Payday at last: Erbil workers collect salaries after 85-day delay
Employees and salary recipients in Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region, flocked to banks and ATMs on Saturday to collect their long-delayed wages, ending an 85-day wait caused by a protracted financial dispute between Baghdad and Erbil.
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“Even though we received our salaries today and there’s talk of resolving financial disputes, people are still deeply worried,” said Abdullah, a public sector employee. “The public feels used as leverage in political tug-of-wars, and that only hurts citizens and the Regional economy.”
Another employee, Karwan, told Shafaq News that the salary will barely cover debts incurred during the delay. “Most of us borrowed money or even sold household items to survive. This payment is just a lifeline, not a revival of economic life.”
Public sector workers had gone nearly three months without pay as Baghdad and Erbil remained at odds over revenue sharing. While the federal government has demanded full transparency and handover of oil and non-oil revenues from the Kurdistan Region, Erbil accused Baghdad of politicizing the issue and obstructing payments.
In response, Baghdad had introduced a temporary system of conditional financial advances after oil exports from the Kurdistan Region through Turkiye’s Ceyhan port were halted. The situation saw a shift in February when Iraq’s Federal Supreme Court ruled that salaries must be disbursed directly, paving the way for partial relief.
‘My Account’ Project Enrolls 800,000 Public Employees in Push Toward Full Banking Access
The project team confirmed that all remaining public employees across the Kurdistan Region will soon be onboarded, ensuring access to modern banking services for the entire public workforce.
The Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) digital financial inclusion initiative, “My Account” (Hezhmary Min), announced on Saturday that over 800,000 public sector employees have now registered in the project and obtained personal bank accounts.
According to a statement, the project team confirmed that all remaining public employees across the Kurdistan Region will soon be onboarded, ensuring access to modern banking services for the entire public workforce.
The announcement follows a significant milestone reached earlier on Thursday, when the project revealed that the salaries of thousands of employees in key ministries—including Health, Education, and Higher Education—had been successfully transferred to their personal bank accounts for the first time.
Additionally, more than 8,000 retirees in the provinces of Duhok, Erbil, and Sulaimani have now received their pensions via personal bank accounts and can access their funds through over 400 ATMs distributed across the region.
The My Account initiative is a central part of the KRG’s efforts to build a more modern and transparent financial system by shifting from cash-based to digital salary payments. It aims to empower individuals by offering broader access to financial services, improving financial literacy, and strengthening economic infrastructure.
Officials say the project offers increased financial autonomy and security, giving every salary recipient in the region the opportunity to manage their finances independently and access a wide range of banking tools previously unavailable to many.
After Rubio's call, the "framework" may back down from passing the "crowd law."
Warnings of sanctions and confrontation with factions
The Coordination Framework is attempting to portray the Popular Mobilization Law crisis as a confrontation with the United States, but politicians believe this approach could lead to a "strategic mistake."
Supporters of the law's passage, which is now ready for a vote in parliament, attack what they describe as "American interference" and accuse their hesitant allies of "failure." This comes amid escalating tensions as parliamentary elections, scheduled for the end of this year, approach, and political forces seek to win the votes of Popular Mobilization Forces members and their families.
In a notable development, the US State Department issued a statement last Tuesday stating that Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani regarding the recent attacks on energy facilities and the Popular Mobilization Law.
The statement confirmed that "the Secretary reiterated serious US concerns regarding the Popular Mobilization Forces draft law before the Council of Representatives, and that any such legislation would consolidate Iranian influence and armed terrorist groups, undermining Iraq's sovereignty."
Parliament is preparing to pass a draft law aimed at preventing the integration of some 300,000 Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) members into official security institutions, transforming the body into an "independent force" linked to the commander-in-chief of the armed forces.
In response to the US position, Qais Khazali, leader of the Asaib Ahl al-Haq movement and one of the most prominent leaders of the Coordination Framework, said that "blatant US interference in Iraqi affairs is no longer just a diplomatic transgression."
He added in a statement that "preventing parliament from performing its role under US pressure is a disruption of state institutions and unacceptable political blackmail," considering that "responding to pressure means surrendering the national decision, and remaining silent means officially declaring the death of Iraqi democracy."
The draft law faces objections from Sunni and Kurdish forces, while stipulating that the PMF's duties include "protecting the constitutional and democratic system, defending Iraq's unity and territorial integrity, and combating terrorism."
In the same context, Kata'ib Hezbollah, one of the most prominent armed factions, issued a statement warning Al-Sudani's government, hinting that the agreement with the prime minister regarding the withdrawal of US forces would expire in two months, and stressing that it had not observed "any change" in the status of these forces so far.
It stated that "the prime minister must abide by what was agreed upon, otherwise we will have a different opinion.
" The al-Nujaba Movement considered Rubio's statements "blatant interference," stressing that what happened in the call was "evidence of the legitimacy of the resistance and the necessity of its continuation to protect Iraq from violations."
The draft stipulates that the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) will be allowed to "build an integrated military institution in terms of armament, equipment, and training," in addition to providing advice to the government on national security issues and establishing a "Popular Mobilization Academy" that awards a bachelor's degree in military science.
"Strategic Mistake"
Political affairs researcher Ahmed al-Yasiri believes that insisting on passing the law represents a "strategic mistake," telling Al-Mada:"The Coordination Framework is proposing the law as if it is capitalizing on Iran's response to Israel to reorganize itself within the Iranian system of influence in Iraq,"
he added. "While the repercussions of the collapses in Lebanon, Gaza, and Syria have stopped at the Iraqi border, the framework believes it can leverage this reality to consolidate its discourse."
Al-Yasiri notes that the framework is attempting to combine "election propaganda" with "equality with America" in an effort to gain support from the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) audience. However, he describes this equality as "illusory," adding, "America holds the strings of the Iraqi regime, from oil sales and the establishment of security forces to controlling the airspace, unlike the situation in Syria or with Hezbollah. Therefore, imposing sanctions could quickly destroy the situation in Iraq."
The head of the Arab-Australian Center for Strategic Studies describes what is happening as a "dispute" by the framework in front of its audience, but America considers it a "direct challenge," given that the PMF is a front for factions linked to Iran.
He believes that any future confrontation with US forces could put the PMF, and behind it the Iraqi state, at the forefront: "Because the law stipulates that factions join the security system, while in reality, some PMF factions are politically and security-related affiliated with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard."
He added, "This conflict could cause a major problem for parliament and the government, and voting on the law in its current form would implicate the framework, a strategic mistake for which all Iraqis could pay the price."
The Prime Minister's Office confirmed that al-Sudani defended the legislation during his conversation with Rubio, viewing it as part of a broader security reform initiative. He emphasized that the commission is subject to the authority of the commander-in-chief and operates as an official security entity alongside the security and intelligence agencies.
"No room for procrastination."
For his part, Sunni leader Atheel al-Nujaifi believes that the Coordination Framework may ultimately back down from passing the law due to US opposition.
Al-Nujaifi told Al-Mada, "During the Rubio-Sudani call, the United States set clear red lines regarding the relationship with Baghdad, and I don't think that procrastination and stalling will work this time."
He added, "The framework, or at least broad parties within it, realize that a clash with Washington at this time would be costly, so Iraq will try to respond to US demands, but in a way that is marketed internally to avoid any Shiite-Shiite conflict."
A government source denied via "Baghdad Today" that Washington had rejected al-Sudani's visit: No meeting was originally requested.
A government source denied, on Saturday (July 26, 2025), what was circulated by some media reports regarding an American rejection of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani's visit to Washington.
The source told Baghdad Today, "The talk about US President Donald Trump's administration rejecting al-Sudani's visit is completely inaccurate, and no official request has been submitted from Iraq to visit Washington during the recent period."
The source, who preferred to remain anonymous, explained that "relations between the Iraqi government and the Trump administration are proceeding normally, and there is ongoing communication at multiple levels." He noted that "Al-Sudani's visit to the United States is not currently on his agenda, and therefore, there is no talk of a prior rejection."
Some media outlets had previously reported an alleged US refusal to receive al-Sudani, citing outstanding political and security issues between the two sides.
More than 24 billion dinars in fines imposed on banks and financial companies in Iraq.
The Central Bank of Iraq announced on Saturday that fines imposed on banks and non-banking institutions (exchange companies) amounted to more than 24 billion Iraqi dinars over the past three months.
A table issued by the bank showed that fines imposed on banks and financial companies during the past three months, starting in April and ending in June, amounted to 24 billion, 942 million, 377 thousand, and 239 dinars, a decrease compared to the first three months of the current year, when penalties amounted to 41 billion, 268 million, 578 thousand, and 75 dinars.
She explained that "the fines also included 23 administrative penalties for these banks and non-banking institutions, distributed between warnings, notices, and grace periods."
The table showed that "April saw the highest fines on banks and non-financial institutions, amounting to 9 billion, 862 million, 848 thousand, and 520 dinars, with 12 administrative penalties, while June saw the lowest fines, amounting to 6 billion, 202 million, 501 thousand, and 325 dinars, with 3 administrative penalties."
The table did not show the names of the banks that were subject to fines and administrative penalties.
Parliamentary Finance: No intention to send budget tables, spending proceeds according to the 1/12 mechanism.
"The government has not yet sent the 2025 budget tables to the Ministry of Finance," Kocher told Al Furat News, noting that "the ministry informed the committee that it has not received any tables in this regard yet."
He explained that "the lack of serious intention to submit budget tables is due to the government's current lack of need for them due to its severe liquidity crisis," noting that "this deficit poses a major obstacle to the implementation of investment projects."
Kocher explained that "the operational aspect of the budget does not pose a problem for the government, as spending is based on 1/12 of the previous year's budget, which is sufficient to cover operational expenses without the need for new schedules."
A plan to extend a network of pipelines inside Iraq to export oil and gas.
The Ministry of Oil confirmed on Saturday that the contract to develop the Akkas gas field aims to increase production in the first phase to 100 million standard cubic meters. While noting that the implementing American company will train the ministry's engineers in the latest technologies, the Ministry revealed a plan for an export pipeline from the Akkas field and the extension of a network of pipelines within Iraq to export oil and gas.
The Director General of the Central Oil Company, Mohammed Yassin, said, "Under the contract signed on July 22, the American company Schlumberger will drill six wells in the Akkas gas field, with the aim of adding 100 million standard cubic feet to the current production of 45 million standard cubic feet, which is currently managed by national efforts."
He added, "The time period agreed upon in the contract is one year, which is sufficient for the targeted phase," expressing hope that the goal will be achieved in less than a year.
He continued, "The field's maximum (peak) capacity is 400 million standard cubic feet, but this phase of the contract targets only 100 million, which is the first phase."
He pointed out that "there is a plan to extend an export pipeline from the Akkas field to the Anbar complex station in Hit," explaining that "the Ministry of Oil also has a plan to extend a network of branch pipelines within Iraq to export oil and gas."
Yassin pointed out that "contracting with a reputable international company operating in approximately 85 countries will yield technical gains for Iraq, through training engineers on the latest technology." He emphasized that "there is training for our employees in the Central Oil Company and for new workers in the field."
He pointed out that "the Akkas field is part of a larger plan, as many contracts were signed, particularly last year, and were activated on January 1, 2025. The most prominent of these is the Mansouriya gas field in Diyala, where oil operations began on January 1, 2025, and are proceeding faster than planned."
Regarding personnel, Yassin confirmed, "We certainly agree with all foreign companies on the system and policy for employing Iraqi businesses. In this field, the vast majority of workers will be Iraqi, with priority given to employing people from nearby areas, followed by those from more distant areas."
The Baghdad-Erbil Agreement: A Rare Opportunity to Revive the Oil and Gas Law or a Temporary Political Calm?
After more than two years of tension and a halt to the Kurdistan Region's oil exports, the Baghdad and Erbil governments reached a new oil financial agreement. The agreement stipulates that the region will hand over a share of the oil to Baghdad in exchange for covering the salaries of the region's employees.
Although the agreement was welcomed, political and economic circles questioned whether it would pave the way for enacting the oil and gas law, which has been suspended since 2009? And whether economic necessity and political pressures have transformed into an opportunity to resolve deep constitutional and financial disputes.
The dispute between Baghdad and Erbil over the oil file is not a new development. Rather, it is the result of conflicting powers and visions regarding the management of natural resources in Iraq after 2003, particularly given the absence of a federal law regulating the relationship between the central government and the oil-producing regions and governorates.
The draft oil and gas law dates back to 2007, but it has remained in the drawers due to disputes over the supervision of oil fields, the sharing of revenues between the central government and the region, control of resources in disputed areas, and the granting of long-term contracts by the region without consulting Baghdad.
The new oil agreement, announced in July 2025, came after the region's financial crisis escalated, with employees' salaries accruing for two and a half months, and oil exports disrupted by the International Court of Justice ruling in Baghdad's favor against Turkey.
The agreement stipulates the delivery of 230,000 barrels of oil per day to the region and the disbursement of 240 billion Iraqi dinars from the federal government to the region, in addition to coordinating oil and non-oil revenues within a common national vision.
However, despite the optimism of both sides, the agreement does not constitute a final solution to the oil disputes. Rather, it is viewed as a "temporary calm" until a comprehensive law is enacted.
Observers believe this agreement could present a rare political and economic opportunity to reopen the oil and gas law issue under the dome of Parliament.
In this context, the Kurdistan Democratic Party leader highlighted the impact of the recent oil agreement on the oil and gas law.
Mohammed told Al-Eqtisad News that passing the law "requires significant political consensus," noting that disagreements remain over old fields, disputed areas, and jurisdiction.
He also stressed that the current agreement is "temporary until the next government is formed," expecting the draft law to be resubmitted as part of a package of political understandings after the elections.
It's worth noting that on May 19, 2025, Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani oversaw the signing of two energy agreements worth a total of $110 billion over their lifetime with US companies HKN Energy and Western Zagros during his visit to Washington last week.
For his part, Kazem Al-Tawki, a member of the parliamentary Oil and Gas Committee, revealed that the contracts the region concludes with foreign companies are opaque and costly for Iraq. They burden the national economy due to high production costs and a net return that falls below $15 per barrel in some cases.
Speaking to Al-Eqtisad News, Al-Tawki confirmed that these contracts, which extend for more than 50 years, are concluded without the approval of the federal government, and deprive Baghdad of oversight and accountability.
Al-Tawki believes that enacting an oil and gas law is the only way to ensure unified and fair management of oil resources, especially after the significant damage caused by the lack of coordination between the central government and the region has been proven, whether in terms of exports, revenues, or sovereignty.
Several indicators support the hypothesis that the recent agreement may be the appropriate entry point for reviving the draft oil and gas law. These include the two parties' agreement to coordinate exports and revenues, the exposure of economic losses resulting from the halt in exports, the mounting public pressure in the region over delayed salaries, and the need for a stable legal framework to attract foreign investment.
However, obstacles remain, such as political rivalry between parliamentary blocs, regional and international pressures related to the Kurdish oil file, and the sensitivity of the Kirkuk file and the disputed territories.
Despite the fragility of the recent oil agreement, it may represent a rare historic window to open the oil and gas law file, provided there is political will and legislative flexibility. The Iraqi economy cannot bear further financial bleeding, and Kurdish citizens are no longer able to bear the burden of political conflicts, according to observers.
June salaries will be sent soon, and a representative adds: Unless...
Iraqi parliament member Sarwa Mohammed, representing the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), revealed that the federal government will soon send June salaries to the Kurdistan Region, barring an emergency.
“Currently, the Iraqi Ministry of Finance is reviewing the June payroll for Kurdistan Region employees,” Mohammed said in a statement followed by Al-Masry.
She added, "If there are no technical or political obstacles, and the region and Baghdad adhere to their agreement, Baghdad will send July salaries to the Kurdistan Region within a short period."
In a related development, a source in the Kurdistan Regional Government's Ministry of Finance and Economy announced that the ministry will send non-oil revenues to Baghdad this week. The payroll and audit balance sheets were also previously sent to the Iraqi Ministry of Finance
Digital transformation is essential to address the liquidity crisis in Iraq.
In a move that reflects a growing awareness of the importance of financial modernization, the Prime Minister's Financial Advisor, Dr. Mazhar Mohammed Salih, emphasized that digital transformation in financial transactions is no longer a technical option, but rather an urgent economic necessity to address liquidity challenges and achieve stability in the Iraqi financial system.
In a statement monitored by Al-Mustaqilla, Saleh noted that Iraq ranks third in the Arab world in terms of the number of bank cards issued, reflecting clear progress in developing the financial infrastructure and increasing confidence in government measures to address digital transformation.
He explained that the shift to electronic payments not only contributes to reducing reliance on cash, but also plays a pivotal role in introducing liquidity into official channels and enhancing transparency and financial oversight—essential goals for building a modern, more crisis-resistant economy.
Despite the progress, Salih stressed that Iraq still faces significant challenges, most notably weak trust in banks, bureaucracy, and fear of oversight. He called for overcoming these obstacles by developing digital infrastructure and providing direct incentives for citizens to use electronic payment methods.
These statements come at a time when the Iraqi government is working to accelerate financial inclusion by requiring government institutions and private sector companies to adopt electronic payments, reflecting a strategic direction toward a more transparent and sustainable digital economy.
Abstract: The financial advisor's statement indicates that digital transformation is not merely a technological development, but rather a comprehensive economic strategy aimed at addressing the structural challenges in the Iraqi financial system, which requires political will, a secure banking environment, and increased community trust.
Monetary Policy, Monetary Stability Approach, and Digital Transformation 2023-2025
Among the new economic publications, the book "Monetary Policy in Iraq, Monetary Stability Methodology, and Digital Transformation 2023-2025" was released by financial expert Samir Al-Nusairi.
This book addresses several economic and monetary themes, reflecting the Central Bank of Iraq's orientations and its financial and banking reform policies in recent years, specifically for the period 2021-2026, with a strategic outlook extending to 2025.
Chapter One: The Central Bank and Opportunities
monetary stability
The author sheds light on the methodology of monetary policy, discussing the functions and objectives of the Central Bank of Iraq, the challenges facing monetary policy, and presenting the steps towards monetary stability and the pillars of monetary policy for the period 2021–2023.
Chapter Two: Digital Transformation and Financial Inclusion
The chapter reviews the Central Bank's efforts in digital transformation, developing electronic payments, and supporting financial inclusion, in addition to developing payment systems and government support for information technology and cybersecurity.
Chapter Three: The Central Bank's Strategy for Financial and Banking Reform 2024-2025
This chapter covers the strategic objectives of the reform, the Bank's vision for 2025, the activation of economic measures, the regulation and financing of trade, and the management of economic challenges and variables.
Chapter Four: Government Support for Achievement
banking reform
The importance of cooperation between government agencies and the Central Bank is highlighted, with discussions on the comprehensive banking reform project, the role of the private banking sector, the International Monetary Fund, and the vision for reform in Iraq.
Chapter Five: Exchange Rates
and recovery procedures
It addresses the causes of exchange rate fluctuations, the factors affecting stability, particularly the difference between the official and parallel rates, and the government's role in stimulating the private banking sector.
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Rights: The US Secretary of State's statements are brazen and constitute blatant interference in Iraqi affairs.
On Saturday, Asifa Abbas Qadir, a member of the Rights Movement, described the recent statements by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio as "impudent," considering them a blatant interference in Iraq's internal affairs and a dangerous precedent added to the record of former US President Donald Trump's administration.
Qadir told Al-Maalouma Agency, “The offensive statements issued by the US Secretary of State against the Popular Mobilization Forces are a clear violation of Iraqi autonomy and a deliberate provocation of the feelings of Iraqis.”
She added, "Washington's opposition to the approval of the Popular Mobilization Forces law is completely unacceptable and constitutes blatant and unacceptable interference in Iraqi sovereign laws and legislation." She stressed that "the Popular Mobilization Forces are an official institution within the national security system, and a retirement law and organizational structure must be approved for it, like the rest of the military branches."
Qader accused the United States of "attempting to influence independent Iraqi decision-making," stressing that "the US Secretary of State's statements are impudent and reflect the continuation of the interventionist approach in Iraqi affairs, especially towards the Popular Mobilization Forces, which played a pivotal role in fighting terrorism."
Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister: The region knows who is behind the attacks on its oil facilities.
Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani said on Saturday that the region knows who is behind the attacks on its oil facilities.
Barzani said during a televised interview that "the region is trying to cooperate with Baghdad to find solutions regarding the region's oil exports."
He added that "the region knows who is behind the attacks on its oil facilities, which took place earlier this month using drones, but said he will await the results of the investigation, noting that the attacks coincided with the regional government signing deals with American companies in the energy sector."
He continued: "The United States is an ally and we exchange intelligence with it regarding attacks on our oil facilities, because some of the fields that were attacked are operated by American companies."
Barzani expresses the region's readiness to negotiate the oil law and affirms his rejection of using salaries as a bargaining chip.
Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani announced on Saturday the region's readiness to enter into negotiations with the federal government regarding the drafting of a new oil and gas law. He stressed the need to resume the region's oil exports and categorically rejected the use of civil servant salaries as a means of political blackmail.
In an interview, Barzani explained that Erbil is awaiting the results of investigations to identify those responsible for targeting the oil fields, expressing his hope that Baghdad will view the region's success as part of Iraq's success as a whole.
He called for a constitutional solution to the salary issue by allocating an independent budget for the region within the upcoming federal budget law, noting that the region's employees have constitutional rights that must be respected.
On the national front, Barzani affirmed the Kurds' commitment to the position of President of the Republic, noting that the lack of political will in Baghdad is the primary obstacle to implementing Article 140 and building a balanced relationship between the central government and the region.
On the regional level, he welcomed the peace initiative between Turkey and the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), calling on the Syrian government to engage positively with legitimate Kurdish demands, and affirming the region's commitment to relations based on mutual respect, particularly with Iran.
Barzani concluded his remarks by emphasizing the importance of regional stability, warning that any deterioration in security would have repercussions for all parties without exception.
PM Barzani, US Consul General Affirm Need for Oil Exports, KRG Rights
KRG PM Masrour Barzani and outgoing US Consul General Steve Bitner met, agreeing on the need to resume oil exports, protect the Kurdistan Region's federal entity, and secure its constitutional and financial rights
Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and outgoing U.S. Consul General Steve Bitner on Saturday affirmed their mutual agreement on the urgent need to resume the Kurdistan Region’s oil exports, protect its constitutionally recognized federal status, and secure the financial rights of its people, in a high-level meeting that underscored key strategic priorities for both Erbil and Washington.
The substantive discussions took place as Prime Minister Barzani officially received Consul General Bittner in Erbil to mark the conclusion of the American diplomat's mission in the Kurdistan Region.
The meeting began with the Prime Minister extending his gratitude for America's partnership. He thanked the United States for its continued support for the Kurdistan Region and offered specific appreciation for Consul General Bitner's personal efforts during his tenure. The Prime Minister credited the Consul General for his work in further developing and advancing the bilateral relationship across all sectors.
In turn, the U.S. Consul General reciprocated the sentiment, expressing his deep appreciation for the consistent support and cooperation he received from the relevant authorities within the Kurdistan Regional Government. In his farewell remarks, Mr. Bitner stressed the strategic importance of strengthening the friendly and robust relations between his country and the Kurdistan Region.
Beyond the diplomatic farewells, the latter part of the meeting focused on critical and unresolved political and economic issues facing the region. The two sides found common ground and established a clear, unified position on several pressing matters.
A statement on the meeting confirmed that both the Prime Minister and the Consul General were in agreement on three specific and vital points.
PM Masrour Barzani shaking hands with US CG Steve Bitner. (Photo: KRG)
Firstly, they concurred on the absolute necessity of resuming the Kurdistan Region’s oil exports, a crucial revenue stream that has been halted for over a year. Secondly, they emphasized the shared goal of protecting and respecting the federal entity of the Kurdistan Region as enshrined in the Iraqi constitution. Finally, they agreed on the importance of securing the constitutional rights and financial entitlements of the people of Kurdistan, a reference to the ongoing disputes with Baghdad over budget allocations and salary payments.
The meeting concluded on this note of mutual understanding, reinforcing the alignment between the Kurdistan Regional Government and the United States on foundational issues of economic stability, constitutional integrity, and the rights of the Kurdish people.
Throughout his tenure, Consul General Bitner became known for his distinctive approach to public diplomacy, frequently releasing video messages in which he addressed the people of the Kurdistan Region in the Kurdish language.
The Troika agrees: Sanctions on Iran by the end of August if it does not cooperate.
The European Troika (Britain, France, and Germany) announced on Saturday their agreement to reimpose UN sanctions on Iran by the end of August unless Tehran cooperates with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and returns to the diplomatic track.
A statement issued by the office of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that he discussed developments in Gaza, Ukraine, and Iran during a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
The statement said that the leaders agreed to reimpose UN sanctions against Iran by the end of August if it does not cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency and refuses to return to the diplomatic track regarding its nuclear program.
On Friday, Istanbul hosted a second round of negotiations between Iran, Britain, France, and Germany on the nuclear issue. The negotiations lasted approximately three and a half hours and concluded with an agreement to continue the talks.
Iran fears that European countries will activate a "trigger mechanism," which could reimpose UN sanctions previously lifted under the 2015 nuclear deal.
The "snapback mechanism" is a special provision in UN Security Council Resolution 2231, which underpins the nuclear agreement. Under this provision, any party to the agreement may refer the matter to the Security Council if it alleges that Iran has seriously violated its obligations. UN sanctions that were previously lifted may then be reimposed after completing the necessary procedures within 30 days.
The provision is scheduled to expire on October 18, 2025, and European countries have announced that they will activate the mechanism if a solution to Iran's nuclear program is not reached before that date.
Iran signed the nuclear agreement in 2015 with the five permanent members of the UN Security Council—the United States, France, Britain, China, and Russia—as well as Germany.
On May 8, 2018, the United States unilaterally withdrew from the nuclear agreement with Tehran and began imposing economic sanctions on Iran.
Regarding the war in Ukraine, the leaders emphasized during the call the importance of not easing pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin to bring him to the negotiating table.
Starmer, Macron, and Merz stressed that support for Ukraine remains important.
Since February 24, 2022, Russia has launched a military attack on its neighbor, Ukraine, and has demanded that Kyiv abandon its membership in Western military entities as a condition for ending the offensive. Kyiv considers this to be "interference" in its affairs.
Regarding developments in Gaza, the leaders agreed that the situation in the Strip is dire due to the starvation practiced by Israel.
They stressed the need to declare an immediate ceasefire, lift all restrictions imposed by Israel on the entry of aid, and provide urgently needed food to the suffering Palestinians in Gaza.
The Government Media Office in Gaza warned on Saturday of the risk of mass death for more than 100,000 children under the age of two in the Gaza Strip due to the depletion of milk and nutritional supplements amid Israel's ongoing starvation policy.
UN organizations and local institutions also warn that the continued blockade and Israel's denial of aid threaten to lead to mass child deaths, amid deteriorating health and living conditions and the complete collapse of the medical system.
To enhance loading and unloading operations, 5G smart equipment arrives at Umm Qasr Port.
Farhan Al-Fartousi, Director General of the General Company for Iraqi Ports, announced the arrival of fifth-generation smart equipment at Umm Qasr Port to enhance loading and unloading operations.
Al-Fartousi said in a statement, "Smart fifth-generation equipment has arrived at Umm Qasr Port to enhance loading and unloading operations."
Parliamentary Oil Committee: The federal government has no knowledge of the number of oil fields or production volumes in the Kurdistan Region.
Member of the Parliamentary Oil and Gas Committee, MP Ali Al-Mashkoor, confirmed on Saturday that the federal government currently has no knowledge of the number of operating oil fields in the Kurdistan Region or their production capacity.
“The federal government does not know the number of fields or the quantities of the region’s production,” Al-Mashkoor said in a statement followed by (IQ), noting that “until now the region has not declared the quantity of its production because declaring this quantity and knowing the quantities frankly will be based on many details by the federal government. Even a few days ago, when some kind of agreement was reached, it became clear that the total of what is inside the region is 230 thousand barrels, and that the domestic consumption is 50 thousand, knowing that in a previous statement and even when we agreed to Article 12, the quantity declared by the region was 400 thousand barrels .”
He added, "The budget was set based on this announced quantity, and even the consumption amount was 46, and they requested more, but the committee formed by the Ministry of Oil did not have the full authority to approve or reject it in the end ."
He explained that "the federal government, represented by the Ministry of Oil, made it clear that there would be no agreements if the region did not deliver its quantities. Up until a month ago, neither the federal government nor the Ministry of Oil knew the number of operating fields or the production volume, and they had no ability to enter to find out about these matters ."
Parliamentary Finance Committee: Sami knows nothing about the budget...and we made a huge mistake by passing the "Trilogy"
Parliamentary Finance Committee member Faisal Al-Naili revealed on Saturday that Finance Minister Taif Sami was unaware of the details of the 2025 budget schedules, while pointing out that Parliament made a mistake in passing the three-year budget.
Al-Naili told Shafaq News Agency, "Although the budget tables are prepared by the Council of Ministers, the Minister of Finance does not know any details about them, neither in terms of the total amount, nor the revenues, nor the financial deficit, nor even the date of their completion and submission to the House of Representatives."
He added, "The three-year budget experiment is incorrect. It has cost the Iraqi people and state employees, depriving them of financial and job benefits." He also acknowledged, however, that "a sin has been committed against employees by linking job promotions to the budget."
Al-Naili pointed out that "the Minister of Finance informed the Finance Committee that it is currently paying its 2023 budget dues," asking, "How can we live now in 2025 while searching for the budget and paying its 2023 budget dues?"
The MP continued, saying, "Everyone is looking for the 2025 budget schedules, but no one knows where or when they will be sent to Parliament."
A few days ago, Saad al-Tubi, a member of the parliamentary finance committee, confirmed to the agency that Finance Minister Taif Sami had informed committee members during a meeting with her that a special committee had been formed by the Prime Minister to prepare the tables for the 2025 general budget law.
In the same vein, last Sunday, Parliamentary Finance Committee Chairman Atwan al-Atwani criticized the government's failure to submit the current year's budget schedules to parliament, noting that it has impacted large segments of Iraqi society.
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