With global participation, trade efforts aim to attract expatriate capital and boost investment.
The Department of Private Sector Development, affiliated with the Ministry of Trade, announced on Thursday that it is preparing to hold a major conference to discuss mechanisms for attracting foreign capital to Iraq. It indicated that the conference will be held in Baghdad, and that the invitation will include all countries, most notably the European Union Commission, major financing institutions, and international companies.
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The Director General of the Department, Malik Al-Duraie, told the Iraqi News Agency (INA): “The
Department is currently working with government agencies, as well as with businessmen and economic institutions, to prepare for a major conference entitled (How to Attract Capital from Outside Iraq),” explaining that “the Iraqi state is working to attract foreign money, and there are many capitals on which the economies of countries depend, but they are outside Iraq as a result of the circumstances that Iraq has gone through, as well as as a result of some procedures that are not attractive to the private sector and to investors.”
He added that "this government is working hard to combat corruption, overcome bureaucracy, automate, and use important tools to attract capital and the private sector," noting that "there are two important conferences we are working on, the first is the International Trade and Investment Forum in cooperation with the International Trade Centre and the European Union, which will be attended by very important figures and very important financing institutions from Europe and other countries."
He added, "We hope that this conference will be held under the patronage of the Prime Minister, and this department will organize it in cooperation with the International Trade Centre in the coming months. Preparations are underway for its themes, and we are working to give a good image of the business environment in Iraq, and we are targeting everything negative in order to fix it through the presence of experts and decision-makers."
He pointed out that "the conference will be held in Baghdad, and the invitation will include all countries, most notably the European Union Commission, which will be present at a very high level, as well as the world's major financing institutions and global companies," expressing his hope that "this conference will achieve success in attracting foreign capital and foreign companies to the Iraqi arena."
Why are investors hesitant? An expert reveals the obstacles hindering the investment boom in Iraq.
Economic expert Saleh al-Khafaji asserted on Friday (June 26, 2026) that "several key factors are preventing Iraq from achieving a genuine leap in foreign investment, despite the availability of vast and diverse opportunities."
Speaking to Baghdad Today, al-Khafaji stated, "Iraq boasts promising investment opportunities across multiple sectors, not limited to the energy sector (oil and gas), but extending to housing, industry, and agriculture. Furthermore, its strategic geographic location could contribute to the development of industrial and pharmaceutical sectors capable of exporting to the Middle East."
He added, "While the initial foundations for attracting investment are present, several factors are discouraging many companies and investors from entering the Iraqi market. These include bureaucratic procedures, the pervasive corruption that hinders any progress in this direction, and the nature of the political disputes and problems that arise periodically."
Al-Khafaji pointed out that "capital needs a stable and calm environment with all the necessary support, especially regarding the banking infrastructure." He explained that "the banking environment in Iraq is still lagging behind other countries in terms of developing its operational mechanisms, which requires serious attention to this issue."
He clarified that "the factors for attracting investment and achieving a real leap in foreign investment are numerous and interconnected. Despite this, some companies and investors have taken the plunge and achieved successes, but these remain contingent on patience and navigating the existing complexities and problems."
Al-Khafaji emphasized that "the most significant obstacles to investment are corruption and the bureaucratic hurdles imposed by some corrupt individuals within institutions to extort money in exchange for granting approvals." He noted that "many investors complain about these practices, which necessitates finding mechanisms to facilitate their work and send genuine reassurances."
The economic expert concluded by stressing that "the volume of foreign investment in Iraq is substantial, but more than 90% of it is concentrated in specific sectors, primarily the energy sector. This necessitates diversifying the investment environment and attracting capital to other sectors."
The Trump administration sends a decisive message to Baghdad: The era of ambiguity regarding Iran is over.
The administration of US President Donald Trump is no longer willing to accept the ambiguity of Iraq’s position through its rapprochement with Iran, as it believes that Baghdad should turn westward instead of eastward, and strengthen its friendship with the United States and the surrounding Arab countries.
Washington now expects changes in government that will strengthen Iraqi sovereignty, noting that Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi's visit to Washington will be scrutinized, but that Americans and Iraqis must be patient and refrain from making judgments at the moment.
The Middle East Institute , in a report entitled "New Relations Between the United States and Iraq?", reviewed the end of the tug-of-war and the formation of al-Zaidi's government, the congratulations he received from President Trump, and the invitation to visit Washington in the middle of next month.
The American Institute report, translated by Shafaq News Agency, stated that the US administration seems to have high expectations of al-Zaidi, but these expectations should be tempered.
He noted that his government program was ambitious, with the first part of the program addressing state control over weapons and the application of the rule of law, while the second part addressed foreign policy, emphasizing the need to strengthen relations with the Gulf states. He expressed his belief that Washington may have embraced al-Zaidi wholeheartedly because he is a practical businessman who understands how to make deals.
He explained that the American experience with those who held previous positions was disappointing, indicating that despite American efforts to pull Iraq away from Iran, Shiite leaders remained under Tehran's influence, while the power of Iranian-backed militias increased and they became bolder, he said.
The report went on to say that "repeated US demands to control, disarm, or disband the militias have not been effective," adding that "the US now expects the new prime minister, who comes relatively from outside the system, may perform better."
He pointed out that the formation of al-Zaydi’s government has not yet been completed, explaining that it is likely that al-Zaydi will use the remaining ministerial positions, especially the Interior and Defense ministries, to appease his opponents within the coordination framework, as there will be a political cost to these concessions.
He also noted that the Prime Minister must also respect American red lines in his appointments, stressing that the United States wants Iraq to turn westward, away from its current orientation towards Iran and China, and to undergo a transformation in its institutions and policies.
He explained that the Trump administration has three main interconnected goals, the most important of which is disarming the Popular Mobilization Forces and demobilizing the factions, which will require action from the House of Representatives, noting that the central problem so far has been the lack of political will and courage necessary to disarm the groups.
According to the American report, disarming the factions would make working in Iraq safer for American companies and limit their ability to impose Iran's agenda, explaining that what Washington wants is to see the political, economic and diplomatic decision-making process free from Iranian influence.
But the report acknowledged that disarming or disbanding the factions does not mean liberation from Iranian political influence, indicating that al-Zaydi may face greater resistance in removing the pro-Iranian infiltration that has long been entrenched within the ministries, parliament, and the economic sector.
He stressed that another priority for the Trump administration is to create a welcoming environment for American companies operating in Iraq and ensure their safety, recalling that during the recent war, militias repeatedly targeted American and European oil companies in the Kurdistan Region and Basra, causing production disruptions and the evacuation of foreign employees, according to the report.
The report added that the United States is not only seeking protection, but also expanding the involvement of American companies in the growth of the Iraqi economy, suggesting that Washington hopes that Iraq’s relations with the Gulf states will develop naturally through the disarmament of militias and disengagement from Iran.
He concluded that with Syria removed from Iranian hegemony, Washington wants to see Iraq emerge from under the Iranian umbrella and integrate into the Arab environment, including with Syria.
According to the report, US envoy Tom Barrack, through his meeting with al-Zaidi on June 15, laid out an ambitious roadmap for al-Zaidi, which the Iraqi prime minister appears willing to follow, but the political landscape makes the chances and pace of success uncertain.
He considered that the outcome of the “American-Israeli” war against Iran, and the outcome of the American-Iranian negotiations, would have a potentially significant impact on events in Iraq, adding that if Iran believed it had won the war, and if its allies shared this belief, then Tehran would be more determined to hold on to its assets in Iraq, and would not give up its influence in what it considers its vital area of interest, nor would it easily give up the large political and economic rewards it has obtained in Iraq over the course of two decades, and for this reason, the Popular Mobilization Forces factions may refuse to give up their weapons.
The report argued that the United States and Iraq need to agree on indicators of progress in achieving key objectives and address obstacles together, with the priority remaining the disbanding of militias, which is the most complex task. It noted that the decision by the Supreme Judicial Council, headed by Judge Faiq Zaidan, to expand the scope of the anti-terrorism law to include “any person who manufactures, uses, or possesses drones used for unlawful purposes” represents a step in the right direction and an indication of how al-Zaidi will use it to control the militias, although the real proof will be in the implementation.
According to the report, the United States must offer incentives to groups that disband their military wings, surrender weapons to the government, and transform into political parties as defined in the Constitution. These incentives could include removing sanctions or other designations that restrict their activities and prevent them from engaging in formal politics. However, there must also be direct punitive measures against groups and individuals who refuse the offer of disarmament and remain outside the control of the government.
The report concluded by noting that successive Iraqi governments have declared their desire to establish good relations with both the United States and Iran,adding that in practice, this has meant leaning towards Iran, an ambiguity that is no longer acceptable to the Trump administration.
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Three delegations from Kurdistan are heading to Baghdad to resolve financial and administrative issues.
Three high-level government delegations from the Kurdistan Region are scheduled to travel to the federal capital, Baghdad, early next week as part of their ongoing efforts to resolve a number of outstanding financial and administrative issues between Erbil and Baghdad, and to guarantee the constitutional rights of the region's citizens.
Kurdistan 24's correspondent in Baghdad reported that the first delegation, representing the financial side of the regional government, will hold an expanded meeting with the federal Ministry of Finance next Sunday.
The delegation will focus its discussions on reconsidering the mechanism for calculating non-oil revenues and demanding that Baghdad reduce the amount of 120 billion dinars deducted monthly, based on the technical reports approved by the Iraqi Financial Control Bureau, which clearly indicate a decrease in these revenues, which requires urgent action to ensure the continuity and smooth funding of the salaries of the region’s employees without any obstacles.
In a parallel track, on Sunday an official delegation from the Ministry of Martyrs and Anfal Affairs in the regional government will also head to Baghdad for a five-day visit. The delegation will hold a series of meetings with the General Authority for Political Prisoners in the federal government, aimed at signing an official agreement stipulating the equality and matching of salaries and entitlements of the families of martyrs and Anfal victims in the region with their counterparts in the center, in order to do justice to this sacrificing segment and increase their financial entitlements legally.
Regarding the regulation of trade and border crossings, a third technical delegation will head to the capital, Baghdad, next Monday, tasked with finalizing the technical procedures for implementing the global electronic system “ASYCUDA” for customs at the region’s border crossings.
Through this step, the delegation seeks to sign the final agreement to unify and coordinate customs fees and procedures between the region and the center in accordance with the latest applicable international standards.
Through this extensive diplomatic and administrative movement, the Kurdistan Regional Government affirms its full commitment to the path of constructive dialogue and legal solutions, in order to overcome all technical and financial obstacles in a way that serves the public interest and ensures the living stability of citizens.
Gulf-American statement: Supporting the Iraqi government's efforts to restrict weapons to the state.
Ministers from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and the United States affirmed on Thursday their support for the Iraqi government's efforts to restrict weapons.
The joint statement of the ministerial meeting between the Gulf Cooperation Council and the United States of America stated that "the ministers welcomed the signing of the memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran on June 17, and noted the importance of the mediation roles played by both Pakistan and Qatar."
They stressed the need to maintain the momentum and unity of the negotiations in order to reach a permanent end to hostilities and achieve the common goal of preventing Iran from developing or acquiring a nuclear weapon in any form.
The ministers stressed that “achieving lasting peace and security in the region requires addressing all forms of Iranian threats, including its ballistic missiles, drones, and support for proxies in the region.”
The ministers stressed the importance of reopening the Strait of Hormuz, noting that unconditional and unrestricted freedom of navigation, including the right of transit passage guaranteed under international law, remains essential to regional and global security.
The ministers rejected "the imposition of any fees, taxes, or attempts to exert control over the Strait," and welcomed "the announcement by the Sultanate of Oman and the International Maritime Organization of the commencement of a plan to evacuate more than 11,000 seafarers stranded in the region." The ministers affirmed that "any trade and investment with Iran is conditional and reversible, remaining contingent upon Iran's adherence to the Memorandum of Understanding and the final agreement, the cessation of its destabilizing behavior, and the creation of the necessary conditions for economic cooperation."
The ministers affirmed their "full commitment to Lebanon's sovereignty, security, stability, and territorial integrity. To this end," they welcomed the ongoing bilateral negotiations between Israel and Lebanon, under the auspices of the United States, which aim to create the necessary conditions for concluding a lasting peace and security agreement between the two countries.
They noted their support for the comprehensive plan proposed by President Trump to end the conflict in Gaza, which was endorsed by UN Security Council Resolution 2803. They stressed the importance of disarming all non-state armed groups to enable the reconstruction of Gaza and the necessity of transferring responsibility to an independent, technocratic Palestinian civilian committee. The statement added that the ministers condemned the attacks launched by pro-Iranian groups in Iraq against GCC countries, including drone attacks that damaged civilian facilities, vital infrastructure, and energy security.
The ministers reiterated their support for the efforts of the new Iraqi government to restrict weapons to the state and prevent non-state armed groups from using Iraqi territory to threaten neighboring countries.
He stressed "the importance of the Iraqi government taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of all diplomatic missions in Iraq and to protect them from any threats or attacks, in accordance with Iraq's relevant international obligations." He also affirmed "the sovereignty of the State of Kuwait over its territorial waters," calling on the Iraqi government to "fulfill its bilateral and international obligations."
No withdrawal and no prevention of residents' return: Details of the terms of the Israel-Lebanon agreement
On Friday evening, the Hebrew-language Channel 12 published the terms of the framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel that was reached in Washington, while some of the terms confirmed that Israel will not withdraw from the Shaqif Heights and that Lebanese residents will not return to the towns within the original yellow line.
According to the Hebrew channel, the agreement stipulates that Israel will withdraw from two areas within the new yellow line, but it will not withdraw from the Shaqif Heights, and the Israeli army will not withdraw from the yellow line until Hezbollah is disarmed.
The terms also stipulated that the residents of Lebanon would not return to the towns within the original yellow line (8-10 km from the border south of the Litani), in addition to mutual recognition between the two governments of each country’s sovereignty over its territory.
It also included that the Lebanese army would take over areas occupied by the Israeli army and in which it carried out raids, but where it is not present (i.e., we will not see an actual withdrawal of the army).
In this context, a senior political official said that after lengthy negotiations between the United States, Israel and Lebanon, a tripartite framework was signed aimed at reaching future agreements between Israel and Lebanon to end the conflict between the two countries and reach a peaceful settlement.
He stressed that Israel will maintain its security zone within the boundaries of the Yellow Line in Lebanon until Hezbollah and other armed organizations in Lebanon are disarmed, and any threat from Lebanon to Israel is eliminated.
According to the official, the Israeli army will maintain freedom of military action throughout the security zone to eliminate any threats.
According to the political official, Israel and Lebanon agreed on two areas near the Yellow Line proposed by the Israeli army, to serve as a pilot model for dismantling Hezbollah and transferring control of the area to the Lebanese army. One area is outside the Yellow Line and south of the Litani River, and another is outside the original Yellow Line and north of the Litani River.
A senior official in the Israeli Prime Minister's office stated that the agreement includes freedom of action for Israel in all areas of the Yellow Line.
The official stated that the tripartite agreement is an achievement for Israel in confronting Iran, which wanted to impose a unilateral withdrawal on Tel Aviv.
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US President Donald Trump stated on Friday that Iran launched four attack drones toward ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump said, "Iran launched at least four attack drones at ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz."
He explained that "one of the drones directly hit the deck of a large cargo ship, causing damage."
He added that "three drones were shot down, and this is clearly a flagrant violation of the ceasefire agreement."
CENTCOM announces bombing of military sites in Iran in response to the targeting of a commercial tanker.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Friday that it had launched intensive airstrikes against targets and sites inside Iran, describing them as a "firm and strong response" to the attack that targeted a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz yesterday.
In an official statement, the Central Command confirmed that US fighter jets launched precision strikes targeting missile and drone storage facilities, as well as Iranian coastal radar stations.
These strikes came after Tehran, on Thursday, June 25, targeted the Singapore-flagged cargo ship "M/V Ever Lovely" with a suicide drone as it attempted to leave the Strait of Hormuz along the Omani coast.
The US statement stressed that this "unjustified Iranian aggression" against civilian shipping lanes constitutes a clear violation and affront to the ceasefire agreement concluded between the parties.
The Central Command added that this dangerous escalation directly threatens freedom of navigation and civil aviation security, at a time when the region is witnessing an increasing flow of trade through this strategic international waterway.
CENTCOM concluded its statement by emphasizing that US forces stationed in the region continue to manage and coordinate safe passage convoys and provide necessary protection for commercial vessels transiting the strait.
She noted that the US military would remain on high alert and maintain a military presence to ensure that Tehran adheres to all the terms of the agreement and fulfills its commitments without any breach.
The United States announces the end of the American response to Iran.
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The United States announced today, Saturday (June 27, 2026), the end of the military response it carried out against Iran, following a series of strikes targeting military sites inside Iranian territory, in response to the attack that targeted a commercial ship in the Strait of Hormuz.
The US Central Command said in a statement that its aircraft launched raids targeting missile and drone storage sites, as well as coastal radar sites inside Iran, stressing that the operation came in response to the attack on a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump announced that Iran had launched four attack drones towards ships crossing the strait, noting that one of the drones hit a large cargo ship and caused damage, while US forces shot down three other drones, and considered the attack a violation of the ceasefire agreement.
The US State Department spokesman also confirmed that the United States and the Gulf states categorically reject the imposition of any restrictions or fees on navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, while the Axios website quoted a US official as saying that the US military carried out strikes in the strait area before the Central Command officially confirmed them.
There has been no official comment yet from the Iranian side regarding Washington's announcement of the end of its military operations or the extent of the damage caused by the strikes.
The Gulf region is witnessing a new escalation after Washington accused Iran of being responsible for targeting a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz with drones.
The American response came in the form of strikes targeting military sites inside Iran, a development that brought tension back to the region shortly after a ceasefire was declared following the recent confrontations between Iran, Israel and the United States.
Report: Pentagon considering moving military bases from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait to reduce the risk of being targeted
The Wall Street Journal, citing informed sources, revealed that the US Department of Defense (Pentagon) is considering relocating some of its military bases from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait as part of a review of its troop deployment in the Middle East.
According to the report, this move aims to reduce the risks to US military installations in the event of a new military confrontation with Iran, after approximately 20 US facilities in the region were damaged in retaliatory strikes following the US-Israeli attack on Iran on February 28.
The newspaper added that the fact that several US bases are within range of Iranian missiles has prompted the US military leadership to reassess its deployment strategy, noting that Israel is among the options being considered to host some of these relocated bases from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.
The sources explained that the Pentagon is also considering a broader redistribution of its military facilities across the Middle East to reduce their vulnerability to attack and enhance their ability to continue operations in the event of any future conflict.
Iran's Revolutionary Guard: Our response will be broader to any attack from Washington.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard announced that it had targeted a number of sites where the US military is present in the region, indicating that this attack comes in response to recent developments.
According to Iranian television, as reported by Cairo News Channel, the Revolutionary Guard warned that any future US attacks would lead to a larger response, stressing that the scope of the confrontation could expand if the United States continues to carry out new attacks.
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