Why was 06:00 set for Kurdistan oil exports?
For two main reasons, 06:00 am was set as the time for Kurdistan oil exports.
After more than two and a half years of suspension, at 6:50 am on Saturday, September 27, 2025, the export of Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) crude oil from the Peshawar oil field to the Turkish World Port resumed.
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Kewan Hassan, a technology consultant, told Kurdistan24 on Saturday, September 27, 2025, that 06:00 am is the standard time to start selling and trading international oil; This is due to two main factors related to the integration of global markets and electronic systems.
1. Official time of global markets
According to Kewan Hassan, the oil market, especially for futures and contracts on exchanges such as NYMEX and ICE, have a common timing system for all transactions. These transactions often start at a certain time, which is set at 06:00 am New York/London time to ensure consistency and balance in the market. This integration helps markets work smoothly around the world.
2. Harmonization of electronic systems and banks
The technology consultant added that as oil transactions are conducted electronically and systematically, there is a need for a consistent timeline for global companies. At that point, computerized systems and banks begin executing sell and buy orders simultaneously, guaranteeing that all parties operate on the same timing level and that the overall market impact is evenly distributed to all. This system integration is important to reduce complexity and ensure speed and accuracy in large oil transactions.
Al-Sudani calls Kurdistan leaders and thanks them for the historic oil agreement.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani made phone calls on Saturday to Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani, Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani, Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, and Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) President Pavel Talabani.
In his communications, Al-Sudani expressed his appreciation for the positions of the Kurdish leadership and forces that participated in achieving the recent agreement to resume exports of crude oil produced in the region, and to hand over its revenues to the central treasury, and their support for the interests of the Iraqi people everywhere, and for the concerted efforts between the federal government and the regional government that led to the agreement in accordance with the requirements of the constitution and the budget law.
According to a statement issued by Al-Sudani's office, the emphasis was placed on pursuing all measures that enhance national development, advance the comprehensive national interest, and embody the shared goals of achieving comprehensive economic progress, preserving wealth, and distributing it equitably to all Iraqis, across the country.
The communications also emphasized support for investments in Iraq, as they are the primary driver for creating comprehensive development in the country and bringing about a qualitative shift in the Iraqi economy.
After more than two and a half years of hiatus, crude oil exports from the Kurdistan Region's fields via the Fishkhabur field to the Turkish port of Ceyhan resumed this Saturday morning, at a rate of 190,000 barrels per day.
This step followed several meetings between delegations from the Kurdistan Region's Ministry of Natural Resources and the federal Ministry of Oil. A tripartite agreement was ultimately reached between the two ministries and the international investing companies, stipulating that exports will be conducted through the Iraqi State Oil Marketing Organization (SOMO), which is responsible for delivering Kurdistan's oil to the port of Ceyhan.
Al-Sudani and Barzani discuss the resumption of the region's oil exports and Kurdistan's share of the 2026 budget over the phone.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani held a phone call on Saturday with Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani to discuss several important issues following the resumption of the region's oil exports.
A statement issued by the regional government stated that during the call, both sides emphasized the importance of resuming exports, considering it an achievement that serves the interests of all Iraqis. Al-Sudani thanked Barzani for his efforts in reaching the agreement, while Barzani commended al-Sudani's role in overcoming obstacles, expressing hope that the agreement would pave the way for the approval of the federal oil and gas law.
Barzani stressed the need to find a radical solution to the problem of the region's employees' salaries and ensure their disbursement during the current year, noting the importance of securing the region's share of the 2026 federal budget.
For his part, Al-Sudani emphasized the existence of significant economic opportunities that could contribute to enhancing development across Iraq, from Basra to Kurdistan.
The two sides also discussed the "Development Road" project, and it was decided to send a specialized committee from Baghdad to the region soon to discuss resolving the obstacles to the project's implementation, which is one of the most prominent strategic projects supporting the national economy.
Iraq inflation stays low as dinar holds steady and jobless rate falls
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Iraq is experiencing a rare phase of “price prosperity” marked by low inflation, stable exchange rates, and falling unemployment, the financial adviser to the prime minister revealed on Thursday.
Speaking to Shafaq News, Mudhhir Mohammed Saleh said that inflation in Iraq has remained below 3% over the past three years, a rate he described as low compared to both the country’s past and neighboring economies. He credited the achievement to “a cautious monetary policy” by the Central Bank of Iraq, coordinated with fiscal and trade policies, which helped preserve the dinar’s purchasing power.
The comments came as the Ministry of Planning reported on Tuesday that inflation in August rose by 0.8% compared with July, which had recorded a 0.1% decline.
Unemployment has declined from 17% to 14% in a relatively short period, Saleh noted, “supported by government efforts” to boost agriculture, investment, and trade, alongside programs promoting domestic production and job creation.
On the exchange rate, he pointed out that the official price of 1,320 dinars per US dollar has held steady, calming markets, limiting the role of the parallel market, and reducing import costs, which in turn eased pressure on consumer prices.
Fiscal policy has also played a central role, according to Saleh. About 25% of the federal budget—equivalent to 13% of gross domestic product—was directed toward subsidizing agriculture, food and medicine, fuel, and electricity. Tax and customs exemptions further reduced the burden on citizens.
In the trade sector, he highlighted the creation of cooperative retail outlets for consumer and construction goods to break monopolies and provide alternatives, part of what he called a “price defense” mechanism to curb unjustified price increases.
Despite the positive indicators, Saleh warned of a challenge posed by the outflow of subsidized goods across borders, driven by price differences with neighboring markets, calling for tighter customs and trade oversight without harming legitimate cross-border commerce.
“This rare period of stability should be used as a foundation for sustainable growth by directing subsidies toward productive sectors rather than relying solely on consumption,” Saleh concluded.
Al-Sudani at a Crossroads: American Influence Between Second-Term Ambition and a Difficult Domestic Reality
The recent political moves of Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani have focused on a clear effort to leverage American influence to strengthen his domestic position, aiming to build external leverage to complement his domestic power. However, they have encountered unexpected obstacles in Washington, where the lack of official engagement and clear signs of apathy appear to be indicators of declining confidence and the diminishing weight of his initiatives in major capitals, reflecting the fragility of the diplomatic base he seeks to build.
Al-Sudani's attempts ranged from using political and financial lobbies that pumped significant resources into American media and politics to offering diplomatic and economic concessions in order to secure symbolic meetings with influential figures. However, the American indifference left only a clear impression that the current administration refuses to engage in direct political support, citing Iraq's internal complexities and sensitive issues that impose restrictions on any foreign intervention. This raises a strategic question about the limits of local influence when confronted with a foreign administration that is protective of its regional interests.
Al-Sudani's obsession with foreign media exposure has led to an imbalance in his political balance, as his initiatives have become tools for achieving media imagery rather than being well-thought-out strategies. This has had a significant impact on sensitive issues related to the state's sovereignty and its ability to manage its interests without external interference. Meanwhile, his actions appear to provide broader opportunities for external parties to play a greater role in Iraqi decision-making, highlighting the fragility of political strategies that rely on personal momentum rather than building solid alliances.
At home, al-Sudani faced clear challenges, including declining public acceptance of the idea of a second term. His campaigns failed to strike a balance between positive media images and political reality, raising questions about whether his symbolic images with foreign figures could shift the domestic power balance, or whether political and social realities would decide the outcome before any electoral campaign could achieve its goals.
The reliance on external support and symbolic moves reveals the fragility of personal strategies in complex Iraqi politics, and whether reliance on media and diplomatic influence is capable of confronting the intertwined internal and external balances of power.
Encouraging investment climate and maximizing state revenues.. Al-Mandlawi praises the Baghdad-Erbil oil agreement.
On Saturday, September 27, 2025, First Deputy Speaker of Parliament Mohsen al-Mandalawi described the commencement of the oil agreement between Baghdad and Erbil as a "guarantee" for Iraqis' rights, maximizing state revenues, and creating an environment conducive to investment and stability.
A statement from Al-Mandlawi's office, a copy of which was received by Al-Jabal, stated, "First Deputy Speaker of Parliament Mohsen Al-Mandlawi welcomed the start of implementation of the recent oil agreement between the concerned authorities in the central and regional governments and foreign companies operating in the Kurdistan fields, which led to the delivery of 190,000 barrels per day of crude oil produced in the region to the State Oil Marketing Organization (SOMO), via the Iraqi-Turkish pipeline, which will in turn market it via the port of Ceyhan in accordance with international contexts." He stressed that "this historic step will contribute to strengthening the foundations of cooperation between Baghdad and Erbil."
Al-Mandlawi said, according to the statement, that "this agreement, which was crowned with success after months of dialogue, is an important national achievement for implementing the three-year budget law and reorganizing the export of oil extracted in the region. It is considered a guarantee of the rights of all Iraqis, as it leads to the fair and transparent distribution of the country's wealth to all, maximizes state revenues, creates an encouraging climate for investment and stability, and contributes significantly to stimulating the economy and improving services, which will positively reflect on the reality of our beloved governorates and the future of our honorable people."
Al-Mandlawi explained that "the House of Representatives supports and is following the agreement, and is keen to strengthen the constitutional partnership between the central and regional institutions, with the aim of consolidating mutual trust and strengthening the foundations of the federal Iraqi state."
Earlier today, the Iraqi government announced the resumption of oil exports from its territory via the Turkish port of Ceyhan.
Following a halt in exports for more than two years pursuant to an international court ruling, the Federal Ministry of Oil confirmed the commencement of oil exports from the region's fields this morning, Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 6:00 a.m., from the Khormala field to Fish Khabur, and from there to the port of Ceyhan in Türkiye.
A statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Oil stated, "In implementation of the directives of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, with direct supervision from Oil Minister Hayan Abdul-Ghani al-Sawad, and in close cooperation with the Ministry of Natural Resources in the Kurdistan Region, crude oil exports from the region resumed this morning, Saturday, September 27, 2025, via the Iraq-Turkey pipeline."
The statement added: "Operations began at 6:00 a.m. at a rapid pace and with complete smoothness, without any significant technical problems, reflecting the success of the joint efforts between the federal government and the regional government in achieving this important accomplishment."
The oil ministry affirmed that "this development is a significant step towards enhancing the management of national wealth in a spirit of partnership and high coordination, which will contribute to ensuring the sustainability of oil exports and supporting the national economy."
Hayan Abdul Ghani: After the export of oil, the federal government is obliged to send salaries
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Oil Minister Hayan Abdul-Ghani al-Sawad confirmed on Saturday that the Ministry of Natural Resources in the Kurdistan Regional Government is obligated to guarantee the delivery of all crude oil produced from the region's fields, amounting to 250,000 barrels per day.
The Oil Minister said in a press conference attended by Al-Masry, "The Ministry represents the first party to receive crude oil production under the agreement with the Kurdistan Region, represented by the Ministry of Natural Resources. The Ministry of Oil will, in turn, deliver the oil to the first party at the FKMS measuring station in (Fish Khabur), where the delivery point is specified in the agreement."
He pointed out that "the Kurdistan Region's crude oil production is exported through the Iraqi-Turkish pipeline, which has been out of service for more than two years," noting that "the oil delivery process has been entrusted to the State Oil Marketing Organization (SOMO), which is the marketing arm of the Ministry of Oil and the Iraqi government and is authorized internally and internationally for this task."
He continued, "The agreement signed on the 25th of this month includes three main clauses under which the Ministry of Natural Resources is committed to ensuring the delivery of all crude oil produced from the 12 producing oil fields."
State Department: We helped to reach an agreement between Erbil and Baghdad
The US State Department has confirmed that it has supported an agreement between Erbil and Baghdad to resume Kurdistan oil exports.
On Saturday, September 27, 2025, US State Department spokesman Tammy Bruce said in a statement that the US participated in the agreement between Erbil and Baghdad that led to the resumption of oil exports to Turkey.
"We are in constant contact with the Iraqi government and are committed to all our partners across the country, and are working to build a sovereign, stable and developed state," he said.
"In engaging with the Iraqi government, we support those who share our risks and priorities," Bruce said.
He stressed that the resumption of oil exports will also benefit the United States and Iraq.
Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) resumed oil exports to Turkey on Saturday, September 27, 2025 at 6:50 am.
The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the Iraqi government have agreed to export 190,000 barrels of oil per day to the port of Jayhan in the first phase.
After the oil agreement was activated, Baghdad announced its first step toward Kurdistan's oil.
Abdul Ghani said in a press statement, "The oil agreement with the region entered into force today."
He added, "The Ministry of Oil is keen to increase production from the Kurdistan Region's fields."
On September 25, a tripartite agreement was signed between the Iraqi Ministry of Oil, the Ministry of Natural Resources, and the companies operating in the region's producing fields. The agreement stipulates that the region will deliver 180,000 to 190,000 barrels of oil per day to the Ministry of Oil, while reserving 50,000 barrels for the operation of domestic refineries.
According to Oil Minister Hayan Abdul Ghani, crude oil is being pumped along the Iraqi-Turkish pipeline toward the port of Ceyhan.
Between 180,000 and 190,000 barrels per day will be exported, multiplied by the current price of crude oil, which is $65. A fee of $16 will be paid for each barrel produced, according to the first amendment to the budget law. All companies have signed this agreement, making it binding on all foreign companies that have signed.
After resuming exports, Kurdistan's oil reaches Turkish territory.
The Director General of the North Oil Company, Amer Khalil, announced the resumption of oil exports from the Kurdistan Region as of Saturday morning.
During a press conference held while supervising the resumption of oil fields in Zakho District, Khalil said that the export process began at 6:00 a.m., with an initial quantity of 190,000 barrels per day, noting that the numbers are expected to rise in the coming weeks.
He stressed that the process proceeded smoothly and without obstacles, thanks to coordination between the North Oil Company’s staff, operating companies in Kurdistan, and the Ministry of Natural Resources.
He added that the oil exported via pipelines has already reached Turkish territory, in preparation for its transport to global markets via the port of Ceyhan
Rebaz Hamlan: The seventh month salary will be sent tomorrow and then the eighth month salary will come directly
Rebaz Hamlan, Deputy Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), in an interview with Kurdistan24, the latest information about the sending of salaries and the agreement between Erbil and Baghdad.
Rebaz Hamlan, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) spokesman, said on Saturday that the seventh month salary will be sent from Baghdad to the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) tomorrow.
He stressed that the agreement between the Kurdistan Regional Government and the Iraqi government was for the sake of the salaries of the employees and was to send all the salaries of the months of this year that have not come, to the employees.
The Deputy Prime Minister said that as the Kurdistan Regional Government, they will abide by all agreements and promises within the framework of the constitution and laws. "We guarantee and abide by all agreements on non-oil revenues, oil exports and all the points within the framework of the constitution and the budget law," he said. He also called on Iraq to abide by the agreement and provide the constitutional rights of the Kurdistan Region.
"The Kurdistan Regional Government's budget from Iraq includes not only salaries, but also consumer, investment, civil and governor budgets. Now that oil has resumed exports and domestic revenue and 120 billion dinars have been handed over to Baghdad not done."
Investment Forum: Iraq unveils $450B in projects
On Saturday, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani revealed $450B in investment opportunities, pledging to diversify Iraq’s economy and draw in global partners.
Speaking at the Iraq Investment Forum in Baghdad, al-Sudani said projects worth more than $100B were already underway across housing, steel, fertilizers and pharmaceuticals. He also promised a dedicated conference to showcase opportunities tied to the flagship Development Road project.
"54 factories are now exporting to regional and global markets, and work is advancing on more than one million housing units across 60 planned cities nationwide," he added.
National Investment Authority Head Haider Makkiyah told the forum that $102B in projects approved over the past two years had created nearly one million jobs, with new priorities in renewable energy, waste management and capturing flared gas.
Jordan’s Energy Minister Saleh Kharabsheh, also present, said Amman was boosting electricity exports to western Iraq through a new cross-border grid, part of a wider regional push toward renewable energy and power trading.
Despite $80B spent on infrastructure since 2003, Iraq continues to face chronic power shortages and relies heavily on Iranian gas.
Prime Minister: The government has achieved significant accomplishments in less than three years.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani affirmed, on Saturday, that the government has been able to achieve great accomplishments in less than 3 years, while pointing out that the electoral entitlement is important, as the awareness of the citizen will be the deciding factor in shaping the political future in Iraq, and non-participation will have its repercussions.
The Prime Minister's media office said in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA): "Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani received sheikhs and dignitaries of the tribes of the northern Baghdad regions, in the presence of former Deputy Prime Minister Bahaa Al-Araji."
Al-Sudani stressed, according to the statement, that "the country has overcome difficult stages that were ravaging our societies, our children and our cities, and the killing, destruction and incitement of sedition that accompanied them," indicating that "the awareness and stand of the Iraqi people thwarted the plans of sedition, and Iraq today enjoys security and stability achieved through great sacrifices."
Al-Sudani explained that "the government has been able to achieve great accomplishments in less than three years, despite the unnatural circumstances and events that the region has experienced. It dealt with them wisely and responsibly, and prioritized the interests of Iraq and its people. The country is today on the right track and we have a clear vision for management and facing challenges."
He pointed out that "the electoral entitlement is important, as the citizen's awareness will be the deciding factor in shaping the political future in Iraq, and failure to participate will have repercussions." He stressed that "the government needs an important, influential and large parliamentary bloc to be more productive."
Al-Sudani stressed that "Baghdad, with its cities, districts and sub-districts, has suffered greatly from terrorism that has disrupted the work of institutions and local governments from performing their duties," indicating, "There was poor planning, mismanagement and corruption despite the allocation of large funds in various budgets."
He pointed out that "Baghdad has more than 9.5 million people according to the latest population census, a 35% increase that is putting pressure on services," noting that "the service effort has implemented projects in neighborhoods that have not seen services for years."
He stressed that "citizens are today seeing our measures to address stalled and stalled projects, especially in Baghdad," explaining that "the rehabilitation of Baghdad's northern entrance is a sustainable and integrated project, and citizens have expressed their satisfaction with the completed service projects."
Al-Sudani concluded by saying: "We are working to improve the economic and financial situation of Iraq, and we have put in place plans for reform, investment in human and natural resources, and diversification of economic sources."
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The Foreign Minister stresses the need to continue the meetings of the High-Level Coordination Committee (HCC) between Iraq and the United States.
10 alternatives to Al-Sudani on Al-Maliki's table: Al-Kadhimi only adhered to the condition.
State of Law bloc leader Nouri al-Maliki said that 10 candidates for prime minister had been presented to him, but that he had not yet approved any of them. He reiterated his demand that the current prime minister be excluded from the competition to prevent him from exploiting the state's resources. Al-Maliki acknowledged that no government, with the exception of Mustafa al-Kadhimi, had complied with this requirement. He also disavowed any exploitation of his years in office for electoral purposes.
Nouri al-Maliki, leader of the State of Law Coalition, with journalist Ghazwane Jassim, followed by 964 Network :
There is a huge competition for the prime ministership and we are on the verge of elections, but so far, only 10 people have been offered to me and asked for my opinion, and these are the ones who are moving to become prime ministers. I have not rejected anyone nor accepted anyone, but we want this process to be organized through the Coordination Framework, and whatever the Framework agrees upon we will go with. Of the 10 I spoke about, I did not find the ability, except for 2-3 who have the ability, but the rest only have the desire, and the desire does not mean that you will get the Framework’s votes.
All 10 of these people, if they are not embraced by the framework, will not be able to move forward, and this applies to Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and al-Maliki.
If there is someone who can step outside the framework and form the largest bloc, let him come forward.
The prime minister does not have to be Shiite. The constitution does not require this, but since Shiites constitute the majority and hold 183 seats in parliament, it is only natural that they should be in charge of the nomination process.
(Provided that the Prime Minister does not participate in the elections) This condition was set before the formation of this government, that the Prime Minister must not form a party or enter the elections as a competitor. This has roots in agreements, because the Prime Minister holds all the state's capabilities in his hands. If he enters as a competitor, this means that this competition is unbalanced. Therefore, anyone who holds the position of Prime Minister is prohibited from competing, for fear that he will use the state's capabilities for electoral purposes. Hence came the message of the religious authority to reject the exploitation of the state's capabilities in the electoral process. This was not achieved in Al-Sudani's government or in the governments before him, with the exception of Al-Kadhimi.
After what happened through the exploitation of state resources, I stress that the (Sudanese) Prime Minister must not be the head of a bloc or an electoral competitor.
(Q: But your government was accused of that)
Al-Maliki: It wasn't like this. We would never allow the state's resources to be used for electoral purposes.
There are clear things happening in the governorates and the Prime Ministry. If we talk about one example, even our brother Mohammed Shia (don't get upset), I have never heard of 8,600 thank-you letters being distributed to people, and the same in the governorates. This is election propaganda, a thank-you letter to those who have done outstanding work. Did everyone who received one in Basra do outstanding work, and Karbala and others?
Reconstruction work has taken place, but it is below the required standard.
There are those working to postpone the electoral process, and whoever is doing this must have an interest, but I don't know what it is. Even foreign countries are talking about this, but I say that whoever wants this wants to strike at the core of the political process.
(The Kurds and Sunnis do not want the Americans to leave) The context in which foreign forces are present on Iraqi soil - and I know that there are things happening in some areas in Iraq - is not within the constitutional context in effect in the country, but the principle is that the decision taken by the central government regarding dealing with it must be generalized to everyone. (Q: What about the Sunnis’ fear of the American withdrawal?) As for the fear of some people, this is a political fear, not a military one.
The fall of Syria has encouraged some, but not all, Sunnis. It has encouraged those with sectarian sentiments, but they do not pose a threat to the political process, because the Sunni component rejects this logic. Sectarian rhetoric is the salient feature of the process. Others are considering taking action, regrouping in Syria and reentering Iraq against Mosul and Anbar. Some are considering establishing a Sunni region, but they have found no Sunni support for this.
Iraq’s elections are being stolen by Iran before votes are cast
With elections scheduled for Nov. 11, Iraq is heading toward another vote. But the outcome is already being written in Tehran. Iran’s agents have infiltrated Iraq’s election commission, manipulating the process before a single ballot is cast.
Votes are not counted — they are engineered. Through a process known as apportionment, parliamentary seats are divided in advance among groups including militias and political allies tied to the so-called muqawama — Iran-backed resistance militias. This includes not only Shia factions but also Kurdish and Iraqi groups drawn into Iran’s orbit.
The people of Iraq are being robbed of their voices.
This is not the democratic Iraq the U.S. promised when it removed Saddam Hussein. Instead, America’s unfinished project left a vacuum that Tehran eagerly filled.
Iraq’s elections are no longer contests of ideas or competition for public trust. Today, Iraq’s government often answers not to its citizens, but to the Ayatollahs. The illusion of democracy hides the erosion of sovereignty. Iranian influence reaches into every corner of Iraq — and Washington must decide before Nov. 11 whether to resist or yield.
This betrayal is not only of Iraqis who once believed in change, but of the very principles the U.S. claimed to be upholding in 2003. America promised freedom but instead allowed the theocracy next door to seize control of Baghdad.
The U.S. can no longer afford its policy of ambiguity. With Iraq’s elections approaching, it faces two stark options. First, it could walk away, abandoning Iraq to Iran’s ayatollahs and accept that Baghdad will become another satellite of Tehran. On the other hand, the U.S. could push back and confront Iranian interference, strengthen Iraq’s democratic institutions and give the Iraqi people the sovereignty they deserve.
To do nothing is to choose surrender by default.
If the U.S. retreats after Iraq’s election, the consequences will extend far beyond Iraq. Every Iranian proxy will be emboldened, and Tehran will tighten its grip across the region. Israel will face heightened threats. U.S. allies in the Gulf will view American passivity as an invitation to tilt toward Tehran.
Nor is this only a Middle Eastern problem. It is a direct challenge to U.S. credibility worldwide. After years of sacrifice, trillions of dollars spent and countless lives lost, what message will it send if Washington abandons Iraq to its greatest regional adversary?
The Iraqi people have endured dictatorship, invasion, terrorism and corruption. They should not now be condemned to live as pawns in Iran’s geopolitical game. Iraq still has the potential to be a sovereign nation with its own voice, but only if Washington chooses to act before Nov. 11.
The U.S. owes Iraq more than broken promises. It owes Iraq the chance to live free of Iran’s grip. If Washington fails, Iraq’s story will not be written by its people, but by Tehran.
This chapter of history is not yet finished. But unless America wakes up, Iran will write the ending. Whoever leads the United States must act before this catastrophe becomes irreversible.
Heyrsh Abdul is a senior business and intelligence analyst who has worked with organizations in Washington, D.C. He specializes in Middle East affairs, Iraqi elections and Iranian regional influence.
Expert: Digitizing procedures will facilitate investment and reduce corruption and suspicion.
Al-Alwani told Furat News, "The current legal amendments and administrative facilitations are in the interest of investors," noting that "digitizing procedures will effectively contribute to facilitating investment in Iraq and reducing corruption and suspicion."
He added, "Training personnel to use digital systems has become essential to enhance work efficiency."
Al-Alwani explained that "Iraq has begun its digital transformation, following the example of neighboring countries, which will provide reassurance to investors and enhance transparency in all transactions."
Hours before UN sanctions on Iran take effect, Iraq faces serious economic repercussions.
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As the implementation of UN sanctions on Iran approaches, fears are growing within Iraq about the potential repercussions, particularly given the close economic ties between the two countries, particularly in the energy and trade sectors.
In a statement to Iraq Observer, economic expert Diaa Al-Mohsen warned that Iraq could face multiple crises on the energy, financial, and trade fronts as a result of Baghdad's reliance on gas and electricity imports from Tehran, in addition to the risks of smuggling and international pressure on the Iraqi banking system.
A Looming Electricity and Gas Crisis
Al-Mohsen points out that the electricity sector poses the greatest threat, as Iraq relies on Iranian gas to operate a large portion of its power plants. Any disruption in supply due to tightening sanctions could lead to severe energy shortages, especially during peak periods.
Restrictions on financial transfers could also hinder Iraq's ability to pay for its energy imports, placing the central bank and government under increasing international pressure.
The banking system is under scrutiny
. On the financial front, Al-Mohsen believes that Iran will seek refuge in the Iraqi financial system to obtain dollars through exchange companies and informal trade, exposing Baghdad to the possibility of secondary sanctions imposed by the United States and other countries bound by the sanctions. Any relaxation of banking oversight could lead to international tightening of the Iraqi financial sector, possibly including the inclusion of some banks on sanctions lists, complicating Iraq's international financial transactions and threatening its monetary stability.
Iraqi markets are threatened by inflation and scarcity.
The repercussions of sanctions may extend to the local market. Al-Mohsen expects the increased costs of trade fraud and transportation to increase the prices of Iranian goods, which constitute a significant portion of Iraqi imports. This will contribute to rising inflation and shortages of some basic commodities. Furthermore, the escalation of cross-border smuggling will deal a blow to the formal economy and increase pressure on the dinar exchange rate, given the increased demand for dollars in the parallel market.
An Iraqi strategy to avoid slipping
and to avoid the worst-case scenario, Al-Mohsen stressed the importance of Iraq adopting a dual strategy based on: “developing domestic gas production by accelerating associated gas investment projects, diversifying energy import sources by seeking quick alternatives, investing in solar energy as a sustainable and rapidly implementable source, tightening oversight of the banking system and fully adhering to international financial laws, in addition to limiting smuggling by strengthening control over border crossings, diversifying the local production base, and reducing reliance on imported goods from Iran.”
Al-Mohsen concluded by emphasizing that "achieving true economic sovereignty is the only way for Iraq to avoid the potential repercussions of sanctions on Iran," calling for serious steps to diversify energy sources, production, and trade financing, while fully adhering to international financial regulations to avoid any secondary sanctions that could directly harm the Iraqi economy.
Hours before the sanctions
are due to take effect, there are only hours left before UN sanctions on Iran take effect, ending a relative thaw that lasted for about 10 years since the 2015 UN Joint Coordination Agreement with Tehran, from which the United States withdrew in 2018.
On August 28, the European Troika—France, Germany, and the United Kingdom—activated the snapback mechanism, a feature of the 2015 nuclear agreement that allows any party to reimpose sanctions on Iran if it deems the latter to have failed to comply with its nuclear commitments. The parties to the agreement are France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, Russia, and China. While the United States withdrew in 2018, the remaining European countries are withdrawing today. Russia and China cannot prevent or use their veto power to stop the return of sanctions.
The agreement is originally scheduled to expire on October 18, but the European Troika countries rushed to use the trigger mechanism, and the Security Council has repeatedly failed to vote to extend the lifting of sanctions as planned by Russia and China.
The Iranian economy is already experiencing significant stagnation, and with today's activation of the trigger mechanism, all UN sanctions imposed on Iran between 2006 and 2015 will be reinstated unless a diplomatic breakthrough occurs in the coming hours.
Reimposing UN sanctions would freeze Iranian assets abroad again, halt arms deals with Tehran, penalize any development of Iran's ballistic missile program, impose a travel ban on individuals and entities from Iran, allow countries to inspect cargo from Iran Air and the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines for prohibited goods, and potentially halt the export of some Iranian goods.
This will also pose a challenge to Iraq, as after the tightening of sanctions, Iran will need to rely more on Iraq to relieve its financial difficulties resulting from the sanctions, whether by helping it export oil and other resources, or by obtaining dollars. This places Baghdad in a difficult position, with Adnan al-Zurfi, head of the Alternative Alliance, even describing the implementation of the trigger mechanism as more difficult for Iraq than any American or Israeli bombing.
US transfers military equipment from Qatar to northern Iraq
Al-Maalomah, citing a security source, reported that the United States has transferred large quantities of military equipment from Qatar to Harir Air Base in northern Iraq.
The base saw unprecedented American air activity on Saturday, with multiple aircraft landing in it throughout the day, according to the source.
Noting that the operation took place under tight security measures, the sources added that there have been similar movements by US forces in recent weeks at Harir Base, though the purpose of the transfers remains unclear.
The development comes as Iraqi lawmakers continue to press for the withdrawal of foreign troops, particularly American forces, insisting that the Iraqi forces themselves are capable of maintaining stability inside the country.
Tradex Launch Interview | Qi Group Chairman & Tradex CCO on Cross-Border Innovation
A strategic partnership between gini, Qi Card of Iraq, and Global X of the UAE has announced the integration of gini's network with Tradex, marking what it describes as the launch of the region's first fully integrated cross-border B2B digital trade platform.
The announcement in Dubai was attended by partners including Mastercard, Visa, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and K2 Integrity (K2i), with direct support from DP World and the Dubai Department of Economy. The participation reflected strong international confidence in the new platform.
gini stated that the initiative strengthens its role as a leading Iraqi platform in trade automation, enabling merchants in Iraq and the wider region to connect with Dubai's digital infrastructure and positioning the platform as a driver of regional trade.
Highlights from President Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid’s Interview with France 24
🔷 The tragic situation in Gaza cannot be allowed to persist, with the bloodshed of children and civilians and the acute shortage of food and medical supplies.
🔷 There is widespread concern in the region over the Israeli assaults. The first step toward achieving peace and stability must be an end to the hostilities.
🔷 The question of whether U.S. forces remain in Iraq or withdraw is governed by agreements between Iraq and the United States.
🔷 Iraq has now reached a stage where the prolonged presence of multinational or U.S. forces is no longer necessary, and, of course, the final decision on the timing of any withdrawal rests with both sides.
🔷 Daesh has been utterly vanquished, our borders are under complete control, and we maintain vigilant oversight of any terrorist activity across the region.
🔷 We are working to close the Al-Hol camp, as its presence on the border poses a significant threat to Syria, Iraq and potentially even Turkiye.
🔷 We hope that attacks on Iranian facilities by Israel or the United States will not recur, emphasizing that Iran has repeatedly stated it has no intention whatsoever of developing nuclear weapons.
🔷 The Popular Mobilization Forces are an integral part of Iraq’s security apparatus, established to combat Daesh and terrorism.
🔷 The federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government maintain continuous dialogue, and they have recently reached a final agreement on oil exports.
🔷 We are working diligently to ensure that the upcoming elections are fair and democratic, subject to oversight by a number of monitoring bodies.
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