The Prime Minister chairs a meeting to follow up on mechanisms to support banks in implementing infrastructure and development projects.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani chaired a meeting on Wednesday to follow up on mechanisms to support banks in implementing infrastructure and development projects.
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The Prime Minister's media office said in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA): "Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani chaired a meeting today, Wednesday, dedicated to discussing and following up on mechanisms for investing banking facilities in supporting the completion of infrastructure projects and development projects being implemented throughout Iraq."
He added, "During the meeting, the progress made in reforming the banking system was discussed, making it one of the tools for supporting development and expanding banking activities within the context and controls of globally recognized banking practices."
He added, "The meeting discussed optimal investment of Iraqi assets through banking facilities for strategic investment projects and basic infrastructure projects, particularly those related to energy, such as oil, gas, and electricity projects.
Al-Sudani on the oil agreement with Erbil: An achievement that represents an important milestone for Iraq
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani considered the oil agreement between Baghdad and Erbil on Wednesday an achievement that represents an important milestone for Iraq and all Iraqis.
His office stated in a statement it received:IQ), that "the Sudanese met, today, Wednesday, with representatives of the company HKN American Energy welcomed the investment partnership of the company HKN In Iraq, he considered it a positive indicator that reflects growing confidence in the country's investment environment.
Al-Sudani pointed out that "this step comes as an extension of agreements recently concluded with American companies in various sectors, which contributes to strengthening bilateral economic relations between Iraq and the United States."
He expressed his "appreciation for the role of the company." HKN In completing the recent agreement to export oil from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, and facilitating the reopening of the Iraq-Turkey pipeline, as an important station in developing the energy sector, enhancing sovereignty and fair management of wealth, ensuring that the Iraqi people benefit from their national resources," stressing that "this achievement represents an important milestone for Iraq and for all Iraqis."
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani met on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, with representatives of the company HKN American Energy, where the recent agreement to export oil from the Kurdistan region and facilitate the reopening of the Iraq-Turkey pipeline was discussed.
According to a statement issued by the Sudanese office, a copy of which was received by Al-Jabal, "Prime Minister Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani received representatives of the company today, Wednesday" HKN American Energy, and welcomed the investment partnership of the company HKN In Iraq, he considered it a positive indicator that reflects the growing confidence in the investment environment in the country, noting that "this step comes as an extension of agreements recently concluded with American companies in multiple sectors, which contributes to strengthening bilateral economic relations between Iraq and the United States".
The statement added, "The Prime Minister also expressed his appreciation for the role of the company HKN In completing the recent agreement to export oil from the Kurdistan region of Iraq, and facilitating the reopening of the Iraq–Turkey pipeline, as an important station in developing the energy sector, and enhancing sovereignty and fair management of wealth, ensuring that the Iraqi people benefit from their national resources. Stressing that this achievement represents an important milestone for Iraq and for all Iraqis.
Preemptive strikes thwart attempts to promote counterfeit currency in Iraqi markets.
The Parliamentary Security and Defense Committee revealed, on Wednesday, that new qualitative strikes had been directed against networks specialized in counterfeiting local and foreign currency in several governorates.
Committee member, MP Yasser Iskandar, told Al-Maalouma Agency, “Several joint and specialized security teams have succeeded over the past two weeks in carrying out four qualitative operations during which a number of suspects were arrested and counterfeit money was seized that was on its way to the markets.”
He added that "these operations came within the framework of a distinguished intelligence effort aimed at blocking the path of these networks that are trying to harm the national economy by counterfeiting and circulating currency," noting that "citizens' awareness and cooperation with the security services have contributed fundamentally to the success of many of the seizure procedures."
Iskandar pointed out that "investigations are ongoing to uncover the nature of the work of these networks and completely block attempts to re-counterfeit currency in the future."
Sudanese Advisor: 2026 salaries are fully insured and this is the date for submitting the budget
The Prime Minister's financial advisor, Mazhar Muhammad Saleh, reassured the government's ability to fully secure salaries for next year 2026, considering any talk to the contrary to be tantamount to "confusion".
Counselor Saleh's statement came one day after a similar confirmation was issued by the Finance Committee in the House of Representatives in this regard, where the committee reported in the Official Gazette that "the government has guaranteed the full salaries of employees, retirees and those entitled to social care," explaining that "the limited delays that occurred in the past months were for technical and procedural reasons only, and have nothing to do with weak funding or the general financial situation."
The advisor told the Official Gazette on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, that "the financial authority began preparing the 2026 budget last July, and it will be submitted to the House of Representatives after its completion, expressing his hope that the results will be approved after the House of Representatives elections are held."
Saleh added that the budget is one of the priorities in the lives of the Iraqi people, "as government spending constitutes nearly 50 percent of the gross domestic product, and more than 85 percent of it is economic activity that may be affected by this spending if it is delayed, and the picture may seem blurry," stressing that approving it at the appropriate time gives confidence to the street that the country is stable in terms of investment, work and the market.
Saleh confirmed in his speech that the salaries of employees, retirees, social protection and other categories are insured for the year 2026 under the Federal Local Administration Law, and what is being raised to the contrary is merely "confusion".
Signing of a principles agreement between the US Department of Oil and ExxonMobil
Today, Wednesday, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani sponsored the signing ceremony of the Principles Agreement (HOA) between the Ministry of Oil and the American company Exxon Mobil.
A statement from his media office that he received stated (IQ) "The Prime Minister, during his reception of the company's Vice President, Mr. Peter Larden, and his accompanying delegation in the presence of the US Chargé d'Affaires to Iraq, indicated that the agreement is an important step for the future of the oil sector in Iraq and the development of economic relations with the United States of America, stressing that the doors are open to all major international companies to contribute to the development of the oil sector."
Al-Sudani said, "The government is interested in cooperating with major oil companies, especially American ones, to work in important oil fields, including the Majnoon field in Basra, and is keen to attract investments in the energy sector and develop it, especially in the field of gas investment."
He stressed "the importance of Exxon Mobil's contribution to modernizing the Iraqi oil export infrastructure, diversifying export sources, and using the latest technologies and techniques in the oil industry in order to advance the oil sector and increase production."
In turn, Peter Larden expressed his "thanks to the Prime Minister for the government's steps in strengthening bilateral cooperation, and congratulated him on the occasion of Iraq's National Day, praising the remarkable development and progress that the country is witnessing in various sectors and fields".
Iraq wants to repay its debts to the Kurdistan Region
The decision to pay salaries and send domestic revenue has been postponed until next week. The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has only one commitment regarding the August salary, which is to send 120 billion dinars from domestic revenue, which is ready.
Big picture: After the payment of the seventh month salaries of Kurdistan employees, efforts were intensified to pay the eighth month salaries, on Tuesday after the meeting of the Iraqi Council of Ministers, three Kurdish ministers met with Sudanese, Sudanese promised to pay the eighth month salaries.
Official statement: A source in the Ministry of Finance and Economy of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRG) told Ava that they have collected revenue and 120 billion dinars are available. Whenever Baghdad notifies them and decides to start paying the August salaries, they will pay the entire amount in cash to the Erbil branch of the central bank within 24 to 48 hours.
What you need to know: Sending domestic revenue does not require a decision of the Kurdistan Council of Ministers, because in last week's meeting Awat Sheikh Janab, Minister of Finance and Economy, was instructed to send the 120 billion dinars monthly to Baghdad.
Kurdistan distributes six-month leave dues to retirees tomorrow, Wednesday
The Ministry of Finance and Economy of the Kurdistan Regional Government announced today, Tuesday (October 7, 2025), the distribution of six months of accumulated leave to retirees.
The ministry said in a statement received by Baghdad Today that "in accordance with the Cabinet's decision and based on the directives of the Minister of Finance, it will be distributed on Wednesday (10-8-2025)." Amounts of six months of accumulated leave for other retirees in the form of payments", indicating that "this includes those who have been referred for retirement since the beginning of this year until now and have not received those dues".
She added, "The Ministry of Finance in the region has repeatedly called on the Federal Finance, through official letters, to disburse the dues of the region's retirees, similar to their peers in other Iraqi governorates, without receiving an answer regarding this, and accordingly it was decided to distribute all dues from the region's local revenues".
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General Electric: Partnership with the Ministry of Electricity has yielded continuous successes in maintaining and modernizing production units.
Rashid Al-Janabi, General Electric Vernova's Country Director in Iraq, confirmed on Wednesday that the partnership with the Ministry of Electricity has achieved continuous success in maintaining and modernizing production units. He also expressed his aspiration to enhance cooperation in the field of scientific research.
Al-Janabi said in a speech during a workshop titled "Ways to Meet the Demand for Electricity in Iraq," which was attended by a correspondent for the Iraqi News Agency (INA): "We are honored by the presence of the Minister of Electricity, Ziyad Ali Fadhil, and the general managers and representatives of ministries, academic institutions and diplomatic missions, in the workshop that highlights the latest technologies and global trends in the electricity sector, and ways to employ them to achieve the strategic plans of the Iraqi government and the Ministry of Electricity."
He added, "The workshop comes at a time when the partnership between the Ministry of Electricity and General Electric is witnessing ongoing achievements, including the implementation of periodic maintenance work on production units, the modernization of a number of units to increase their productivity, the introduction of new secondary stations into service in various governorates, and the completion of the project to connect the national grid with Jordan."
He pointed out that "one of the most prominent strategic steps this year is the signing of an agreement to add 24,000 megawatts to the national grid, which includes the application of the latest technologies to enhance production, raise the efficiency of the electrical system, and reduce the carbon intensity of the energy production unit."
Al-Janabi affirmed GE Vernova 's full commitment to supporting Iraq by harnessing its capabilities and technical expertise to serve the Ministry of Electricity's plans, particularly in the field of building national human capacity. He praised the presence of academics from the University of Technology, and said, "We look forward to strengthening cooperation with the academic sector in the fields of scientific research and training to qualify a new generation of engineers and specialists in the energy sector, thus supporting Iraq's efforts towards achieving sustainable development."
He added, "The workshop will include technical presentations and discussions, strengthening the strategic partnership with the Ministry of Electricity and the Iraqi government."
20 local entrepreneurs are leading the innovation and artificial intelligence revolution in Kurdistan.
A group of young innovators participated in the sixth International Technology Exhibition (HITEX), where they showcased their projects in the fields of technology, programming, and smart cities.
Tahir Khalid, one of the innovators, told Kurdistan 24, "Our project is called Smart City, and it's a project for the future. For example, when an earthquake occurs, a special alarm sounds, and when a fire breaks out, another sound is triggered. We also created a bridge that rises when ships pass and then returns to its normal position. We also equipped the museum with an IR motion sensor, so when someone enters, the gate opens automatically and an alarm sounds."
The 6th International Technology Exhibition is being attended by 122 local and international companies, in addition to 20 small local projects, showcasing the latest artificial intelligence technologies and technological innovations to introduce citizens to them, a step that confirms that the Kurdistan Region is moving in step with the world in the field of technology.
For his part, Faraz Behrouz, director of one of the companies, said, "We displayed at the exhibition a robot in the form of a dog that can talk to humans and answer questions in various languages. We also presented hologram technology that we designed using artificial intelligence that can speak in any language and even recognize and interact with the Kurdistan 24 channel. Our focus is on all areas of artificial intelligence, and one of our most prominent current steps is developing a voice assistant in the Kurdish language to provide a better experience for our users."
Salar Saleh, owner of a security camera company, explained: "Today, artificial intelligence has entered the security field with a vengeance, enabling it to analyze people's behavior and recognize their appearance. For example, the system can identify a person based on their clothing, height, and general appearance. Once this data is entered, it is possible to determine their previous and current locations, the number of people who resemble them, and even track their movements with precise timescales."
The exhibition will last for four days and is expected to attract a large number of visitors. The HITEX International Exhibition has become a bridge connecting innovative ideas and creativity among young people, and a platform for showcasing their products in the fields of technology and artificial intelligence, with the aim of encouraging them to continue innovating and transforming their ideas into real-life projects.
The International Development Bank sponsors the Faw Port Summit.
"Al-Faw Port... Iraq's Gateway to Investment"... The Iraqi Business Summit kicks off in the far south of Basra.
The Iraqi Business Summit kicked off in Basra Governorate, at the Grand Faw Port, under the theme "Faw Port: Iraq's Gateway to Investment." The summit was attended by Minister of Transport Razzaq Al-Saadawi and Director General of the General Company for Iraqi Ports Farhan Al-Fartousi, along with a number of ambassadors, state representatives, businessmen, and local and international companies.
A ministry statement received by Al-Mirbad said that this summit marks a new phase of international economic partnerships, affirming that Iraq is making confident strides toward development and is now poised to become a regional economic hub linking Asia and Europe via the Development Road Project and the Grand Faw Port, in a comprehensive national vision that outlines the features of a diversified and sustainable economy.
During his speech at the conference, the minister affirmed that "the Grand Faw Port represents a dream come true and an achievement that will change the face of Iraq's economy."
He added, "Today, we stand on the ground of this massive project to witness the realization of the vision set by the Services Government, headed by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, which has made major strategic projects a central focus of its national construction and reconstruction program."
Al-Saadawi noted that completion rates for some port projects have reached 100%, while other projects are nearing their final stages. He emphasized that the Grand Faw Port is the beating heart of the Strategic Development Road project and one of its essential components, which will redraw the economic map of Iraq and the region.
He continued that the development road represents an integrated economic system linking the port in southern Iraq to the Turkish border in the north via a multi-use economic corridor that includes railways and highways, thus becoming a new artery for international trade and a major contributor to the national economy. He noted that the project will provide more than 100,000 direct job opportunities and 1.6 million indirect job opportunities, contributing to reducing dependence on oil and diversifying sources of national income.
He explained that the Ministry has made advanced progress in the design and technical studies for the project, with cumulative completion rates reaching 83% for the railway line and 68% for the expressway. He emphasized that the economic model has been developed in cooperation with the global company Oliver Wyman, and that the project's comprehensive strategy has been prepared, along with governance, investment opportunities, and international communication mechanisms with investors.
The Minister of Transport also announced the completion of the review of the draft law of the authority for the development road project, the Faw Port, and the industrial cities, within an organized institutional framework aimed at moving from the planning phase to actual implementation. He emphasized that this project will make Iraq an economic gateway to Europe via an economic bridge extending from Faw to Turkey.
For his part, the Director General of Iraqi Ports, Farhan Al-Fartousi, confirmed that work on the Grand Faw Port project is progressing according to the set timetables and under the direct supervision of the Minister of Transport. He noted that the first phase is nearing completion and that there has been significant progress across all project components, positioning the port to become one of the largest in the Middle East.
He added that the Grand Faw Port will be a key axis in Iraq's development project, as it represents the maritime gateway from which new global trade routes depart.
The summit also featured extensive dialogue sessions with the participation of a number of economic experts, advisors, and representatives of international companies. During these sessions, investment opportunities in the Grand Faw Port and the Development Road Project were discussed. The economic model for the project, presented by Oliver Wyman, was also presented, representing the cornerstone of building long-term international partnerships.
On the sidelines of the summit, the Minister of Transport inspected the exhibition of participating companies, affirming in statements to the media that the Faw Port is a national achievement that adds to the record of government successes under the leadership of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani. He also stated that the conference represented a true platform for showcasing the major investment opportunities extending along the development path, a project that targets eight key sectors, including agriculture, industry, energy, communications, logistics services, and tourism.
Nechirvan Barzani: We are experiencing a situation similar to that before2003, and we are approaching the most important elections.
Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani said that Iraq is currently experiencing circumstances similar to those the region experienced before 2003, while indicating that the upcoming elections are the most important and a gateway to a new phase.
Barzani explained in a dialogue session during the Middle East Forum (MERI) held in Erbil, that "the Kurdistan Region before 2003 was experiencing a situation similar to what Iraq is experiencing today, and perhaps we were not facing the current economic crisis in this way."
He added, "The Americans convinced us at the time that a new Iraq would be built on the foundations of democracy and federalism, and we, as Kurds, especially the Kurdish leadership, the late Jalal Talabani, and President Masoud Barzani, did everything in our power to build this new Iraq."
He emphasized, "Our hope was for an Iraq to be established that would end the suffering experienced by the Kurdish people over the past decades."
Regarding the elections, Barzani explained, "The upcoming elections are the most important elections to be held in Iraq after 2005, and I believe that the components in Baghdad are also well aware of this issue, that problems must be resolved to maintain socio-political stability."
He pointed out, "When we talk about elections, we remember that 2005 was a recent and important milestone in Iraq's history, as it was during this year that a democratic system was adopted. A democratic system does not only mean holding elections every four years; it is a much deeper issue."
He explained, "For example, when we see Haider al-Abadi, who was previously prime minister, come to Erbil today and deal with the people like an ordinary person, this in itself is a positive and significant thing that deserves appreciation. But we must ask: Is this enough on its own? The answer is: No, it is not enough." He added, "Democracy is not a gift that can be given to a country. Rather, it is a culture, practice, and collective responsibility that arises from within society and is entrenched over time."
He continued, "I believe the mistake made after 2003 was that some thought democracy could be given as a gift, when in reality, it is built and practiced through institutions, trust, and justice."
He pointed out, "If we are asked: Does the Kurdistan Region have problems? Yes, it undoubtedly has problems, but we also believe that the time has come to address these issues in a spirit of cooperation and understanding with Baghdad for a better future for all."
British newspaper: Venezuela may face the fate of Iraq in 2003
British newspaper report highlighted Venezuela's preparations in the event of a US invasion. While the report indicated that the country is experiencing a military and moral "mobilization" in response to repeated threats from US President Donald Trump, it also cited warnings from observers that the country could face a fate similar to that of Iraq in 2003.
According to the British newspaper, The Guardian, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has ordered preparations for a "greater escalation" with Washington. Consequently, a mock evacuation drill simulating a cyberattack was recently conducted in the crowded capital, Caracas, as part of a "civil protection and public preparedness" campaign.
In the depths of Caracas's busy La Rinconada subway station, Mayor Carmen Melendez stood in a camouflage shirt, declaring herself a fighter ready to defend the homeland. "They think they own the world, but if they dare to invade, we will be waiting for them here," she said.
These exercises come amid a US escalation that raises questions about Venezuela's readiness to confront a potential military intervention. Since early August, Trump signed a secret directive authorizing military operations against drug gangs in Latin America, labeling Maduro a "narcoterrorist" and offering a $50 million reward for his capture.
The United States also deployed Marines and warships off the Venezuelan coast, launching strikes on alleged drug-smuggling boats, killing at least 21 people.
Last week, Trump declared a "non-international armed conflict" against these gangs, describing their members as "illegal combatants." Washington justifies these actions as part of a campaign against Venezuelan drug traffickers, who are accused of flooding American streets with narcotics. However, observers see this as a pretext to overthrow Maduro, Hugo Chavez's heir, through igniting an internal rebellion or direct intervention.
Vice President Delcy Rodriguez responded sharply to the New York Times, asserting that one of Trump's goals was "regime change" and announcing Maduro's readiness to declare a state of emergency in the event of a US attack.
Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López was also seen talking about the sighting of five US fighter jets off the coast, while Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello appeared on television clutching a book on Ho Chi Minh's "military thought," stating that any attempt to overthrow Maduro would drag the United States into a bloody quagmire similar to the Vietnam War, which claimed hundreds of thousands of lives.
On the streets, these warnings echo. Amelia Contreras, a 68-year-old seamstress and member of Maduro's Bolivarian militia, is receiving first aid and firearms training. "We don't want anyone to come and interfere here. We won't allow it," she says, referring to her mission to defend electricity pylons.
Christian Laborin, 48, a member of Maduro's Socialist Party, is participating in military exercises but hopes for a US retreat: "President Trump, we still have time to continue building friendly relations," he said. "If he insists on attacking, it will be a 'hundred-year war!'" he repeated, echoing a government slogan.
But experts question the true level of preparedness. According to Phil Johnson, an analyst at the International Crisis Group in Caracas, Trump's bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities last June raised real concerns among Venezuela's leaders. "What Trump did to Iran was a wake-up call, and I think it was very heartbreaking for the Chavistas," he said.
The invasion raises concerns even among opponents. David Smilde, of Tulane University, considers the idea of regime change "completely ridiculous." However, he warns of a potential mistake, recalling the invasion of Iraq: "They thought Iraq was a house of cards," he said.
He added that the Americans believe Maduro is "hanging by threads" and that regime change can be achieved "with just a few limited strikes."
He considered that "this is the mentality that believed that Iraq under Saddam Hussein was a house of cards, and that Iraq would be easy once Saddam Hussein was eliminated or Baghdad was captured," but he did not rule out the possibility of Washington repeating the "foolishness."
From Baghdad to Kurdistan: Why did you choose Washington Erbil?
US headquarters in Kurdistan region celebrates the establishment of a security forum in Iraq, near the highest level of the region, which is the focus of President Washington, passing Baghdad in Strategic importance.
This change reflects the US appreciation for regional stability and the adequacy of the security forces, which have proved to be a reliable ally in the face of terrorism.
He appreciates this orientation of mutual trust between Washington and Erbil, but it may raise concerns about the balance of power within Iraq, even if he looks forward to a retreat away from Baghdad للسيادة الوطنية.
It's a historical partnership
A US statement said the Obama administration would not tolerate US strikes against ISIS unless it moved closer to ISIS than Erbil, and that we could properly start the war in the states The United Nations, the country that died at the end of the caliphate and defeated ISIS, laughs at the Peshmerga forces that have been in the face of ISIS for years and prevented it from expanding further.
The United States of America has acknowledged the historical neighboring Kurdistan region, where the Kurds have been a key partner since the colonization. It plays this role in counter-terrorism operations, such as the execution of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in 2019, where Erbil is the operational breakthrough.
On the contrary, this cooperation is deep partnership, but it puts the region in the face of a potential regional power that opposes the presence of a dominant US, but rather than limiting relations الإقليمية.
Regional echoes
The US headquarters in Kurdistan has implications for regional stability.
Some analysts see this move as part of Washington's strategy to confront Iranian influence in Iraq, as the Taurus targets Tehran and its allies in Baghdad.
And this situation is free from escalation of internal conflict, especially with the presence of armed elements opposed to the US presence.
On the other hand, it respects the region as a security and economic center, but it still supports its ambitions toward independence.
Hamas: The agreement calls for ending the war on Gaza, bringing in aid, and exchanging prisoners
The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) announced today, Thursday, that it had reached an agreement to end the war on the Gaza Strip, the withdrawal of the Israeli occupation forces from it, the entry of humanitarian aid, in addition to carrying out a prisoner exchange operation, following negotiations that the movement described as "responsible and serious" that took place in Sharm El-Sheikh regarding US President Donald Trump's proposal.
The movement said in its statement that it highly appreciates the efforts of mediators from Qatar, Egypt and Turkey, and also appreciated the efforts of US President Trump "seeking to stop the war once and for all and the complete withdrawal of the occupation from the Gaza Strip".
Hamas called on President Trump and the guarantor countries of the agreement to oblige the government of the Zionist entity to fully implement the requirements of the agreement, and not to allow it to "evade or procrastinate in implementing what was agreed upon".
The movement also paid tribute to its Palestinian people in Gaza, Jerusalem, and the West Bank, inside and outside the country, praising their positions and steadfastness in the face of what it described as "fascist occupation projects", stressing that the sacrifices of the Palestinian people will not be in vain, and that they will remain committed to their national rights until freedom, independence, and self-determination are achieved.
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