The Iraqi parliament confirms its readiness to legislate the oil and gas law.
Parliamentary statements confirmed that there is a trend within the House of Representatives to legislate the oil and gas law, in addition to working on developing non-oil resources and reducing dependence on the public sector.
Member of Parliament, Youssef Al-Kalabi, announced the readiness of Parliament to legislate laws supporting the national economy, foremost among them the oil and gas law, calling for the activation of the suspended clauses to maximize state revenues outside the oil sector, while praising the recent Cabinet decisions and describing them as having put its finger on the “source of the problem.”
Al-Kalabi said in a speech during the first economic conference entitled “ Iraq After Oil”: “The recent decisions of the Council of Ministers have begun to put their finger on the root of the problem.”
He pointed out that “previous decisions regarding component cranes, spare parts orders, and granted exceptions contributed to removing the real and serious private sector from the circle of competition in favor of groups that depend on other personalities.”
He then added that “the House of Representatives sees a need for a genuine revolution in the oil sector and its alternatives,” revealing that “more than 16 articles were drafted by Parliament in the previous session to maximize state revenues outside the oil sector, in cooperation with members of the Finance Committee.” He expressed his regret that 12 of those proposals were not implemented or acted upon.
The MP stressed that “the post-oil era requires two essential steps; the first is to expedite the enactment of the oil and gas law, given that the processes of extracting, marketing, exporting and developing oil are still subject to old laws that are outdated and no longer useful.”
He also explained that “the second step lies in developing non-oil imports and reducing the labor market’s dependence on the public sector as much as possible.”
Al-Kalabi added that “the House of Representatives is fully prepared to legislate these laws.”
He then pointed out that “the government program of the Prime Minister, which was voted on by Parliament, includes important clauses that give priority to enacting the oil and gas law, and opening the labor market to the serious and genuine private sector to be a key partner in economic development.”
The Reconstruction Coalition responds to "allegations" attributed to it regarding the existence of an Iraqi decision concerning (Qani).
The Reconstruction and Development Coalition, headed by Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, denied on Sunday (July 5, 2026) a source in the coalition revealing that there was an Iraqi decision to classify Quds Force commander Ismail Qaani as an undesirable person.
The official spokesman for Reconstruction and Development, Firas Al-Muslawi, said in a statement received by “Baghdad Today”,: “We categorically deny what Monte Carlo Radio published, quoting a source it claimed was from within Reconstruction and Development, regarding the existence of an Iraqi decision to classify the commander of the Quds Force, Ismail Qaani, as an undesirable person. We confirm that this news is completely false and has no relation to the truth, and no position or statement has been issued by the Reconstruction and Development Coalition on this matter.”
He added, "We also call on respectable media outlets to adopt the official channels of the coalition in reporting news and statements, and to avoid relying on unknown sources that put the media platform in front of question marks regarding the accuracy and professionalism of news reporting."
Agriculture: Iraq adopts completely non-genetically modified seeds
The Ministry of Agriculture confirmed that Iraq relies entirely on non-genetically modified seeds, while stressing the continuation of government oversight of all stages of agricultural production, and calling for expanding investment in agricultural manufacturing and marketing to enhance food security and reduce waste.
The advisor to the Ministry of Agriculture, Mahdi Dhamad Al-Qaisi, said that the private sector represents the main pillar of the agricultural sector, as the productive activity depends mainly on farmers, agricultural workers and investors, in addition to companies and associations specializing in agricultural activities, food industries and marketing.
He explained that these activities contribute to supporting the national economy, securing production requirements, and enhancing food security, stressing that achieving food security depends primarily on local products, due to their higher levels of quality and safety compared to imported products.
Al-Qaisi added that Iraq prohibits the use of genetically modified seeds and relies on seeds free from genetic modification, noting that agricultural fields are subject to continuous monitoring by the competent authorities to ensure that crops are free from pathogens, in addition to monitoring all stages of agricultural production.
He pointed out that the investment law encourages agricultural activities, calling for directing investments towards food industries related to agricultural production, due to their role in preserving products, extending their shelf life, reducing spoilage and waste, as well as reducing storage and transportation costs.
He stressed that developing the agricultural marketing sector is a key factor in reducing losses, by accelerating the transfer of products to manufacturing and preservation centers, and improving the mechanisms for displaying them in markets in a way that preserves their nutritional and economic value.
Al-Qaisi called for expanding the use of modern machinery, smart farming technologies, and artificial intelligence in the stages of agricultural production, marketing, and manufacturing, considering them to be promising investment opportunities for the private sector.
Targeting 150,000 barrels per day, Iraq signs a contract with Halliburton to manage the Bin Omar and Sindbad oil fields.
The Iraqi Ministry of Oil announced on Sunday the signing of an integrated management contract for the Bin Omar and Sindbad oil fields in Basra Governorate between the Basra Oil Company and the American company Halliburton, as part of the government's plans to develop the energy sector.
Oil Minister Bassem Mohammed Khudair Al-Abadi, during his sponsorship of the signing ceremony, said that this five-year contract comes in implementation of the ministry’s strategy aimed at increasing production capacities of oil and associated gas in cooperation with reputable international companies.
The minister explained that the target during the contract period is to raise crude oil production rates in the “Ben Omar” field to reach 150,000 barrels per day, in addition to investing 300 million standard cubic feet (MMcf) per day of associated gas.
Al-Abadi added that production rates in the “Sindbad” field will also witness development to reach between 80,000 and 100,000 barrels per day, with an increase in the capacity of associated gas invested from 240 to 260 million standard cubic feet per day, stressing that these projects will provide great flexibility to equip the country’s electricity production stations.
The Minister of Oil affirmed that the Ministry is committed to strengthening its partnerships with major international companies, particularly American ones, and overcoming all obstacles to achieve development goals, praising the long experience of Halliburton, which has been operating in Iraq since 2003.
Dinar Surges Against Dollar as Kurdistan Traders Predict Further Parallel Market Drops
The Iraqi dinar rallied sharply against the U.S. dollar in Kurdistan Region’s markets following stabilization pledges from the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) and the rollout of a new financial system, with market traders forecasting a continued drop in the parallel exchange rate.
The Iraqi dinar gained ground against the US dollar, with the parallel market rate strengthening to 154,250 dinars per $100 after coming down from a high of 157,000 dinars last week.
Local currency traders attribute the market shift directly to stabilization assurances issued by the Central Bank.
Amid wild rumors of a rate hike to 160,000 IQD, the Central Bank of Iraq stepped in to reassure the public on June 22 that the official rate remains strictly locked at 132,000 IQD.
Traders Report Shift as Citizens Sell U.S. Dollars for Dinars
According to Sulaymaniyah currency trader Dana Mawloud, citizens are reversing previous trends by selling U.S. dollars for Iraqi dinars.
Mawloud noted no immediate risk to the dinar's value, citing the Central Bank's fixed rate of 132,000 dinars per $100.
Erbil Market Spokesperson Forecasts Stronger Dinar
Meanwhile, Kaifi Khoshnaw, the spokesperson for the Erbil Currency Exchange Market, predicts that the value of the dinar will rise even further.
Khoshnaw said it is expected that with Ali Faleh Zaidi's visit to the United States in the middle of this month, the value of $100 will drop to the level of 151,000 to 152,000 dinars.
Several key factors are expected to drive the long-term appreciation of the Iraqi dinar, according to the currency exchange market spokesperson.
Chief among these structural drivers are the ongoing implementation of the ASYCUDA customs system and sustained political stability across Iraq, both of which are projected to solidify the national currency's position against the U.S. dollar.
Kurdistan Regional Government and Iraqi federal officials convened in Baghdad recently to resolve technical hurdles surrounding the ASYCUDA. However, high-level talks between both governments remain in progress pending final ratification by the Federal Cabinet.
Pakistan will host a round of US-Iranian negotiations on July 11.
Pakistan will host a new round of negotiations between the United States and Iran on July 11, as part of efforts to resume talks between the two sides.
Sources indicated that the upcoming round will address three main issues: US sanctions imposed on Tehran, frozen Iranian assets, and the Iranian nuclear program.
They added that the level of representation in the Iranian delegation has not yet been finalized, noting that a decision will be made after the conclusion of the funeral ceremonies for Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
This round follows two other meetings held in Switzerland last month and in Doha last Tuesday and Wednesday, and comes after months of indirect contacts between Washington and Tehran, which have focused on containing the escalation and reviving negotiations on the nuclear program, amidst ongoing disagreements regarding the lifting of sanctions and the guarantees required from both sides.
While the anticipated negotiations still face challenges related to post-war arrangements, disagreements over the Iranian nuclear program and mechanisms for releasing frozen Iranian assets, as well as the management of the Strait of Hormuz, both sides are seeking opportunities to return to a diplomatic path that would ease tensions in the region.
Iraqi President outlines policy on Iran, US, and armed factions
Baghdad is moving forward with implementing its security agreement with Iran to end the presence of Iranian opposition factions on Iraq’s territory, Iraqi President Nizar Amedi said on Saturday.
In an interview with Al Hadath TV, Amedi indicated that Baghdad will build ties with Tehran on mutual respect, shared interests, and respect for sovereignty.
Relations with the United States, Europe, and Gulf states are sovereign decisions, he said, noting that Baghdad's ties with Iran or Washington will not come at the expense of one another.
On restricting weapons to the state, the president pointed out that the government began the first steps toward placing weapons under state control, with some armed factions responding positively. “The process requires caution and wisdom to avoid confrontation and bloodshed while addressing the reasons that led some groups to take up arms.”
“After the coalition's mission ends, Baghdad will evaluate its security needs before deciding on any memoranda of understanding, agreements, or contracts with the United States or other countries to continue developing its military capabilities.”
Amedi said Iraq rejects any attack on regional countries, especially Gulf states, from Iraqi territory, adding that Iraq's security and Gulf security are linked. He also called for a regional security framework after the end of the war in the region, saying Iraq could play a central role in promoting stability and economic recovery.
Regarding Turkiye, Amedi said Baghdad is coordinating with Ankara to address the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) issue and the situation in Sinjar. He said the PKK issue “is longstanding and complex, and military action alone cannot resolve it.”
Baghdad and Erbil suffer from several shortcomings, but the constitution remains the basis for managing the relationship. He called on the Kurdistan Region's two main parties to form a government, reactivate parliament, and resolve financial disputes through the federal budget law while guaranteeing the Region's constitutional rights.
The president also said the government has a genuine will to fight corruption, describing it as no less dangerous than terrorism. He said no one is above the law and that all corruption cases will be referred to the judiciary.
Iran names Ali Azmaei to lead IRGC Navy
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has appointed Ali Azmaei as commander of its naval foces, replacing Major General Alireza Tangsiri, who was killed during US and Israeli strikes on Iran, Iran's ISNA news agency reported on Saturday.
In a statement, Azmaei warned that "divine revenge" against the United States and Israel "is not far away."
The new leader, one of the IRGC Navy's veteran commanders, has led the Fifth Naval District since its establishment in 2012 after serving as deputy commander of the First Naval District. In 2019, the United States imposed sanctions on him alongside Ali Khamenei and seven senior IRGC commanders over activities linked to Iran's military establishment.
Integrity Commission: The next step in the funds recovery case holds many surprises.
The Integrity Commission has stated that the upcoming phase of the asset recovery file holds many surprises. Abbas Mutab, Director General of the Recovery Department at the Federal Integrity Commission, told the official newspaper that "the Commission has managed to recover approximately half of the accused individuals who fled Iraq compared to the previous period, in addition to a very good percentage of the funds recovered from abroad." He emphasized "the significant cooperation with Interpol and law enforcement agencies," adding that "there is a problem with cooperation with other countries regarding the extradition of some accused individuals, and the differences in laws between Iraq and other countries. What is applied on the ground in Iraq cannot be applied in other countries.
Moreover, the funds that fled Iraq have become intertwined with the economies of other countries, which necessitates a file to study the case, follow up on it, gather evidence, and implement it to prove that these funds belong to Iraq." Mutab explained that "the upcoming phase of the asset recovery file for this year holds many surprises, whether in terms of large sums of money or accused individuals who fled the country years ago, and that these efforts are being carried out with the support of the head of the Integrity Commission and the head of the Supreme Judicial Council."
"Omoda and Jaiko": Iraqis are experiencing growth by international standards and deserve advanced cars that are subject to strict oversight.
Omoda and Jaeco Motors affirmed their confidence in the Iraqi market, noting that Iraqis are experiencing growth by international standards and deserve advanced cars that are subject to strict oversight, while pledging to provide after-sales services, smart technologies, and an advanced experience that meets the aspirations of customers in global markets.
The company said in a statement that "the automotive sector in Iraq is witnessing an accelerated phase of transformation, with the official announcement of the entry of the Omoda and Jaico brands into the local market," indicating that "this expansion is not limited to introducing new models only, but comes within a strategy supported by Jameel Motors, the independent international distributor of cars, which has decades of experience in managing distribution operations, supply chains and after-sales services in a number of global markets."
She explained that “Omoda and Gaiko were able, in a short period of time, to attract the attention of followers of the automotive sector, thanks to their rapid pace of expansion in global markets. Over the past three years, the two brands have recorded a number of outstanding indicators, including the delivery of more than 1.1 million vehicles worldwide, a presence in 70 international markets, and entering a new market at a rate of one market every 16 days, as well as opening 1,364 showrooms and sales centers at a rate of one new facility per day, in addition to expanding into 20 European markets, making them one of the fastest growing brand groups in the European continent.”
She pointed out that "the global growth of the two brands depends on an integrated system of research, development and manufacturing based on the industrial and engineering capabilities of the Chery Group," explaining that "the production of Omoda and Jaico vehicles is characterized by the use of modern manufacturing technologies and smart production systems, along with strict quality control procedures in various stages of manufacturing."
She emphasized that "the vehicles undergo intensive testing aimed at ensuring high levels of durability and reliability, while the modern engineering structure, advanced safety systems and smart communication technologies contribute to providing an advanced user experience that meets the aspirations of customers in global markets."
Parliamentary Economy Committee: Investment Law has been stalled for political reasons
Yasser al-Husseini, former deputy head of the parliamentary economic committee, confirmed on Saturday that the investment law was stalled during the previous period for political reasons, noting that this negatively impacted the investment climate in the country.
Al-Husseini told the Information Agency, "The investment law was stalled for political reasons despite its importance in supporting the national economy and attracting investments."
He added, "The next phase requires reactivating the law and removing it from political disputes in a way that contributes to improving the investment environment and driving economic development."
He pointed out that "developing the investment sector requires stable legislation and a genuine political will that ensures the implementation of laws in a way that serves the public interest."
New names on the list of those whose immunity is to be lifted... Will "Operation Dawn" disrupt parliamentary sessions?
MP Duha Laibi Al-Bahadli made a surprise announcement today, Sunday, regarding the possibility of introducing a new package to lift the immunity of MPs facing serious accusations related to corruption cases, indicating that the upcoming session may witness the approval of strict legal measures against the accused in preparation for bringing them to justice.
Al-Bahadli told Al-Maalomah that "Parliament will dedicate a key part of tomorrow's session, Monday, to discussing the recent government measures related to suspicions of corruption, in parallel with the scheduled agenda."
She added that "there is a decisive parliamentary trend to support the escalating government movement to combat corruption and the waste of public funds," stressing that "the next stage may witness taking measures against prominent figures accused of involvement in corruption cases, within the framework of expanding the prosecution campaign and not excluding any party whose involvement is proven."
Al-Bahadli blocked “any attempts to circumvent the law,” stressing “the absolute parliamentary rejection of concluding any (political settlements) with the big players involved in corruption deals,” while emphasizing that “the principle of accountability will be applied seriously, away from partisan interventions or pressures.”
The MP revealed the "features of the upcoming government plan," stressing that "the 'Dawn Charge' campaign is on its way, and the second phase of the campaign is about to begin, and it is expected to include a new list of prominent names accused of plundering national wealth."
Al-Bahadli concluded her remarks by emphasizing "the necessity of targeting the major figures of corruption and not merely pursuing low-level employees," considering that "including influential figures is the only guarantee for restoring the Iraqi public's trust in government procedures and proving the state's seriousness in its crucial battle to recover stolen funds."
Warning of a public outburst: Accumulated crises burden Iraqis and deepen the loss of trust - Urgent
: For years, Iraq has witnessed an accumulation of political, economic, and financial crises, which have directly affected the public mood and the level of trust in official institutions and political forces.
While challenges related to unemployment, services, and financial pressures are increasing, observers warn of a widening trust gap between citizens and the state, at a time when calls are escalating for genuine reforms that restore stability and enhance public confidence in the political process. On Sunday (July 5, 2026), Arif Al-Saadi, a member of the peaceful movement, identified the most prominent factors that are putting pressure on the public mood in Iraq, in light of the accumulation of political, economic, and financial crises.
Al-Saadi explained in his interview with “Baghdad Today” that “Iraq after 2003 has been suffering from multiple crises in the security, political, economic and financial dimensions, in addition to the emergence of unfamiliar social and political phenomena,” indicating that “Iraqi society has been subjected to accumulated pressures that have been reflected in the trends of public opinion.”
He added that “Iraqi society is emotional and is quickly affected by these recurring crises, which has led to a state of distrust in governmental and political institutions to a large extent,” noting that “election seasons do not clearly show the extent of the reluctance, because part of the participation is not entirely of free will due to political money and pressures, especially in poor areas.”
Al-Saadi pointed out that "the level of confidence in the political process in general is at its lowest since 2003, in light of the failure to implement a large percentage of the promises made by the political forces, and the continued decline in the economic situation and the rise in unemployment rates."
He added that “the administration of the state has shifted in some aspects from institutional work to the logic of family and tribal influence, which has increased indicators of popular frustration,” explaining that “the most dangerous thing facing the country now is the financial crisis and the fear that the government will not be able to deal with it, and the repercussions that may result from this on the issue of salaries.”
Al-Saadi stressed that “the accumulation of government errors has reached a stage that requires the dominant political forces to realize that the country is going through a critical phase, and if real measures are not taken to restore confidence in the political process, the situation will be more difficult in the next stage.”
He concluded by saying: “Public opinion trends are negative, and building trust requires a serious approach, but unfortunately, most political forces still put their interests first, which makes the glimmer of hope limited in light of the continued power-sharing.”
Since 2003, Iraq has faced successive challenges encompassing security, the economy, administration and services, along with recurring political crises that have affected the performance of state institutions.
Experts believe that the continuation of political disputes, high unemployment rates, financial crises, as well as the failure to implement many government promises, have contributed to a decline in the confidence of a wide segment of citizens in the political process, amid demands for institutional reforms that address the causes of frustration and enhance political and economic stability.
Taxes are increasing while services are poor; Iraqis are paying more than they receive.
Between health and education fees, electricity levies, traffic payments, vehicle registration, and university services, Iraqis are increasingly complaining about the widening circle of taxes and government fees, at a time when they say that the level of public services does not match what they pay, raising renewed questions about the fairness of the tax system in the country.
Citizens believe that the fees imposed on various services have become an additional burden on household income, especially with the continued decline in basic services in the health, education and infrastructure sectors, amid calls to reconsider financial policies in order to achieve a balance between government revenues and citizens’ rights.
In this regard, Member of Parliament’s Services Committee, Muhammad al-Hasnawi, told Shafaq News Agency that the House of Representatives has placed the tax system file among the priorities of the new legislative session, stressing that there is a trend towards enacting a new law that achieves tax justice and protects the poor and middle classes.
He adds that the current system "is making citizens bear the cost of the state's financial deficit," noting that a number of MPs have made comments calling for a comprehensive reform of tax policy, which would limit capital inflation and ensure a fairer distribution of financial burdens.
The current fees include monthly deductions from employees’ salaries, including a deduction of 25,000 dinars within the health sector, as well as other fees related to various government services.
Fees without services
Citizen Abbas Kazem states that the taxes and fees paid by citizens should be met with an appropriate level of services.
Kazem explains, in his interview with Shafaq News Agency, that families are forced to resort to private hospitals when they get sick due to the weakness of government health services, while the problem is repeated in other sectors, most notably electricity, where collection fees in some homes reach about 200,000 dinars per month, even though the hours of supply of national electricity do not exceed four or five hours per day.
For her part, citizen Azhar Al-Saadi points out that "everything has become subject to fees, from food and medicine to the simplest government transactions."
In her interview with Shafaq News Agency, she pointed out that completing any transaction often requires having funds in the bank card that may reach 100,000 dinars to pay the various fees, noting that "the employee's salary leaves his account and returns to the state on the same day due to the large number of deductions and fees."
In the transportation sector, vehicle owners complain about the high registration and licensing fees.
Citizen Aqeel says that registering small vehicles costs about 30,000 dinars, while the fees rise to 300,000 dinars for large vehicles, in addition to collecting road and bridge fees, despite the continued deterioration of the infrastructure and the streets being full of potholes and bumps.
Aqeel, speaking to Shafaq News Agency, points out that volunteer campaigns have begun to repair some roads after the increase in accidents, indicating a widening gap between the fees collected and the level of services provided.
Additional burdens
In the education sector, university student Reham Al-Aboudi confirms that tuition fees and financial allowances in public universities have become a burden on students and their families.
Al-Aboudi tells Shafaq News Agency that universities collect fees under various names, in addition to obligating students to use paid electronic applications to obtain exam results, which increases the financial burdens without any tangible improvement in educational services.
She points out that many students are now resorting to obtaining their results through acquaintances within universities instead of subscribing to paid applications.
Between the Constitution and Reality
Articles (30), (31) and (34) of the Iraqi Constitution stipulate that the state guarantees social security, health care and education, as they are basic rights for citizens, which prompts many to demand that government fees be aligned with the level of services provided.
For his part, Khalid al-Jabri, a member of the Supreme Committee for Tax Reform, told Shafaq News Agency that taxes and customs duties are not just tools to increase revenues, but represent a fundamental pillar in managing the economy, stimulating investment, and protecting national production.
He adds that developed countries use tax systems as a means to support economic growth, while in Iraq they are still managed in a traditional way that makes them seem like a burden on citizens and the private sector.
Al-Jabri concludes his remarks by pointing out that modernizing the tax and customs systems, and moving to digital management and modern oversight, is essential to boosting non-oil revenues and achieving economic stability, stressing that "a successful economy is not based on increasing taxes, but rather on smart management that achieves growth before revenues.
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Exclusive: No ministerial appointments accepted, and the formation of al-Zidi's cabinet postponed until after Washington.
The Shiite Coordination Framework, on Saturday, linked the completion of the ministerial formation of Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi’s government to the results of his upcoming visit to the United States, stressing that the vacant ministries will not be decided before his return from Washington.
MP Amer Al-Fayez, a leader in the coordination framework, told Shafaq News Agency that the House of Representatives will resume its work with the start of the new legislative session, with its first regular session to be held next Monday, but the vote on the new ministers will be postponed to a later stage.
Al-Fayez explained that Al-Zidi will submit the names of candidates for the vacant ministerial portfolios after completing his political consultations, noting that the vote on the government cabinet "will not take place before the Prime Minister's visit to the United States, but rather after his return, due to the continued disagreements and obstacles related to the names of some of the candidates."
He added that a number of political blocs "are still working on completing their internal requirements and finalizing their candidates for ministries," which has delayed the completion of the government at the present time.
The leader in the coordination framework confirmed that nine ministries remain vacant in Al-Zidi’s government, denying any discussion within the framework or the House of Representatives regarding the creation of new ministries or the cancellation of others.
These developments coincide with al-Zaidi's anticipated visit to Washington in mid-July, at the invitation of US President Donald Trump, which is seen as a pivotal moment in shaping the relationship between Baghdad and Washington.
According to information obtained earlier by Shafaq News Agency, Al-Zaidi will discuss economic and investment files during the visit, most notably the release of frozen Iraqi financial guarantees in the United States estimated at about $30 billion, in addition to security and political files related to the future of cooperation between the two countries.
A presidential decree has been issued referring the Sudanese president and several members of his former government to retirement.
The President of the Republic issued a presidential decree ordering the retirement of former Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and a number of members of his former government, based on the provisions of the Constitution and the Unified Retirement Law.
According to the information, the decree did not include the ministers who continued to hold their positions within the current government formation, including Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein and Justice Minister Khalid Shawani.
The Republican Decree No. (24) stated that the decision was based on the provisions of Clause (Seventh) of Article (73) of the Constitution, and Clause (First) of Article (14) of the Unified Retirement Law No. (9) of 2014, and based on what was presented by the Prime Minister.
The decree included the referral of each of the following :
- Mohammed Shia'a Sabbar Al-Sudani, Prime Minister.
- Hayyan Abdul Ghani Abdul Zahra, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Oil.
- Taif Sami Mohammed, Minister of Finance.
- Abdul Amir Kamel Abdullah, Minister of the Interior.
- Saleh Mahdi Mutallab, Minister of Health.
- Khaled Battal Najm, Minister of Industry and Minerals.
- Atheer Dawood Salman, Minister of Trade.
- Awn Dhiab Abdullah, Minister of Water Resources.
- Ahmed Fakak Ahmed, Minister of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities.
- Ahmed Jassim Saber, Minister of Labor and Social Affairs.
- Haha, Mustafa Al-Askari, Minister of Environment.
- Benkin Abdullah Rikani, Minister of Construction, Housing and Public Municipalities.
A leader in the Reconstruction and Development Coalition: Banking system reforms have tightened the noose on the funds of corrupt individuals.
Mashreq Al-Fariji, a leader in the Reconstruction and Development Coalition, confirmed that the reforms adopted by the government of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani in the banking system and combating money laundering have contributed to narrowing the loopholes that were used to smuggle illicit funds.
Al-Fariji said in a post on the (X) platform that the money of the corrupt is now being stored in houses, farms and concrete walls, after the closure of the roads that were previously used to smuggle or launder money.
He added: "Why is the money of the corrupt hidden in houses, farms, and concrete walls? Because it was Mr. Al-Sudani's government that reformed the banking system and combated money laundering and smuggling, thus narrowing the loopholes that the corrupt were accustomed to using... The rest is up to Mr. Al-Zaidi."
On corruption charges, the judiciary is preparing to issue arrest warrants against senior Sudanese government officials.
he director of the Iraqi Media Center in Washington
, Nizar Haider, revealed on Thursday that the judiciary is preparing to issue dozens of arrest warrants for senior officials from the gang of former Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani.
Haider told Al-Maalomah News Agency, "The judiciary is preparing to issue an arrest warrant for former Prime Minister Mohammed Shia and dozens of his associates, confiscate their movable and immovable assets, and refer them to the courts for their involvement in stealing billions of dinars, which will be returned to the state treasury."
He added that "the number of arrest warrants will reach more than 180 corrupt officials from the al-Sudani gang and the previous government," indicating that "al-Zaidi's government will pursue the heads of corruption in the al-Sudani government and previous governments and will issue arrest warrants against senior officials from the al-Sudani gang."
He explained that "al-Sudani offered a full settlement to disclose their movable and immovable assets, which have ballooned significantly through his exploitation of power and influence, and to return those funds to the state treasury. It is not yet clear whether the judiciary will accept al-Sudani's offer or not," stressing that "if the judiciary rejects the settlement, an arrest warrant will be issued against him."
Al-Maliki warns against abandoning the coordination framework: it will remain as it was established.
The head of the State of Law Coalition warnedNouri al-MalikiOn Friday, he abandoned the coordination framework.
He added, "From this perspective, there is no reason to abandon a project that has proven successful. The framework will remain as it was founded, preserving its principles, identity, and founders."
He continued, "If there is a need to develop work mechanisms or enhance performance, this will be within the framework of natural development that keeps pace with changes, and not at the expense of the project's core or identity."
Al-Tamimi suggests that al-Zaidi's campaign is linked to the files that "Tom Barrack" brought to Iraq.
Political analyst Qasim al-Tamimi suggested that Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi's campaign to combat corruption and arrest corrupt officials and embezzlers of public funds is linked to files that US envoy Tom Barrack may have brought with him during his visit to Iraq.
Al-Tamimi told Al-Maalouma, "The campaign launched by Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is part of internal and external agendas, especially since US envoy Tom Barrack visited Baghdad in recent days and brought with him files containing conclusive evidence against every individual named in al-Zaidi's campaign."
He added, "The connection between Adnan al-Jumaili, accused of corruption, and the arrested individuals may be unlikely, but the arrests could be related to Barrack's visit to Baghdad."
He explained, "The operation carried out by al-Zaidi may be based on conclusive evidence against the arrested individuals, especially since al-Zaidi has a visit to Washington in the middle of this month, and this campaign may be the first phase intended to be implemented before his visit to the White House."
Al-Shabaki: Washington is practicing political blackmail against Iraq
MP Qusay al-Shabaki confirmed on Saturday that the US administration under President Donald Trump is exerting pressure on Iraq to influence some of the country's sovereign decisions.
Al-Shabaki told the Information Agency that "American interference in the country's internal affairs is increasing day by day, as it exerts significant pressure on some political forces that prioritize their personal interests over the country's interests in order to implement Washington's agendas." He stressed the need to "prevent such interference in national decision-making, as it does not serve the public interest."
He added that "this blackmail practiced by Washington represents clear political pressure aimed at obstructing Iraq's foreign relations with its regional and international environment, and an attempt to impose security and economic dictates that serve American interests at the expense of supreme national interests."
Earlier, Mukhtar Mahmoud, head of the Turkmen Framework Bloc, affirmed that the United States has committed the most heinous wars in the region, noting that it has violated Iraqi national sovereignty and targeted security forces and the Popular Mobilization Forces in several provinces.
Newspaper: Corruption arrests "freeze" negotiations to complete al-Zidi's government
The Lebanese newspaper An-Nahar revealed on Saturday that the recent wave of arrests targeting several members of parliament and prominent political figures in Iraq has cast a shadow over Prime Minister Ali Abdullah Saleh's efforts to complete his cabinet, indicating that negotiations regarding the vacant ministerial posts have reached a standstill.
The newspaper quoted political and parliamentary sources confirming that political forces were preparing to finalize the nine vacant ministries (Defense, Interior, Planning, Higher Education, Migration, Reconstruction, Youth, Labor, and Culture) with the start of the new legislative session at the beginning of July. However, the arrests have caused a near-complete halt in communication between the leaders of the political blocs.
The newspaper added that the arrests, which included influential figures, have created a new crisis of confidence and forced political forces to shift their priorities from resolving the government formation process to containing the legal and political repercussions of the crisis.
Observers believe that this latest crisis could prolong the cabinet vacuum, especially if it becomes a new point of contention among political forces, or if some blocs link their participation in negotiations to finding solutions to the issue of the arrests. They warn that the continued stalemate will affect the government's ability to implement its program and delay the political commitments it made to Parliament and its supporting forces.
Political analyst Ahmed al-Mayahi says that the ongoing crisis triggered by the arrests "could disrupt the political understandings upon which the government was founded and delay the appointment of the nine vacant ministers."
Al-Mayahi explains that "this issue is fundamentally based on political agreements between the blocs, and when one of the main forces faces a political or legal crisis of this magnitude, negotiations automatically stall due to a decline in trust and the difficulty of reaching final decisions, especially since the blocs were moving towards finalizing the appointments to the postponed ministries at the beginning of the new legislative session, before the arrests brought the matter back to a standstill."
He adds that "the most prominent repercussions of the crisis include the continued management of ministries by acting ministers, the deepening crisis of confidence among the parties participating in the government, the weakening of the government's ability to implement its political and service-oriented program, as well as opening the door to renegotiating some previously agreed-upon ministerial appointments, and the potential for the dispute to spill over into Parliament, impacting its upcoming sessions."
Al-Mayahi believes that resolving the crisis requires "separating the judicial and political tracks," ensuring that legal procedures proceed according to the law, without paralyzing state institutions or freezing constitutional entitlements. He calls for "launching an urgent dialogue" among the leaders of the political blocs, under the auspices of the three presidencies, to rebuild trust and establish a clear timeframe for filling the nine vacant ministerial positions, thus preventing the current crisis from escalating into a governance crisis.
Amid the continued silence of most political forces regarding the future of negotiations, parliamentary sources confirmed that resuming dialogue on the vacant ministries "will remain contingent on the outcome of political consultations in the coming days, and whether the affected parties will return to the negotiating table, or whether the crisis will open the door to a complete review of the understandings upon which the distribution of ministerial portfolios was based," according to the newspaper.
Iraq has witnessed a widespread arrest campaign in recent days targeting dozens of political figures and current and former officials, including members of parliament, former advisors, officials in several ministries, and former governors.
The campaign included top-tier figures in the political arena, based on accusations of corruption, a move that has sparked broad political reactions and reignited debate about the impact of these measures on political agreements and government formation.
Recent arrests freeze negotiations to complete Ali al-Zaidi's government
The Lebanese newspaper An-Nahar reported on Saturday that the recent wave of arrests targeting a number of parliamentarians and political figures in Iraq has hampered negotiations to complete the formation of the government and brought the issue of vacant ministries to a standstill.
The newspaper quoted political and parliamentary sources as saying that "political forces were preparing to resolve the issue of the nine vacant ministries, namely: Defense, Interior, Planning, Higher Education, Immigration, Reconstruction, Youth, Labor, and Culture, with the start of the new legislative session at the beginning of July."
The sources added that "the arrest campaign led to an almost complete halt in communications between the leaders of the political blocs, which postponed the understandings related to completing the ministerial cabinet of Prime Minister Ali al-Zidi."
According to the newspaper, "the arrests, which included influential political figures, created a new crisis of confidence among political forces, and rearranged their priorities from completing government entitlements to dealing with the legal and political repercussions resulting from those measures."
Is Iraq moving towards reshaping its relationship with Iran?
Political expert Ahmed Ramadan confirmed that Iraq is facing a pivotal stage, predicting that the country will witness broad security, political and economic transformations in the coming period, in light of the rapid changes taking place in the region.
Ramadan said in a post followed by “Al-Sa’a” that “the relationship between Iraq and Iran is likely to be reformulated,” stressing that “the relationship should be between two states, and not between the Iranian Revolutionary Guard and the Popular Mobilization Forces,” in reference to the need for official relations to be managed through state institutions.
He added that "regional developments will directly affect the Iraqi interior," predicting that "the next phase will move towards strengthening the role of state institutions and reducing the influence of sub-state forces, which will contribute to consolidating the model of a state capable of managing its affairs."
He pointed out that "Iraq will be among the countries most affected by regional transformations," noting that "openness to Syria may constitute one of the features of the next stage, within the framework of broader political and security arrangements taking place in the region."
Regarding Iran, Ramadan believes that "Tehran is facing increasing pressure to make changes to its regional policies," considering that "the course of the next stage will be determined between reaching political understandings or continuing the escalation, which will have direct repercussions on the Iraqi and regional scene."
Ramadan's remarks come amid escalating discussions about the future of regional balances and their impact on Iraq, coinciding with rapid political and security developments in the region.
Nechirvan Barzani congratulates the United States on its Independence Day and emphasizes the importance of a partnership based on the constitution and federalism.
Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani congratulated US President Donald Trump and the American people on the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence.
He stressed that freedom is not based on force alone, but on the constitution, institutions, federal balance, and the will of free peoples.
Nechirvan Barzani said in a post published on the “X” platform that “the timeless lesson that the United States offers is that freedom requires more than power; it needs a constitution, institutions, a federal balance, and the consent of free peoples.”
He added that the Kurdistan Region and Iraq are looking forward to a stronger partnership with the United States.
He pointed out that the same principle remains fundamental to the future of Iraq, as stability should be based on adherence to the constitution, consolidation of the federal system, and guaranteeing the full constitutional rights and status of the Kurdistan Region within the Iraqi constitution.
The President of the Kurdistan Region affirmed the region’s continued appreciation for the friendship and leadership role of the United States, expressing his gratitude for the ongoing support provided by Washington to the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.
Masrour Barzani Reaffirms Strategic US Partnership on America's 250th Independence Anniversary
Kurdistan Region Prime Minister praises decades of cooperation with Washington and highlights joint efforts against terrorism
Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Saturday congratulated the American people on the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, reaffirming the Kurdistan Region's strategic partnership with the United States and expressing confidence that bilateral ties will continue to deepen in the years ahead.
In a message posted on X, Barzani described the anniversary as a historic milestone and extended his congratulations to the American people.
"Congratulations to the American people on this milestone 250th anniversary since the signing of the Declaration of Independence," he wrote.
The prime minister emphasized the close relationship between the Kurdistan Region and the United States, describing it as a strategic partnership built on shared interests and longstanding friendship.
"We deeply value our strategic partnership and bonds of friendship with the United States," Barzani said.
Highlighting the two sides' security cooperation, Barzani said the Kurdistan Region looks back with pride on its collaboration with the United States in defeating terrorism and expressed optimism about expanding the partnership in the future.
"We look back with pride at our collaboration in defeating terrorism and look forward to strengthening our partnership for generations to come," he added
China appoints an ambassador extraordinary to Iraq, and he begins his duties in Baghdad.
The new ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Iraq, Xiang Bo, arrived in the capital Baghdad on Saturday to take up his post and officially begin his duties as Beijing’s 22nd ambassador to the country.
Upon his arrival, the new Chinese ambassador was received by representatives of the Protocol Department of the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with members of the diplomatic mission from the Chinese embassy.
Xiang Bo emphasized in press statements that China and Iraq are two countries with ancient civilizations, linked by a long history of friendly communication, and that joint cooperation between the two countries has yielded fruitful results in various fields.
The new ambassador considered his assignment to his duties as placing upon him the responsibility to join forces with those concerned in various fields in order to implement the important agreements between the leaderships of the two countries, stressing the importance of raising the strategic Chinese-Iraqi partnership relations and practical cooperation to new levels.
Feng Shui money plants gain popularity in Iraq
Belief in "money plants" is gaining popularity in Iraq, with many households buying ornamental plants believed to attract wealth, prosperity, and good fortune under the principles of the Chinese Feng Shui philosophy.
Energy enthusiast Abeer Kadhim told Shafaq News that Feng Shui associates luck with various elements, including colors, numbers, coins, accessories, jewelry, and certain types of houseplants.
Supporters of the practice often follow rituals before placing the plants indoors, including cleaning the space, choosing a bright and quiet location, and caring for the plant as a symbol of abundance. Some write down personal goals and place them beside the plant, while others light candles or incense during meditation. Others prefer buying the greenery on Thursdays or at the beginning of the month, believing it marks the start of a new cycle of prosperity.
Hamed Hassan, 44, who owns a plant nursery in Baghdad, told Shafaq News that most of these plants are imported, particularly from China, and typically sell for between 50,000 and 150,000 Iraqi dinars (about $30–115), with some varieties costing even more.
The most sought-after species include the Money Tree (Pachira aquatica), the Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides), known for its coin-shaped leaves, Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana), locally called Asa Mousa (Moses' Staff), as well as the Jade Plant (Crassula ovata) associated with growth and prosperity, and the Peace Lily, which is widely regarded as a symbol of purity and abundance. According to Hassan, many buyers believe the number of bamboo stalks carries symbolic meaning, with three representing happiness, five health, and eight wealth. These plants require indirect sunlight, moist soil, and regular leaf cleaning to thrive.
Zahraa Ali, 30, told Shafaq News that Lucky Bamboo was the first plant she bought after moving into her husband's home because of its symbolic meaning. "Ever since I was a child, my family kept this plant in several places around the house," she said, adding that she grew up associating such greenery with prosperity.
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