First comment from the Sudanese regarding the dollar exchange rate
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Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani confirmed on Tuesday (December 16, 2025) that changing the dollar exchange rate falls within the exclusive powers of the Central Bank of Iraq.
The video for this My FX Buddies Blog post is below here:
In a televised interview followed by “Baghdad Today”, Al-Sudani said: “Changing the dollar exchange rate is the sole prerogative of the Central Bank of Iraq,” stressing that “the government has managed to reduce the gap in the exchange rate between the official and parallel rates,” indicating the government’s success in reducing the gap in the exchange rate.
Al-Sudani added: “We currently tend to maintain stability by fixing the exchange rate and not changing it from time to time to ensure market stability,” noting that “the government strongly supported correcting the conditions of private banks in order to bring them back into the market and to operate within international standards.”
The Sudanese government summarizes its achievements in the economic sector and promises employees salary adjustments.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani spoke on Tuesday about the achievements made during his tenure as head of the Iraqi government regarding the economy and energy sector, while indicating that the time has come to address the disparity in the salaries of state employees and to achieve fairness and justice among them.
In a televised interview followed by “Mail”, Al-Sudani said, “The three-year budget provided stability in spending and ensured the financing of projects, and I expect we will not go to three-year budgets anymore,” indicating that “Iraq’s budget was $24 billion in 2004.”
He added that "the number of employees in 2025 is 4 million and 550 thousand," noting that "the number of civilian and military retirees is 2 million and 960 thousand."
He pointed out that "43 million citizens benefit from the ration card," explaining that "4 million and 500 thousand names that were not entitled were being issued the ration card."
He added that "more than 22 trillion dinars are spent annually on the energy sector," noting that "social protection allocations amounted to 6 trillion dinars annually."
He explained that "12 trillion dinars are allocated to service projects from the annual budget," stressing, "We have made important reforms to reduce expenses and financial waste."
He pointed out that "reviewing previous electricity contracts saved 43% of previous costs," indicating that "there are those who reject institutional organization because they thrive on chaos."
He went on to say: “There is no country in the world today without internal or external debt,” noting that “all budgets approved by previous governments include a financial deficit.”
He stated that "the total external debt is $10 billion and 56 million," noting that "Iraq's external debt is the lowest among the countries of the region."
He added that "the financial crisis can be overcome without harming citizens," noting that "Iraq's gold reserves have increased from 130 to 172 tons."
Al-Sudani confirmed that "the inflation rate has decreased from 7.5% to 2.7%," noting that "the government has managed to reduce the gap in the exchange rate."
He continued: "We tend to be stable in fixing the exchange rate and not changing it every so often," noting that "we supported correcting the situation of private banks and their return to the market."
He added: "It is time to review the disparity in the salary scale of state employees," noting that "there are 34 laws and special decisions related to the salaries of state employees."
He stressed the need to amend the laws relating to additional allowances, noting that "the state is responsible for protecting the private sector from extortion and bureaucracy."
He continued: "We have obtained many gains for the state through distinguished investments," stressing "the development of 66 streets in Sadr City in exchange for an investment license for 200 dunams."
He explained that "investments provide important additional revenues for the country," noting that "the project to develop the four Kirkuk oil fields is worth $26 billion."
He pointed out that "ExxonMobil's return is due to the transparency of the procedures taken by the government," stressing that "ExxonMobil, Chevron and Halliburton possess modern technology and techniques."
He explained that "residential cities provide alternative options for all classes."
The Prime Minister pointed out that "flaring associated gas was causing a loss of $5 billion annually," indicating that "associated gas investment projects have reached 72%."
He added that "for the first time, Iraq is exporting kerosene by signing a contract for 100,000 tons."
He pointed out that "the submerged tunnel is an architectural masterpiece being implemented for the first time in the region," explaining that "the development road is used for transporting oil, gas and communications."
He added that "the regulatory bodies confirmed that there were no high estimates in the costs of the projects," noting that "economic crises are a global context that many countries are experiencing."
Al-Alaq: We succeeded in increasing the size of foreign reserves and curbing inflation.
The Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq, Dr. Ali Al-Alaq, affirmed that maintaining financial and banking stability, public financial sustainability, and curbing inflation are among the most difficult challenges facing countries, and cannot be achieved without operating the various economic sectors, especially in light of global economic and financial complexities.
Al-Alaq explained, during a lecture on development financing in light of the global debt crisis, held on the sidelines of the Fifth Regional Conference of the Al-Baraka Forum for Islamic Economics, which is being held in Cairo in partnership with the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States, and which was attended by Al-Sabah newspaper, that “the Iraqi scene is facing intertwined pressures and accumulated infrastructure and development challenges, which require diversifying the economy and maximizing public revenues,” noting that “public finances in Iraq depend on oil exports by more than 90%, which is an unconventional source subject to fluctuations in global prices, which leads to fluctuations in revenues and weak financial stability, which necessitates finding structural solutions.”
He explained that “the limited economic diversification and weak productive sectors have made Iraq a country that is primarily an importer, which puts continuous pressure on the dollar and the exchange rate, especially with the rise in purchasing power and the increase in daily demand for foreign currency, which directly affects monetary policy, which has achieved great success in balancing the maintenance of price levels, managing liquidity, and stimulating the economy.”
He pointed out that "public spending pressures, particularly on salaries, subsidies and basic services, pose an additional challenge," stressing "the difficulty of reducing these expenditures due to the potential social repercussions, at a time when the central bank is striving to avoid inflation and maintain monetary stability to protect the social structure of the country."
Al-Alaq pointed out that “Iraq has been able in recent years to finance part of the financial deficit through the development of non-oil revenues, while continuing to coordinate with the Prime Minister with the aim of maximizing these resources and reducing dependence on oil,” in an effort to break what he described as the “financial dominance” of oil revenues over the general budget.
The governor of the Central Bank affirmed that "the stability of the exchange rate is a pivotal goal, as it provides a safe cover for investors and citizens," noting that "Iraq has succeeded in raising the size of foreign reserves and linking them to a package of integrated monetary policies, which have contributed to reducing the inflation rate to about 1%, which is among the lowest levels recorded."
He added that "Iraq is in the process of governing the banking sector," revealing that "an update is underway in cooperation between the Central Bank and an international company for a comprehensive reform plan, which includes reviewing bank licenses according to new conditions and standards, in order to strengthen the banking system and raise its efficiency."
Regarding Islamic bonds, Al-Alaq explained that "there are no Islamic bond instruments in Iraq yet," noting that "there is an integrated project submitted by the Central Bank to the Iraqi Parliament for voting, which opens new horizons for financing and investment."
On the issue of debt, Al-Alaq stressed "the need to find an organized and continuous international dialogue between creditors and debtors," calling for "the establishment of a regional platform to organize this dialogue and reduce the gap between the two parties, in order to ensure negotiations without significant losses, and to contribute to the implementation of reforms and the strengthening of the economic base with the support of the participating countries."
He pointed to “international studies showing that losses in the debt file may range between 20% and 25% as a result of poorly considered financing conditions or delays,” stressing that “negotiating platforms contribute to reducing these losses and enhancing international cooperation by improving debt conditions, bridging the information gap, and exchanging experiences in economic reform processes.”
Calls to invest in the energies of youth to bridge the digital divide
Participants in the second edition of the Digital Space Forum agreed that Iraq possesses real capabilities that enable it to keep pace with global developments in the field of electronic transformation and building a digital economy according to sound international standards.
They emphasized that the forum is a pivotal event aimed at repositioning Iraq on the path of technological development by creating a platform for dialogue that brings together decision-makers, experts, and specialists. The forum concluded with a wide range of recommendations, most notably stressing the importance of learning from leading international experiences, harnessing the energy and technological innovations of young people, and engaging the private sector as a key partner in driving digital transformation.
The forum, organized by the National Security Advisory in cooperation with the Ministry of Communications, the Media and Communications Commission, the Central Bank, the International Chamber of Commerce, and the Federation of Chambers of Commerce, included a number of experts, officials, and decision-makers who discussed the reality of the digital divide and possible solutions to accelerate catching up with the global trend.
Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, Ahmed Al-Asadi, affirmed in his speech during the forum, which was attended by “Al-Sabah”, that “the importance of the conference stems from its focus on the major transformations in the world of technology and artificial intelligence, especially since Iraq has regressed in this vital area for many years due to well-known circumstances.” He stressed that “overcoming this gap is no longer an option, but rather an urgent necessity that requires swift action and investment in the energies of young people capable of achieving qualitative leaps if the appropriate environment is provided to them.” He pointed out that “the ministry has completed automation in most of its departments, and that the Social Protection Department in particular now provides its services electronically to more than 7 million citizens.”
Building youth expertise
For his part, the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the Media and Communications Commission, Balasim Jassim, explained that the world is witnessing an unprecedented acceleration in the field of digitization, and that Iraq needs to build qualified youth expertise to keep pace with these transformations, indicating that the Digital Space Forum brought together various concerned institutions and came out with a vision that focuses on developing infrastructure and promoting digital culture as an essential element for protecting society and ensuring the sustainability of development.
successful international experiences
The head of the International Chamber of Commerce, Iraq branch, Engineer Mohsen Al-Humaid, stressed the need for concerted efforts to keep pace with global developments in digital transformation, highlighting the importance of learning from successful international experiences. Al-Humaid emphasized the necessity of investing in the intelligence and innovation of young people and the crucial role of the private sector in this important endeavor, noting the establishment of a global academy in Iraq dedicated to training young people according to the highest international standards.
Global Digital Revolution
For his part, the head of the Anbar Chamber of Commerce, Amer Al-Fahdawi, affirmed that the Federation of Chambers of Commerce is an active partner in promoting the business environment, and that Iraq is capable of being part of the global digital revolution through genuine partnerships between the public and private sectors.
He stated that the union is working to support digital transformation, develop the necessary skills for it, and create a transparent digital business environment that meets the requirements of the digital market.
Leadership selection
For his part, Khalid al-Jabri, head of the Usul Foundation for Economic Development, stated that Iraq does not suffer from a lack of plans, but rather from resistance to change within the government apparatus and a lack of professionalism in selecting leaders capable of implementing strategies. He explained that the continued reliance on paper-based transactions does not serve any reform process; instead, it reinforces bureaucracy and delays attracting investment. He pointed out that the gap between the Central Bank's vision for expanding digital payments and the banks' still-traditional performance leaves citizens the ones most affected by slow service and a lack of financial products.
Youthful energy
Al-Jabri pointed out that Iraq has the largest youth energy in the region with more than 27 million young people of working age, in addition to 16 million children who represent the basis of future growth, but this energy may turn into a burden if it is not accompanied by radical reforms in the health, education and housing sectors.
Al-Jabri stated that digital transformation will not be achieved without enhancing competition and allowing the entry of foreign banks, along with institutional reform that restores the human being to the center of public policies. The world is moving towards artificial intelligence and quantum computing, which makes delaying a strategic risk that cannot be accepted.
Expert: Raising bank capital or merging banks is necessary to support the financial system in Iraq
In light of the recent directives of the Central Bank of Iraq regarding the need to raise the capital of private banks to no less than 400 billion dinars or to move towards mergers, Professor Dr. Kawa Qardaghi, an expert in banking affairs, presented a comprehensive reading of the reality of the Iraqi financial sector and the challenges it faces. Qardaghi explained that: “The decision aims to support economic and financial stability in the country, noting that the Iraqi banking system suffers from a clear fragility represented by the lack of trust between citizens and local banks, as well as between Iraqi banks and their international counterparts and correspondent banks, which limits Iraq’s ability to engage in the international financial system.”
He pointed out that: “Global financial institutions need strong guarantees before dealing with Iraq, and the complexities related to transferring funds for import and export constitute a great burden on Iraqi traders, which requires strict adherence to international standards to overcome this isolation.”
Qardaghi criticized: “The lack of gradualism in the Central Bank’s previous decisions regarding increasing capital and reserves,” stressing that: “Gradual steps would have reduced the current pressure, but today banks are faced with an inevitable choice to raise their capital, as this constitutes a fundamental element for gaining the confidence of foreign banks.”
Regarding the fate of banks unable to reach the required ceiling, the expert stressed that: “Merger is the ideal solution,” calling on the administrations of small banks that are similar in nature of work to hasten to hold serious meetings to merge into stronger entities, capable of continuing and obtaining international accreditation.
Regarding the potential impact of political divisions on mergers, Qardaghi stressed that: “Banks owned by political figures will face the risk of bankruptcy if they do not overcome their differences, emphasizing the need to prioritize economic considerations over any partisan conflicts.” He concluded by emphasizing that: “Enhancing citizens’ confidence in banking institutions will only be achieved through large, financially sound banks capable of protecting deposits, something that small banks alone cannot provide in light of the challenges facing the Iraqi financial sector.”
The financial pain has reached its peak, and implementing reforms now is merely a publicity stunt for the Sudanese – expert
Governments begin with it, they don't end with it.
Following the Economic Council's decision on Monday to reduce government spending and maximize revenues, during a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, economist Ziad al-Hashemi said that the caretaker government's presentation of a financial reform plan at the last minute aims to whitewash its reputation in its final days. He hopes this announcement will encourage political parties to reappoint al-Sudani for a second term and give him the opportunity to implement this plan. Al-Hashemi expressed surprise at what is happening in Iraq, noting that governments around the world present their financial plans at the beginning of their formation to address financial errors, improve the quality of spending, maximize returns, and formulate their financial policies in a systematic and disciplined manner. He emphasized that the financial pain has reached the core of the government, and only harsh and painful measures that harm the citizen above all others will suffice.
(After the axe has fallen) The Iraqi government is playing for time and trying to score last points in its favor, and is proposing a financial reform plan to reduce spending and increase revenues!
Governments around the world, at the beginning of their formation, present their financial plan to address financial errors, improve the quality of spending, maximize returns, and formulate their financial policy in a systematic and disciplined manner, but what is happening in Iraq is something else entirely!
For the past four years, the Iraqi government’s program has been based on expanding spending through a highly politicized budget, which has inflated salaries and subsidies, piled up government employees beyond the needs and capacity of state institutions, magnified the financial deficit and accumulated debts, and allowed corruption to operate freely!
All of this happened at a time when Iraq’s financial revenues from oil sales and other sources were decreasing, yet that government paid no attention to either internal warnings or international reports, all of which were sounding the alarm in the face of that government and warning it of the dangers of inflated spending in light of deteriorating revenue, but there was no response!
After the opportunities for reform were lost and the financial problem grew dangerously during the past years, the government now appears at the end of its lifespan with a financial reform plan after the financial pain reached the government’s core and nothing but harsh and painful treatments that harm the citizen before anyone else will work for it!
It is unclear how the caretaker government will implement its financial plan, as it is a government stripped of powers and does not have enough time to implement all those major reform measures. Who will implement, who will commit, and who will set the timelines for implementation, and we are on the verge of forming a new government!
It is highly likely that this government wants to whitewash its reputation in its final days by announcing the financial reform plan, perhaps as a way to encourage political parties to reappoint the current Prime Minister and give him the opportunity to implement his reform plan!
But in any case, the next government, whether the current prime minister is reappointed or someone else is appointed, will face a difficult financial test that will force it to implement more harsh and painful measures, in which financial austerity may be the order of the day for the next four years!
The Iraqi economy is caught between internal and external debt; the reality is more complex than the statements suggest.
Between official statements confirming control over external debts and close monitoring of reserves, the Iraqi economy faces a complex reality represented by the rise in internal debt and the accumulation of unresolved obligations, which increases the fragility of the budget and threatens financial stability.
While official authorities continue to emphasize the “soundness of the financial situation” and the “discipline of public debt,” economic and financial indicators reveal a more complex reality than what government statements claim.
Internal debt is rising at an alarming rate, the budget is faltering amid political disputes and judicial decisions, while unresolved final accounts are piling up, further clouding the financial landscape.
Between governmental optimism that speaks of “comfortable” external debts, and experts’ warnings of the fragility of the productive structure and weak governance, the Iraqi economy today appears to be facing a real test that threatens its stability and its ability to manage future challenges.
A worrying expansion in domestic borrowing
Economic expert Ahmed Eid says that the economic situation in Iraq is witnessing worrying developments despite government statements confirming that public debt is still within acceptable technical limits.
Eid adds that “the government says that the debt is still within technically possible limits, but the reality points to a worrying trend due to the expansion of spending and the heavy reliance on domestic borrowing, which puts pressure on liquidity and financial stability.”
He emphasizes the need to link any new debt to real productive projects, in addition to the urgent need to reform the tax and customs system in Iraq, with the aim of reducing dependence on external financing and limiting the worsening of the financial deficit.
Eid finds that the issue of the Iraqi dinar exchange rate carries significant social risks, because any further reduction in its value will lead to increased inflation rates, given the overall Iraqi economy's dependence on imports and external revenues.
From this standpoint, he believes that the most realistic option is to fix the current exchange rate, while tightening control over the currency window and preventing “external leakage” operations that negatively affect the price of the local currency.
A complex financial crisis
Economic researcher Abdullah Najm believes that Iraq is facing a complex financial crisis today, spearheaded by the missing final accounts, as their absence has led to an expansion of spending outside of control and the accumulation of unresolved obligations that have directly affected subsequent budgets.
Najm points out that the 2026 budget is the most complex, based on an oil price of $60 per barrel and exports of 3.5 million barrels per day, which could generate around 99 trillion dinars. In contrast, projected expenditures reach 150–160 trillion dinars, raising the deficit to approximately 50 trillion dinars, which could decrease to 35 trillion dinars if the exchange rate is changed to 1,500 dinars to the dollar.
He believes that addressing this deficit requires “difficult decisions,” including increasing investment, external borrowing, and rationalizing salaries.
The financial situation is under control.
The Prime Minister’s financial advisor, Mazhar Muhammad Salih, said that Iraq’s external financial situation is “very reassuring,” explaining that the remaining debts do not exceed $9 billion, and include the remaining obligations of the Paris Club for 2004 and some commercial debts, which are expected to be fully settled by 2028.
Saleh explained that there are other loans from development funds allocated for the reconstruction of liberated areas and various development projects, and these will be repaid gradually over the next ten years. He emphasized that the federal budget adopts clear mechanisms for managing these obligations, which has contributed to maintaining Iraq’s credit rating at the (B) level throughout the past decade.
Weaknesses of the Iraqi economy!
Professor of International Economics, Nawar Al-Saadi, says that the Iraqi economy today faces a complex mix of structural, political and administrative weaknesses that make any temporary economic improvement fragile and unsustainable.
Iraq possesses a huge oil wealth, but it has not yet transformed into a diversified and strong economic base. This is due not only to the nature of the dependence on oil, but also to how revenues are managed and allocated.
Al-Saadi adds that the Iraqi financial institution is still weak in creating an effective tax base and in converting oil surpluses into real reserves or investments, as these resources are often used to cover current expenditures such as salaries and subsidies, which makes the economy vulnerable to oil price shocks and weakens the state’s ability to finance long-term productive projects.
He points out that infrastructure and the energy sector represent a major obstacle to growth, as electricity networks are dilapidated and Iraq's reliance on gas and electricity imports puts the country in a vulnerable position to external and political pressures.
Furthermore, the waste resulting from burning associated gas during production indicates a loss of opportunities to convert actual resources into energy and income-generating products, instead of them being discharged as an environmental and economic loss, which reduces competitiveness and weakens the attractiveness of real investment.
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A presidential decree sets the 29th of this month as the date for the first parliamentary session.
The President of the Republic issued a presidential decree on Tuesday setting the date for the first session of the new parliament on December 29, to be chaired by the oldest member.
Political entities propose three paths to address the financial crisis in Iraq - Urgent
Former MP Mohammed Mahdi Al-Bayati presented three broad outlines for addressing the financial crisis that Iraq is going through, on Tuesday (December 16, 2025), while indicating that the next government will be facing complex and difficult issues.
Al-Bayati told Baghdad Today, “Iraq is actually suffering from a severe financial crisis whose repercussions have begun to appear in the past few months, which requires a serious effort to find objective solutions that have been proposed for years.”
He added that "the next government will face complex, difficult and critical issues at the same time, especially in the financial, economic and trade aspects."
He explained that “reconsidering the tax file, managing border crossings, collecting services, addressing unnecessary spending in ministries, agencies and government institutions, as well as taking a serious stand regarding the high allocations for some job grades, especially the special ones, and addressing the file of non-oil revenues in general, represent important solutions to alleviate the impact of the financial crisis.”
Moving towards a diversified economy
Al-Bayati pointed out that "the accumulation of past years and the failure to develop economic trends capable of absorbing challenges, especially the repeated decline in oil prices, have begun to clearly affect the national economy, especially since more than 90% of the treasury's revenues depend on oil sales."
He stressed that "the transition to the principle of a diversified economy has become an urgent necessity, otherwise the country will be facing a critical financial situation," emphasizing that "the financial file must be a priority in the next stage to ensure the flexibility and smooth payment of dues, especially salaries."
Al-Bayati ruled out “taking a decision to raise the dollar exchange rate at the present stage,” explaining that “this issue is linked to other dimensions, including political ones,” noting that “activating the principle of non-oil revenues represents a top priority in the next stage.”
Financial deficit and weak non-oil revenues
On October 11, 2025, the Eco Iraq Observatory confirmed the existence of a financial deficit due to the country’s reliance on oil revenues, while monitoring the size of monthly spending and revenues.
The observatory said in a report received by “Baghdad Today” that “monthly public spending reached 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 reliance on oil revenues and the weakness of non-oil revenues.”
He added, "The monthly public spending is 11.5 trillion, while the monthly revenues amounted to 10.5 trillion."
He added that "oil sales in August amounted to $7.1 billion through the export of 104.7 million barrels, at prices of $65 per barrel," believing that "the price per barrel will reach $60."
The observatory added that “monthly oil revenues reach approximately 9.3 trillion dinars, while non-oil revenues did not exceed 2 trillion.”
Fuad Hussein: The US has given Baghdad a list of armed groups
The Iraqi Foreign Minister has revealed the details of Washington's sensitive messages to Baghdad, saying the United States has submitted a list of names of individuals and groups to the government.
Iraqi Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Fuad Hussein has spoken to Hadas TV about the formation of a new government and relations with Washington.
He said the US side has submitted a list of names of a number of individuals and armed groups to the Iraqi government, according to Fuad Hussein, Washington will not discuss these names with any party and will act according to its policies and laws.
Regarding the participation of these groups in the elections and the government, the Iraqi foreign minister explained that it is an internal issue of Iraq, but admitted that Washington's sanctions policy is clear and they will implement it without discussion. He also attributed Iraq's economic problems to the participation of one party in the government, but to mistakes in the country's economic principles and policies.
In another topic of the press conference, Fuad Hussein revealed the contents of his meeting with Tom Barack, the US special envoy for Syria and Lebanon in Doha, in the meeting, the US envoy presented a view, stressing that the federal system in Iraq has failed.
Hussein said that although the talks will continue, but some of the proposals put forward by the US team, do not comply with the constitution and political reality in Iraq.
On the security and regional levels, the foreign minister warned that Israel's threats to Iraq are not over and are part of the military tensions in Lebanon, Syria and Hezbollah.
"The direction of events is not towards dialogue, but towards challenge. Although Iran does not want war, it is preparing to respond," he said.
These comments come as the new US administration is formulating a new policy for the Middle East, the appointment of Mark Savaya as special envoy to Iraq and Tom Barack for Syria and Lebanon, clear indications of a radical change in Washington's approach to Baghdad.
“Six factions expelled from the government”... Fuad Hussein: I will not comment, and the framework understands Washington’s list.
It's no secret why you're asking?
The media repeatedly asked Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein about the possibility of the factions that won the elections participating in the next government, as he was the first to point out the existence of an American message on this matter last month, to the point that it caused a stir even in Tehran. However, in an interview with journalist Majid Hamid broadcast on Tuesday, he seemed unwilling to delve into the matter again, because it is “clear and based on clear American decisions.” When the interviewer insisted on repeating the question three times in different ways, the minister told him: Don’t try…you won’t get an answer…ask the coordination framework, it knows!
Fuad Hussein – Minister of Foreign Affairs, interview with journalist Majid Hamid:
We must adhere to constitutional periods and constitutional deadlines, but this also depends on the political situation and on negotiations.
The real movement towards reaching final results in forming the next government will be at the beginning of next month (the new year).
Many factions won seats in the Iraqi parliament, and these factions play an important role in the parliament. I mentioned in many dialogues, both media and non-media, that this issue concerns the Iraqi political entities. The important thing is that these entities understand the interest of Iraq and the future of Iraqi relations with the West in general and the United States in particular.
Majid Hamid: If the factions participate in the government, what measures will be taken by the United States?
This is a theoretical matter, as we are still discussing the formation of the government. How the government will be formed is a matter for the political parties; we must wait and see how it is formed, because imposing conditions on the formation of the Iraqi government by any party is "inappropriate."
Majid Hamid: Let me rephrase the question.
You won't get an answer either!
Majid Hamid: Are there risks to Iraq if armed factions participate in the next Iraqi government? Economic or financial risks?
We have economic and financial problems now, and this has nothing to do with the participation of this or that party in the Iraqi government.
Majid Hamid: I will spare you embarrassment. Did the American side inform the leaders in the coordination framework that the factions would not participate in the upcoming government?
Why not ask the leaders within the coordination framework? As foreign minister, I speak on behalf of the government.
Majid Hamid: Did Washington personally inform you, as foreign minister, that it did not want the factions to participate in the government?
It is not a matter for discussion. Washington had a list and presented this list (which includes classifying Iraqi factions on terrorism lists). Washington does not need to discuss it with me. They presented this issue in light of their laws and policies, and this is a fact known to everyone. This is a declared policy that does not need sessions to discuss it.
Al-Abadi returns again... His bloc: Al-Maliki conceded the premiership to us
Behind the scenes of the framework meeting
The spokesman for the Victory Coalition, Salam al-Zubaidi, revealed on Tuesday the details of yesterday’s coordination framework meeting, indicating that al-Sudani is still clinging to the second term, but al-Maliki has no desire to assume the position of Prime Minister, and he supports the nomination of Haider al-Abadi for the position.
The Coordination Framework meeting discussed extensively the issue of deciding on a candidate for the position of the next Prime Minister.
Sudani is clinging to a second term, but Maliki has no desire to assume the position of Prime Minister and supports the nomination of Haider al-Abadi for the premiership.
The coordinating framework did not reach a final agreement on a single candidate, because the constitutional timelines gave the framework some leeway until the council convenes and its leadership and the presidency of the republic are elected, and the framework is keen not to exceed the constitutional deadlines.
The latest coordination framework statement carries political messages to Sunni leaders about the need to make their choice in the session.
Chaired by Al-Sudani, a meeting was held for reconstruction and development in preparation for the launch of the new parliament.
The head of the Reconstruction and Development Committee, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, chaired a meeting of coalition representatives on Tuesday in preparation for the start of the new parliament's work.
The coalition stated in a statement that "the deputies of the Reconstruction and Development Coalition held a coordination meeting chaired by the head of the coalition, Muhammad Shia al-Sudani, prior to the convening of the first session of the House of Representatives for the new parliamentary term, which is scheduled to be held at the invitation of the President of the Republic on the twenty-ninth of December 2025."
He added, "During the meeting, preparations related to the first session and the constitutional entitlements resulting from it were discussed, as well as mechanisms for unifying the parliamentary position of the coalition in a manner consistent with constitutional contexts and reflecting the responsibility of the stage."
He added that “Al-Sudani stressed the importance of starting from the first session with a responsible political spirit that respects the will of the voters and places the stability of the legislative institution at the forefront of priorities, stressing the need to adhere to the constitutional texts and their specified deadlines.”
The meeting also addressed, according to the statement, the coordination of positions within the House of Representatives, in order to ensure the smooth management of upcoming events and to contribute to establishing an organized political path capable of responding to the requirements of the stage.
The meeting concluded with an emphasis on the continuation of coordination meetings for coalition representatives and monitoring parliamentary work in a manner consistent with the vision of reconstruction and development, and preserving the political and institutional balance of the state.
Iraq and Indonesia discuss strategic cooperation in the oil and gas sector.
Iraq and Indonesia discussed on Tuesday the possibility of strengthening strategic cooperation in the oil and gas sector, which would include Pertamina International Energy Company (PIEP).
These discussions took place during a meeting held in Jakarta on Tuesday between Deputy Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Yuliut Tanjung, and Deputy Minister of Exploration and Production Affairs at the Iraqi Ministry of Oil, Basim Mohammed Qadhir.
Tanjung said: “The Indonesian government is committed to promoting sustainable and mutually beneficial cooperation in the oil and gas sector, not only to enhance national energy security, but also to create added value for both countries through capacity building and knowledge transfer.”
Pertamina International Energy Company (PIEP) participated in the project due to its role as an operational provider in the oil and gas sector, particularly in supporting the development of oil and gas fields in Iraq, while promoting efforts to achieve energy self-sufficiency nationwide.
Indonesian-Iraqi cooperation in the oil and gas sector is currently being prepared through an intergovernmental memorandum of understanding that has been submitted to Iraq through diplomatic channels and is currently under discussion.
The scope of cooperation under discussion includes facilitating oil and gas trade and investment, promoting technology transfer and exchange of expertise, conducting joint research, and developing human capacity-building activities.
Furthermore, the cooperation also aims to provide opportunities for Indonesian state-owned companies to participate in oil and gas projects in Iraq, and to enhance coordination between stakeholders in both countries.
Other areas of cooperation discussed include capacity building (training and universities), seismic data research and management, and drilling.
Qadhir said: “The memorandum of understanding in the oil, gas and energy sector will provide opportunities for greater cooperation between the two countries in the energy sector.”
PIEP currently holds a 20% participating interest in one of Iraq's oil fields.
The Iraqi government invited Indonesia, through Pertamina, to jointly manage existing producing oil fields and explore potential “green” oil fields, as part of a joint project.
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