilian nuclear program.
Meanwhile, US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff previously spoke of the possibility of allowing Tehran to enrich uranium to 3.67 percent, the level stipulated in the 2015 nuclear agreement.
It's worth noting that during his first term in 2018, Trump withdrew from the 2015 agreement and reimposed harsh sanctions on Tehran, which remained committed to the agreement for a year afterward before beginning to reverse its commitments. At the time, he described the nuclear agreement, concluded under his predecessor, Barack Obama, as "the worst deal ever negotiated" with Iran.
Meanwhile, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) stated in its latest report, issued last February, that Tehran possesses 274.8 kg of uranium enriched to 60%, far exceeding the 3.67% limit set by the 2015 agreement, bringing it closer to the 90% threshold required for use in nuclear weaponslue
The "Framework" fears losing the elections to Al-Sudani: The official resigns before running!
Shiite parties turn against each other and support the "postponement" of the election date.
Government officials seeking to run in the upcoming elections are under pressure from the Coordination Framework; either accept the alliance, or have their wings clipped.
According to the latest information, the Shiite front supporting amending the electoral law appears to be on the rise and may agree to prevent "officials" from running unless they resign from their positions.
These conditions began to increase with the government's announcement, in early April, that the parliamentary elections would be held on November 11.
It is assumed that the Shiite alliance had previously agreed to hold the elections under the old law "without change," fearing that the vote would be postponed.
According to informed political sources who spoke to Al-Mada, "a group within the Coordination Framework has begun to accept the postponement of the elections."
The source, who requested anonymity due to lack of authorization to speak publicly, indicated that "those who support postponement prefer this to holding elections and seeing government and official candidates win."
During nine elections since 2005, Parliament has adopted six new electoral laws and amended three others, at a rate of one law per term.
Days ago, Mustafa al-Kadhimi, the former prime minister, called for the adoption of a "stable electoral system" in Iraq that everyone would adhere to.
Why did the coup occur?
What happened constitutes a "coup" in the position of the "Coordination Framework," which had announced a few days earlier its commitment to the election date set by the government.
This shift in position began last month, with warnings issued by Nouri al-Maliki, the leader of the State of Law Coalition, against holding the elections.
According to Shiite politicians, al-Maliki pressured the government and the "Framework" to set a date for the elections.
The former prime minister had warned, in televised speeches, of "division" and "conspiracies" if the elections were not held.
These warnings were a response to those close to al-Sudani, who had called for the formation of an "emergency government" due to the situation in the region. Al-
Sudani subsequently announced the election date, and this marked the beginning of a new chapter in the shifting positions.
The prime minister surprised everyone by announcing his personal candidacy for the elections, contrary to what was said to be a previous "verbal agreement" with al-Sudani that he would not run.
A member of a well-known Shiite political bureau told Al-Mada that "Al-Sudani's announcement of his candidacy will not go unnoticed," and expected that "a response will be forthcoming."
Another leader in a second party within the Coordination Framework told Al-Mada that the response to Al-Sudani's position would likely come "shortly before the elections."
Al-Sudani's announcement coincided with the leak of his meeting with the new Syrian President, Ahmed al-Sharaa, and his invitation to the Arab Summit in Baghdad, scheduled to be held next month.
Al-Maliki, Qais Khazali (Asaib Ahl al-Haq), and to some extent Hadi al-Amiri, attacked Al-Sharaa.
The Asaib leader threatened to "arrest Al-Sharaa" if he decided to come to Baghdad.
Alliance with the Prime Minister
Hamas Al-Amiri backed down from statements against Al-Sharaa coinciding with news of his alliance with Al-Sudani.
Informed sources say that "Al-Sudani's growing popularity has encouraged political forces, such as Al-Amiri and others, to form an alliance with him."
Faleh al-Fayyadh, head of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), emerged as al-Sudani's most prominent ally, followed by Ahmed al-Asadi, the Minister of Labor, who announced last year that he would join the prime minister's list.
The surprise came with the announcement by Moeen al-Kadhimi, a Badr leader, that the latter had withdrawn from his alliance with the prime minister.
A deputy in the State of Law Coalition confirmed to Al-Mada that Badr had dissolved its alliance with al-Sudani.
Al-Kadhimi said in statements that his party "will no longer sacrifice itself for others," and that his bloc will run alone under the name Badr.
The Badr leader explained that the latter's withdrawal from the alliance with al-Sudani's bloc was due to "technical reasons."
Sources suggest that "the prime minister's insistence on running had led to the disintegration of the alliances."
In the last meeting of the Coordination Framework group, a few days ago, it was announced that he would run in the elections with "multiple lists," then return to "reconvene after the elections."
Al-Mada subsequently obtained information indicating that Shiite parties had proposed the idea of "deciding on the government" before the election results, and keeping the "Framework" as it is, unchanged, to prevent a second term for al-Sudani.
As part of the Badr Organization's transformations, MP Al-Kadhimi confirmed that his party supports changing the election law while maintaining Saint-Laguë and the governorate as a single district.
He explained that "amending the election law is possible, and the exploitation of positions in elections must be prevented."
Shiite political sources interpret what is happening as "clipping the government's nails" by amending the election law to prevent "officials from running," or by accepting Al-Sudani's alliances under the "framework's" conditions.
The same pretext prevented Al-Sudani from running in the 2023 local elections, due to fears that he would exploit the "triple budget."
"A mistake that must not be repeated!"
Given the Badr Organization's recent position, most of the Coordination Framework, with the exception of Al-Fayadh, Ammar Al-Hakim, leader of the Hikma Movement, and Haider Al-Abadi, the former prime minister, support amending the election law.
Aref Al-Hamami, a State of Law MP, attributes the expansion of the front supporting amending the election law to the fact that "the exploitation of state funds and capabilities in the upcoming elections has become clear."
This is the first time the Shiite coalition has complained about the exploitation of the government's resources in the elections. Previously, it was emerging and civil forces that complained, but no one listened.
Regarding the reason for the Shiite political forces' desire this time to prevent the exploitation of state resources in the elections, Al-Hamami told Al-Mada: "It is wrong and happened in the previous elections, and it must not happen again."
He added: "Officials and position holders must resign from their positions at least four months before the elections." These proposals may indicate the possibility of postponing the election date if they pass.
Iraq’s Top Diplomat Heads to the U.S. | Major Talks with America Underway!
The Foreign Minister visits the United States to discuss coordinating regional and international efforts.
"We have left for the United States, where we will hold a series of bilateral meetings to strengthen Iraqi-American relations and coordinate efforts on regional and international issues," Hussein said in a post on the X platform.
He added, "We will discuss ways to enhance common security and cooperation in various fields."
to hold a series of meetings. Iraqi Foreign Minister Heads to America
link from Kurdish news
Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein traveled on Thursday, April 24, 2025, to the United States of America, on an official visit, and is scheduled to hold a series of important meetings.
Hussein said in a post on the X platform: "We left on Thursday, April 24, 2025, for the United States of America, where we will hold a series of bilateral meetings to strengthen Iraqi-American relations and coordinate efforts on regional and international issues. We will discuss ways to enhance common security and cooperation in various fields.
During the past few days, Hussein toured a number of Arab countries, during which he handed official invitations to heads of state to attend the Baghdad summit, and also paid a visit to the Vatican to express condolences on the death of Pope Francis.
Fuad Hussein heads to America: We will hold a series of meetings... and this is what we will discuss
Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein traveled to the United States on an official visit to discuss joint issues amidst the political changes taking place in the region and the ongoing indirect negotiations between Tehran and Washington.
Hussein began his trip today, Thursday, April 24, 2025, and is scheduled to meet with a number of senior officials in Washington to discuss regional and international issues, as well as strengthening the two countries' shared security.
The Iraqi Foreign Minister said in a post on his official account on the "X" platform, " We left on Thursday, April 24, 2025, for the United States of America, where we will hold a series of bilateral meetings to strengthen Iraqi-American relations and coordinate efforts on regional and international issues."
He added, "We will discuss ways to enhance common security and cooperation in various fields."
but later ...
In the absence of prior coordination, Fuad Hussein's visit to Washington sparks controversy and parliamentary demands to host him.
At a time of intensifying regional challenges and mounting international pressure, Iraq's foreign policy remains under scrutiny, not simply as a tool for communicating with the world, but rather because it reflects the balance of a country exhausted by wars and divisions, striving to preserve its sovereignty and independent national decision-making.
Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein's visit to the United States, while seemingly a routine diplomatic move, has sparked a wave of questions within parliament. The Foreign Relations Committee announced it had no prior knowledge of the visit, opening the door to debate about the mechanisms of coordination between the authorities and the limits of transparency in the management of foreign affairs, particularly those related to the presence of foreign forces on Iraqi soil.
Are we facing a flaw in institutional coordination? Or is there a political drive to bypass certain oversight mechanisms? In the meantime, the Iraqi citizen continues to yearn for a foreign policy that reflects his or her own interests, not one that is directed above their heads.
Member of the Parliamentary Foreign Relations Committee, Mukhtar al-Moussawi, told Baghdad Today on Thursday (April 24, 2025), "The Parliamentary Foreign Relations Committee does not know anything about the visit of Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein to the United States of America. We heard about this visit through the media, and we do not know what issues he will discuss there."
Al-Moussawi added that "the parliamentary Foreign Relations Committee will host Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein upon his return to Baghdad to learn about the reasons for his visit and the issues he discussed there." He stressed that "Hussein is required to confirm the timetable for the withdrawal of all US forces from Iraq, as this sovereignty issue must be at the forefront of discussions in Washington."
In the same context, Aqil al-Rudaini, a leader in the Coordination Framework, said in a statement to Baghdad Today, today, Thursday (April 24, 2025), that “Iraq has different relations with the United States of America, and there is a strategic agreement between the two countries, and multiple agreements, and therefore the visit of Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein to Washington now is a natural matter in light of the ongoing relations between the two sides.”
He added, "Iraq is working to strengthen its foreign relations with all countries, and is respected by the international community. Iraqi diplomacy has achieved significant successes, particularly in distancing Iraq and Iraqis from the specter of war and conflict raging in the region."
He explained that "the issues Hussein will discuss concern developments in the region and the world and their repercussions on Iraq, particularly security, military, and economic issues," noting that "the visit is important at this time."
Earlier today, Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein departed for the United States for a series of bilateral meetings.
"We have left for the United States, where we will hold a series of bilateral meetings to strengthen Iraqi-American relations and coordinate efforts on regional and international issues," Hussein said in a post on the X platform, followed by Baghdad Today.
He added, "We will discuss ways to enhance common security and cooperation in various fields.
Al-Sudani stresses the importance of strategic relations between Iraq and America.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani stressed, today, Thursday (April 24, 2025), during his meeting with the commander of the international coalition forces to fight ISIS in Iraq and Syria, General Kevin Leahy, the importance of the strategic relations between Iraq and America.
The Prime Minister's media office said in a statement received by Baghdad Today that "Al-Sudani received today, Thursday, the commander of the international coalition forces to fight ISIS in Iraq and Syria, General Kevin Leahy, where, during the meeting, he listened to a detailed review given by the coalition commander on the overall security situation and the movements of the terrorist ISIS gangs."
He added, "The meeting discussed developing cooperation between Iraq and the coalition member states, in light of the transition to bilateral security relations aimed at enhancing cooperation in the areas of training and the exchange of expertise and information with Iraqi security forces."
He explained that "the importance of the strategic relationship between Iraq and the United States was emphasized in light of the current challenges, the continued fight against terrorism, the need to support Syria's security and stability, non-interference in its affairs, and the achievement of security and peace throughout the region."
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