The Prime Minister emphasizes the need to proceed with economic and financial reform plans.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani stressed on Sunday the need to proceed with economic and financial reform plans, directing the Ministry of Electricity to study economic models for investment projects.
Talks to form the new Iraqi government have begun, revealing the start of negotiations.
The “Abshir Ya Iraq” bloc, affiliated with the Supreme Islamic Council, revealed on Sunday that talks have begun to form the new Iraqi government.
Ali Saber al-Kanai, a leader in the bloc and winner of the recent parliamentary elections, told Shafaq News Agency that "discussions on forming the next government actually began several days ago between the heads of the parties, as this move began after the Supreme Judicial Council called on the political parties that won the elections to quickly make understandings in order to form the new legislative and executive authorities within the constitutional time limits."
Al-Kinani added that "the features of the government formation will appear after the final ratification of the new members of parliament and after the election of the president," adding: "We, as new members of the Iraqi parliament, will put the national interest above all considerations, and dialogue and cooperation between the political blocs will be a prelude to forming the next government."
Earlier today, the Federal Election Commission announced the completion of the counting of the remaining votes at the polling stations, suggesting that the results would be announced today or tomorrow, Monday.
Government advisor: Amending the Commercial Agency Law supports Iraq's requirements for joining the World Trade Organization
The Prime Minister’s financial advisor, Mazhar Muhammad Salih, confirmed on Sunday that the Cabinet’s approval of the draft law amending the Commercial Agency Regulation Law would support Iraq’s accession to the World Trade Organization and improve market efficiency by reducing prices and raising the quality of goods, as well as supporting investment and integration into the global economy.
Saleh told the Iraqi News Agency (INA): “The first amendment to the existing Commercial Agency Regulation Law represents an important legislative reform that enhances competitiveness, improves the quality of goods and services, and supports investment and integration into the global economy,” noting that “the amendment also contributes to building a more disciplined and equitable market, which will directly impact economic growth and consumer protection in Iraq.”
He added that "this amendment comes to address the gaps that appeared during the application of the law since 2017, whose main goal was and still is to promote and regulate commercial activity and improve the business environment in Iraq."
He explained that “the motives for the amendment are directed towards important axes, including addressing cases of actual monopoly by some commercial agencies in key sectors such as sensitive devices, consumer goods, and others, as well as the need for more precise regulation of the relationship between foreign companies and local agents in accordance with international standards, with the necessity of raising the level of transparency and disclosure in registering agencies and documenting their contracts,” noting that “all the contents of the amendment are consistent with the need to protect the consumer from substandard goods and weak after-sales services, as we have explained, which drain the consumer and the national economy.”
He stated that "the amendment comes to support the state's direction towards improving the investment environment and attracting global companies directly to the national market."
He stated that "the most prominent aspects of the amendment are based on opening the field to greater competition between agents and preventing disguised monopolies, tightening registration and auditing procedures for commercial agencies through the Ministry of Commerce, in addition to clearer and stronger regulation of contracts between the local agent and the foreign supplier, which enhances the rights of both parties, and obligating agents to higher standards of quality, warranty and maintenance, as well as strengthening governmental and tax oversight and digitization in agency procedures, and providing an important entry point towards building a competitive and fair market away from the dominance of closed agencies, and supporting the requirements for the country's accession to the World Trade Organization by enhancing transparency and competition."
He added that "amending the law also leads to strengthening national supply chains, encouraging local manufacturing, and establishing a stable and attractive legal environment for foreign direct investment that is consistent with global quality standards in developing the business environment, which is the focus of the World Bank and international trade and economic organizations." He pointed out that "the implications of amending the existing Commercial Agencies Regulation Law are embodied in providing important economic pathways, foremost among them improving market efficiency by reducing prices and raising the quality of goods as a result of increased competition, in addition to attracting new international companies and brands to the Iraqi market, reducing the restrictions imposed by monopolies, stimulating local investment in the fields of distribution, logistics and commercial services, in addition to protecting the consumer and providing better products with more committed after-sales services, and increasing state revenues by controlling tax compliance and regulating import operations."
In his quest to revive old Baghdad… Al-Sudani chairs a meeting to develop the Al-Rasafi-Abu Nawas axis
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani chaired a meeting on Sunday regarding the development and rehabilitation of the second axis of Al-Rashid Street, which extends from Al-Rasafi Square to the beginning of Abu Nawas Street, in the presence of the Mayor of Baghdad, the Governor of the Central Bank, and a number of advisors and concerned officials.
During the meeting, the steps of the second phase of the rehabilitation of Al-Rashid Street, which extends for approximately 3.5 km and starts from Maarouf Al-Rasafi Square to the new Italian Hospital, were reviewed, in addition to the rehabilitation of 183 governmental and private buildings.
The meeting discussed mechanisms for addressing the administrative and technical obstacles related to the project, as well as presenting the plan related to the development of the Bataween area, in a way that makes the capital, Baghdad, comparable to tourist capitals in the world.
Al-Sudani directed that efforts continue at the same pace to complete the first section of Al-Rashid Street, and that the experiences and expertise gained be utilized to complete the second section, indicating that the rehabilitation and development work reflects the great interest of the government in Baghdad’s archaeological and heritage areas.
The Prime Minister pointed to the importance of the rehabilitation of Al-Rashid Street in the hearts of Iraqis and their expression of joy at the completion of the first phase of the project, stressing the priority of proceeding with the completion of projects in historical places in the capital, Baghdad, and gradually expanding these projects to the rest of its areas.
Al-Araji: Iraq is committed to building balanced relations with all countries of the world.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Sunday that Iraq has played an important role in promoting regional stability over the past years.
The Ministry said in a statement followed by Al-Masra, “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a special session today to introduce the Iraqi National Security Strategy (Iraq First), during which it hosted National Security Advisor Qasim Al-Araji, and in the presence of the Undersecretary of the Ministry for Multilateral Affairs and Legal Affairs, Ambassador Shorsh Khalid Saeed, and the Head of the Organizations Department, Ambassador Fadel Al-Rahim, in addition to a number of heads of departments in the Ministry’s headquarters and representatives of Arab and foreign diplomatic missions operating in Iraq.”
Undersecretary Shorsh Khalid Saeed opened the session with a speech in which he welcomed the advisor and the attendees, noting that “the Ministry has contributed effectively to the preparation of the strategy for the period (2025–2030), which aims to address security, environmental, economic and social challenges.”
He added that “the session witnessed interventions by a number of heads of diplomatic missions, during which they raised questions and proposals related to the items of the strategy, and the advisor to the Undersecretary of the Ministry took it upon himself to answer them and clarify its various aspects.”
He emphasized “the proactive role that Iraq has played in recent years in promoting regional stability,” and praised “the great efforts made by the committee responsible for preparing the strategy, and its keenness to include the role of foreign policy in promoting international cooperation.”
For his part, the National Security Advisor expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and diplomatic missions, reviewing the most prominent challenges that Iraq faced during the past period and the pivotal role of the leadership in overcoming them and consolidating state institutions.
He pointed out that “the preparation of the national security strategy involved all state institutions, along with international organizations and civil society organizations,” stressing that “these entities are considered partners in its implementation.”
He stressed that “Iraq is committed to building balanced relations with all countries of the world, based on mutual respect and non-interference in internal affairs,” praising “the important role played by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in consolidating international relations.”
He reviewed the five main pillars of the strategy, which are: the security and intelligence pillar, the economic pillar, the pillar of state relations and international partnerships, the pillar of community security, and the pillar of public services.
He pointed to “the importance of institutional evaluation and encouraging volunteer work,” and gave the delegations a brief overview of the success of the parliamentary elections that took place in Iraq.
He praised “the efforts of the government, the commission and the security services in conducting safe and stable elections that promote the peaceful transfer of power,” noting that “Iraq has succeeded in the Al-Hol camp file through the national measures and efforts that have been taken.”
The Chairman of the Standing Committee for National Security Strategy, Ali Abdul Aziz Al-Yassiri, gave a detailed explanation regarding the strategy’s axes and outputs.
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Iran rebukes US direction on world order: A “force-based” doctrine
On Sunday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the United States of driving a global shift toward a “force-based order,” warning that international law is under “direct attack” as powerful states move away from the post-war UN system.
Speaking at the international conference titled “International Law Under Attack: Aggression and Defense,” Araghchi argued that countries once expected to safeguard the international order have instead “turned against it,” creating an environment in which “war and violence become the rule, peace and coexistence the exception,” and military force assumes a central position in foreign policy.
Araghchi further charged that Washington is driving a shift from a rules-based system, asserting that the long-standing motto of “peace through strength” has become a vehicle for “coercive measures” enabling “open domination and the blatant use of military force.”
In reference to what he described as “a US manifesto of hegemony,” Araghchi said this approach turns a defense minister into a “minister of war,” brings nuclear testing back onto the agenda, and empowers a president who “claims to be a man of peace” to launch attacks “without justification.”
Turning to the June 13 Israeli strike on Iranian territory — which Tehran maintains occurred with full US support — the FM said the attack hit civilian nuclear sites and killed Iranian commanders inside their homes. He denounced the strike as “a clear violation of international law, the UN Charter, and the non-proliferation regime.”
He reasserted Iran’s position, maintaining that the country’s nuclear activities fall within the rights provided under Article IV of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, which allows peaceful nuclear development, including enrichment, stressing that Tehran has “fully complied” with International Atomic Energy Agency monitoring and has acted within international law as a founding UN member.
Iranian officials have previously accused the US of obstructing diplomatic efforts, including indirect nuclear negotiations, and have described US military actions abroad as violations of international law and sovereignty. Tehran has also outlined a regional strategy centered on political and economic engagement, alongside repeated assertions that its nuclear program complies with international monitoring rules.
The Prime Minister emphasizes the need to proceed with economic and financial reform plans.
The United States congratulates Iraq on the successful electoral process.
The Chargé d'Affaires of the US Embassy in Iraq, Joshua Harris, congratulated Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein on Sunday on the successful completion of the electoral process.
A statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated that "Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein received the Chargé d'Affaires of the US Embassy in Iraq, Joshua Harris, in Baghdad. During the meeting, the two sides discussed the course of bilateral relations between the two countries, particularly in light of the appointment of President Donald Trump's new envoy to Iraq, who is scheduled to assume his duties in the coming period."
The statement added, "The meeting also addressed the electoral process that took place in Iraq and its success. The US Chargé d'Affaires congratulated the Minister on the safe and smooth conclusion of the electoral process." It further noted that "the meeting also included discussions on regional issues and related developments, in addition to an exchange of views on a number of files of common interest."
A clash of wills: Who will dictate the terms for forming Iraq's new government?
A clash of wills: Who will dictate the terms for forming Iraq's new government?
By Professor Dr. Qais Abdulaziz Al-Douri,
Member of the Iraqi Forum for Elites and Competencies
In light of the preliminary results of the recent parliamentary elections (November 2025), the stage of forming the "largest bloc" has begun. This is not merely a mathematical calculation, but an open arena of strategic conflict. The question is not who will win the presidency, but who will ultimately dictate the course of the country: will it be American economic pressure, represented by Trump's envoy, Mark Zafaya; or Iranian internal influence, represented by its allies within the Coordination Framework; or will the final word rest with the judiciary, led by Faiq Zaidan?
The answer lies in the division of roles: Tehran decides "who" governs, Washington decides "how" they govern, and the judiciary legitimizes both.
1. Tehran: Imposing "individuals" through internal "mandates."
Tehran, through its allies, remains the party most capable of imposing the identity of the next prime minister and the core composition of the government.
• The power of the ballot box: The victory of the current Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani's coalition in the elections, and the formation of the Shiite blocs loyal to the Coordination Framework, which constitutes a majority within parliament, grants Tehran the constitutional mandate to nominate the prime minister. This internal influence cannot be circumvented by Washington except by violating the constitution (which Washington publicly rejects).
• Imposing a fait accompli: Tehran's will is imposed through local players who control state and security institutions. It doesn't need a special envoy; its voice is heard through the leaders of the blocs that form the "largest bloc" negotiations.
In short: Iran ensures that the next prime minister will be from its acceptable circle (such as renewing al-Sudani's term or a consensus candidate from within the framework).
2. Mark Safaya: Imposing "restrictions" through the financial "veto."
In contrast, Washington understands that it cannot determine the individual, but it can define the limits of their power. This is where the role of deal envoy Mark Safaya comes in, who carries less a diplomatic portfolio and more the hammer of American sanctions:
• Economic language: Safaya's mission is not political in the traditional sense, but purely economic. He represents the will of the American administration to use the control of the dollar and the global banking system to impose strict conditions on the new government.
• Conditions of governance: Safaya imposes the American will from the outside by:
• Cutting off funding: Demanding the separation of armed forces from the economy and reducing their financial influence.
• Economic Quotas: Pressure to appoint “competent and independent” figures to sovereign economic positions (such as the Central Bank and the Ministry of Finance) that have traditionally been the preserve of partisan quotas.
• The Greatest Threat: If the government fails to meet these conditions, the greatest threat is economic and financial isolation, which no Iraqi prime minister can afford.
In short: Washington does not choose the prime minister, but it imposes a restrictive agenda on him.
3. The Supreme Judicial Council (Faiq Zaidan): Enforcing Constitutional “Legitimacy”
The head of the Supreme Judicial Council, Judge Faiq Zaidan, maintains declared neutrality, consistently emphasizing that the judiciary operates independently of pressures and that the selection of the prime minister is a “purely national matter.”
• The Guarantor Role: The judiciary will not intervene to favor either Iran or Tehran. Its role is the constitutional guarantor of the political process. The judiciary will:
• Confirm the Results: Ratify the final election results.
• Interpret the Largest Bloc:The resolution of any legal dispute regarding how the largest bloc is formed.
The final outcome: The judiciary provides constitutional legitimacy to the result of the political conflict, thus preventing the country from descending into complete collapse, which could result from a violation of the constitution. It is the guardian of the legal framework, but not the political decision-maker.
The new government landscape:
The new Iraqi government will be the product of a tug-of-war between these three forces, and the landscape will take the following shape:
1. Leadership (Who?): A renewed prime minister (likely al-Sudani) or an alternative from within the coordinating framework. This individual will be domestically acceptable and surrounded by Iranian allies in non-sovereign positions.
2. Sovereignty (How?): A government with diminished sovereignty, operating under a reformist and developmental discourse. It will publicly commit to reducing corruption, controlling factions, and meeting Western demands, but will find it extremely difficult to fully implement these commitments due to internal obligations.
3. The economy (The minefield): Economic issues (the dollar, energy, contracts) will remain the hotbed of confrontation. These issues will be under intense international scrutiny, reducing the government's room for maneuver and forcing it to deal flexibly with Washington.
In conclusion, no single party will succeed in imposing its will completely. Instead, we will see a government of "forced contradiction": born under Tehran's auspices, operating with a performance card provided by Washington, and deriving its legitimacy from a court ruling. It is a continuation of the Iraqi model of governance, which prefers managing conflict to resolving it.
In conclusion, no single party will succeed in imposing its will completely. Instead, we will see a government of "forced contradiction": born under Tehran's auspices, operating with a performance card provided by Washington, and deriving its legitimacy from a court ruling. It is a continuation of the Iraqi model of governance, which prefers managing conflict to resolving it.
A list of candidates for prime minister with US approval... prominent names top the scene.
A well-informed political source in Baghdad revealed on Sunday the most prominent names being considered as potential candidates for the position of the new Prime Minister.
The source told the "Video" news agency that the list includes ten prominent names and has received initial approval from the American side.
He explained that the nominated names are: Jaafar al-Sadr, Ali Shukri, Hamid al-Shatri, Hamid al-Ghazi, Qasim al-Araji, Abdul-Amir al-Shammari, Asaad al-Eidani, Basim al-Badri, Mohsen al-Mandalawi, and Ahmed Salim.
The source added that "the United States has approved the above names," noting that the next stage requires "the approval of the political blocs to select the most suitable candidate based on the final agreements" governing the political landscape.
Al-Araji: A framework meeting will be held tomorrow, attended by Al-Sudani... and there are conditions for selecting ministers for the government formation.
Al-Araji said, during his appearance on the “Point” program on Al-Furat satellite channel, that: “The coordination framework will hold an important meeting tomorrow, which will be attended by Al-Sudani, to outline the work of the next stage,” stressing that “the largest bloc has its firm conditions for choosing the ministers of the new government.”
Al-Araji added that "the nomination of the prime minister must be a purely Iraqi decision by the largest Shiite bloc, and no one can override the other within the coordination framework for forming the next government," stressing that "the standard that applies to the new prime minister will be agreed upon by everyone."
He stressed that "the Reconstruction and Development Coalition holds a third of the political decision-making power after the recent elections, and that whoever bets on dismantling the coalition is a loser, as everyone is eager to preserve the achievement and we do not accept dismantling the coordination framework."
Al-Araji stated that “Al-Sudani stressed that the selection of the Prime Minister must be within the framework and that he must meet the agreed-upon criteria, and that the government program must have full agreement.”
He explained that "the talk is different after the elections, and that Al-Sudani said that what is important is the unity of the framework, that reconstruction is a fundamental pillar of it, and that the Prime Minister must step out of the coordination framework."
Al-Araji pointed out that "the largest component is the one that nominates the Prime Minister, and that the Kurds and Sunnis are partners in the homeland, and that the largest bloc is the one that puts an end to all crises and excludes the undesirable ministers," revealing that "the framework has not yet discussed the issue of a second term for Al-Sudani, and that Al-Sudani has not put himself forward until now; but the political opinions agreed on speeding up the formation of the next government."
He pointed to "the need to draw up a map of the boundaries of the three presidencies," stressing that "there is nothing to fear from anyone who assumes the presidency of the republic."
Regarding the news of sending a message to the leader of the Sadrist movement, Mr. Muqtada al-Sadr, regarding the formation of the government, al-Araji said: “No message was sent to Mr. al-Sadr regarding the formation of the next government, but there is a fear of a societal split because the followers of the movement represent a large percentage of society, and their decision to boycott is respected. There is an ongoing dialogue within the framework to communicate with Mr. al-Sadr that the next stage is important and sensitive.”
He stated that "political blocs prevented Sudan from amending the cabinet after the failure of some ministers, and that the participation rate in the current elections confirms the public's satisfaction with the political system."
Al-Araji pointed out that "all the complaints filed against Al-Sudani were before the elections, and that there was a party that wanted to create strife among the Shiites regarding the issue of the leaks, and that the head of the State of Law Coalition, Nouri Al-Maliki, has the right to complain about the wiretapping issue."
He added, "Iraq today has external challenges that could undermine all the achievements of the Iraqi state, and these challenges must be taken into account in the prime minister's equation, even though the internal challenges that Al-Sudani faced at the beginning have decreased considerably."
Regarding the Erbil visit, he explained that “Al-Sudani’s visit came at the invitation of the government to attend a conference directed at other political forces,” stressing that “there will be no understandings without referring to the framework, and that Al-Sudani is focusing on resolving the water crisis with regional countries and the issue of electricity.”
Al-Araji denied the existence of a financial crisis, saying, "There is only a cash liquidity crisis due to citizens not depositing their money in banks, and the real backing for the dollar exists, and Iraq has the largest dollar reserve, estimated at one hundred and thirty billion dollars."
In concluding his remarks, Al-Araji explained that "the basis of the dispute between Al-Sudani and MP Hussein Arab was the order in the list, and the complaint filed against Arab came from an ordinary citizen, not a politician," noting that "most of the audio leaks that spread of Al-Sudani were private conversations in the place and not over the phone, and the judiciary is the final arbiter in this matter."
Analysts expect lengthy talks to form Iraq’s largest bloc
Post-election bargaining
Political analysts say Iraq is likely to face extended negotiations before a largest bloc emerges to nominate the next prime minister, warning that divisions among major parties will slow efforts to form the new government.
Kifah Mahmoud, speaking to the state-owned Al-Sabah newspaper, said “reaching the largest bloc will not be quick due to differences among the main political forces,” describing its formation as the product of “complex understandings.” He said a repeat of the attempted 2021 tripartite alliance between the Sadrist Movement, the Kurdistan Democratic Party, and the Taqadum Party is unlikely, though he noted that “the door remains open to flexible cooperation formulas” in the coming weeks.
Ali Habib, another analyst, said the current political landscape is marked by “a relative balance between components, which provides room for dialogue and understanding.” He added that the size of alliances will determine which side can form the next government, emphasizing that “political customs in place since 2003 still play an important role in maintaining political balance.”
Ammar al-Azzawi, head of the Yarmouk Center for Strategic Studies, said parties this year appear more inclined “to avoid internal conflicts and to be open to joint solutions,” adding that political norms continue to shape “more calm and clearer negotiations.”
Political analyst Mohammed Zangana said “the competition for positions began as soon as the counting and sorting ended,” pointing to the distribution of the three presidencies as a central question for parties. He said talks over the next prime minister will be “the most complex,” and expected negotiations to continue “for weeks or possibly months” before a consensus is reached.
Iraq’s Independent High Electoral Commission released preliminary results from the Nov. 11 parliamentary elections on Wednesday night. According to 964media projections, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s Reconstruction and Development Coalition leads with 46 expected seats, followed by Mohammed al-Halbousi’s Taqadum Party and Nouri al-Maliki’s State of Law Coalition with 29 seats each.
The Kurdistan Democratic Party is projected to win 28 seats after receiving nearly 1.1 million votes nationwide. Qais al-Khazali’s Al-Sadiqoun Movement is expected to take 27 seats. Other blocs include Ammar al-Hakim’s National State Forces Alliance with 19 seats, Hadi al-Amiri’s Badr Organization with 18, Bafel Talabani’s Patriotic Union of Kurdistan with 18, and Muthanna al-Samarrai’s Azm Alliance with 15.
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