Iraq’s Man in the Middle
The country’s new prime minister is trying to navigate between Washington and Tehran.
Every Iraqi prime minister since the fall of Saddam Hussein has inherited the same impossible job: Convince Washington that Iraq is not slipping entirely into Iran’s orbit while convincing Tehran that it is not becoming an American outpost.
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Iraq’s new prime minister now faces that challenge under the most trying of circumstances. The United States and Iran are at war—and Iraq sits between them. When I met with Ali al-Zaidi during his visit to Washington, D.C., last week, which included an Oval Office audience with President Trump, I was looking for signs that Iraq’s strategy had changed. Instead, I heard a familiar refrain: fewer American troops; more American business.
“Military presence does not create ties between societies,” he told me in a rare interview, conducted under heavy security in downtown Washington. “Economic engagement does.”
It’s an aspiration that’s running up against a challenging reality. Roughly 2,000 American troops remain in his country, advising Iraqi security forces in their fight against the Islamic State. Meanwhile, dozens of Iran-backed militias operate across Iraq, despite repeated government promises to bring them under state control. As of now, the U.S. troops are set to leave by the end of September, bringing a symbolic end to America’s war in Iraq after 23 years. Many experts I spoke with are skeptical, however, noting that if fighting continues to escalate between Washington and Tehran after the collapse of the recent cease-fire, those troops are strategically positioned to bolster America’s Middle Eastern presence—even if they are also among the most exposed to attack. free portion ends here
Iraqi Money Exchange Syndicate: Dollar smugglers are linked to criminal networks
Iraqi Money Exchange Syndicate: Dollar smugglers are linked to criminal networks
The head of the General Syndicate of Exchange and Financial Mediation in Iraq, Diaa Al-Tai, provided clarification regarding the arrest of dollar smuggling networks, stressing that “criminal networks” are the ones carrying out the illegal activities, and that official companies are not responsible for them.
Al-Ta’i told Rudaw Media Network on Wednesday (July 22, 2026) that “the issues being discussed relate to criminal networks operating outside the law. These people do not represent in any way licensed financial institutions or exchange companies that are subject to the supervision of the Central Bank of Iraq.”
The Iraqi National Security Service announced on the 19th of this month the arrest of a network that smuggled more than one million dollars between Baghdad and Sulaymaniyah via Mastercard, in addition to the arrest of several other groups in Kirkuk, Basra and Nineveh.
Al-Ta’i added: “Licensed companies are fully committed to implementing the instructions and combating money laundering and terrorist financing, and they are subject to continuous monitoring and auditing.”
Regarding the Central Bank’s decision to reduce the dollar quota for travelers from $3,000 to $2,000, the head of the union explained that “this measure does not mean there is a shortage of foreign currency reserves, but rather comes within the framework of the Central Bank’s policy to develop mechanisms for selling foreign currency and encourage the use of electronic payment, in line with best international banking practices.”
Al-Ta’i expressed the readiness of exchange companies to cooperate with security agencies, saying: “Licensed companies are fully committed to the instructions of the Central Bank and are ready for all forms of coordination with regulatory and security authorities to confront any illegal activity, with the aim of protecting market stability and preserving the national economy.”
The Central Bank instructs banks not to refuse to open accounts for unjustified reasons.
The Central Bank of Iraq affirmed on Wednesday that opening bank accounts and obtaining various banking services is a guaranteed right for all citizens, provided that the legal and regulatory requirements and compliance controls related to combating money laundering and terrorist financing are met, calling on banks not to use their internal policies as a justification for refusing to provide services without objective reasons.
The Central Bank said in a statement received by (Al-Mada) that opening bank accounts and providing financial services must be based on a risk assessment approach, in accordance with applicable instructions and regulations.
He stressed the need to avoid using internal bank policies and procedures as an excuse to refuse to open accounts or restrict banking services without real and objective justifications.
He explained that in the event of refusing to open a bank account or restricting any service, the bank must clearly document the reasons for the decision and inform the customer of them properly and in accordance with regulatory instructions.
The Central Bank called on all banks to review and update their internal policies and procedures, in order to achieve a balance between compliance requirements and facilitating citizens’ access to banking services, while avoiding unnecessary complications in procedures.
The bank confirmed that it will follow up on complaints related to this matter, and will consider cases of refusal to open accounts or restriction of services if they are based on subjective or unjustified reasons.
Qaani cancels the "Resistance Coordination" and redraws the map of factions in Iraq.
Iraqi security sources revealed what they described as "important" organizational changes within the armed factions loyal to Iran, represented by the directive of the commander of the Quds Force in the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, Ismail Qaani, to cancel what is known as the "Coordination of Resistance in Iraq," according to the "Eram News " website.
The website stated in a report seen by Al-Sa’a Network, quoting sources, that “the changes stipulate that the factions move to a stage in which they operate independently, in response to the security and political changes that Iraq is witnessing, coinciding with the approaching end of the mission of the international coalition forces .”
He explained that “during his recent visit to Iraq, Qaani held a closed meeting with a number of leaders of armed factions, during which he informed them of the termination of what is known as the Resistance Coordination, and the suspension of the previous coordination mechanism between the factions during the current stage, so that each group would manage its decisions individually according to the developments of the stage .”
He added that "the Iranian directive came after the changes that occurred on the Iraqi scene, most notably the involvement of a number of factions, which were participating within the coordination, in the process of restricting weapons to the state, and their expression of agreement to hand over their weapons and rearrange their situations in line with the directions of the Iraqi government ."
The report indicated that “Iranian assessments now indicate that the continuation of the coordination in its previous form is no longer compatible with the new reality, after the factions’ positions on the weapons issue differed, as well as the approaching end of the international coalition’s mission, which prompted the adoption of a more flexible formula based on each faction moving independently .”
The coordination committee was the umbrella organization that adopted the majority of military operations targeting foreign forces and international coalition forces in Iraq, especially since the outbreak of the regional war on February 28, and it issued unified statements in the name of the "Islamic Resistance in Iraq" following most of the attacks .
This coordination included the factions of “Kataib Hezbollah”, “Harakat al-Nujaba”, “Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada”, and “Asaib Ahl al-Haq”, in addition to other factions, and during the past period it formed the media and military framework that claimed responsibility for many of the attacks that targeted bases containing American forces .
Iraq seeks German-backed fund for industrial projects
Iraq and Germany are discussing the establishment of a joint investment fund to finance industrial development projects in Iraq, Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi stated on Wednesday during a phone call with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
According to a statement from Al-Zaidi's office, the two leaders discussed bilateral relations, with a focus on economic, trade and investment cooperation, as well as migration.
Al-Zaidi said Iraq was seeking to expand economic cooperation with Germany and encourage greater investment by German companies. He also reaffirmed his government's commitment to combating corruption and improving the country's investment climate.
Merz expressed Germany's interest in expanding cooperation with Iraq and invited Al-Zaidi to visit Germany. He also reiterated Berlin's support for Iraq's economic and financial reform efforts and said German companies were ready to invest in the country.
The Central Bank Governor announces new initiatives to expand the operations of exchange companies.
The Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq, Nizar Nasser Hussein, met today, Wednesday, July 22, 2026, with a number of directors and board chairmen of exchange companies to discuss ways to develop the sector's operations and enhance its role in supporting the national economy.
According to a statement issued by the Central Bank and received by Mawazin News, Governor Hussein emphasized the Central Bank's commitment to revitalizing the exchange company sector and enabling it to play a more effective role. He also noted the importance of cooperation in addressing challenges and developing the non-banking financial sector.
He indicated that the coming period will witness the launch of new initiatives and activities to expand the scope of work of exchange companies and create new revenue opportunities, thereby strengthening their role in supporting the national economy and implementing initiatives that contribute to the sector's development and raise compliance and governance standards.
Hussein stressed that the commitment of exchange companies to these international standards is a fundamental pillar for enhancing the sector's efficiency and increasing public trust in it, as well as enabling companies to expand their activities and develop their services. He called for the continuation of their periodic meetings.
Nghimish: Contracting with Washington is neither here nor there.
Former member of the Parliamentary Oil and Gas Committee, Basim Nughaimish, confirmed on Tuesday that American companies, particularly those operating in the energy and electricity sectors such as General Electric and others, continue to dominate most projects and contracts signed in Iraq without achieving any tangible results that benefit Iraqi citizens.
Nughaimish told Al-Maalouma that "successive Iraqi governments, since the government of Iyad Allawi, have signed numerous agreements and memoranda of understanding with the American side, but most of these have not translated into concrete projects or achievements on the ground and remain mere ink on paper."
He added that "the government of Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani also signed agreements with the same American companies on the same issues, but this did not achieve any clear progress," considering that "there is a lack of seriousness and credibility, as well as the absence of real guarantees for the American companies to fulfill their obligations."
Nughaimish pointed out that "the results of the work of American companies operating in Iraq for years have not been tangible on the ground," explaining that "the country continues to suffer from the same crises, particularly in the electricity and oil sectors, without reaching real solutions to address these problems."
Nughaimish stressed "the necessity of informing the Iraqi people of the details of the signed agreements," emphasizing the importance of monitoring their implementation and ensuring that the companies adhere to their commitments to guarantee tangible results that serve the public interest.
Central Bank of Iraq Outlines Roadmap to Reduce Cash Reliance and Expand Digital Services
The Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) held an expanded meeting on Tuesday with licensed electronic payment providers to accelerate the nation’s digital financial transformation, strengthen financial inclusion, and curb card misuse.
Chaired by CBI Governor Nizar Nasser Hussein, the meeting centered on executing the regulator’s strategic roadmap to modernize Iraq’s payment ecosystem and transition away from a cash-heavy economy.
Addressing representatives from the sector, Al-Alaq stated that the upcoming phase demands a noticeable increase in service quality, efficiency, and system reliability to build public trust in digital transactions.
Key Objectives and Strategic Focus
During the session, the central bank outlined several operational and regulatory priorities:
- Compliance with Global Standards: The CBI urged payment firms to adhere strictly to international frameworks, particularly regarding cross-border financial transactions. Compliance is expected to enable higher card transaction limits and facilitate the rollout of new financial products.
- Countering Card Misuse: Regulators and payment companies discussed joint enforcement procedures to prevent card misuse and enhance payment network security.
- Expanding Acceptance Networks: Al-Alaq called on providers to expand POS (Point-of-Sale) acceptance networks, streamline digital collection processes, and deepen integration with licensed commercial banks.
The initiative comes as part of broader government efforts to modernize the national economy, reduce cash dependency, and implement modern financial infrastructure across both the public and private sectors.
A government advisor told Al-Mada: The government is temporarily able to fund salaries without a budget.
The Prime Minister’s financial advisor, Mazhar Muhammad Saleh, confirmed that the government can continue for a limited period to finance basic expenditures through borrowing laws or temporary financing, but he stressed that this option cannot be a permanent alternative to approving the general budget. He also pointed out that the current oil crisis is related to the decline in export volumes more than to prices, as a result of geopolitical developments in the Gulf.
Saleh told Al-Mada in an exclusive interview that the government “can continue for a limited period by relying on borrowing laws or temporary financing to cover basic expenses and necessary obligations, such as salaries, pensions and basic services.”
He added that "this option cannot be a permanent alternative to the general budget, because it limits the state's ability to launch new investment projects and affects financial planning in the medium and long term."
Regarding the impact of oil prices, Saleh explained that "oil prices represent the main factor in public revenues, and any decrease in them puts pressure on revenues and increases the need to rearrange spending priorities or search for additional sources of funding."
He noted that the government is adopting "multiple scenarios according to different levels of oil prices, while seeking to enhance non-oil revenues and rationalize spending."
The Prime Minister’s financial advisor explained that the current crisis in the Gulf “is a crisis of quantities, not a crisis of prices,” clarifying that “geopolitical factors have restricted export operations through the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 90% of Iraq’s oil exports passed before February 28, 2026.”
He added that "export capacity has currently decreased, whether through land ports or sea shipping, to only about 10% of total oil exports, which under normal circumstances amount to about 3.3 million barrels of crude oil per day," stressing that this decline poses financial challenges that require careful management of spending and diversification of revenue sources
Iraq to Restore Landline Telephones Through Nationwide Fiber-Optic Network
Iraq is preparing to reintroduce landline telephone services to homes through a modern fiber-optic network as the Ministry of Communications moves to modernize the country's telecommunications infrastructure and expand digital connectivity.
Government Plans to Relaunch Landline Service
The Telecommunications and Informatics Company, part of Iraq's Ministry of Communications, announced plans to restore landline telephone services across the country within the next year.
Director General Ali Yassin said the project will be implemented in partnership with specialized companies using Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) technology. Under the plan, landline services will be connected through home internet routers, allowing households to access both telephone and broadband services via a single digital network.
According to the ministry, work to replace Iraq's aging copper telephone infrastructure with a modern fiber-optic system began in 2025.
The upgraded network is intended to provide more than traditional voice communication, offering improved internet connectivity and supporting the government's broader efforts to strengthen Iraq's digital infrastructure.
Why Landlines Disappeared
Iraq was one of the first Arab countries to introduce landline telephone services. However, the sector declined sharply after the 2003 invasion as mobile phones became the primary means of communication.
Earlier setbacks also contributed to the network's deterioration. During the 1990s, airstrikes associated with the Gulf War destroyed much of Iraq's telecommunications infrastructure. Although successive governments allocated funds to rebuild the system, many rehabilitation projects failed because of financial mismanagement and inefficient spending.
Iraq's landline telephone network dates back more than a century and has undergone several major milestones:
- 1910: The country's first telephone service was introduced for official administrative use.
- 1919: Baghdad established its first manual telephone exchange.
- 1921: Residential landline subscriptions began, with former Prime Minister Tawfiq al-Suwaidi becoming the first private subscriber.
- 1927: Iraq opened its first public communications office on Al-Rasheed Street in Baghdad.
- 1932: The number of landline subscribers nationwide reached 1,876.
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Behind the scenes of the Washington visit: American messages via Baghdad to ease tensions with Iran
The spokesman for the Victory Coalition, Aqeel al-Rudaini, revealed on Wednesday important behind-the-scenes details and political leaks concerning the visit of al-Zaidi to Washington, D.C., confirming that he carried direct messages between the United States and Iran aimed at de-escalating regional tensions.
Al-Rudaini told the Information Agency that "leaks from Washington indicate that al-Zaidi discussed with U.S. President Donald Trump the necessity of returning to the negotiating table and reaching a final and comprehensive agreement that secures navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, given its immense economic importance on both regional and international levels."
He added that "information confirms that al-Zaidi carried messages and proposals from the U.S. administration to Tehran regarding the possibility of reactivating the joint memorandum of understanding previously signed by the two parties in Geneva." He explained that "the coming period will witness Iraq playing a pivotal and positive role in bridging the gap between Washington and Tehran, given its balanced relations with both sides. Furthermore, these moves will positively impact the strengthening of joint economic and trade agreements between Baghdad and Tehran.
Pezeshkian: Al-Zaidi's visit to Tehran represents a pivotal moment for strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian affirmed on Wednesday (July 22, 2026) that the official visit of Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zubaidi to Tehran on Thursday, leading a high-level government delegation, represents a pivotal moment in bilateral relations and an opportunity to usher in a new phase of strategic cooperation between the two countries across various fields.
Pezeshkian 's remarks came during his chairmanship of a special meeting dedicated to discussing Iranian-Iraqi economic relations within the framework of the Joint Economic Committee. The meeting included ministers and officials concerned with economic and foreign affairs, as well as representatives from the Central Bank and the private sector.
The Iranian president stated that "relations between Tehran and Baghdad are based on historical, cultural, and religious ties and shared interests," emphasizing "the necessity of leveraging the upcoming visit to expand economic, trade, and investment cooperation, and to strengthen partnerships in the energy, transportation, banking, and infrastructure sectors."
He added that "all executive institutions are required to work in full coordination to finalize the agreements scheduled to be signed during the visit, ensuring practical and sustainable results that contribute to elevating the level of relations between the two countries."
The meeting included a review of the final drafts of joint cooperation documents prepared by technical committees in both countries over the past months, in preparation for their signing and exchange during official meetings between the two sides. Discussions also covered trade, investment, energy, agriculture, transportation, transit, and financial and banking cooperation.
The talks further addressed prospects for implementing new joint projects, enhancing cooperation in scientific, educational, and technological fields, and developing cooperation in the tourism and religious tourism sectors, as well as facilitating the movement of visitors between the two countries.
On the security front, the meeting discussed ways to strengthen joint coordination to address security challenges, protect borders, and support regional stability, while emphasizing the continuation of consultations between relevant institutions in both countries.
Pezeshkian affirmed that the deep popular ties between the Iranian and Iraqi peoples represent a significant asset upon which to build to expand areas of cooperation. He noted that the widespread participation of Iraqis in the funeral ceremonies for the martyred Supreme Leader reflected the depth of the human and religious relations between the two countries.
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is scheduled to arrive in the Iranian capital, Tehran, on Thursday for a two-day official visit, accompanied by a high-level ministerial delegation, to hold talks with senior Iranian officials on economic cooperation, energy, and trade, in addition to discussing regional issues and bilateral coordination in areas of common interest.
Al-Zaidi to visit Iran tomorrow... Gas on the table for talks and water among Ankara's top priorities
Government spokesman Haider al-Aboudi confirmed on Wednesday that Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi will visit Iran tomorrow at the head of a ministerial delegation to discuss a number of bilateral issues, primarily the gas file, while noting that the water file will be at the forefront of discussions during his upcoming visit to Turkey at the end of this month.
Al-Aboudi said during a press conference that Al-Zaidi’s visit comes in response to an official invitation from the Iranian president, and will include dialogues and understandings between the two countries, indicating that the gas file will be among the priorities of discussion in accordance with what the Iraqi interest requires.
He added that Iraq adopts a policy based on higher economic interests and enjoys international attention, noting that the agreements signed with the United States included the establishment of alternative routes for oil exports, but their implementation requires the signing of contracts and understandings and may take about a year.
He explained that the water file will be one of the most prominent issues to be discussed during the Prime Minister’s visit to Türkiye at the end of the month, stressing that the government continues to implement its ministerial program despite the accumulated complications resulting from previous policies.
Al-Aboudi stressed that the government is continuing to fight corruption without exception for any party or person, noting that the farmers’ entitlements represent a government priority, but regional developments have affected the speed of completing this file.
He stressed that the state’s monopoly on weapons is “an Iraqi matter and will not be discussed in any capital outside of Baghdad,” indicating that the Iraqi Development Fund will be launched with a large contribution from the Central Bank, with several countries showing interest in participating in it.
He pointed out that Iraq has an initiative based on diplomatic solutions to regional crises, and that the government adopts a strategic management approach, which was reflected – according to him – in the agreements concluded during the Prime Minister’s visit to Washington in the areas of energy, development and common interests.
Al-Aboudi concluded by saying that Iraq has recovered and is no longer part of the axes of conflict, stressing that the government is moving towards external openness based on economic interests, while working to find strategic alternatives for oil exports in light of the continued crisis in the Strait of Hormuz.
Prime Minister: I advised Trump against launching a military strike on Iran
Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi confirmed on Wednesday that he advised US President Donald Trump against launching a military strike against Iran, stressing that negotiations remain the most important option for addressing crises, while emphasizing that Iraq seeks to be a meeting point between Washington and Tehran, not an arena for conflict.
Al-Zaidi said in an interview with the American magazine The Atlantic , which was followed by “Ejaz”, that “the relationship with the United States must shift from a military character to an economic partnership, because it is the economy that creates ties between peoples, not the military presence.”
He added, “I advised President Trump not to launch a military strike against Iran because negotiations are the most important thing,” stressing that “Iraq should be a meeting point, not an arena of hostility, between the United States and Iran.”
On the security file, the Prime Minister stressed that “we have no choice but to confine weapons to the state and hand them over to it,” stressing his rejection of “turning Iraq into a failed state,” and that the government is continuing to fight corruption and strengthen the authority of the state.
On the economic side, Al-Zaydi explained that he discussed establishing a thirty-year investment partnership between Iraq and the United States, based on investment and technology instead of a military presence, noting that the recent war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz caused significant losses to the Iraqi economy.
He called on investors to view Iraq as a promising investment opportunity, stressing that economic development and job creation are the true path to stability, because “a citizen who has a future will not resort to war or sectarianism.”
Al-Zaydi concluded his speech by affirming his readiness to bear the consequences of his reform project, stressing his determination to proceed with the implementation of the reform program despite the challenges.
"The stick and the carrot": Al-Zaydi puts pressure on the factions and compensates his allies with positions.
The Washington trip brought in investments, but it opened the account book with "the framework".
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Behind closed doors, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is facing three major objections from his partners in the Shiite coalition. His recent trip to Washington heads the list, while the weapons issue is approaching its most difficult test, and the anti-corruption campaign is turning into a battle for political influence.
Two political sources within the Shiite coalition say that the new relationship with the United States has become, for some leaders of the Coordination Framework, like “bitter medicine” that must be swallowed—while Tehran watches from behind the scenes and sends warning messages.
Al-Zaidi returned to Baghdad last Sunday after a controversial five-day visit to Washington, his first since taking office. On his way back, he made a brief stop in Qatar. He is scheduled to travel to Tehran tomorrow in a trip heavy with issues and more questions than answers.
The “victory leaders” held a meeting at the home of Nouri al-Maliki, leader of the State of Law Coalition. During the Coordination Framework gathering, objections were raised—though not made public—regarding what transpired during al-Zaidi’s meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, according to a source close to the matter who spoke to Al-Mada.
Some leaders objected to the Prime Minister’s failure to respond to Trump’s remarks about the “leaders of victory,” a clear reference to the 2020 assassination of Qassem Soleimani and Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis.
Conversely, another faction within the Framework—often described as the centrist wing—believed that responding to the American president was unrealistic at that moment. They argued that al-Zaidi had wisely chosen to look toward the future rather than dwell on the past.
This stance angered analysts close to the Coordination Framework. One went so far as to demand that “al-Zaidi should hit Trump,” reflecting the depth of their disapproval.
For other parties in the Framework, the issue goes beyond how Trump was handled. While securing American investments is desirable, it cannot be achieved, they say, without neutralizing armed groups linked to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. In the past five days alone, two foreign energy companies operating in the Kurdistan Region suspended operations after attacks believed to be linked to Iran and possibly involving local factions.
Major American companies, such as Lockheed Martin and ExxonMobil, have previously left Iraq at times due to attacks by armed groups and security risks.
In contrast, al-Zaidi returned from Washington with agreements and investment pledges totaling $60 billion in the energy, development, and education sectors. However, analysts warn that these investments may remain largely symbolic if the prime minister fails to meet American conditions regarding ending Tehran’s influence and curbing the power of armed groups.
Araghchi tries to contain the fallout in Tehran
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has tried to limit the damage caused by remarks from Ali Akbar Velayati, an advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader. Velayati described al-Zaidi’s visit to the United States as “a regrettable and ill-timed trip, insulting to the struggles of the Iraqi people throughout their millennia-long history,” and called the Iraqi prime minister “young and inexperienced.”
The visit comes as the region is engulfed in open conflict. For the past ten days, the United States has carried out successive strikes on Iranian military command centers, naval assets, missile and drone sites, and air defense systems. Iran has retaliated by attacking targets in Jordan, the Gulf states, and the Kurdistan Region, including weapons depots, Iranian opposition groups, military bases, and the U.S. consulate in Erbil.
Against this backdrop, al-Zaidi is expected to arrive in Tehran on Thursday for his first visit since assuming office more than two months ago.
Weapons: The Test That Could Fracture the Shia Alliance
A leader in a Shia party told Al-Mada that the smuggling of weapons to Syria—revealed last week—and the continued existence of weapons outside state control threaten to undermine the gains from al-Zaidi’s Washington trip.
The recent Coordination Framework meeting discussed weapons and dollar smuggling, as well as the disarmament of factions, amid warnings against deeper partnership with Syria. Some members still have reservations about cooperating with Ahmed al-Sharaa, whom al-Zaidi is expected to meet this July.
The weapons issue has opened another front of objection. Some voices within the Framework claim the campaign has political motives aimed at sidelining certain groups. In response, the government’s military spokesperson, Sabah al-Nu’man, stated that Prime Minister al-Zaidi’s vision for regulating weapons stems from a “paternal and patriotic” perspective aimed at protecting Iraqi security. He emphasized that the effort is not intended to harm any party but to unify national efforts.
Government spokesman Haider al-Aboudi added that restricting weapons to the state is a “sovereign Iraqi matter,” rejecting suggestions that it is part of an American agenda.
Meanwhile, Baghdad is searching for ballistic missiles that no faction publicly acknowledges possessing. Armed groups deny their existence, while Washington insists they were acquired from Iran—a claim Tehran denies.
The weapons issue is expected to dominate al-Zaidi’s upcoming discussions in Tehran. Officially, Baghdad says it is carrying out a mediation mission between Tehran and Washington, though some sources suggest the prime minister may also be carrying a direct message from President Trump.
From Weapons to Corruption: Another Front in the Battle
The anti-corruption campaign faces similar accusations of political targeting. Analysts see it as an effort to curtail Iranian influence, given the deep entanglement of funds and interests linked to the Revolutionary Guard.
Some Coordination Framework members accuse the government of selectively targeting one political faction while ignoring more serious cases. In response, the Framework issued a statement calling for all those involved to be held accountable, regardless of affiliation, and stressed it would not protect any guilty officials.
This controversy is linked to figures such as Ahmed al-Asadi. The campaign appears to be reaching high political levels, possibly even former prime ministers, which has fueled growing dissent.
Leaders within the Framework have criticized the use of tanks to arrest members of parliament inside the Green Zone and have demanded investigative committees. Many parliamentarians view the arrests as an “insult” to the legislature.
Sources say al-Zaidi is using a “carrot and stick” approach: applying pressure on weapons and corruption while preserving the privileges and appointments of political forces.
In this context, al-Zaidi reportedly reactivated the Office of the Commander-in-Chief— a position abolished twelve years ago—appointing former Interior Minister Abdul Amir al-Shammari, a close ally of former Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani.
The anti-corruption campaign has hit al-Sudani’s circle particularly hard, with nine members of his team reportedly arrested. There are also major accusations surrounding the detained deputy oil minister, Adnan al-Jumaili.
To balance relations, al-Zaidi has granted advisory positions to figures from the Badr Organization and Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq. However, Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq faces a significant challenge, as Washington has so far refused to allow it any ministerial posts. This dispute is delaying the formation of the government, which still has nine vacant ministerial positions.
Badr Organization member Abu Mithaq al-Masari told Al-Mada that al-Zaidi might be prepared to govern with a reduced cabinet of just 14 ministers for the remainder of his term if necessary. He noted that each vacant ministry has its own separate complications, particularly the Interior Ministry, where disputes continue over who has the right to nominate candidates.
Amid rapid economic transformations and massive agreements with Washington, the entry of the American financial giant JPMorgan into Iraq raises questions about the future of the banking sector, the extent of American financial influence, and the implications of this move on the Iraqi economy.0:26
JPMorgan is the largest American bank in terms of assets. It owns a vast financial and investment network that extends to dozens of countries, making it one of the most influential players in the global economy.0:39
Its choice of Iraq comes at an important time, coinciding with the signing of major economic and investment agreements, and Baghdad’s efforts to attract international financial institutions and strengthen its openness to global markets.1:00
The roots of the banking institution go back more than 225 years, while the modern form of JPMorgan Chase was established in 1968 following a series of banking mergers.1:15
The relationship between Iraq and JPMorgan is not new. It was previously linked to financial and dollar transfers, but it is now moving toward broader banking and investment cooperation.1:29
Through this partnership, Iraq seeks to modernize its banking sector, update its electronic systems, enhance financial transparency, and connect it with global financial institutions and markets.1:44
The bank is not owned by one person — it is a publicly traded company whose shares are distributed among investors and global financial funds. It is currently managed by American CEO Jamie Dimon.2:00
In recent years, the United States has imposed restrictions on several Iraqi banks due to suspicions and violations related to financial transfers. Linking Iraq with JPMorgan is expected to facilitate international transfers, finance major projects, and attract foreign investments in the future.2:18
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