Iraqi Parallel Market finally Breaks 1400! What's Next?
On Tuesday, the exchange rates of the US dollar against the Iraqi dinar edged lower in Baghdad and Erbil markets.
According to Shafaq News Agency's survey, the dollar's rates held firm with the closure оf the central Al-Kifah and Al-Harithiya stock exchanges in Baghdad, settling at 140,700 dinars for every 100 dollars, compared to 140,900 in the morning.
In exchange stores in Baghdad, the selling rate was 141,750 dinars for every 100 dollars, while the buying rate was 139,750 dinars.
The video for this My FX Buddies Blog post is below here:
Erbil's selling price reached 140,500 dinars for every 100 dollars, and the buying price was 140,300.
The Iraqi government is discussing with Apple ways to activate Apple Pay services within the country.
This meeting comes as part of the Iraqi government's efforts, under the direct guidance of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, to strengthen the infrastructure for electronic payment services and expand the use of modern technologies in support of financial inclusion and digital transformation programs.
The meeting was attended from the Iraqi side by Dr. Saleh Mahoud Salman, Advisor to the Prime Minister and Chairman of the Committee for Activating Electronic Payment Services; Adnan Asaad, Director General of Electronic Payment Systems at the Central Bank of Iraq; and Eng. Mohammed Al-Gharbawi, Director of Information Technology at the Communications and Media Commission.
On the Apple side, the event was attended by: Omar Al-Rifai, Director of Government Affairs for Apple Pay in the Middle East and Pakistan; Mike Powell, Director of Apple Pay Services in Europe, the Middle East, India, and Africa; Adham Fahmy, Director of Apple Pay Services in the Middle East and Africa; Prince Zander, Director of Legal Affairs for Apple Pay Services in Europe, the Middle East, India, and Africa; and Sam Butcher, Legal Expert for Apple Pay Services.
During the meeting, the technical and administrative roadmap required to activate the service was reviewed, ways to integrate Apple Pay with the national electronic payment system in Iraq were discussed, and relevant technical inquiries were answered.
At the conclusion of the meeting, it was agreed to hold a follow-up meeting within the next two weeks to complete technical and operational preparations in preparation for the official launch of the service. This will align with the government's program to develop the electronic payments sector and support the move towards an integrated digital economy in Iraq.
To promote electronic payments, a government meeting was held to activate Apple Pay in Iraq.
A government source revealed, on Tuesday, a virtual meeting of the committee concerned with activating Apple Pay services with the regional managers of the global Apple company to make the Apple Pay service available to users in Iraq with the aim of enhancing electronic payments.
The source told the official agency: "As part of the Iraqi government's efforts, and under the direct guidance and follow-up of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, to develop the electronic payment infrastructure and expand the use of modern technologies to contribute to enhancing financial inclusion and digital transformation, the committee concerned with activating Apple Pay services held a virtual meeting with the regional managers of the global Apple company to discuss the technical and administrative requirements necessary to launch the service in Iraq."
He added that “the meeting was attended from the Iraqi side by Advisor to the Prime Minister and Chairman of the Committee for Activating Electronic Payment Services, Saleh Mahoud Salman, Director General of Electronic Payment Systems at the Central Bank of Iraq, Adnan Asaad, and Director of Information Technology at the Communications and Media Commission, Mohammed Al-Gharbawi,” noting that “from the Apple side, the meeting was attended by Omar Al-Rifai, Director of Government Affairs for Apple Pay Services in the Middle East and Pakistan, Mike Powell, Director of Apple Pay Services in Europe, the Middle East, India and Africa, Adham Fahmin, Director of Legal Affairs for Apple Pay Services in Europe, the Middle East, India and Africa, Prince Zander, and a legal expert for Apple Services, Sam Butcher.”
The source explained that “during the meeting, the roadmap and technical and administrative requirements necessary to activate the service in Iraq were reviewed, and mechanisms for its integration with the national electronic payment system were discussed, in addition to answering relevant technical inquiries.” He pointed out that “at the end of the meeting, it was agreed to hold a follow-up meeting within the next two weeks to complete the technical and operational preparations, leading to achieving the desired goal of making the Apple Pay service available to users in Iraq, in line with the government’s program to develop the electronic payments sector and support the transition to a digital economy.”
Iraq signs an agreement with the American company HKN to increase oil production in the Hamrin field.
The Iraqi Ministry of Oil announced on Tuesday the signing of an agreement in principle between the North Oil Company and the American company HKN to develop the Hamrin oil field.
Deputy Prime Minister for Energy Affairs and Minister of Oil Hayan Abdul-Ghani affirmed the ministry's commitment to cooperating with reputable American, Western, and other international companies to develop oil fields, optimize gas investment, and maximize production capacity in support of the national economy.
This came during his patronage and attendance of the signing ceremony of the agreement to invest and develop the Hamrin field.
Abdul Ghani said that the ministry seeks to raise the field’s production rates to 60 thousand barrels per day, in addition to investing (45-50) cubic meters of associated gas to supply power generation stations with fuel, noting that the Hamrin field is one of the producing fields and the current production rates are (20-25) thousand barrels per day, despite the economic and security challenges.
He pointed out Iraq's aspirations for joint cooperation with reputable American companies, explaining that there are numerous negotiations for investment in the oil, gas and energy sectors.
The signing ceremony was attended by the Ministry's Undersecretaries, the Chargé d'Affaires of the US Embassy, the Prime Minister's Advisor, and a number of Directors General at the Ministry's headquarters.
US Chargé d'Affaires Stephen Fagin said, "We are pleased to be attending the signing ceremony today at the Iraqi Ministry of Oil. We are also pleased that an American company is investing in Iraq, and we would like to see more business with Iraq."
For his part, the Director General of the North Oil Company, Amer Khalil, said that the agreement signed would serve as a basis for signing a development contract later, noting that the contract aims to develop all oil wells in the field and qualify personnel, and contributes to securing gas fuel to operate power plants and employ Iraqi workers.
In turn, HKN Vice President Matthew Zeiss said: "We are very proud to be working and cooperating with the Ministry of Oil. Our goal is to develop the Hamrin field to its full potential, utilize Iraqi capabilities to operate and operate at 80% capacity, and develop the local community in the operating area."
Al-Sudani's advisor reveals the most important pillars of reviving Iraq's "treasure."
Mazhar Mohammed Saleh, economic advisor to Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, said on Tuesday that legislation and industrial policy are the most important pillars of reviving industry in Iraq, stressing that foreign investment is a priority in revitalizing the local market.
Saleh told Shafaq News Agency: "To revive the Iraqi national industry, there are a number of pillars, foremost among which is the strength of pursuing a policy of protecting the national product from dumping policies, through the applicable legislation, especially customs legislation."
He added, "The other pillars relate to the industrial policy itself, such as supporting the establishment of major industrial cities and providing them with the necessary infrastructure, as well as pursuing the idea of a development path and the associated major industrial cities." He explained that "among the infrastructures associated with industrial progress is the necessity of establishing electrical power systems and storage and distribution logistics. We must not neglect the importance of launching industrial financing funds with low interest rates for the private sector, especially small and medium-sized enterprises."
He pointed out that "it is essential to facilitate the issuance of industrial licenses and simplify administrative procedures that hinder investment. It is also essential to encourage public-private partnerships to modernize idle government factories and introduce the most modern technological production lines, particularly digital ones, that meet the requirements of growing demand in the national market in a technological world experiencing the Fourth Industrial Revolution."
Saleh emphasized the importance of "searching for foreign investors to revitalize the local market," asserting that "foreign investment often brings advanced industrial or commercial experience and the ability to introduce more efficient and modern production equipment and technologies."
He emphasized that "foreign direct investment also brings its own funding sources and expertise, which are regulated by the Investment Law, into the local industrial system with great flexibility. This is what the current government program is working towards."
The Prime Minister welcomes the work of American companies in Iraq, especially in the oil sector.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani welcomed the work of American companies in Iraq, particularly in the oil sector , on Tuesday.
The Prime Minister's media office said in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA): "Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani received today, Tuesday, the Vice President of the American oil company HKN Energy, Matthew Zais, in the presence of the US Chargé d'Affaires in Iraq ."
He added, " HKN today signed a preliminary agreement with the Ministry of Oil to invest in the Hamrin oil fields, with the aim of arriving at promising development formulas for optimal investment ."
According to the statement, the Prime Minister expressed "Iraq's aspiration to expand the capabilities of the oil production sector, as part of a government-adopted vision that relies on increased production and increased investment in associated gas, leading to energy stability ."
He welcomed "the work of American companies in Iraq, especially in the oil sector, which requires advanced levels of technology and development, in addition to the government's efforts to resume exports via the Iraq-Turkey pipeline ."
For his part, Zeiss affirmed his company's desire to expand its investment in the Iraqi oil sector, noting that the company's operations in Iraq include employing 80% of its project workers, including Iraqi technicians and national labor, in addition to secondary contracts with local Iraqi companies .
The Presidency of the Republic condemns the targeting of the Khurmala oil fields in Erbil and Sarsink in Dohuk.
The Presidency of the Republic condemned, on Tuesday, the targeting of the Khurmala oil fields in Erbil and Sarsink in Dohuk, as well as other areas.
A statement from the Presidency said, "The repetition of these blatant attacks threatens security and stability in the country, weakens the foundations of the economy, and represents a targeting of the public interests of the state and a threat to the security of citizens; this requires exerting more efforts to protect our economic facilities and provide an appropriate environment for the work of investment companies in the country.
" The Presidency of the Republic called on "the relevant security agencies in the federal government and the regional government to take appropriate and urgent measures to uncover the perpetrators and prevent the recurrence of such terrorist attacks that threaten Iraq's economy and the security and safety of its citizens."
A high-level Kurdish delegation, headed by Pavel Talabani, arrives in Baghdad to resolve the salaries and oil issues.
An informed source revealed Tuesday evening that a high-level Kurdish delegation visited the federal capital, Baghdad, to discuss outstanding issues, particularly salaries and the region's oil exports.
The source explained to Shafaq News Agency that the delegation, headed by Pavel Talabani, is accompanied by a number of officials and those concerned with the contentious files. The delegation is to meet with officials in Baghdad, headed by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, and relevant parties to resolve some of the thorny issues between the two sides.
According to the source, the Kurds received promises to pay one month's salary out of two months, specifically the salary for last May.
The source added that this initiative will be the starting point for resolving the disputes and outstanding issues between Baghdad and the region.
A delegation from the Kurdistan Regional Government arrived in Baghdad on Monday, July 7, 2025, for the second time in two weeks, as part of ongoing efforts to reach an agreement with the government of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani.
Observers say the Kurdistan Region's employee payroll issue could become a "time bomb" threatening the stability of the current federal government. This is particularly true given that more than 70 days have passed without the payment of approximately 1.5 million employees in the region. This situation reveals the fragility of the relationship between Baghdad and Erbil, despite the passage of more than 20 years since the adoption of the Iraqi constitution.
Talabani and al-Sudani discuss Kurdistan's revenues and employee salaries.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) President Bafel Talabani discussed a number of issues on Tuesday evening, most notably oil revenues and other issues related to the Kurdistan Region and its employees' salaries.
A statement from Al-Sudani's office, received by Shafaq News Agency, stated that during the meeting, a number of national files and issues were discussed, including the issue of handing over oil and non-oil revenues to the Kurdistan Region and the salaries of its employees. The importance of coordination and working to resolve joint issues was also discussed, in accordance with the applicable constitutional and legal formulas and the Federal Court's decision in this regard.
The meeting also reviewed the ongoing preparations for holding the legislative elections on schedule, and emphasized the need for the results to truly reflect the aspirations of the Iraqi people through the selection of their representatives in the House of Representatives.
Earlier today, an informed source revealed that a high-level Kurdish delegation had visited the federal capital, Baghdad, to discuss outstanding issues, particularly salaries and the region's oil exports.
The source explained to Shafaq News Agency that the delegation, headed by Pavel Talabani, is accompanied by a number of officials and those concerned with the contentious files. The delegation is to meet with officials in Baghdad, headed by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, and relevant parties to resolve some of the thorny issues between the two sides.
According to the source, the Kurds received promises to pay one month's salary out of two months, specifically the salary for last May.
PUK Leader, Iraqi FM to Meet Prime Minister Sudani Over Kurdistan Region Salary Dispute
Kalari said that despite ongoing tensions, “efforts have not yet reached a deadlock and continue,” emphasizing that the high-level meeting aims to address the unresolved issue of public employee salaries in the Kurdistan Region.
Bafel Talabani, leader of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), and Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein are scheduled to meet with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani on Tuesday night in Baghdad, Iraqi lawmaker Shwan Kalari told Kurdistan24.
Kalari said that despite ongoing tensions, “efforts have not yet reached a deadlock and continue,” emphasizing that the high-level meeting aims to address the unresolved issue of public employee salaries in the Kurdistan Region.
He added that Talabani and Hussein are also expected to hold further discussions with other Iraqi leaders on Wednesday night, underlining the political nature of the salary delays.
“The issue of salaries for the Kurdistan Region’s public employees is political,” Kalari noted.
“There is no problem with the Kurdistan Region’s oil share,” Kalari added, criticizing Baghdad's financial policies. “The Iraqi government pays Palestine, Iran, and Lebanon, but they don’t pay the Kurdistan Region.”
The salary dispute remains one of the main points of contention between the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the federal government in Baghdad.
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Parliament publishes agenda for its session for tomorrow, Wednesday.
The Iraqi Parliament announced, today, Tuesday (July 15, 2025), the agenda for its second session for tomorrow, Wednesday.
The House of Representatives' media department published, in a statement received by Baghdad Today, the schedule for the second session of the fifth electoral cycle of the fourth legislative year, the second legislative term. This session was postponed last Monday.
Among the laws to be discussed by the House of Representatives is the proposed amendment to Law No. 13 of 2018 on the House of Representatives and its Formation.
Fifth Electoral Cycle, Fourth Legislative Year, Second Legislative Term
Agenda
Session No. (2)
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
Al-Sham District
Recitation of Verses from the Holy Quran
First: Vote on the proposed law amending the first law No. (20) of 2020 on the principles of equivalence of Arab and foreign academic certificates and degrees (Higher Education and Scientific Research Committee), (18 articles).
Second: Vote on the draft law ratifying the agreement on the encouragement and mutual protection of investment between the government of the Republic of Iraq and the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Foreign Relations Committee)
Third: Report and discussion of the second reading of the proposed law amending the first law to the Ministry of Education Law No. (22) of 2011 (Education Committee) (5 articles).
Fourth: Report and discussion of the second reading of the proposed law on the protection and improvement of the environment (Health and Environment Committee)
Fifth: Report and discussion of the second reading of the draft law on the Republic of Iraq's accession to the agreement signed on July 28, 1994, regarding the implementation of Part XI of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Foreign Relations Committee).
Sixth: Report and discussion of the second reading of the proposed amendment to the Council of Representatives and its Formation Law No. 13 of 2018 (Legal Committee).
The session begins at 1:00 PM.
The Iraqi government issues new decisions - Urgent
The Council of Ministers held its twenty-eighth regular session today, Tuesday (July 15, 2025), headed by Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani. During the session, the general situation in the country and the topics on the agenda were discussed, and several new decisions were taken regarding various sectors.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's media office, received by Baghdad Today, the Council of Ministers in the energy sector decided to increase the financial powers of the General Manager of the Iraqi Drilling Company, within the partnership contract with the private sector, as an exception to Cabinet Resolution No. (90 of 2009), due to the existence of additional work. The contracts indicated by the Ministry of Oil were also approved, with the exception of the Oil Projects Company for the purpose of completing those contracts.
The statement added that the Cabinet also approved the Ministerial Energy Council's recommendation regarding the route of the 48-knot crude oil pipeline from the Tuba field to Al-Faw, exempting this route from the Ministry of Environment's regulations and instructions to facilitate the re-cleaning of areas previously cleared by national efforts.
In the electricity sector, the Council approved, according to the statement, the referral of the Mansouriya gas power plant expansion project to the GE Verona consortium, in alliance with Ontex Trading and Calik Energy, with a production capacity of up to 750 megawatts, while emphasizing that the plant will be operated with gas produced from the Khashm al-Ahmar field without imposing additional costs on the Iraqi government.
The statement also indicated that the Cabinet decided to direct the Ministry of Electricity to refer the electronic reading project for electricity meters to Ibn Rushd General Company, to cover areas not covered by the smart transformation project, as an exception to the current contracting methods.
The statement explained that the council also followed up on the Abu Ghraib waste treatment and power generation project, corrected the data on the plot of land allocated for the project, and directed the cancellation of the previous allocation to the Ministry of Defense, authorizing the National Investment Commission to complete the legal procedures in this regard.
In the agriculture sector, the Cabinet approved, according to the statement, amending its previous decision No. (464 of 2021) to include exempting farmers from paying agricultural land rents for the period from 2015 to the end of 2019.
Regarding infrastructure projects, the statement indicated the Council's approval to resort to the expropriation law regarding the road project linking the Mohammed al-Qasim Expressway and the Kirkuk-Baghdad Road, passing through the al-Basatin and al-Suraidat neighborhoods, to facilitate the commencement of project implementation and compensate property rights holders.
According to the statement, the Cabinet also approved the draft law amending the first law on petition writers in official and semi-official departments No. 135 of 1971, and referred it to the House of Representatives based on the provisions of the Constitution.
In the context of international cooperation, the statement indicated that the Council authorized the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Planning to negotiate and sign the United Nations Framework for Sustainable Development Cooperation for the years (2025-2029).
The statement concluded that the Council of Ministers also approved increasing the reserve and total cost of a number of stalled projects in order to proceed with their implementation, including:
Baghdad Grand Celebrations Square Rehabilitation Project.
Completion of the Computer Science College Buildings at Tikrit University.
Rainwater Network and Station Projects in Basra Governorate.
Street and Entrance Development Project for Balad City.
Construction of the Presidency Buildings of Fallujah University of Applied Sciences.
Sewage Network and Pumping Station Implementation Project in Al-Qadisiyah Neighborhood in Tikrit City.
Political source: A final agreement to end the Kurdistan Region employees' salary crisis will be announced within hours.
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An informed political source reported today, Tuesday (July 15, 2025), that a final agreement has been reached to end the Kurdistan Region's employee salary crisis, and it is scheduled to be officially announced within the next few hours.
The source told Baghdad Today, "The federal government will announce within the next few hours its approval to send salaries to the region's employees, following a meeting between Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein to discuss the issue and its financial and legal details."
The source confirmed that "the agreement came after intensive consultations over the past few days, and the visit of Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) President Pavel Talabani to Baghdad today, which paved the way for a rapprochement between Baghdad and Erbil regarding the disbursement of financial dues to employees."
The leader of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, Pavel Talabani, arrived in Baghdad today to discuss the issue of salaries for Kurdistan Region employees with federal government leaders.
According to a source who spoke to Baghdad Today, Talabani's visit comes as part of efforts to end the salary crisis and unify efforts between Erbil and Baghdad to reach an understanding that ensures the regular and stable disbursement of employee dues.
The source added that the PUK leader will hold a series of high-level meetings with political leaders and government officials in an attempt to push the issue toward practical solutions, avoiding political and media escalation.
A meeting of the State Administration is scheduled for Wednesday evening to resolve four outstanding issues.
An informed political source said that the leaders of the "State Administration" coalition will hold an expanded meeting in Baghdad on Wednesday evening to discuss outstanding issues, including the Kurdistan Region's employee salary crisis, the issue of oil exports from the region, and the resolution of the issue of the presence of Turkish forces and the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).
The State Administration Coalition is a political alliance formed after the early parliamentary elections held in October 2021. It includes a group of Shiite, Sunni, and Kurdish political forces that later formed the Iraqi government headed by Mohammed Shia al-Sudani in 2022.
The source added to Shafaq News Agency that the meeting comes as the leader of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), Pavel Talabani, arrived in Baghdad at the head of a high-level delegation to hold talks with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and other officials regarding the financial and political disputes between the federal government and Erbil.
Relations between Baghdad and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) have been strained for months over delayed transfers of financial allocations and the suspension of the region's oil exports following a Federal Court ruling that unilateral exports were unconstitutional.
The source said, "The meeting will discuss the mechanism for settling the salaries of the region's employees in official banks, resuming oil exports in accordance with approved regulations, and adopting a unified position on the Turkish presence and the issue of the Kurdistan Workers' Party's weapons."
Iraq is quietly distancing itself from Iran. How is Baghdad building a balanced foreign policy?
For more than two decades, Iraq has been trapped between foreign occupation and Iranian hegemony, navigating foreign policy without a clear identity and exploited as a tool rather than a state. However, recent years, particularly since the events in Syria and the transformations taking place there, have opened a rare strategic window for Baghdad to quietly redraw its regional positioning with measured steps. Baghdad today is not turning against anyone, but it also no longer accepts its decisions being dictated by those outside its borders.
In this context, a valuable opportunity is emerging for the West: Iraq, as it has not been for years, is establishing an independent position among the conflicting powers. If the West wants sustainable stability in the Middle East, it must heed the voice of the new Baghdad.
From blind dependence to balance
For many years, Iraq's foreign policy was characterized by submission to axes of coercion. Its foreign policy decisions were either reactive or conditional, governed by a fragile internal balance imposed by the reality of illicit weapons and regional pressure. However, the current Baghdad government, taking advantage of the moment of Iranian instability in Syria and Lebanon, has begun a clear repositioning; a repositioning that does not sever bridges, but one that rejects the possibility of these bridges being built unilaterally without its input and interests.
Baghdad is operating today with a different logic: "a state with constitutional institutions, seeking partnerships, not dependencies." This balance doesn't mean passive neutrality, but rather independence of decision-making and openness to all from a position of sovereignty, which the country is trying to regain, even if it means disrupting its previous internal and external foundations.
Actual transformation indicators
This transformation is no longer just rhetoric or intentions, but has taken on concrete manifestations on the ground:
In Syria
When fires broke out in Latakia this summer, Baghdad acted with rare speed, dispatching full firefighting teams through the Iraqi Ministry of Interior. This move attracted attention not only for its humanity, but also because it was independent of traditional Iranian coordination and reflected a direct approach to its relationship with Damascus, without intermediaries or parallel military wings. This is especially true given that Baghdad's move toward Damascus and the Doha meeting that preceded it surprised everyone.
Internationally
Baghdad has reactivated its cooperation with Interpol and handed over internationally wanted individuals after years of procrastination. It also did something more symbolic: it removed the obstacles that had been hampering the BICES information-sharing system with NATO, which had been used politically for internal balances. This demonstrates a genuine commitment to the international system, far removed from the game of axes.
In addition to security issues, Baghdad has begun to chart the contours of a new regional discourse. It no longer acts as an arm of any axis, but rather as a state that thinks in terms of interests and speaks the language of institutions.
In Syria, wheat shipments were sent despite local shortages, as a message of political and humanitarian solidarity that transcended dictates. In Lebanon, it supported the government and state institutions after the recent war, instead of glorifying the logic of illegitimate weapons. At the Arab Summit, the Iraqi delegation played a pivotal role in bringing viewpoints closer together and refusing to politicize contentious issues.
In Yemen, Baghdad hosted the internationally recognized legitimate government and allowed its discourse to resound from the heart of the capital, a clear shift from the balance of power that had previously tended toward ambiguity or passive neutrality.
Why should the West listen?
Because Iraq is not just a "security problem" or an "area of influence" as it has traditionally been viewed, but rather has a real opportunity to become a balancing state in a turbulent environment.
Continuing to ignore this transformation, or treating it with suspicion or patronage, will reproduce the same failures that have characterized Western relations with Iraq for decades. Conversely, however, building a realistic partnership—based on supporting institutions, not individuals—may give Iraq the strength to fully liberate itself from the grip of transnational groups and projects.
If the West wants a stable partner in the region, it will find no more opportune moment for Iraq to become its highest democratic experiment in shaping the new Middle East.
Baghdad is quietly distancing itself from Tehran, without provocation, but it is doing so with determination. It is rebuilding its external legitimacy with rational, non-confrontational rhetoric, but at the same time, it refuses to accept a return to the squares of subordination.
This is a truly Iraqi moment, and the West must listen carefully. Iraq is no longer a forsaken arena or a no-man's land, but a country learning the lessons of its past and confidently advancing toward a balanced role that reshapes the regional landscape, far removed from blind alignments and vengeful rhetoric.
If Baghdad is given a real chance, it may regain its status as a central state that leads rather than is led, that balances rather than is dragged. But it needs to be treated as a head, not a tail, a partner, not an appendage, and viewed as a potential anchor in the new global economic system, not as a marginal state subject to the blackmail that has exhausted it for half a century.
Al-Khanjar: Targeting Kurdistan fields reflects the will of militias, and we call on Al-Sudani to expose them.
The head of the Sovereignty Alliance, Khamis al-Khanjar, stated on Tuesday that the marches that targeted the oil fields in Dohuk and Erbil reflect the will of "uncontrolled militias" that do not want stability in the country. He called on Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to reveal the parties involved, offering his full support for the measures taken by the Iraqi security forces to confront these attacks. In a statement received by Al-Mutala'a, al-Khanjar said:
"The terrorist attacks that targeted the oil fields in the Dohuk and Erbil governorates, using booby-trapped drones over the past hours, represent a serious threat to the security and stability of the country and a direct targeting of the capabilities of the Iraqi people." He added, "The continuation of these attacks, coinciding with the resolution of the Kurdistan Region's employee salary crisis, which came as a result of concerted and sincere national efforts from Baghdad and Erbil, reflects the will of unchecked militias that do not want the country to move towards complete political, security, social, and economic stability."
He continued, "We support Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani's efforts to uncover the parties involved in these attacks, and we affirm our full support for the Iraqi security forces' efforts to confront these attacks."
The TIR Agreement Activates Iraq's Transit Economy: Billions of Dollars in Revenue and a Trade Corridor Linking the Gulf to Europe
In a significant shift in the trajectory of the Iraqi economy and its efforts to diversify non-oil sources of income, the Iraqi government announced the country's official accession to the TIR Convention. Experts and officials consider this move a key milestone in the "Development Road" project, through which the government seeks to consolidate Iraq's position as a regional trade corridor linking the Gulf and Europe.
The system also supports the implementation of the World Trade Organization's Trade Facilitation Agreement by enhancing transparency, facilitating transit, improving customs cooperation, and disseminating information.
Earlier, Minister of Transport Razzaq Muhaibis Al-Saadawi confirmed that the official launch of the TIR system in Iraq represents a "qualitative shift" in the international trade and transport network, noting that the ministry has worked to prepare the infrastructure and rehabilitate border crossings in coordination with other government agencies.
During the system's launch ceremony, Al-Saadawi said, "The TIR system is one of the most successful customs systems in the world, and it will contribute to accelerating the flow of goods and reducing costs through a unified model for customs guarantees."
The Minister called on investors, transport and customs clearance companies to engage with the system to benefit from its competitive advantages, praising the role of the Iraqi private sector and the technical support of the International Road Transport Union (IRU).
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister's Advisor for Economic and Financial Affairs, Mazhar Mohammed Salih, described Iraq's accession to the agreement as "one of the most important steps toward strengthening the country's geo-economic position."
Speaking to Al-Eqtisad News, Saleh said that Iraq is moving strongly toward the "Development Road" project, which is a natural extension of the agreement and strengthens the country's position as a strategic land corridor linking the East and West.
He added that the agreement facilitates the passage of trucks and goods with a single customs document, reducing costs, increasing the speed of trade, and making the member countries more attractive for international trade. Iraq is in dire need of this international integration to support its geo-economic structure.
He pointed out that Iraq will benefit financially from revenues from customs, insurance, fuel, and logistics services such as ports, hotels, and restaurants. He emphasized that this step will create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, noting that the expected revenues could reach $7 billion annually.
In addition, economic expert Nabil Al-Ali stressed that the TIR Agreement represents a pivotal pillar for maximizing non-oil revenues, as it "provides a legal and regulatory framework that facilitates cross-border trade."
Al-Ali added: "Iraq can capitalize on its geographical location as a global corridor for goods, especially since the development road project, which links the port of Faw to the Turkish border, relies on this agreement as the nucleus for actual implementation."
Speaking to Al-Eqtisad News, he noted that the agreement will help reduce logistics costs and stimulate investments in transportation and services, which will positively impact the national economy.
With Iraq's accession to TIR, a practical path begins to transform the country from a rentier, oil-based economy to a diversified economy based on logistics, transportation, and services.
This step comes as part of a broader vision adopted by the government, which seeks to make Iraq a regional transit hub and a key partner in global trade.
APIKUR Spokesperson Calls for Swift Accountability & Clear Payment Structure
APIKUR demands security guarantees & transparent payments to resume Kurdistan's oil exports, stressing $1B/month losses. While welcoming Baghdad-Erbil talks, firms await written deals to unlock stalled $400M investments and boost Iraq's energy sector recovery.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
APICUR:
Amid ongoing disruptions in oil exports from the Kurdistan Region and a recent attack on a private oil facility, Col. Myles B. Caggins III, spokesperson for the Association of the Petroleum Industry of Kurdistan (APIKUR), reaffirmed the consortium’s commitment to Iraq but stressed the need for protection, transparency, and swift action by the Iraqi and Kurdish authorities.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Kurdistan 24, Col. Caggins denounced the recent assault on a private oil production facility, calling for immediate accountability. “We want the perpetrators to be caught. And as the government of Iraq has said, we want them to be punished swiftly and severely,” he stated. He emphasized that APIKUR member companies operate as private entities, and it is the responsibility of the Iraqi federal and Kurdistan Regional Governments (KRG) to ensure their safety.
Trust in Iraqi Investigative Process, but Security Concerns Persist
Referring to statements made by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani, Caggins noted, “We trust that he will have his team do a quick and detailed investigation.” He added that the unique nature of Iraq's security environment often results in contradictions: “On one day, you can have an attack in the morning and a deal signed in the afternoon.”
He dismissed any suggestion that the Iraqi government was behind the attack but warned of destabilizing actors: “Some group is doing evil while there are arrangements for new oil deals that are happening between HKN and the central federal government of Iraq.”
Risk Assessment and Continued Investment Amid Political Volatility
APIKUR, comprising eight member companies including HKN, has collectively invested over $10 billion in the Kurdistan Region since February 2005—at the height of Iraq’s civil war. “Our companies have remained committed…through the threats of ISIS,” Caggins said, while acknowledging that each company must independently assess risks daily.
He cautioned that attacks like the recent one are “dangerous and disruptive,” which may prompt companies to temporarily halt operations while reassessing their security posture. Still, he stressed: “There’s risk and then there’s also reward.”
Stalled Exports and Financial Transparency: APIKUR’s Demands
The prolonged closure of the Iraq–Turkey pipeline, now over two years, has cost all stakeholders an estimated $1 billion per month. Caggins revealed that on July 12, APIKUR met with KRG and federal officials to present conditions for resuming exports. Chief among them is a transparent payment mechanism that addresses outstanding dues.
“We need to have transparency for how we will receive payments,” he said, advocating for either direct cash or in-kind payments via barrels of oil, facilitated by SOMO. “We want paper. We want signatures. We want stamps,” Caggins asserted, underlining the need for contractual guarantees.
APIKUR has also proposed an escrow system through an international bank independent of Iraq’s financial institutions to secure payments.
International Price Advantage and Revenue Potential
Caggins emphasized the economic urgency of restoring international sales: “The oil that is sold on the international market is around $70 per barrel, and the oil that is sold locally is only about $30.” He underscored that resumed exports would generate more state revenue, enabling Baghdad to address salary arrears and invest in infrastructure.
“We believe that our business of producing and selling oil should not be caught into the budget disputes between Erbil and Baghdad,” he added.
Pipeline Reopening: A Test of Political Will
Caggins highlighted recent Iraqi and Kurdish statements as signs of progress. Prime Minister Sudani, in a recent meeting with the US embassy and HKN representatives, expressed renewed intent to reopen the Iraq–Turkey pipeline. “We have seen many, many statements. Now we want to see proposals for written agreements,” said Caggins.
He urged all parties to “remain at the table” and finalize a solution that benefits all Iraqis. APIKUR, he added, is optimistic that a resolution may come “in the coming weeks.”
Cooperation With International Stakeholders and Consultant Oversight
APIKUR member companies have engaged with the US and British governments, pressing for a pipeline reopening. “We want to attract more foreign investors,” said Caggins, who affirmed that once agreements are signed, exports can resume within days.
APIKUR supports the involvement of an independent consultant to audit production and costs. “Our companies will fully cooperate... we insist that the calculations are made with the sanctity of our contracts,” he said, noting that Iraq’s federal courts and Ministry of Oil have affirmed the legitimacy of these contracts.
Accepting Article 12: The Path to Implementation
According to Caggins, APIKUR member companies accept Article 12 of Iraq’s federal budget law and have submitted oil export principles accordingly. The group awaits written contracts to activate implementation. “Production is different at each field… What’s important is that our companies agree and accept the budget law,” he explained.
Investment Freeze and Future Outlook
Since the pipeline's shutdown, companies have had to pause $400 million in planned investments. Once operational, each company will reevaluate new ventures, including drilling and increasing capacity. Caggins stressed that APIKUR supports Iraq’s goal of increasing exports from 4 million to 6 million barrels per day within three years.
“We want to increase the amount of oil that our companies are able to produce… and export that oil to international markets,” he said.
Resolve, Cooperation, and Economic Recovery
Caggins concluded with a call for unity and urgency: “The government’s actions in the past week… have shown a new level of seriousness.” He said elected officials now recognize the need to resume exports to fund salaries and public services. “And if you have money to pay, you need to make more money, and a good way to do that is sell oil internationally.”
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