On the way to America
The video for this My FX Buddies Blogpost is below here:
The visit of the Prime Minister to the United States of America is approaching, in response to an official invitation from the US President. The Iraqi delegation is scheduled to head to Washington in mid-July, in an important political and economic stop that is being anticipated by both government circles and business circles.
It is customary in international practice for heads of state and government to include in their foreign visits a select group of leading business figures and heads of influential companies and economic institutions, individuals with a proven track record of achievements and a significant presence in local and global markets. Government representation is often limited to a small number of officials, while the majority of the delegation consists of economic figures capable of transforming official meetings into tangible investment opportunities and projects that serve the interests of their countries.
These visits gain their importance from the fact that they are not protocol occasions or ordinary diplomatic trips, but rather intensive workshops dedicated to holding meetings and encounters, building partnerships and attracting investments, in order to achieve long-term strategic goals.
Hence, the selection of individuals participating in the economic delegation should be based on criteria of competence, experience, and the ability to represent the Iraqi private sector in a way that reflects its true potential, with a focus on those with successful experiences and existing projects on the ground, who have the ability to build bridges of cooperation with American companies and institutions.
Iraq today needs to seize every opportunity to promote its investment climate and present its development needs to major international companies, particularly in vital sectors that form the cornerstone of sustainable economic growth. Building strategic partnerships with international investors will also contribute to the transfer of expertise and technology, create jobs, and drive development.
The success of a visit is not measured by the number of meetings or statements issued, but rather by the agreements, projects, and real investment opportunities it can yield. Iraq needs a comprehensive investment revolution to revitalize its economy, pull it out of its stagnation, and open up new horizons. For growth, development, and prosperity.
On the way to America
The video for this My FX Buddies Blogpost is below here:
The visit of the Prime Minister to the United States of America is approaching, in response to an official invitation from the US President. The Iraqi delegation is scheduled to head to Washington in mid-July, in an important political and economic stop that is being anticipated by both government circles and business circles.
It is customary in international practice for heads of state and government to include in their foreign visits a select group of leading business figures and heads of influential companies and economic institutions, individuals with a proven track record of achievements and a significant presence in local and global markets. Government representation is often limited to a small number of officials, while the majority of the delegation consists of economic figures capable of transforming official meetings into tangible investment opportunities and projects that serve the interests of their countries.
These visits gain their importance from the fact that they are not protocol occasions or ordinary diplomatic trips, but rather intensive workshops dedicated to holding meetings and encounters, building partnerships and attracting investments, in order to achieve long-term strategic goals.
Hence, the selection of individuals participating in the economic delegation should be based on criteria of competence, experience, and the ability to represent the Iraqi private sector in a way that reflects its true potential, with a focus on those with successful experiences and existing projects on the ground, who have the ability to build bridges of cooperation with American companies and institutions.
Iraq today needs to seize every opportunity to promote its investment climate and present its development needs to major international companies, particularly in vital sectors that form the cornerstone of sustainable economic growth. Building strategic partnerships with international investors will also contribute to the transfer of expertise and technology, create jobs, and drive development.
The success of a visit is not measured by the number of meetings or statements issued, but rather by the agreements, projects, and real investment opportunities it can yield. Iraq needs a comprehensive investment revolution to revitalize its economy, pull it out of its stagnation, and open up new horizons. For growth, development, and prosperity.
After the legislative recess... a bet on finalizing the postponed laws.
MP Hussein Shaker affirmed on Tuesday that the Parliament will resume its work after the legislative recess to proceed with enacting important laws, stressing the need to avoid repeating the political disputes that plagued previous sessions and hampered the legislative body's work.
Shaker told the Information Agency, "The Parliament will work after the legislative recess to enact important laws that represent a priority for the coming period, in line with the requirements of the current phase and the needs of the citizens."
He added, "There is a trend within the Parliament to overcome the obstacles that hindered legislative work during previous sessions and to avoid repeating the scenario of political disputes that negatively impacted the performance of the legislative body and affected the passage of many important laws."
He pointed out that "the next phase requires cooperation among the political blocs to complete the remaining laws and expedite the enactment of laws that serve the public interest and strengthen the work of state institutions."
Shaker emphasized that "the success of the Parliament in performing its legislative and oversight duties requires moving beyond political disputes and focusing on completing the important pending laws, in a way that fulfills the aspirations of citizens and contributes to strengthening political and institutional stability."
Among the stalled laws are the Popular Mobilization Forces Law, the Oil and Gas Law, as well as amendments to the Land Ownership Law and the Federal Supreme Court Law. These laws require overcoming disagreements and prioritizing the national interest in order to be passed.
MP Hussein Shaker affirmed on Tuesday that the Parliament will resume its work after the legislative recess to proceed with enacting important laws, stressing the need to avoid repeating the political disputes that plagued previous sessions and hampered the legislative body's work.
Shaker told the Information Agency, "The Parliament will work after the legislative recess to enact important laws that represent a priority for the coming period, in line with the requirements of the current phase and the needs of the citizens."
He added, "There is a trend within the Parliament to overcome the obstacles that hindered legislative work during previous sessions and to avoid repeating the scenario of political disputes that negatively impacted the performance of the legislative body and affected the passage of many important laws."
He pointed out that "the next phase requires cooperation among the political blocs to complete the remaining laws and expedite the enactment of laws that serve the public interest and strengthen the work of state institutions."
Shaker emphasized that "the success of the Parliament in performing its legislative and oversight duties requires moving beyond political disputes and focusing on completing the important pending laws, in a way that fulfills the aspirations of citizens and contributes to strengthening political and institutional stability."
Among the stalled laws are the Popular Mobilization Forces Law, the Oil and Gas Law, as well as amendments to the Land Ownership Law and the Federal Supreme Court Law. These laws require overcoming disagreements and prioritizing the national interest in order to be passed.
The Ministerial Council for the Economy approves measures to regulate border crossings between Baghdad and Erbil.
The Ministerial Council for Economy decided to form a joint committee, headed by the Federal Border Ports Authority and including representatives of the relevant authorities in the Federal Government and the Kurdistan Regional Government, to conduct a comprehensive survey of the border strip and visit the unofficial crossings and ports in the region.
The Council also decided to task the Ministry of Finance, in coordination with the Ministry of Finance in the Kurdistan Region, with preparing a unified booklet for customs exemptions and allowances, to be approved by the Federal Cabinet and circulated to all border crossings for implementation.
The Council confirmed that the proposals of both sides were submitted to the Federal Cabinet regarding the mechanism for collecting revenues at the border crossings belonging to the Kurdistan Region, within the framework of organizing work and strengthening coordination between the federal government and the region.
The Ministerial Council for Economy decided to form a joint committee, headed by the Federal Border Ports Authority and including representatives of the relevant authorities in the Federal Government and the Kurdistan Regional Government, to conduct a comprehensive survey of the border strip and visit the unofficial crossings and ports in the region.
The Council also decided to task the Ministry of Finance, in coordination with the Ministry of Finance in the Kurdistan Region, with preparing a unified booklet for customs exemptions and allowances, to be approved by the Federal Cabinet and circulated to all border crossings for implementation.
The Council confirmed that the proposals of both sides were submitted to the Federal Cabinet regarding the mechanism for collecting revenues at the border crossings belonging to the Kurdistan Region, within the framework of organizing work and strengthening coordination between the federal government and the region.
In the presence of the US Chargé d'Affaires, the Governor of Basra signs a memorandum of understanding with the American energy company KBR.
Basra Governor Asaad Al-Eidani signed a memorandum of understanding on Tuesday with the American company KBR, which specializes in the fields of energy, space and technology, with the aim of strengthening cooperation in the energy sector.
The US Embassy in Iraq stated in a statement that Chargé d'Affaires Harris, accompanied by a delegation from the US company KBR, received the Governor of Basra, stressing his country's desire to deepen the economic partnership with Iraq, particularly in Basra Governorate, in a way that achieves tangible results that benefit both countries.
The statement added that Al-Eidani signed the memorandum of understanding with the American company, which is one of the world’s leading companies operating in the fields of engineering and energy, and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.
The move comes as part of efforts to strengthen economic cooperation and attract foreign investment to Iraq's energy sector.
Basra Governor Asaad Al-Eidani signed a memorandum of understanding on Tuesday with the American company KBR, which specializes in the fields of energy, space and technology, with the aim of strengthening cooperation in the energy sector.
The US Embassy in Iraq stated in a statement that Chargé d'Affaires Harris, accompanied by a delegation from the US company KBR, received the Governor of Basra, stressing his country's desire to deepen the economic partnership with Iraq, particularly in Basra Governorate, in a way that achieves tangible results that benefit both countries.
The statement added that Al-Eidani signed the memorandum of understanding with the American company, which is one of the world’s leading companies operating in the fields of engineering and energy, and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.
The move comes as part of efforts to strengthen economic cooperation and attract foreign investment to Iraq's energy sector.
Best UAE-Related Source (Official from Lamprell):Lamprell (a UAE-headquartered company based in Sharjah/Dubai area) announced it directly on LinkedIn:
Expanding Lamprell’s presence in Iraq
Following a series of successful engagements with clients and stakeholders in Iraq over the past year, Lamprell is pleased to announce the establishment of a new office in Basra, marking another step in our continued growth across the region. We are progressing with the recruitment of in-country personnel to support local operations and activities. The Iraq market supports wider Lamprell’s activities, including our Onshore EPC business, and this investment reflects our long-term commitment to supporting the country’s energy sector with local capability, technical expertise and project delivery experience.This is the most authoritative "UAE-based" source right now, as it comes directly from the company.
Expanding Lamprell’s presence in IraqFollowing a series of successful engagements with clients and stakeholders in Iraq over the past year, Lamprell is pleased to announce the establishment of a new office in Basra, marking another step in our continued growth across the region. We are progressing with the recruitment of in-country personnel to support local operations and activities. The Iraq market supports wider Lamprell’s activities, including our Onshore EPC business, and this investment reflects our long-term commitment to supporting the country’s energy sector with local capability, technical expertise and project delivery experience.
The government cast its net to catch the whales of corruption in Erbil?
Burhan Sheikh Raouf, a leader in the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, announced today, Tuesday, the Union’s full support for Operation Dawn Charge and the legal measures led by Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi in combating financial and administrative corruption in the country.
Sheikh Raouf told Al-Maalomah that "the Union absolutely supports the implementation of any judicial orders issued against those involved in corruption cases within the Kurdistan Region," stressing that "the region will not be a safe haven for corrupt individuals."
Sheikh Raouf called for "expanding the scope of the campaign to include all Iraqi governorates without exception," describing corruption as "bigger and more dangerous than terrorism," while criticizing "the continued presence of those involved in suspicions of corruption and the squandering of public funds throughout the past years without legal prosecution."
The Kurdish leader called for "strict measures and a firm hand to bring the corrupt to justice," and for the campaign to continue to "correct the course of the state and recover the looted public funds and inject them back into the state treasury," noting that "managing state institutions requires competent individuals, instead of those who corrupted the political process and bought consciences to reach parliament."
Sheikh Raouf warned "political forces against covering up for those being prosecuted," stressing that "obstructing this national mission is a betrayal of the Iraqi people and will have severe consequences for any party or group that tries to maintain the reality of wasting public money."
He added that "the electricity sector is one of the most prominent files marred by suspicions of corruption and the squandering of public funds, as it alone has drained approximately $80 billion without reaching a solution to the crisis," stressing that "the success of this campaign requires broad public and political support to confront the obstacles that stand in its way."
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After receiving the head of the Turkish intelligence service, what is Mohammed al-Halbousi's official position?
The meeting between Mohammed al -
Halbousi, head of the Progress Party, and Ibrahim Kalin, head of Turkish intelligence, on Tuesday, has raised questions about the nature and capacity of the encounter. This is particularly noteworthy given that the head of a foreign intelligence agency is a high-ranking security official, and such meetings are typically conducted through official government channels and relevant security institutions.
Observers have questioned the nature of the issues discussed, especially the mention of security and intelligence cooperation and support for the government's efforts to pursue wanted individuals outside Iraq—matters that fall primarily under the purview of the executive branch and official security agencies.
Analysts suggest that the involvement of party leaders in meetings with foreign security officials could spark debate about the limits of partisan diplomacy and the importance of coordinating with constitutional institutions to ensure clarity of roles and avoid any ambiguity regarding official state representation.
Critical questions about Iraq between Washington and Tehran
Tom Barrack, the US president's envoy to Iraq and Syria, differed from his previous visits to Baghdad a few days ago. He entered the government palace, where the prime minister was Ali al-Zaidi, who possesses full governmental powers, unlike Barrack's meetings with the previous government, which had expired after its constitutional term ended. Therefore, Barrack announced on his X-platform account that the purpose of his visit was "to convey US President Donald Trump's support for the Iraqi government." The discussions focused on "the strategic partnership between Iraq and the United States, aiming to chart a new and sustainable course for the relationship between the two sides."
Beyond the speculation and leaks surrounding the details of the US envoy's meetings in Baghdad and Erbil, Tom Barrack carries with him a set of files whose primary objective is to restructure the American presence in Iraq. A new US strategy in Iraq is beginning to take shape, one that prioritizes political engagement while minimizing the focus on military presence. This shift is intended to counter Iranian influence in Iraq, which, due to its strong political presence, has been able to shape many aspects of Iraqi politics, security, and the economy since 2003.
While it's true that Tom Barrack entered diplomacy after Trump's 2014 reelection bid, his background in law, real estate investment, and fundraising for Trump's 2016 presidential campaign is significant. He enjoys excellent relations with key regional players such as the Gulf states and Turkey, and believes the best solution to Middle Eastern conflicts lies in providing economic opportunities that benefit the region's populations and distract them from continued conflict. His role in shaping the relationship between Iraq and the United States cannot be denied. Damascus and the White House after Ahmed al-Sharaa assumed power in Syria.
However, despite this, Barak's most difficult task may be Iraq. The tentacles of Iranian influence in Iraq remain firmly embedded in the details of the security landscape. Even if the Iranians were to yield to the storm of American conditions regarding the formation of the new government after the November 11, 2025 elections, their strong presence through the various factions of the "Axis of Resistance" remains their most important asset, and the most dangerous in the eyes of the Americans.
The public announcement of Barak's visit and his meeting with Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, according to a statement from the US Embassy in Baghdad, was President Trump's intention to host al-Zaidi at the White House in mid-July to discuss the future of the partnership between Baghdad and Washington. The meeting focused on the issue of restricting weapons to the state and implementing Iraqi plans aimed at the complete disarmament and disbanding of all armed groups and formations operating outside the authority of the state. The need to finalize procedures for American companies to invest in Iraq's oil and electricity sectors was also emphasized.
The Washington visit
What America wants from Iraq is very clear, and it is no longer a matter of speculation or leaks circulating about closed meetings. It is, first, second, and third, the monopoly of arms by the state. However, the al-Zaidi government has not yet announced its strategy for implementing this American demand. Although some armed groups within the coordination framework have announced their initiative to separate their weapons from their political activities, the details of disarming them and how they will be handed over to the state remain unclear. Likewise, the armed factions that refuse to disarm maintain their position. There does not appear to be any movement toward entering into new discussions regarding their weapons.
Despite more than a month having passed since the al-Zaidi government received a vote of confidence with 14 ministers, the remaining nine ministries are still vacant. There is no talk of filling them these days. Ironically, the two most important ministries for managing the security file and monopolizing weapons by the state—Defense and Interior—have not yet had their ministers appointed!
At the level of complexity in the relationship between the internal political environment and its repercussions on Iraq's foreign policy, the problem for successive governments in Baghdad lies in their belief that their legitimacy is incomplete without international and regional recognition. Therefore, foreign visits and bilateral meetings with the heads of neighboring states are seen as recognition of the government and its rule, rather than as political processes aimed at achieving the state's higher interests. Consequently, the impact of these meetings on development projects or on the state's efforts to reclaim its power from parallel armed groups is irrelevant; instead, they are viewed as a political gain for a ruling class suffering from a breakdown in its social and political legitimacy.
The visit of the al-Zaidi government to Washington and its meeting with US President Donald Trump may have been an important step at a critical juncture for the region, following the transition from a fluid conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran to the signing of a preliminary peace agreement to end the war. However, this visit will likely yield little more than a reiteration of the US administration's statements supporting the government, reaffirming the strategic partnership between Baghdad and Washington, and emphasizing the state's monopoly on the use of force.
Ironically, the complex issues involved in activating this strategic partnership and redefining its details are not even on the table for discussion among political actors. The al-Zaidi government is still in its early stages, and the influential political factions within it remain ambiguous in their stances regarding relations with the United States. Do they desire a full-fledged partnership on both the economic and security levels, or are they still hesitant, caught between the slogan "America is the Great Satan" and the interest of accepting its conditions to preserve political gains? If al-Zaidi's visit to the White House and his meeting with President Trump are not postponed,
Washington
will be the first stop on his foreign tours. He would be the first prime minister to break the pattern of previous prime ministers, who assumed office after Ibrahim al-Jaafari, beginning their foreign visits with Iran, not the United States.
Al-Zaidi understands that managing influence between the United States and Iran in Iraq is not solely a matter for his government's decisions. It is a complex issue involving Iranian influence over political actors and armed groups. However, the scope of American influence lies in exerting pressure on the Baghdad government and influencing its decisions and choices.
The American approach in Iraq is based on direct pressure regarding the issues the Trump administration considers priorities for severing its spheres of influence from Tehran's. However, this is not a simple matter; it's not a presidential decree or an executive order that the government signs and implements. Rather, it's a complex web of issues that transcends the logic of bilateral relations between two countries through official and diplomatic channels. While Iranian influence may be evident in the realms of arms and politics in Iraq, the back channels operating as economic mafias involved in smuggling dollars and oil require genuine confrontation and concrete steps to dismantle them before the relationship between the two countries can be redefined.
Al-Zaidi must capitalize on the Iranians' neutrality regarding his appointment and the formation of his government. It appears that Iran is dealing with the changes in Iraq by taking a step back, perhaps as part of a reassessment of its foreign policy in managing the Iraqi file. Iran's approach to Iraq after the 40-day war may be shifting towards prioritizing a political perspective over a military one. Iran will then accept a partnership with the United States in sharing influence in Iraq, abandoning the zero-sum game mentality where one side's gain is the other's loss. It may believe this period requires transcending the principle of prioritizing loyalty over political acumen and prudence among its Iraqi
allies.
In short, after reaching an agreement with the US on de-escalation, Iran will enter a new phase in defining its relationship with its regional environment. However, with Iraq, it cannot accept a complete severing of ties between Iraq and its vision of Iranian national security; neither history nor geography permits it. But it might accept a reduction in military influence, and to some extent political influence, in exchange for maintaining economic ties, which it sees as the only way to avoid collapse. Conversely, the US believes that reducing Iranian military influence in Iraq is a good start, with the rest to follow.
No one yet knows the new Iraqi government's vision for managing foreign relations and defining its approach to Tehran and Washington, now that they have agreed on de-escalation instead of war, nor its vision for managing a hybrid security apparatus fraught with internal disputes and vulnerable to foreign interference. The al-Zaidi government faces the challenge of convincing the Americans and Iranians that Iraq should be a meeting point, not a point of contention. This requires first putting Iraq's political house in order internally, and then revitalizing the economy to become a hub based on partnership, not dominance, among competing factions. But how can this be achieved when we live in a country where multiple entities, parties, and leaders usurp the state's foreign policy decision-making power?
Source: Al-Zaidi intends to demand that Jordan hand over businessmen and former officials accused of corruption
An Iraqi political source told the Jordanian newspaper “Khaberni” that Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi is about to issue official letters to Jordan to hand over businessmen and former officials accused of corruption.
The source, who is close to al-Zaydi's political circle, said that the communications would include businessmen working in the car trade, a potato chip factory, and a private hospital.
The sources indicated that the suspects are required to return tens of millions of dollars, not to mention unspecified quantities of gold, and that Baghdad will formally request the seizure of their assets.
The Iraqi Prime Minister had previously confirmed that the campaign represents a “first phase” in the fight against corruption, stressing the continuation of efforts to recover public funds, and emphasizing that there will be no leniency in protecting the interests of citizens.
The Iraqi News Agency had announced the arrest of 47 defendants, including deputies and officials, in corruption cases, and published the names of 15 of them, citing sources it described as high-ranking.
From the top of the US Treasury Department to the Kurdistan Regional Bank: A new roadmap to boost banking confidence and attract investment
The Kurdistan Regional Commercial Bank (RTB) is holding its first meeting of its new board of directors. With this move, the bank will become the first local bank in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq to implement an international governance system, a step that is expected to boost banking confidence in the region.
The council is chaired by Mr. Marshall Billingslea, former Assistant Secretary of the Treasury and former President of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is a global body that sets standards for combating money laundering and terrorist financing. The team also includes a number of prominent figures, such as Mr. Gregory Gatianis, former Deputy Director of the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC);
Ilze Zanutina, former head of the Latvian Financial Intelligence Unit and advisor to the International Monetary Fund and the European Commission, and Dr. Jorge Jimenez, an expert on the US Federal Payments System, are among the board members. Other members include Hashim Hamandi, Basil Kivan, Adnan Kafait, and Colonel Hijazi. Yilmaz Ugur Ay, who has over twenty years of experience in the Iraqi and Turkish financial markets, will handle day-to-day operations as CEO.
The presence of this strong team of experts from the US Treasury Department and international institutions will open new horizons for the Iraqi banking sector, freeing it from the financial isolation it has suffered for years.
This radical change in three key dimensions could fundamentally transform Iraq's economic equation. First, it strengthens the bank itself. RTB Bank is upgrading its internal control system, risk management, and financial infrastructure to international standards, ensuring its protection against money laundering risks and its compliance with global standards.
Second, openness to the global financial system. Achieving this level of trust paves the way for correspondent banking with major American and European banks, a step that reduces import and export costs for local companies and facilitates the movement of funds.
Third, attracting foreign investment. When international companies see a local bank managed according to the highest international standards, they are more inclined to invest in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.
The Regional Commercial Bank has been providing banking services since July 2001, and established its headquarters in Erbil in September 2003. It is licensed and registered with the Central Bank of Iraq, and has not been subject to any banking sanctions since its establishment to date.
Gulf States Are Watching Closely The Anti-Corruption Campaign In Iraq: "Investment In Exchange For Controlling Weapons."
Former Kuwaiti Information Minister Sami Al-Nisf believes that the future of Gulf investments in Iraq depends on the government's ability to impose state control over weapons and confront corruption, warning that the continued presence of armed groups outside the official system will keep Iraq from attracting capital. Al-Nisf explained, during a television interview published by local media, that “any Gulf economic openness to Iraq requires the existence of a state capable of extending its full authority, indicating that the international community holds governments respo
any attacks launched from their territories, regardless of who carries them out.” He noted that “the Gulf states are following with interest the efforts of Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s government to restrict weapons to the state, in addition to the measures to pursue corruption cases, considering that the success of these two paths will give investors greater confidence in the Iraqi environment.”
He pointed out that “attacks carried out by drones cannot go unpunished,” explaining that international legal options remain on the table if such attacks continue, because international laws do not differentiate between non-state actors and the responsibility of the state on whose territory the incidents occur.
Al-Nisf explained that “achieving economic development requires security stability and the state’s monopoly on the use of force, stressing that the investor, whether from the Gulf or Iraq, first looks for a safe and stable environment before investing his money in any project.”
He added that “Iraq has great economic opportunities, but their investment remains contingent on consolidating state sovereignty, ending the manifestations of uncontrolled weapons, and strengthening the path of administrative and financial reform, in order to restore confidence in the Iraqi economy and encourage the flow of foreign investments.”
Joe Wilson to Rudaw: I am optimistic about the efforts of the new Iraqi Prime Minister
Rudaw Digital – US Republican Congressman Joe Wilson:
expressed his support for Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi 's efforts to combat corruption, emphasizing the need for Baghdad to "break free from Iranian influence . " Speaking to Rudaw's Washington bureau chief , Diyar Kurda , on Tuesday , June 30 , 2026, Wilson said
, "We want what's best for the people of Iraq," adding that the anti -corruption efforts are " commendable because every country has varying levels of corruption that need to be addressed." The congressman noted his personal connection to Iraq, where two of his sons served as soldiers . Wilson said , " My two eldest sons served in Iraq, one in the field artillery and the other as a medic in the Navy . They developed a deep affection for the Iraqi people ." Warning Against Iranian Influence: Wilson strongly criticized Iranian interference in Iraq , urging the new Iraqi government to put an end to this influence. He expressed his hope that " every effort will be made to remove Iran's malign influence in the country. Iraq must distance itself from Iran , the country that chants ' Death to America.' " Wilson described Iran as a source of instability .
Regarding stability and the killing of Iraqis, he said, "We know that the IEDs and military attacks on civilians in Iraq were actually originating from Iran . " Concluding his remarks , the congressman addressed the planned visit of Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi to the United States, saying, "I am very optimistic about the new prime minister and his work with President Trump to combat corruption and eliminate negative Iranian influence . We want the Iraqi people to have free and fair elections ." Joe Wilson's comments come as Iraqi security forces launched a large-scale and surprise anti -corruption campaign on Sunday , ordered by the prime minister, considered the largest operation of its kind in the country's modern history . Below is the text of Rudaw's question and Joe Wilson's answer : Rudaw: How do you view the efforts of the new Iraqi prime minister to arrest individuals linked to corruption and armed groups ? Joe Wilson: I am very optimistic , and we want the best for the people of Iraq. I always like to mention that my two eldest sons served in Iraq, one in the field artillery and the other as a medic in the Navy , and we want the best for the Iraqi people . So, the vision of tackling corruption, because every country has levels of corruption that must be addressed,
I am very grateful to see these steps being taken. Furthermore , I hope every effort will be made to eliminate Iran's malign influence in the country. Iran , which chants "Death to America," is something Iraq must distance itself from and show no respect for . Above all , we know that the IEDs and military attacks on civilians in Iraq have , in fact , originated in Iran . Therefore , I am very optimistic about the new Prime Minister and his work with President Trump, and his visit to Washington to combat corruption and eliminate Iranian influence , which is very negative and against the interests of the Iraqi people . We want the Iraqi people to have free and fair elections . My sons were there , and they have already developed a great affection for the Iraqi people .
Al-Zaidi's New Surprises After the Night of Shock Arrests
AUDIO HERE:
Iranian media reported that the admiralMuhammad AkbarDeputy Political Affairs CommanderNaval ForcesA member of the Revolutionary Guard was killed in a traffic accident.
The same source indicated that traffic and ambulance crews arrived at the scene of the accident, and Admiral Akbarzadeh was transported to a medical center, but he succumbed to his severe injuries.
The source added that the relevant authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances and causes of the accident, without releasing any further details at this time.
Visa and Mastercard alliance launches a new global currency
Called OpenStandard, the initiative brings together more than 140 companies within a stablecoin network and will issue a new US dollar-pegged stablecoin called OpenUSD, with a launch expected later this year.
OpenStandard aims to accelerate the global adoption of these digital tokens by addressing the challenges companies face in scaling up stablecoin adoption.
Zach Abrams, CEO and founder of OpenStandard, stated that existing stablecoins have strong advantages, but to expand their use, companies need an open, low-cost system that can easily process transactions and aligns with their interests.
The initiative will allow companies to issue and redeem OpenUSD without costs or size restrictions, helping them expand their operations. The proceeds from the reserves backing this digital currency will be distributed among the initiative's partners after deducting administrative fees to cover operating costs.
Stablecoins are digital tokens designed to maintain a fixed value, backed by traditional currencies such as the US dollar or the euro.
Last year, US President Donald Trump signed the Guinness World Records Act into law, establishing federal rules and guidelines for stablecoins.
Experts at the time considered this US law, the first of its kind to facilitate the use of cryptocurrencies, as paving the way for digital assets to become an everyday means of making payments and transferring funds.
However, stablecoins are still mostly used to facilitate trading in other cryptocurrencies and have not yet achieved widespread adoption in payment transactions.
Caroline Weinberg, Chief Product and Innovation Officer at BNY Bank, added that a stablecoin with neutral governance and a participatory economic model represents a unique combination that could unlock the next phase of digital asset growth.
It is worth noting that some financial technology and cryptocurrency companies also collaborated in 2024 to launch a global stablecoin network known as the “Global Dollar Network”.
