Electronic payment in Iraq: Major strides, challenges ahead
Iraq is witnessing rapid transformations in the structure of i financial systems, with increasing reliance on electronic payment methods instead of direct cash transactions. This transition is not merely a technical update; it represents a fundamental step toward building a more transparent economy capable of keeping pace with changes in regional and global markets.
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From cash to card
The Central Bank of Iraq's recent announcement that the number of domiciled employee cards has reached 5.6 million clearly indicates the depth of the ongoing transformation. After years of near-total reliance on cash, large segments of Iraqis—employees and retirees alike—now rely on electronic cards as their primary means of receiving their salaries and conducting transactions.
This step represents a qualitative shift in a country that has long been a prisoner of cash liquidity, with large salaries paid in cash, straining the banking system and increasing security and economic risks.
Leadership and the role of local companies
Among the companies that pioneered this transformation, Qi Card emerged as the first electronic payments company in Iraq, laying the foundation for a national experience in financial technology. The company launched with a basic service, payroll localization, but has gradually transformed into a major player providing multiple payment and financing services.
Despite the challenges it faced operating in a challenging environment, K-Card's presence helped boost users' confidence in digital services and provided access to groups in villages and rural areas, making electronic payments a part of daily life for a growing segment of Iraqis.
Expansion of services
The development did not stop at issuing cards, but included the introduction of services such as:
Biometric update to ensure accuracy of user data.
Electronic advance systems that provide urgent liquidity.
Installment services in universities, hospitals and retail stores.
Point of sale (POS) devices are widespread in markets and shops.
These services have enhanced the added value of the electronic payment sector and connected consumers more deeply to the formal financial system.
User experience...the most important indicator
The decisive factor in the success of electronic payments was not the number of cards but rather user satisfaction. Employees or retirees who once had to wait hours in bank lines are now able to receive their salary via card quickly and securely.
This user experience has directly impacted the service's popularity. The smoother the process, the higher the uptake. However, challenges still exist in some areas due to poor communications infrastructure or a lack of financial awareness.
Private sector and government orientation
The widespread adoption of electronic payment is not limited to government employees. The government has adopted a clear policy to deploy point-of-sale (POS) devices in various markets, including the private sector, to expand the user base and reduce cash transactions.
Payment companies have responded to this policy by offering cards and services that operate both inside and outside Iraq, giving consumers greater flexibility and putting Iraq on the path to integration into the global financial system.
Figures and facts
The number of electronic payment cards in Iraq has exceeded 12 million cards.
Thousands of POS devices are now widespread in the market.
A large segment of universities and institutions now rely on digital installment systems.
These figures reflect the magnitude of the change, but they also indicate the extent of the work required to secure infrastructure and update legislation.
New technology and applications
With the growing demand for digital solutions, applications like SuperKey have emerged, combining payments, transfers, and government services into a single platform. These applications not only facilitate financial transactions, but also offer a practical model for integration between the public and private sectors, through services such as paying water and electricity bills or paying government fees electronically.
Challenges that cannot be ignored
Despite these successes, the sector faces a number of challenges, most notably:
Lack of financial awareness among some users, which hinders full access to services.
Internet services are intermittent in some areas, limiting operational stability.
The need for more flexible legislation to keep pace with the development of financial technology.
Competing with traditional banks that still maintain a portion of their cash share.
Towards an integrated digital economy
The success of electronic payment goes beyond facilitating transactions; it also serves as a tool for combating corruption, reducing tax evasion, and promoting financial inclusion. The data generated from millions of transactions represents a wealth of information that can help decision-makers formulate more accurate economic policies.
Iraq's e-payment experience is a growing success story, but it still requires strengthening its infrastructure, developing legislative frameworks, and intensifying financial literacy programs. Between the regulatory role of the Central Bank, investments by local companies like Qi Card, and government efforts to expand the sector, a clear path is taking shape toward a digital economy that could be one of the most prominent features of Iraq's economic development over the next decade.
Trade Bank of Iraq launches direct delivery service for electronic cards.
The Trade Bank of Iraq announced today, Thursday, the launch of a direct delivery service for electronic cards.
A statement from the bank, received by Al-Eqtisad News, stated that "to facilitate customers, it has been decided to activate the direct delivery service for electronic cards."
The bank added, "We announce the activation of the electronic card delivery service in Baghdad and all governorates to ensure their safe and timely arrival."
Today, the Iraqi State Shura Council holds a meeting regarding the region's non-oil revenues.
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The Iraqi State Shura Council is holding a meeting today, Thursday (September 18, 2025), regarding the region's non-oil revenues.
The source told Baghdad Today, "The Iraqi State Shura Council is scheduled to hold a meeting regarding the Kurdistan Region's non-oil revenues."
He added, "The council has held several meetings so far, but has not made a final decision on this issue," noting that "it is expected to formulate its final position at today's meeting and submit it to Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani."
The Kurdistan Regional Government's Council of Ministers announced yesterday, Wednesday, that a meeting would be held today to discuss the region's employee salaries, non-oil revenues, and oil exports.
The council said in a statement received by Baghdad Today, "The Kurdistan Regional Government's Council of Ministers is scheduled to hold a meeting today, Wednesday, September 17."
He added, "The first axis will discuss the issue of oil exports, non-oil revenues, and salaries of Kurdistan Region employees."
He pointed out that "the second axis will discuss the process of unifying financial procedures between the two governments."
He continued, "Another topic the meeting will discuss is the start of the new school year in the Kurdistan Region."
The Council of State responds regarding the Kurdistan Region's resources.
At the conclusion of its meeting today, Thursday, the Federal Council of State responded to the Federal Council of Ministers regarding the Kurdistan Region's non-oil revenues. The meeting was considered an important step towards resolving the problems between the region and Baghdad, according to (identical information), reviewed by Al-Masry.
A delegation from the Kurdistan Regional Government participated in the meeting to discuss the region's non-oil revenues, a major point of contention between the two governments.
The State Council's decision paves the way for a final agreement on the distribution of non-oil revenues and the provision of financial dues to the region.
Economist: The absence of final accounts and budgets opens the door to corruption and disrupts the financial situation.
Al-Marsoumi told Al-Furat News, "Iraq has not completed its final accounts since 2018, which means there is no transparency regarding expenditures." He noted that "the 2025 budget schedules are incomplete, while the country continues to operate without an actual budget for the fourth consecutive year."
He added, "This reality has negatively impacted the living conditions of citizens and employees."
Al-Marsoumi explained that "the government ignored the schedules, which left all financial files on hold until after the elections."
Government advisor: The Iraqi economy urgently needs to diversify and move away from its oil dominance.
Saleh told Al Furat News Agency, "The Iraqi economy is one of the most rentier economies in the world, with oil revenues accounting for more than 90% of public revenues and nearly 60% of the gross domestic product."
He explained that "this fragile structure makes the economy highly vulnerable to fluctuations in global oil prices, which hinders the achievement of comprehensive and sustainable development."
Saleh called for "the necessity of adopting serious and effective policies to diversify sources of revenue and reduce dependence on oil," noting that "diversification opportunities require continuous, long-term planning."
The economic advisor highlighted promising sectors as drivers of non-oil growth, foremost among them the agricultural sector, where Iraq boasts fertile lands and water resources. He noted that "this sector can play a pivotal role in achieving food security and reducing imports, particularly so-called virtual water, which is the import of food from countries that source our country's water resources."
Saleh emphasized the importance of manufacturing industries, particularly food, textiles, petrochemicals, and pharmaceuticals, which have the potential for rapid growth, in addition to infrastructure-related industries.
He pointed out that there are "significant opportunities to revive stalled industrial cities, and that effective implementation of the Development Road Project strategy will represent a strategic focus for comprehensive development, including the revival of major industrial cities."
He pointed out that "Iraq's geographical location gives it a pivotal regional role in global trade connectivity," stressing that "the Grand Faw Port project represents the beginning of a major strategic opportunity to diversify the national economy."
Saleh concluded his remarks by noting that Iraq is "an undisputed destination for religious and cultural tourism," emphasizing the importance of the country entering the digital age and capitalizing on the tremendous opportunities available in digital technology, such as electronic payments and e-commerce.
Al-Sudani attaches great importance to Halliburton and calls on it to expand in the energy sector.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani urged Halliburton, the American oil and energy technology company, on Thursday to expand its operations in the country. The company has expressed interest in developing two fields in Basra Governorate, in the far south of Iraq.
This came during Al-Sudani's reception of Halliburton Chairman and CEO Jeff Miller and his accompanying delegation, according to a statement received by Shafaq News Agency.
Al-Sudani stressed that "the government attaches great importance to the work of major oil companies, particularly American ones, in Iraq, to develop the energy sector, raise the efficiency of production operations, and achieve the desired aspirations."
According to the statement, "Al-Sudani urged Halliburton to expand its service centers in Iraq for various engineering specialties, establish research centers to support technological development in drilling and reclamation operations, and open training centers to develop human capabilities and localize certain industries, including the production of chemicals for drilling and production, and the manufacture of oil equipment for drilling purposes and submersible pumps."
The statement quoted Jeff Miller as saying, "He expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister for his continued support in completing the work, and expressed the company's readiness and desire to reach an agreement with the Ministry of Oil to sign a contract to develop the Bin Omar and Sinbad fields in Basra Governorate, with the aim of producing gas, employing Iraqi personnel, and localizing the oil industry."
Liquidity shortages and financial waste... The Iraqi parliament identifies serious government shortcomings.
The Finance Committee of the Iraqi Parliament revealed on Thursday that the state has a cash shortage due to low oil revenues, in addition to significant waste of public funds.
Committee member Moeen Al-Kadhimi told Shafaq News Agency that there is a shortage of financial liquidity due to the decline in oil and non-oil revenues. To address this, revenues must be increased, especially non-oil revenues.
Al-Kadhimi added that oil revenues amount to 120 trillion dinars, while non-oil revenues have not reached 13 trillion dinars annually. Revenues are expected to exceed 20 trillion dinars, and that total revenues of 140 trillion dinars would be sufficient for the Iraqi state.
According to Al-Kadhimi, annual non-oil revenues are expected to exceed 20 trillion dinars. For example, the state treasury receives 6 trillion dinars from the Tax Authority, 7 trillion from the Customs Authority, and 3 trillion from the Communications and Media Commission. In addition, revenues from the Ministries of Interior, Electricity, Construction, Municipalities, and the Baghdad Municipality total 5 trillion dinars.
The Finance Committee member pointed out the existence of unnecessary expenditures and waste of public funds, stressing the need to ensure that expenditures on projects are not exaggerated, as 3 billion dinars were spent on building the school, while the actual cost amounts to only 1.25 billion dinars.
The Federal Ministry of Finance has consistently denied reports of a financial deficit or cash shortage, but this trend becomes apparent at the end of each month, with the start of payments for employee and pensioner salaries and social welfare.
Implementing the Iraqi investment budget has also faced significant challenges due to the delay in releasing financial allocations and the lack of funding for contractors over the past few months, leading to the stalling of many projects in Iraq's governorates.
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Abu Raghif inaugurates the e-signature conference in Baghdad to promote digital payments and secure transformation.
In his speech during the opening session, which was followed by {Euphrates News}, the Chairman of the Communications and Media Commission, Nofal Abu Ragheef, said: “The conference represents a fundamental step in building a secure digital environment that supports the national economy, under the sponsorship and essential partnership of the Communications and Media Commission as the regulatory body for this vast sector, confirming its tireless pursuit of real partnerships with financial technology (FinTech) companies to develop innovative financial services that respond to the needs of citizens in the digital age.”
Abu Raghif added, "The success of this project requires responsible institutional strengthening of information security, which is the cornerstone of data protection and ensuring digital trust, as well as developing the infrastructure and encouraging informed investment in this field." He emphasized the authority's commitment to implementing applicable legislation, most notably the Electronic Signature and Electronic Transactions Law, in line with international standards and regulations of the International Telecommunication Union.
The Commission Chairman concluded his speech by emphasizing that "digital transformation is no longer just a regulatory option, but rather a national economic necessity," calling for "integrating the efforts of the state, the private sector, and international partners to build a sustainable digital economy that meets the demands of the times and serves the Iraqi citizen."
The government announces the launch of electronic signatures for government institutions, the private sector, and citizens.
On Thursday, September 18, 2025, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani approved the implementation of electronic signatures for state institutions, the private sector, and citizens. He indicated that all state and private sector transactions will be covered.
A statement by Al-Sudani’s office, a copy of which was received by Al-Jabal, stated that “Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani agreed to launch the electronic signature for state institutions, the private sector and citizens, in implementation of the Electronic Signature and Electronic Transactions Law No. (78) of 2012 and its instructions issued in 2025, as Al-Sudani and the Minister of Communications conducted the first two official electronic signature operations.”
Al-Sudani stressed, according to the statement, that "this measure represents an important step in implementing one of the government's most important commitments included in its government program for digital transformation, automation, and simplifying procedures, given its significant impact on service delivery to citizens and reducing administrative and financial corruption and the red tape that accompanies paper transactions."
The Prime Minister explained that "this measure, officially recognized globally, enhances citizens' confidence in the state's procedures and institutions in adopting this type of digital and governmental transactions, which will include all government and private sector transactions." He commended the efforts of the Ministry of Communications, which prepared the requirements for this step, by establishing data centers and training specialized personnel to facilitate implementation.
Al-Sudani pointed out that "the government is pursuing several digital transformation initiatives, including establishing administrative structures and specialized centers, attracting qualified personnel, and adopting electronic means to process citizen transactions with various ministries, with the ultimate goal of ensuring that citizen transactions are conducted in accordance with the latest methods, in a manner that achieves the government's goals for administrative reform."
Al-Sudani officially launched its work.. Iraq is on the verge of an information flood: Digital investments and electronic signatures are reshaping the national economy.
Iraq is currently witnessing fundamental transformations in the communications and information technology sector. Government visions converge with the views of experts and specialists, affirming that digitization is no longer a technical luxury, but rather a key driver of economic development, information security, and the building of a new investment environment.
Digital expert Ali Jameel believes that what Iraq is experiencing today represents a "true information revolution," one that relies on the presence of national and international private sector companies as guarantors of a digital environment and high-quality communications services in line with international standards. He emphasizes that attracting reputable companies in the communications and information technology sector opens the door to balanced competition, providing Iraqi users with multiple options and encouraging improved service levels. This aligns with the aspirations of the population, who are moving toward digitization and digital leadership within major national transformation projects.
Jamil adds that the entry of new companies into this vital sector does not merely represent a commercial or operational addition, but rather represents an investment in the country's economic future, as it represents "unlimited, cross-border wealth" that could provide a remedy for chronic economic crises. Increasing non-oil revenues and investing in the creative energies of young people in the digital field places Iraq in a leading position among countries riding the wave of the "great information flood," as the expert describes it.
Electronic signatures: a pillar of security and digital transformation
In the same vein, statements by the Chairman of the Communications and Media Commission, Nawfal Abu Raghif, translated this trend into reality through the launch of the e-signature project, which he considered a "responsible strategic step" toward a secure digital Iraq. During the conference "Activating e-signature to Support e-payment," he explained that the project seeks to link the e-payment system with digital signatures, enhancing trust and transparency in financial transactions and establishing a new era of digital security.
Abu Raghif pointed out that this transformation requires strategic partnerships with digital infrastructure service providers, enabling the financial sector to offer innovative, faster, and more effective solutions. He emphasized that the Authority, as the regulator of the country's ICT sector, recognizes that building a modern digital environment cannot be completed without a true partnership with fintech companies to develop secure services that meet citizens' needs.
He also emphasized that investing in digital infrastructure and information security represents the cornerstone of data protection and ensuring trust in the new system. He emphasized that the project's success depends on national consensus on digital transformation priorities and openness to global experiences and practices, while taking into account Iraq's unique characteristics and local needs.
Legal Framework: Law No. 78 of 2012
Abu Raghif did not neglect the legislative aspect, recalling the Authority's commitment to strengthening the implementation of Electronic Signature Law No. 78 of 2012 and its updated regulatory instructions, as they constitute the legal reference that grants legitimacy and credibility to the digital system. He emphasized that the Authority will support this transformation in cooperation with partners in the public and private sectors, as well as through partnerships with the international community, in order to build a secure digital environment that keeps pace with global transformations and serves the national economy.
Economic and developmental repercussions
According to experts, these steps combined—from opening the market to established companies to activating electronic signatures—represent new strategic milestones that could change the face of the Iraqi economy. The benefits go beyond improving services or facilitating transactions, but extend to stimulating a promising investment environment that attracts local and foreign capital and supports the government's efforts to maximize non-oil revenues.
Despite this momentum, Iraq's path to building an integrated digital ecosystem is not always easy. Challenges lie ahead related to the current infrastructure, weak public trust in digital transactions, and the need for more flexible legislation to keep pace with the rapid development of technology.
However, according to observers, indicators suggest that Iraq is today on the cusp of a critical phase, where the interests of the state, the private sector, and the international community intersect to build a secure digital environment. This opens the door to major transformations that could position Iraq among the leading countries in the field of digitalization if the opportunity is properly capitalized on.
Al-Sudani officially announces approval
Today, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani approved the launch of electronic signatures for state institutions, the private sector, and citizens, in implementation of the Electronic Signature and Electronic Transactions Law No. (78) of 2012 and its instructions issued in 2025, as His Excellency and the Minister of Communications conducted the first two official electronic signature operations.
Al-Sudani emphasized that this measure represents an important step in fulfilling one of the government's most important commitments, as outlined in its government program, to digital transformation, automation, and simplification of procedures. This has a significant impact on service delivery to citizens, reducing administrative and financial corruption, and the bureaucracy that accompanies paperwork.
The Prime Minister explained that this measure, officially recognized globally, enhances citizens' confidence in the state's procedures and institutions in adopting this type of digital and governmental transactions, which will include all government and private sector transactions. He commended the efforts of the Ministry of Communications, which prepared the requirements for this step, by establishing data centers and training specialized personnel to facilitate implementation.
Al-Sudani pointed out that the government is pursuing several digital transformation initiatives, including establishing administrative structures and specialized centers, attracting qualified personnel, and adopting electronic means to process citizen transactions with various ministries. This is aimed at ensuring that citizen transactions are conducted in accordance with the latest methods, thus achieving the government's goals for administrative reform.
Al-Sudani: There is a major economic transformation in Iraq... Investments total $100 billion.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani announced today, Thursday, September 18, 2025, that the volume of investments in Iraq has reached $100 billion.
A statement from the Prime Minister's Office, received by Baghdad Today, stated that al-Sudani "met a group of tribal sheikhs, dignitaries and academic elites from the people of the Karrada area, at the guest house of Sheikh Mahdi al-Hakak, and expressed his thanks for the invitation and the good opportunity to meet this group of the people of Karrada, the city that made sacrifices during the rule of the dictatorial regime and after the change in 2003, as it turned into a target for terrorism, and is also distinguished by embracing prominent names in the fields of politics, commerce, sports, culture and other fields."
Al-Sudani explained, according to the statement, that "the government has implemented the first package of demands that the people of Karrada had previously submitted to him, and work is underway on the second package, pointing to the state of stability and security throughout Iraq, where the security services are imposing their full control."
Al-Sudani stressed "the necessity of participating in the upcoming elections, with awareness, to ensure accurate selection, which means cutting halfway to the security, stability and development we seek. He also stressed the importance of overcoming the mistakes of the past stages, by prioritizing the national interest."
He promised, "Boycotting the elections is not the solution, and will be a gift to the corrupt and anyone with an agenda that does not serve the country," indicating that "countries of the world look at Iraq today with respect and appreciation for its achievements in many fields."
He pointed out that "the presence of major international companies operating in Iraq is a sign of its recovery, and there is a major economic transformation in Iraq, with the volume of investments reaching $100 billion, meaning that it is a safe and stable country and an attractive environment for investment."
The Prime Minister indicated that "Iraq is a large workshop, and in every governorate there is ongoing work to provide services according to a well-thought-out vision and plan. Integrity is one of the most important criteria for political work, and it is necessary to prioritize the public interest over partisan and factional interests."
He stressed, "The future belongs to the youth, who constitute 60%, and it is our duty to provide job opportunities for them and secure their future."
The Oil Minister affirms the government's support for the Iraq Investment Forum to attract foreign capital.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Oil, Hayan Abdul-Ghani, reviewed today, Thursday, the preparations for the Iraq Investment Forum, stressing the government's support for the Iraq Investment Forum to attract foreign capital.
A statement by the Ministry of Oil stated: "Abdul Ghani met with a delegation from the Preparatory Committee for the Iraq Investment Forum, headed by Ibrahim Al-Masoudi Al-Baghdadi, Chairman of the Iraqi Economic Council and member of the Preparatory Committee."
The statement added that "the Chairman of the Council provided a detailed explanation of the dialogue session for the Ministry of Oil, which is scheduled to be chaired by the Minister of Oil on September 27. During the meeting, investment opportunities presented by the Ministry of Oil were discussed, which aim to attract investments in the oil and gas sector and petroleum industries.
" It continued, "The meeting discussed logistical preparations and preparations related to sending invitations to the relevant ministers, including the Turkish and Lebanese Ministers of Oil."
The Minister stressed "his keenness to support the forum, which reflects the government's direction towards revitalizing the national economy and attracting foreign capital."
The statement indicated that "the meeting was attended by the Executive Director of the Economic Council, Thabet Kazim Al-Safi, and the Assistant Director General of the Economic Department at the National Investment Commission, Hussein Ali Kanbar, in addition to Hazem Al-Shammari from the Media and Relations Department."
The Parliamentary Finance Committee lists the reasons for the delay in the budget schedules and says: The government is not serious about sending them.
The Finance Committee of the Iraqi Parliament stressed on Thursday, September 18, 2025, that the Iraqi government lacks "real seriousness" in submitting the current year's budget schedules, revealing the reasons for the delay.
Committee member Moein Al-Kadhimi told Al-Jabal platform, "We definitively rule out the approval of the 2025 budget schedules, especially since the government has not yet demonstrated the necessary seriousness in submitting the general budget schedules, despite the country entering the final months of the current year."
Al-Kadhimi explained that "the government's delay in submitting the budget tables to Parliament reflects a lack of genuine will to address outstanding financial and economic issues, which will directly impact the implementation of investment projects and service plans of ministries next year."
He added, "A number of factors are behind this delay, most notably the approaching election date and the accompanying political calculations, as well as the instability of global oil prices. This has prompted the government to delay submitting budget schedules, which are supposed to accurately specify expenditures and spending priorities."
He continued, "Delaying the approval of the budget or simply working on a disbursement basis of 1/12 of last year's budget will weaken the state's ability to implement its service and development programs, and will also negatively impact strategic projects and vital sectors such as infrastructure, education, and health."
Al-Kadhimi concluded his remarks by saying, "The Finance Committee will be fully prepared to discuss the budget schedules as soon as they are received, ensuring the equitable distribution of resources and achieving financial and economic stability for the country, provided the government approaches the issue seriously and responsibly."
On September 2, MP Mustafa Khalil al-Karawi announced the completion of legal and parliamentary procedures to question Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani in the House of Representatives for violating the procedure for submitting the country's general budget tables to the legislative authority.
Al-Karawi stated, "After I filed a lawsuit against the government with the Public Prosecution, which in turn referred the matter to the House of Representatives to assume its constitutional role, we followed the necessary legal and political steps, followed by submitting an oral question to the Minister of Finance in the House."
He added, "We have completed the procedures for questioning the Prime Minister, along with our fellow representatives from the Central and Southern Fronts. We approached the Speaker of Parliament to set an official date for questioning the Prime Minister, due to his failure to submit the budget schedules and final accounts, in addition to the delay in the draft federal civil service law."
On August 30, Iraqi parliament member Haitham Al-Zarkani warned of the danger of continued obstruction of the 2025 budget as the year draws to a close. He stated that the continued suspension of the budget would negatively impact the performance of state institutions and the private sector and threaten financial and administrative stability.
Al-Zarkani told the Al-Jabal platform, "We must be cautious of the danger of continuing to delay the approval of the 2025 budget as the fiscal year draws to a close. This delay poses a direct threat to the state's financial and administrative stability."
He explained that "the general budget represents the primary tool for managing state affairs and providing the necessary allocations for service projects, salaries, and financial obligations. Continued suspension of the budget until this moment will lead to the disruption of development plans and the deprivation of citizens of their most basic rights." He called on the Iraqi government to "assume its national responsibilities and expedite the submission of budget schedules before it is too late, because any further delay will double the economic burdens and negatively impact the performance of state institutions and the private sector."
In an interview with Al-Jabal in early August, economic affairs expert Haider Al-Sheikh pointed out the repercussions of the delay in approving the 2025 budget, noting that "the failure to approve budget schedules is one of the reasons for the decline in non-oil revenues in the country."
During her appearance before the Parliamentary Finance Committee at the end of July, Iraqi Finance Minister Taif Sami reviewed developments in the country's financial situation. She presented a detailed presentation that included government revenues, spending, and financing schedules for the years 2023–2025, in addition to plans to reform the banking system, update tax and customs policies, and domestic and foreign borrowing.
Sami explained that "the delay in submitting the budget schedules is due to two factors: fluctuations in oil prices and the failure to resolve the disputes with the region," considering that "this situation hinders the financing of the federal budget
Fiery statements by Abbas al-Moussawi
Abbas al-Moussawi, a senior advisor to State of Law Coalition leader Nouri al-Maliki, said that recent US decisions and European moves against Iraqi factions may be aimed at "intimidation" or "postponing the elections," due to Iraqi parties "tarnishing the country's image" in the eyes of others. He questioned the role of Prime Minister Mohammed al-Sudani's advisors, who regularly visit Washington and are supposed to project a positive image.
Abbas Al-Moussawi, Maliki's advisor, with journalist Hani Abdul Sahib, followed by 964 Network :
It's clear that there is a weakness in diplomatic relations and in conveying the true vision of the Iraqi situation to the US administration and the European Union. Even the issue of armed factions and groups is intended to intimidate the Iraqi interior, perhaps with the aim of postponing the elections or for political purposes.
I fear that some internal Iraqi parties are feeding the American insider the notion that this government and the Shiites of Iraq are controlled by Iran. This is neither true nor correct.
The US administration and American politicians glean their information from some Iraqi politicians for internal purposes. They tell them, "We have your trust and support, and we will resolve your problems with Iran and with the various factions and groups." This comes at the expense of Iraqi stability. These parties relay information to the US interior, conveying information that aligns with the American conviction that Iraq's Shiites are part of the Iranian project.
Leaks show that the Prime Minister's advisors are in America daily to build relations with the US administration, and the latter has not given them any positive impressions. These leaks have not been denied by anyone.
I hope that Al-Sudani's advisors or the government spokesman will clarify that their communication with the US embassy aims to demonstrate that these factions are not what Washington imagines, and provide them with relevant information.
Oh, my fear. I don't want to talk about the numbers I have about the state of the banks, their reserves, and withdrawals from them. When we reach the point where we are giving an 8% interest rate on treasury bonds, this is a reminder of the state of the banks in Lebanon. I don't want to talk any further, and we hope that our vision is incorrect.
The port (Umm Qasr) has been closed for 10 days, and nothing is leaving it due to an incomplete customs automation system. (But the Sudanese signed electronically for the first time.) Leave us alone with these rants.
Iraqi authorities must ‘divorce themselves’ from Iranian influence: US congressman
WASHINGTON, DC - The Iraqi government must take steps to disassociate itself from the “evil” Iranian regime, Congressman Joe Wilson told Rudaw on Wednesday, calling on Baghdad to cooperate closely with Washington and steer clear of Tehran.
“It’s particularly sad to me that terrorist organizations have been allowed to exist,” Wilson, a staunch Iran critic, said, reacting to the US State Department’s designation of four Iran-backed Iraqi militia groups as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs). “The Iraqi government needs to take steps. They need to divorce themselves from the influence of Iran.”
“The regime in Tehran is evil,” he stressed.
Washington on Wednesday designated Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba, Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada, Harakat Ansar Allah al-Awfiya, and Kataib al-Imam Ali as FTOs, saying the decision came as part of President Donald Trump’s order to impose “maximum pressure” on Iran.
The designations came three weeks after the Iraqi government - with intense pressure from Washington - revoked a controversial bill to restructure the PMF. Although the PMF is part of Iraq’s security apparatus, many of its factions still operate independently, with impunity, and reportedly maintain strong ties to Iran.
“Iraq should be working as closely as they can with the United States,” Wilson stressed, adding that Baghdad’s neighbors “are doing so much better,” referring to Lebanon’s ongoing move to disarm Hezbollah.
“We want the best for the people of Iraq, but [that] has to be done by the people of Iraq, not outside forces,” he asserted.
Earlier on Wednesday, Wilson thanked Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for the designations, saying the move “will empower our prosecutors to dry up funds for these terrorist groups.”
Iran is believed to have many proxy groups in Iraq, which it has used in the past to target US interests in the region. Washington has taken several measures to ensure that Baghdad is free of Tehran’s influence, including the termination of a waiver which had allowed Iraq to buy Iranian electricity for years.
Congressman Michael T. McCaul, a Republican from Texas, also expressed concern about Tehran’s influence in Baghdad.
“I am concerned about the growing presence of Shiite militias in Iraq, and the fact that everything our soldiers fought for could be infiltrated by Iran,” McCaul told Rudaw.
Syria
McCaul stressed the necessity for the US to continue cooperating with Kurdish-led forces in Syria, calling the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and its backbone, the People’s Protection Units (YPG), Washington’s “allies” in the fight against the Islamic State (ISIS).
“We have to continue to work with them to ensure ISIS doesn’t rear its head again,” he said. “I do think we should keep our 800 troops there, if anything, to maintain security at the prisons, where there is thousands of ISIS people.”
Backed by the United States, the SDF functions as the de facto military force in the Kurdish-majority northeast Syria (Rojava). It remains a key partner of the US-led global coalition against ISIS and fought the lion’s share of the battle that ended with the territorial defeat of ISIS in Syria in 2019.
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