Government Advisor: The Central Bank is leading 3 projects that will achieve a breakthrough in digital transformation
Iraq moves to the ranks of developed countries
Advisor to the Prime Minister for Banking Affairs, Saleh Mahoud, confirmed today, Saturday, that the Central Bank is working on 3 strategic projects for financial transformation, which are the local electronic card, rapid payment, and the billing system, indicating that the Central Bank has timings to complete these projects and achieve a transition in the level of financial inclusion to greater levels.
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Mahoud said in a statement to the official agency that followed him: “The Central Bank is currently working on three very important projects that will move Iraq to important and advanced levels”, noting that “these projects are the local electronic card, the express payment, and the billing system”.
He added that “the Central Bank now has timings to complete these three projects in order to achieve a transition in the level of financial inclusion to greater and more levels”, indicating that “Iraq often benefits from global experiences, especially in the financial field and digital transformations.
The course of Baghdad's relationship with Washington has turned, and the recent sanctions are the beginning of a broader wave
Iraqi official to the Middle East
Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper quoted an Iraqi official as saying that the recent sanctions, which included Iraqi figures, companies linked to the Popular Mobilization Forces, and Iraqi banks, are a prelude to a broader wave that will include additional figures and entities, indicating that these sanctions indicate a negative shift in the course of the relationship between the Trump administration and the Iraqi government, especially with the start of a new phase of cooperation between Baghdad and Washington.
On Thursday, the US Treasury Department announced the imposition of sanctions on a number of Iraqi individuals and companies on charges of supporting Iranian-backed militias, including Kataib Hezbollah, the Quds Force, and the Engineer Company affiliated with the Popular Mobilization Forces, due to arms smuggling, money laundering, and involvement in financial corruption.
While Washington announced the inclusion of a number of Iraqi official and commercial figures and companies linked to the «Popular Mobilization Forces» on the «blacklist», Baghdad fears the expansion of the US sanctions list.
The US State Department announced on Thursday that Washington is targeting «Kataib Hezbollah» and the «Asaib Ahl al-Haq» group, for their role in «circumventing US sanctions, smuggling weapons, and engaging in widespread corruption activities inside Iraq».
An Iraqi official who spoke to «Asharq Al-Awsat» suggested that the sanctions «represent a prelude to a broader wave that may include additional figures and entities in the next stage».
The political official, who requested to remain anonymous, explained that these sanctions «clearly indicate a negative shift in the course of the relationship between the Trump administration and the Iraqi government», indicating that this development comes at a time when a new phase of cooperation has begun between Baghdad and Washington.
Mazhar Saleh {to Euphrates News}: The Ministry of Finance begins preparing the 2026 budget.
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Saleh told Al Furat News Agency, "The ministry is preparing budget estimates starting in July of this year. In accordance with the provisions of the law, the initial budget estimates are submitted to the Ministerial Council for Economic Affairs for discussion and review of its overall assumptions. They are then submitted to the Council of Ministers for approval in principle."
He added, "This usually takes place at the end of October of each year, in preparation for referring the draft federal budget law to the House of Representatives for enactment before the start of the new fiscal year."
Amid central banking reforms, will the "Lebanese scenario" be repeated in Iraqi banks?
A banking expert warned against a repetition of the "Lebanese scenario" in some Iraqi banks and called for "urgent reforms" to safeguard depositors' funds. Meanwhile, a parliamentary committee asserted that "the financial situation in Iraq is stable and completely different from the Lebanese experience."
Abdul Rahman Al-Shaikhli, a banking expert, told Al-Jabal website on Saturday, October 11, 2025, that "we must be cautious of the growing public and banking concerns about the possibility of a repeat of the deposit crisis that the Lebanese banking sector witnessed in recent years. This is in light of the economic and financial challenges facing Iraq, particularly regarding the ability of some banks to deliver deposits to citizens in a timely manner."
Al-Sheikhly stated, "There is growing concern among citizens and investors about the conditions of some private and even government-owned banks, which are facing financial and monetary pressures. This raises fears that the situation could escalate into a scenario similar to what happened in Lebanon, where depositors were unable to withdraw their funds or transfer them in hard currency."
The banking expert added, "Iraq has a broad banking system, but its heavy reliance on the dollar and foreign transfers has made some banks vulnerable to any changes or restrictions from the international financial system or the Central Bank of Iraq itself." He noted that "the real challenge lies in the weak oversight of some private banks and the lack of transparency in the management of deposits and investments."
He stressed that "the Iraqi banking sector still suffers from a trust gap between citizens and banks, as many citizens prefer to keep their money in cash rather than depositing it, which weakens banks' internal liquidity and makes them more fragile in the face of crises. What happened in Lebanon should serve as a real warning bell for financial decision-makers in Iraq, because any crisis of confidence in banks can quickly turn into a national economic crisis, affecting the exchange rate, cash liquidity, and social stability."
Al-Shaikhli emphasized in his speech that "strict oversight tools must be activated over private and public banks, and their credit and financing policies must be reviewed. It is also necessary to legally guarantee small and medium-sized deposits, and to establish urgent mechanisms to safeguard depositors' rights in the event of any financial distress." He explained that "Iraq is not currently experiencing a banking crisis, but it faces a real challenge that requires caution, transparency, and rapid reform, because protecting deposits means protecting confidence, and without confidence, no financial system can continue or develop."
New monetary policy
Fears of a repeat of the Lebanese experience in Iraq are growing after the Iraqi Spectrum Bank announced a new monetary policy for the government, alerting its clients to a new amendment made by the Central Bank of Iraq to the controls on required cash reserves within banks.
The bank stated in a statement, "We would like to inform you that the Central Bank of Iraq has recently amended the mandatory cash reserve requirements, raising the required ratio against customer deposits from 8% to 18%." The bank noted that this change "comes within the framework of new monetary policies aimed at enhancing financial stability in the country."
Accordingly, the bank confirmed that it is "currently re-evaluating the performance of its savings and deposit-related services to ensure the continued provision of the best returns and services to valued customers, while maintaining a balance between compliance with regulatory requirements and meeting their banking aspirations."
Al Taif Bank affirmed its "commitment to providing flexible and innovative banking solutions and to keeping it informed of any future updates regarding savings products and their associated returns, in line with regulatory changes and in the best interests of customers."
Parliamentary assurances
In contrast, the Parliamentary Finance Committee confirmed today that the financial situation in Iraq is stable and completely different from the Lebanese experience.
Committee member Moein Al-Kadhimi told Al-Jabal, "The financial and banking situation in Iraq is stable and secure, and there are no signs of a resemblance to the crisis that the Lebanese banking sector has experienced in recent years. Therefore, we reassure citizens that their funds and deposits in Iraqi banks are completely safe."
Al-Kadhimi added, "Talk about a repetition of what happened in Lebanon inside Iraq is inaccurate and exaggerated, because the Iraqi financial system is subject to strict oversight by the Central Bank of Iraq, and is based on a strong foreign currency reserve that covers market needs and ensures the stability of the dinar." He pointed out that "Iraq today has one of the highest foreign exchange reserves in its history, exceeding $100 billion, in addition to a large gold reserve, which puts it in a comfortable financial position that ensures the stability of banking liquidity and prevents banks from failing to deliver deposits."
The parliamentarian emphasized that "what happened in Lebanon was the result of the collapse of the financial system due to internal debt, a chronic budget deficit, and the lack of sufficient cash reserves, while Iraq relies on stable oil revenues, which represent a major and continuous source of funding. All Iraqi banks are also linked to a strict oversight and supervision system by the Central Bank." He called on Iraqis to "not be drawn into rumors or unrealistic comparisons with the experiences of other countries."
According to Al-Kadhimi, "Iraq today has secure financial support and an economy capable of facing challenges. The Iraqi banking system operates according to strict controls that ensure market stability and protect people's money."
Advantages of domestic debt
The most important characteristic of domestic debt owed by the state is that it is not accompanied by conditions and obligations from the creditor parties, unlike external debt, which is often coupled with a package of conditions and obligations imposed by creditors as they attempt to transfer the economies of debtor countries to be subordinate to the institutions of economic globalization. These conditions guarantee the transition of the economic system in that country to a form of liberal economic system, in which the authority of foreign capital replaces the authority of the traditional state through the privatization of state functions.
This advantage is sufficient to motivate the state, when it needs financing in a deficit situation, to resort to domestic debt, as it is debt from local financing sources, guaranteed by treasury bonds or transfers. Furthermore, this debt is denominated in local currency and does not pose a risk to exchange rates due to increased demand for foreign currencies, as is the case when repaying external debt. This is another advantage of domestic debt over external debt, as it is repaid when due in local currency.
In recent years, after Iraq was able to pay off its debts to the International Monetary Fund, it has been observed that the financial deficit is being financed through the issuance of treasury bonds and their transfers. This is credited to those in charge of fiscal and monetary policy, not only to spare the country the problems of international conditions and obligations and the accumulation of interest rates on these debts, but also because the adoption of domestic debt contributes, in one way or another, to stimulating the accumulated cash mass to invest in the issued bonds, which are based on which high and guaranteed interest rates are granted in light of the decline in foreign exchange rates against the local currency, which the markets have witnessed in recent months. This has had a positive impact on market activity and has indirectly contributed to controlling inflation indicators.
What is being said about the rise in domestic debt until the end of last March to about 85 trillion and 536 billion dinars, in light of the continuation of construction and reconstruction operations in all governorates, and the increase in market activity rates, does not represent a negative situation in light of the expansion in investment spending, if the allocations of the operating budget are secured as governing allocations. In any case, the government’s spending direction, according to what has been announced, is not limited to current expenditures only, but rather targets the investment aspect, which contributes to diversifying revenues that support, in one way or another, the financing of the public treasury. Just as highlighting the negatives is the duty of the economic observer, it is also the duty to highlight what is positive, and put an end to the fallacies that some employ with the aim of creating noise.
Iraq's domestic debt rises to 90 trillion dinars
Baghdad/Al-Masala: The Central Bank of Iraq announced on Saturday an increase in Iraq's domestic debt for July 2025.
The bank stated in a report monitored by Al-Masala that Iraq's domestic debt rose in July to 90.30 trillion dinars, a 2.91 percent increase compared to June, which reached 87.74 trillion dinars.
He added that the debt also increased by 16 percent compared to the same period last year, reaching 76 trillion dinars.
The bank indicated that the reason for the increase in domestic debt is due to a 1.72 percent decrease in government bank loans in July compared to June.
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Al-Sudani: Research centers convey an inaccurate picture of Iraq and the government is open to dialogue
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani said on Saturday that some research and study centers do not convey the true picture of Iraq, due to obtaining their information from unofficial sources, during his reception of a group of expatriate Iraqi researchers.
Today, Saturday, Prime Minister Mr. Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani received a group of expatriate Iraqi researchers and workers in various research institutions.
His Excellency pointed out the importance of the meeting in maintaining communication and dialogue between the government and think tanks and studies, as well as the role of researchers in crystallizing events and positions, and providing support to decision-makers.
The Prime Minister stressed the government's keenness to support the country's security and stability, and its respect for all opinions and orientations, noting that some research and study centers do not convey the true picture of Iraq, due to obtaining their information from unofficial sources.
During the meeting, many discussions took place about developments in the region, the agreement on Gaza, Iraq's regional and international role, its Arab and international relations, especially with Russia and China, developments in relations with the United States, as well as the relationship with Iran and the government's measures to limit weapons to the state.
The meeting also witnessed a discussion of the government's economic plans, its banking reforms, its progress with construction and reconstruction projects, infrastructure, the development road and related projects, the relationship between the federal government and the Kurdistan region of Iraq in light of the recent agreement, the water file with Turkey and Iran, and the Khor Abdullah file.
The meeting touched on the elections file, the importance of broad citizen participation, the relationship between the executive and legislative authorities, as well as discussing the file of Iraqi communities abroad, as well as the government's procedures and steps regarding the reconstruction of Sinjar.
The Prime Minister affirms the government's commitment to meeting the realistic demands that address citizens' needs.
) Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani affirmed the government's keenness to find appropriate solutions and meet the realistic demands that touch on the essential needs of citizens.
The Prime Minister's media office said in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), that "Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani received yesterday evening, Saturday, a number of representatives of the coordination committees, those with demands, and representatives of various segments, in the presence of the Deputy Director of the Prime Minister's Office, the Secretary of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, and a number of officials." Al
-Sudani stressed, according to the statement, that "the aim of the meeting is to find solutions to problems, a large part of which are related to legislation, laws and regulations that need to be adapted, indicating the government's keenness to find appropriate solutions and meet the realistic demands that touch on the essential needs of citizens."
The statement added, "The meeting discussed a number of issues, including the state employee salary scale, the demands of graduates of health colleges and institutes, the demands of contract workers in accordance with the Food Security Law and the obstacles they face that require addressing, the rights of contract employees in the Electoral Commission, the file of minority employees and their rights, and the rights of employees to obtain residential plots."
It continued, "The meeting also discussed the issue of holders of higher degrees and completing their appointment files, the file of protesting engineers, and the segment of medical examiners, in addition to discussing the demands of the families of martyrs, victims of terrorism, and securing their rights, as well as matters related to contract employees in the departments affiliated with the Baghdad Provincial Council."
He explained that "the meeting reviewed the difficulties faced by residents of neighborhoods encroaching on agricultural lands in building homes, and the implementation of Resolution (320), which constituted a comprehensive solution to the issue of these lands and is currently being implemented. In addition, it discussed the regulation of the issue of electronic taxis and the mechanism for linking with the Ministry of Interior and practicing the profession, the issue of the work of tuk-tuks and the fees imposed on them, as well as discussing the issue of food basket distribution agents and transportation fares and their work mechanisms.
The Prime Minister directed the submission of urgent proposals and studies on some of the topics raised to find solutions for them," stressing that "the government will develop short- and long-term plans and solutions for these issues, including the citizen's right to employment, appointment and job opportunities, which is one of the priorities of the government program, stressing that solutions must be based on laws, and in a way that alleviates the suffering of degree holders and graduates."
For their part, the attendees expressed their thanks and appreciation to the Prime Minister for hosting and listening to their proposals and demands, and his directives to find solutions to their problems.
The Echo Iraq Observatory monitors monthly spending and revenues and indicates a financial deficit.
The Eco Iraq Observatory confirmed, on Saturday, the existence of a financial deficit due to the country's dependence on oil revenues, while monitoring the size of monthly spending and revenues.
The observatory said in a report that "monthly public spending amounted to about 11.5 trillion dinars, compared to revenues that did not exceed 10.5 trillion dinars, which indicates a clear financial deficit resulting from the state's dependence on oil revenues and weak non-oil revenues."
It added that "monthly public spending is 11.5 trillion, while monthly revenues amounted to 10.5 trillion."
He continued that "oil sales in August amounted to $7.1 billion through exports of 104.7 million, at a price of $65 per barrel," believing that "the price of a barrel will approach $60."
The observatory added that "monthly oil revenues reach approximately 9.3 trillion dinars, while non-oil revenues did not exceed 2 trillion."
The Echo Iraq Observatory is a research institution specializing in analyzing the country's financial and economic performance. Its periodic reports focus on monitoring the size of public spending, monthly revenues, and budget funding sources.
Oil Minister: Agreement with ExxonMobil to develop storage capacity outside Iraq
"Today, we celebrate from the Grand Faw Port the launch of an important and strategic contract related to the completion of the third marine pipeline, which represents a vital artery for transporting crude oil from the Faw oil depot to export ports in the Gulf," Abdul Ghani said in a press conference held
after the project's inauguration. The minister added that "the ports targeted in this project include Basra Oil Port with its berths (1, 2, 3 and 4), in addition to Al-Amaya Oil Port," indicating that "the third part of the project includes the installation of a new floating platform to increase export capacity."
He explained that "the main goal of the project in these ports is to raise their export capacity to more than two million barrels per day as operational capacity, while the design capacity of the pipeline reaches two million and four hundred thousand barrels per day."
Abdul Ghani explained that "one of the important aspects of the project is the re-operation of the Al-Amaya oil port, which represents an important sovereign status for the Iraqi state. Oil exports through it were halted years ago due to an oil leak from the marine pipeline that connected it to the Al-Faw port, which led to its disruption for this period." He stressed that "the new project will restore operations at this vital port and reintegrate it into the national export system."
He pointed out that "the foundations of this project were laid after 2003 with funding from a Japanese loan through the JICA Foundation and in cooperation with the Japanese consultant (JOE). Large key parts of the project were completed within this funding. However, the loan expired before the final work was completed, which prompted the current Iraqi government to fully fund the project from the general budget due to its strategic importance."
“The project was previously awarded to a company, but it reneged on the agreement and did not sign the contract, forcing the Ministry of Oil to re-announce the project. With the start of the current government’s work, we were able to complete the necessary procedures and award it to a coalition of two specialized companies: the Turkish company ESTA and the Italian company Myco Peri, both of which are internationally renowned for their expertise in implementing major marine projects,” he continued.
The minister noted that “the two companies have already begun implementing the first activities of the project by bringing in a specialized marine survey vessel that has begun operations in Iraqi territorial waters, in preparation for completing the other phases of the project. We thank the two companies for their serious interaction and quick start to work,” calling at the same time for “accelerating implementation according to the specified timetables.”
He explained that "the project will be implemented in three phases: the first phase includes connecting the pipeline to the port of Al-Amaya and gradually resuming its operation. The second phase includes connecting the pipeline to the port of Basra to ensure the continuity of exports from the port.
The third phase will include the installation of a floating unit (floating platform) with a capacity of 900,000 barrels per day. Upon completion of these phases, the total confirmed export capacity will increase to more than two million barrels per day via the third pipeline."
He added that "the contractual period for the project is 750 days for the first phase. However, the ministry expects to complete the first phase in less than two years, which means that Iraq will regain a significant portion of its export capacity before the full project period is completed."
In another context, the minister addressed contractual relations with international companies, noting that "ExxonMobil had previously undertaken the development of the West Qurna Field/Phase One and achieved good performance, but the company withdrew for purely economic reasons," indicating that "the ministry tried to persuade the company to reverse its decision, but to no avail."
Abdul Ghani pointed out that "the Ministry of Oil, with the launch of the current government, sought to contract with a large number of international companies to develop the oil sector, whether by increasing crude oil production or investing in associated gas," explaining that "one of the most prominent of these steps is the signing of an agreement of principles (HOA) with ExxonMobil to develop the Majnoon Field and implement other projects outside Iraq, including the establishment of reservoirs for Iraqi oil outside the Gulf region, with the aim of enhancing flexibility in export operations and achieving additional financial gains for the state."
The minister explained that "the agreement signed under the auspices of the Prime Minister represents the first step in a comprehensive plan to rehabilitate the entire southern export system in coordination with the Basra Oil Company, because increasing oil production without increasing export capacity will not yield significant economic benefits for the country."
Abdul Ghani stressed that "Iraq, as a major member of OPEC, is keen to adhere to its agreed quota and maintain the unity of the organization," noting that "Iraq's current production capacity amounts to 5.5 million barrels per day, but Baghdad is committed to the agreed-upon production to maintain the stability of the global oil market."
For his part, Engineer Hussein Aziz, Director of the Third Offshore Pipeline Project at the Basra Oil Company, told the Iraqi News Agency (INA), "The Third Offshore Pipeline Project is one of the most important strategic projects implemented by the government, the Ministry of Oil, and the Basra Oil Company, as it enhances high flexibility in export operations through three main outlets: Basra Oil Port, Al-Amaya Port, and the Single-Phase Platform (SPM4)." He indicated that "the diameter of the pipeline is 48 knots, and that the completion of the project will represent a qualitative shift in the national export system and reflects the government's determination to implement major strategic projects despite the challenges."
He added that "work has already begun with the ships specialized in marine surveying, belonging to the implementing coalition, which arrived from international territorial waters to the Iraqi port. Work will continue at an accelerated pace according to the specified contractual plans." He emphasized that "the primary goal is to increase export operations from the southern seaports, ensuring the uninterrupted flow of Iraqi oil to global markets."
The Iraqi government condemns the US Treasury sanctions: a unilateral step that undermines the spirit of partnership.
Iraqi government spokesman Bassem Al-Awadi said in a statement received by {Euphrates News} that: “The government is following with great interest what was stated in the recent US Treasury decisions regarding the imposition of US sanctions on the General Engineer Company and some other entities on the grounds of their association with parties against which US legal procedures are being applied.”
He added, "The Iraqi government considers this unilateral measure extremely regrettable and inconsistent with the spirit of friendship and mutual respect that has always characterized bilateral relations between the two countries. Taking such a decision without prior consultation or dialogue sets a negative precedent for the approach of dealing between allied countries. Iraq also calls on its international partners, foremost among them the United States of America, to cooperate in the exchange of technical and banking information, especially with the comprehensive structural reform process of the Iraqi banking and financial system that this government has completed."
According to Al-Awadi's statement, "The Prime Minister directed the formation of a supreme national committee, including representatives from the Ministry of Finance, the Financial Supervision Bureau, the Integrity Commission, and the Central Bank, to review the relevant issue and submit its report and recommendations within 30 days, with the necessary legal and administrative measures."
He continued, "The Prime Minister also emphasized the state's responsibility to protect civilian workers and vital projects associated with these companies, ensure the continuity of services without disruption, and ensure that any corrective measures do not affect the rights of citizens or workers unrelated to the activities under scrutiny."
Al-Awadi affirmed that "Iraq rejects any economic or financial activity that deviates from the national legal framework, or is exploited to finance armed groups or for purposes that conflict with the supreme interests of our people. It is proceeding with transparent measures to ensure the protection of public funds and prevent any party from acting outside the state system, without accepting any tutelage or interference in internal affairs."
The Iraqi government spokesman concluded his statement by saying, "The government will conduct an investigation into these allegations with the aim of strengthening the path of institutional and economic reform, supporting the building of trust between citizens and the state, and consolidating the concept of building national state institutions. It also affirms its commitment to pursuing its national project, achieving equitable development, and providing a transparent and investment-friendly economic environment that serves the interests of Iraq and its people, and maintains balanced relations with all regional and international partners."
Only two US bases to stay in Iraq
Two advisory US bases will remain in Iraq, sources said on Saturday, as the withdrawal of American forces continues on schedule under the bilateral security agreement with Washington.
The sources told Shafaq News that the bases will host a limited number of military advisers tasked with training and coordination support "as needed."
Under the plan, all US combat troops will depart by September 2026. Global Coalition personnel — once numbering about 2,000 — will be reduced to fewer than 500, primarily stationed in Erbil, with others redeployed to Kuwait.
Baghdad described the transition as a “restoration of sovereignty” while preserving security and intelligence cooperation with Washington. Iran-aligned factions have hailed it as a “resistance victory,” whereas Kurdish officials backed a limited US presence to help counter ISIS threats in northern Iraq.
Al-Sudani's advisor reveals the date of the withdrawal of the last foreign force from Iraqi territory.
The Iraqi Prime Minister's security advisor, Khaled al-Yaqoubi, revealed the date for the complete withdrawal of foreign forces from Iraq, pointing to a new "security and military" agreement that will strengthen the strategic framework agreement between Baghdad and Washington.
In a televised interview followed by Al-Jabal, Al-Yaqoubi said, "Iraq is transitioning to a new phase with the United States, for the first time since 2014, following the American withdrawal." He explained that, "For the first time, we have reached an agreement to withdraw combat forces and transition to a joint bilateral relationship."
Al-Yaqoubi confirmed the continuation of negotiations between the two countries, the implementation of the agreement on the timetable for the withdrawal of combat forces of the US-led international coalition from Iraq, and the transition to bilateral relations. He said, "Negotiations are ongoing between the two delegations, and it is hoped that we will reach an agreement next month." He revealed that "a bilateral Iraqi-US military security agreement will strengthen the strategic framework agreement signed in 2008 between the two countries."
According to Al-Sudani's advisor, the Iraqi government began implementing the withdrawal timetable agreed upon with the United States on September 30 of this year, and "Iraq will be free of any American combat forces or members of the international coalition by September 2026."
Al-Yaqoubi praised the role of the international coalition in supporting Iraq in eliminating ISIS and reclaiming its territory from the group's grip, noting that "after the terrorist groups entered Iraq, an international coalition led by the United States was formed to fight ISIS in Iraq and Syria. The coalition forces arrived under American leadership, and we defeated ISIS, leaving only a few pockets in caves." He emphasized that "Iraq controls the entire territory, militarily."
The advisor noted that "Iraq has gained significant experience in its partnership with the coalition, possessing a vast database of terrorist organizations and knowledge of how these organizations are managed, their financial activities, and the movement of their personnel."
Al-Yaqoubi addressed the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) and the future of armed factions in Iraq, in conjunction with new sanctions imposed by Washington. He ruled out any further steps to follow, saying, "I don't think they (the recent sanctions) are a prelude to anything, and this isn't the first time sanctions have been imposed on Iraqi parties." He added, "The Iraqi state has its own laws and methods for defending its citizens and institutions, and these are unilateral American measures, not international ones. It's true that they will have an impact, but what's important is that even the rationale for the sanctions decisions spoke of Iraq's interest in the strategic partnership, the United States' interest in this partnership, and its interest in adhering to its previous pledges."
Regarding the positioning of the factions, the spokesman revealed that “each one names them in their own way,” explaining that “throughout the conversation with the Americans, we were talking about three points: 1- The ISIS threat, its seriousness, and assessing whether it poses a real threat. 2- Iraqi military capabilities, as neither Iraq nor the Americans want to repeat the 2014 experience when there was a clear gap in the lack of joint cooperation. 3- Taking into account the operational circumstances and complexities in the region, such as the Turkish presence and armed groups in Syria,” and “all of this was within the framework of dialogue and common interest.”
He added, "The fate of the factions depends on the security sector reform process, the enactment of the Popular Mobilization Forces law, and the circumstances facing the region." He explained, "We have a supreme committee tasked with reforming the security sector and addressing all existing shortcomings within the security institutions, and the American side is always providing advice."
In another part of his speech, Al-Yaqoubi discussed the upcoming parliamentary elections in Iraq, describing them as "decisive" and "determining the next twenty years of political life in Iraq." He emphasized that major decisions in the country have been "postponed until the next period."
Hamas: Hostage exchange with Israel to begin Monday morning
Hamas leader Osama Hamdan announced Saturday evening that the release of 48 hostages, both living and dead, most of whom are Israelis, in Gaza will begin Monday morning.
Hamdan said in an interview with Agence France-Presse, "According to the signed agreement, the exchange is scheduled to begin Monday morning as agreed upon, and there are no new developments in this regard," he said.
Following the return of the hostages from Gaza, Israel will begin releasing approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners from its jails, in accordance with the terms of the first phase of the ceasefire agreement signed by the two sides with US mediation.
Iraqchi: We have resumed indirect talks with the United States
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has said he has resumed talks with the United States through mediators. "Israel, through Russia, has assured us that it will not attack Tehran again," he said.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Iraqchi said on Saturday that Tehran and Washington are holding indirect talks through mediators and welcome the fair and balanced US proposal on the nuclear program. "Iran believes there is no reason to hold talks with Europe and Britain on this issue," he said.
"Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has assured Russian President Vladimir Putin on the phone that Israel has no intention of resuming war and attacking Iran again, but Iran still does not trust him and its armed forces are ready to defend against any attack," he said.
"Based on previous agreements, we cannot trust Israel to implement the ceasefire," Iraqi said. "We will not recognize Israel because it has committed genocide in Gaza," he said.
"We will always support any plan that serves to stop Israeli attacks on Gaza," he said.
"We will not give up our right to enrich uranium, but if countries want to know more about our intention to use it for peaceful purposes, we are ready to build confidence in them," he said. "We are ready to return to the negotiating table, but only if the sanctions are lifted.
"Iran's participation in the Ibrahimi agreement is only Donald Trump's imagination and we will never be part of it," he said.
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