TRUMP'S PARTY BACKS IRAQ'S WEAPONS PLAN! 🇮🇶

Trump's party welcomes al-Zaidi's movement to disarm Iraqi factions

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The US Republican Party, represented by President Donald Trump, welcomed on Thursday the decisions announced by Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi regarding restricting weapons to the state, considering them an important step in the path of strengthening Iraq's sovereignty and consolidating the authority of its constitutional institutions.

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Party member Malik Francisco told Shafaq News Agency that Washington views these steps positively, noting that "Iraq's long-term stability requires that the state be the only entity authorized to carry and use weapons within legal frameworks."

Francisco added that his country's support comes in the context of supporting efforts aimed at strengthening Iraqi state institutions and promoting the rule of law.

Washington believes that addressing the issue of weapons outside the framework of the state represents a real test of the Iraqi government’s ability to impose its authority and build effective security institutions, which contributes to protecting internal stability and limiting any external interference.

The US administration also believes that having a central authority capable of implementing its security decisions enhances the chances of achieving political and security stability in the country.

This welcome comes within the framework of shared interests between Baghdad and Washington, as the United States affirms that the stability of Iraq is a fundamental element in the stability of the entire region.

US estimates indicate that consolidating the state’s monopoly on weapons would have a positive impact on the economic environment, by improving the investment climate and enhancing the confidence of foreign companies in the Iraqi market.

At the same time, American circles realize that the issue of restricting weapons is linked to complex political and social balances, which makes its implementation require broad national consensus and well-thought-out steps that ensure the achievement of the desired goals without creating internal tensions.

Observers emphasize that the success of these decisions will depend on the extent to which the Iraqi government can translate them into practical measures that enhance citizens’ trust in the state and enshrine the principle of its monopoly on force, as it is one of the most important pillars for building an independent state capable of managing its affairs efficiently and competently.

Earlier today, the head of the Security Media Cell, Lieutenant General Saad Maan, announced  the launch of  the first practical steps to integrate armed factions into the official security system, through the handover of the headquarters and weapons of the “Saraya al-Salam” in the city of Samarra, in response to the initiative launched by the leader of the Shiite National Movement, Muqtada al-Sadr.

The coordinating framework that brings together the ruling Shiite forces in Iraq had authorized Prime Minister Ali al-Zubaidi to take decisions and measures to preserve the country’s higher interests, while supporting the project to restrict weapons to the state and to separate the Popular Mobilization Forces from political, partisan and social frameworks, in a position that was practically considered a political cover for al-Zubaidi to act on the issue of the factions.

This political movement was strengthened after the leader of the Shiite National Movement, Muqtada al-Sadr, announced the disassociation of the “Peace Brigades” from the movement and their affiliation with the state, and called on the rest of the factions to move away from partisan and sectarian frameworks and join under the authority of the government, a step that al-Zaydi welcomed and called on the other factions to follow.

Asaib Ahl al-Haq also followed this path, as it announced the formation of a central committee to begin procedures for disengaging from the Popular Mobilization Forces formations, inventorying personnel, weapons and vehicles, and organizing mechanisms for liaising with the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. Then, the Imam Ali Brigades announced a similar decision that includes inventory, handover, transfer and reintegration of affiliates within state institutions.

However, the file still faces reservations and internal opposition, as sources told Shafaq News Agency that there is a division within the framework forces regarding  an American proposal  based on establishing service and investment projects inside Iraq, implemented by American companies, in exchange for proceeding with the file of restricting weapons to the state and handing over weapons to the factions.

The opposition is most clearly expressed by the Hezbollah Brigades, which are holding on to their weapons and refuse to discuss the issue of disarming or surrendering them under American pressure. The Brigades have proposed a counter-approach based on buying the factions’ weapons instead of surrendering them or forcibly disarming them. 

Middle East: What awaits Iraqi factions under the tutelage of "America's man for dirty work"?

 

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The Middle East Monitor network revealed on Wednesday (June 3, 2026) a "major shift" in US policy towards Iraq, declaring that the partnership between the two countries has "effectively ended" and has turned into a "policy of axes".

The network said in a report published and translated by "Baghdad Today" that "Tom Barrack has the title of 'dirty work man' within the corridors of the White House, and he is one of the few figures capable of convincing US President Donald Trump to take on the task of dismantling complex files."

She added: "The factions and the Iraqi government believe that American policy varies according to the mandates given to mid-level diplomatic staff, and these factions have exploited name changes as moral victories, but this does not apply to Tom Barrack."

She pointed out that "the man who carries out the dirty work of American foreign policy has now taken over the Iraq file, which represents a qualitative shift in the United States' dealings with Iraq, as it has moved from treating it as a partner to treating it as an axis within the existing presence linked to Iran, then Baghdad, and even Beirut."

The network also indicated that Tom Barak "does not practice soft politics in any way, but rather calls things by their names, insults the other side openly, and speaks without silk gloves," stressing that "Barak pushed for merging the Iraqi file with the files of Iran, Lebanon, and Turkey instead of treating it as a separate file."

The network said that “the appointment of Barak as the official in charge of the Iraqi file confirms the approval of the American administration of his proposal regarding treating Iraq as part of the (Iranian axis),” explaining that “the focus inside Iraq on Barak’s personality hides something deeper behind it, that Washington no longer sees Iraq as a political partner but rather as a damaged security file, and therefore Washington’s dealings with Iraq have moved with the appointment of Barak from negotiation to complete surgical removal,” as it described it.

The network also confirmed that the matter is "more evident to the Iraqi factions, who have come to realize that the American decision to reduce their influence inside Iraq is no longer a personal desire of an American official, but rather an ongoing institutional choice, and Barak will be the instrument that implements it."

The report also confirmed that "Barak's arrival is no longer a change in the personalities dealing with the Iraqi file, but rather a declaration of the beginning of a new phase in which decisions are based on their impact on breaking the deadlock inside Iraq instead of satisfying local parties."

The network concluded its report by emphasizing that Iraq “has entered a new phase without any niceties. Washington no longer sees Baghdad as a file for relations but a file for decision-making,” stressing that “Washington’s patience has run out with the dual powers within Iraq and the state’s thieves, and the coming language will not be diplomatic but direct, clear, revealing, and perhaps harmful,” as it described it.

The network also noted that "the era of gray understanding has ended in Iraq now and the era of decisive decisions has begun."

Source of the report:  link at the top

 

 

"Al-Maalomah" reveals the files of Trump's envoy to Iraq

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The director of the Iraqi Media Center in Washington, Nizar Haider ,

revealed on Wednesday that President Trump's envoy, Tom Barrack, will discuss with Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi the corruption files of officials in previous governments, carrying the names of those involved in stealing Iraqi funds between 2003 and 2026, most notably former Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani.

Haider told the Information Agency, "The information we received from the American decision-making source indicates that President Trump's envoy, Tom Barrack, carried a file containing the names of 1,000 political figures from Shia, Sunni, Kurdish, Christian, and Yazidi parties involved in stealing huge sums of money from the state budget, with former Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani at the top of the list."

He added, "Barrack carries conclusive evidence to charge 1,000 figures who took turns running the country and amassed enormous wealth through illicit means, exploiting the critical conditions Iraq witnessed."

The Minister of Finance affirms the continuation of economic reforms and the strengthening of the partnership with the World Bank.

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During his meeting with the World Bank representative to Iraq, Emmanuel Salinas Munoz, Finance Minister Faleh Sari affirmed the ministry's commitment to implementing financial and economic reform programs, in line with the government program's priorities and to enhance the efficiency of public resource management.

 

Sari indicated that the ministry is determined during the next phase to adopt reform paths based on developing the financial and banking environment, expanding the application of electronic systems in the tax and customs sectors, in addition to supporting non-oil revenues and simplifying procedures in a way that contributes to improving institutional performance and stimulating economic activity.

 

The two sides reviewed mechanisms for enhancing technical and institutional cooperation with the World Bank to support development and infrastructure projects, empower the private sector, and benefit from international expertise in implementing reforms.

 

For his part, Salinas Muñoz affirmed the bank’s continued support for the reform programs implemented by the Iraqi government, which contribute to strengthening economic development and raising the efficiency of financial institutions.

 

The Foreign Minister calls on the European Union to launch a political initiative to end the war.

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Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein called on the European Union on Thursday to launch a political initiative to end the war.

A statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), stated that "Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein received a phone call from Irish Foreign Minister Helen McEntee, during which she congratulated Fuad Hussein on the renewal of confidence in him and his assumption of the duties of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for a new term."

The statement added that "during the call, Iraqi-Irish relations and ways to develop and enhance joint cooperation between the two countries were discussed, in addition to discussing regional and international developments and the repercussions of the ongoing war in the region on the political and economic situation."

According to the statement, Hussein reviewed "the direct effects of the war on Iraq, particularly in the economic and financial aspects," noting "the negative repercussions it had on trade, energy, and economic stability in the region."

The statement indicated that "the two sides discussed the issue of a ceasefire, the recent attacks in the Gulf region, and the impact of the continued war on the global economy and energy markets."

According to the statement, both sides stressed "the importance of intensifying international efforts aimed at stopping the war and preventing its expansion, in order to contribute to strengthening regional and international security and stability."

According to the statement, Hussein put forward "the idea that the European Union should launch a political initiative aimed at ending the war," noting that he "discussed this idea with his Dutch counterpart, and intends to continue consultations on it with a number of European foreign ministers in the coming period."

Hussein explained that "Iraq will work on developing this initiative and presenting it during the upcoming meeting to be held in the Jordanian capital, Amman, this month, with the participation of the foreign ministers of the Arab countries and their European counterparts."

He pointed out that "Europe has the capabilities that qualify it to play an active role in this field, given its relations and contacts with the various capitals concerned and affected by the war," stressing that "merely monitoring the situation is no longer an acceptable option in light of the widening repercussions of the crisis."

Hussein added, according to the statement, that “Iraq is among the countries most affected by the continuation of the war, especially on the economic and financial levels, as a result of the effects that have affected the energy sector and oil export capabilities,” noting that “European countries are also affected by the repercussions of the crisis, as the rise in oil prices has contributed to an increase in inflation rates and a rise in the costs of agricultural and industrial products in European markets.”

Hussein confirmed that "Iraq will present its vision regarding the role that Europe can play in contributing to ending the war and achieving stability during the upcoming Amman meeting."

Hussein expressed his "thanks and appreciation to Helen McEntee for her call and the congratulatory sentiments she expressed."

MP: The coordination framework supports holding an extraordinary session to complete the vote on the government.

 

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On Thursday, June 4, 2026, MP Ibtisam Al-Hilali, from the State of Law Coalition, revealed a political movement led by the Coordination Framework forces to hold an extraordinary session of the House of Representatives to complete the vote on the vacant ministries within the cabinet of Prime Minister Ali Al-Zidi’s government.

Al-Hilali told the official agency, as reported by Baghdad Today, that: “There is a political movement, confirmation, and insistence by the forces of the Coordination Framework to hold an extraordinary session to complete the vote on the ministerial cabinet of Prime Minister Ali al-Zidi’s government.”

She added that "the last meeting of the coordination framework, which was held in the presence of Prime Minister Ali al-Zidi, witnessed the attendees confirming the completion of the vote on the vacant ministries during the coming period."

Al-Hilali pointed to "political movements and calls to hold an extraordinary session of the House of Representatives during the coming week, with the aim of completing the vote on Al-Zidi's government."

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"We have turned a new page"

Kurdistan offers Baghdad “more electricity”... Masrour Barzani welcomes the disarmament of factions

 

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Following reports that the Kurdistan Region is currently supplying Iraq with about 2,000 megawatts of electricity due to a severe crisis amid the war, the region's Prime Minister Masrour Barzani said that it is possible to send more and provide greater assistance to the federal government if gas production develops. He also praised Baghdad's steps in the field of weapons and the importance of the rule of law as a guarantor of the country's stability, stressing the need for all parties to abide by the decisions of the federal government, and confirming that he is witnessing a "new chapter" in the relations between Baghdad and Erbil.

The most prominent statement made by Masrour Barzani to the media, as reported by Network 964 :

The issue of increasing gas production in order to raise electricity generation will enable us to send more electricity to Iraq. Yes, we have worked on that, and we can provide greater assistance to the federal government in providing electricity.

A new chapter between Baghdad and Erbil

Our visit to Baghdad was certainly to support Prime Minister Ali al-Zubaidi, and to do our utmost not only to normalize our relations, but to move them forward. What we heard from him and the political parties was encouraging; they want to turn over a new leaf and move towards resolving the existing problems. In turn, we emphasized the implementation of the constitutional rights of the Kurdistan Region and the financial entitlements of the people of Kurdistan. These are matters that require work and follow-up.

Oil and salaries

Yesterday, we sent a delegation from the Kurdistan Regional Government to seriously discuss the oil and salary files with the federal government. This came after our conversation with the Prime Minister, who welcomed the idea that we could help Iraq increase oil production. As you know, the route for exporting oil through the Strait of Hormuz has become limited or almost non-existent. Therefore, Iraq and the world in general have been affected by this ongoing war in the region. In order for us, as the Kurdistan Region, to present an initiative and play an effective and good role in helping the Iraqi government's economy, we requested that a delegation of oil companies accompany the regional government to Baghdad. They held meetings there with the Prime Minister and the Iraqi delegation and spoke seriously.

The companies are requesting guarantees to resume production and increase oil exports through the Kurdistan Region. We agree with this view and support this step. They are scheduled to discuss some details early next week, and we expect the companies to resume their operations. This will, of course, solve part of the problem and will not replace all the oil that was exported from southern Iraq. However, it is the Kurdistan Region's responsibility to support the Iraqi economy, assist the Prime Minister, and maintain a healthy relationship between the Kurdistan Region and Iraq. We have made our efforts and are playing our part in this regard.

Handing over weapons to the factions

Any country where the rule of law prevails will undoubtedly be more stable, and all parties must abide by government decisions and legal rulings. Therefore, I believe that any step taken from this standpoint will be in the interest of the Iraqi people and the Iraqi government.

The ASYCUDA system and cross-border trade

The truth is that in the past—whether by decision or by mere coincidence—there was a serious attempt to weaken the economy of the Kurdistan Region; this is what some believed, but we sought by all means to protect the constitutional rights of the people of Kurdistan as a federal entity, and to ensure that the relationship between the regional government and the Baghdad government is based on constitutional articles and applicable laws.

Therefore, we exerted every effort to finalize the ASYCUDA agreement. Previously, we reached some preliminary agreements with the former government, and only the signing of the agreement remained. However, they stated that we were a caretaker government and that we must wait until the election results were announced and the next government was formed. Thus, when our delegation met yesterday, they reiterated the same position: that the preliminary agreement we had previously prepared would serve as the basis for the final agreement on the ASYCUDA system and the normalization of trade at the region's border crossings with neighboring countries, particularly the Ibrahim Khalil border crossing.

Serious efforts are underway, and this matter will be discussed thoroughly at the beginning of next week. We hope, God willing, that they will reach a conclusion. Here, I would like to clarify something: some people often speak and try to paint a completely unhealthy picture for the public, suggesting that there is immense pressure and that the Kurdistan Region is heading towards a suffocating crisis. I want to say to the people of Kurdistan sincerely: do not worry. The economic situation of the entire region is affected by this war; this is the reality now. However, serious efforts are being made to find a solution. We are part of addressing this situation, and I have great hope, God willing, that we will reach an agreement with the current Baghdad government to normalize trade at our border crossings. The Kurdistan Region has its own unique circumstances, and it is possible for relations with all neighboring countries to improve, but nothing can replace the Kurdistan Region.

Payroll file

We received assurances regarding salaries from Prime Minister al-Zaydi and other political parties. They say that the issue of salaries will not be mixed with any other issue, even if we have differences of opinion on some administrative matters and even if we do not reach an agreement, the issue of salaries will not be linked to anything else.

The IMF lowers its forecast for the Iraqi economy, predicting a 6.8% contraction in 2026.

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The International Monetary Fund’s April 2026 Regional Economic Outlook report showed a reduction in the forecast for Iraq’s economic growth this year, predicting a contraction of the country’s real GDP by 6.8%, compared to a slight decline of 0.4% in 2025.

According to the real GDP growth table included in the report, which was reviewed by Shafaq News Agency, the Fund expects the Iraqi economy to experience a strong recovery during 2027, recording growth of 11.3%, before stabilizing at 3.4% in 2030, and 3.5% in 2031.

The report noted that Iraq’s outlook has been revised sharply since October 2025, with growth forecasts for 2026 revised down by 10.4 percentage points, one of the largest negative revisions among oil-producing countries in the Middle East and North Africa region.

Iraq was among the group of oil-exporting countries outside the Gulf Cooperation Council, whose economies the IMF predicted would shrink by 3.1% in 2026, before returning to positive growth of 4.8% in 2027.

The IMF report concluded that the Middle East and North Africa region as a whole is expected to grow by 1.1% in 2026, rising to 4.8% in 2027, amid the continued effects of energy market volatility and regional geopolitical and economic tensions.

America intensifies naval pressure, and Iran threatens new conditions.

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The signs of tension and friction between the United States and Iran continue despite the ceasefire, while the exchange of statements reveals the continuation of disagreements over the terms of any potential agreement, amid Tehran’s insistence on obtaining a portion of its frozen funds, in contrast to Washington’s insistence on continuing economic and military pressure.

In the latest Iranian statements, an advisor to the Iranian Supreme Leader said that US President Donald Trump is trying to push Tehran to accept American conditions, while he does not present a clear position on Iranian demands, reflecting the continued ambiguity surrounding the course of the ongoing negotiations between the two sides.

In the same context, the Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister stressed that his country does not consider any document or understanding final unless it includes Iranian observations and interests, noting Tehran’s insistence on the condition of the immediate release of 50 percent of its frozen assets as soon as the memorandum of understanding is signed with Washington.

This demand reflects the extent of the complexities that still face the negotiating process, as Iran considers the easing of financial restrictions to be a real test of the seriousness of the United States, while Washington continues to use economic pressure tools as a key bargaining chip in the negotiations.

On the American side, an American official confirmed that a ceasefire with Iran does not mean an end to the military and economic measures imposed on it, explaining that American forces will continue to protect their interests and forces in the region, in addition to continuing to implement the embargo imposed on Iranian ports.

He added that navigation through the Strait of Hormuz is still ongoing, noting that about a thousand ships have crossed since the ceasefire began on April 8, with the decision to cross left to companies and commercial vessels according to their security and economic assessments.

In a sign of continued naval pressure, the US Central Command announced that it had diverted 127 commercial vessels bound for Iran, as well as disabling six ships it described as violating blockade procedures, while allowing 36 ships carrying humanitarian aid to pass through.

An economist reveals the reasons for the dollar's fluctuations.

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 Economic expert Salah Nouri attributed the rise in the dollar exchange rate in the parallel market to structural factors related to the nature of commercial demand in the local market.

 

Nouri explained to Al-Furat News Agency that "the rise in the price of the dollar comes as a result of the increasing demand for it in order to finance commercial imports that take place outside the official platform of the Central Bank of Iraq," noting that "a considerable percentage of traders still lack the readiness or ability to meet the requirements of the Central Bank to complete import operations through official channels."

He added that Iraq, as a country that relies heavily on imports of various goods, will continue to see a constant demand for foreign currency, whether through the Central Bank platform or through the parallel market, which keeps the challenges related to exchange rate stability in place as long as these import patterns continue.

The Association of Iraqi Private Banks participates in the Arab-European Summit in Paris

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The Association of Iraqi Private Banks participated today, Thursday, in the Arab-European Banking and Economic Summit 2026, hosted by the French capital, Paris, with a delegation headed by the Association’s President, Wadih Al-Hanzal.

The association stated in a statement received by Kalima News that its participation came within the framework of the summit organized by the Union of Arab Banks and sponsored by French President Emmanuel Macron, with the aim of discussing the most prominent global financial challenges and strengthening economic partnerships.

The statement added that the Iraqi delegation reviewed before the participants the role played by the Iraqi government in managing economic challenges and moving towards achieving sustainable development, in addition to the efforts made to reform the banking sector.

During his participation, Al-Hanzal stressed that the formation of the new Iraqi government headed by Ali Al-Zidi represents an important step in a stage that requires an advanced economic vision, noting that the emergence of its leadership from the private and banking sector environment enhances the chances of adopting modern management methods based on efficiency and speed of decision-making.

He explained that the Central Bank of Iraq is leading a program of structural reforms in the banking sector, which included raising the capital of banks, re-evaluating the branches of foreign banks, and issuing instructions specific to digital banks.

He pointed out that the efforts of digital transformation and financial inclusion resulted in achieving positive indicators, including exceeding the number of bank accounts to 15 million, issuing more than 20 million bank cards, as well as deploying about 179,000 electronic payment devices, while electronic government levies exceeded 15 trillion dinars.

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The Plan To Save Baghdad's Economy 🇮🇶💵