More Iraq News Posted by Tishwash at TNT 5-5-2026
TNT:
Tishwash: Parliamentary emphasis on the priority of enacting the oil and gas law
The Parliamentary Oil, Gas, and Natural Resources Committee stressed the importance of the government expediting the submission of draft laws, foremost among them the draft oil and gas law, given its pivotal role in regulating the management of natural resources and developing this vital sector.
During its regular meeting on Monday, the committee discussed the mechanisms for the upcoming phase, particularly organizing meetings with relevant stakeholders and officials from the Ministry of Oil, with the aim of following up on files related to the oil and gas sectors and enhancing institutional coordination. link
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Tishwash: Kurdish demands on the table for the next government: oil, salaries, and Article 140
Political reactions continue to pour in regarding Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi's visit to the Kurdistan Region and his meetings with Kurdish leaders in Erbil and Sulaimaniyah. This visit has been described as pivotal in the process of forming the next government, with many emphasizing its importance in solidifying understandings between Baghdad and Erbil.
In this context, Suzan Mansour, a leading figure in the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), affirmed that al-Zaidi's visit is a "necessary" step to ensure the impartiality of the next government and to strengthen trust among the various political factions.
Mansour stated that "al-Zaidi's visit to the region sends a reassuring message that the upcoming government seeks to maintain an equal distance from all forces and components," adding that "the issues raised by the region are not new, but rather long-standing demands that require fundamental solutions within the framework of the upcoming government program."
She added that “the most prominent Kurdish demands include securing the salaries of the region’s employees, enacting the oil and gas law, activating Article 140 of the Constitution, and guaranteeing the region’s share of the federal budgets.” She noted that “raising these issues at this time aims to end the chronic disputes between Baghdad and Erbil and find common ground for government action.”
For his part, Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) leader Mahma Khalil revealed details of the meetings between al-Zaidi and the region’s leaders, confirming that the party was among the first to support him in the process of forming the next government.
Khalil said that “the meetings held by the prime minister-designate with both Masoud Barzani and Nechirvan Barzani were fruitful, and during them, the party’s support for the next government was confirmed.” He explained that “Barzani laid out three fundamental pillars for participation in the government: genuine partnership in decision-making, achieving balance within state institutions, and adopting political consensus among all parties.”
Regarding the parliamentary stance, Khalil clarified that “the decision by Democratic Party MPs not to attend parliamentary sessions is a temporary suspension, not a withdrawal or boycott of the political process,” noting that “other political forces have previously taken this measure for various reasons.”
This political activity comes at a time when the Iraqi political scene is witnessing intensive efforts to bridge the gaps between political forces, particularly concerning the long-standing points of contention between the federal government and the Kurdistan Region, amid anticipation of the outcome of ongoing discussions regarding the formation of the next government and its political program. link
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Tishwash: Iraq reduces oil prices for buyers who decide to pass through the Strait of Hormuz
Bloomberg reported on Tuesday that Iraq is offering significant discounts on oil shipments to long-term contract buyers in May, but tankers must still transit the Strait of Hormuz to collect cargoes from within the Gulf, amid escalating regional tensions.
According to a notice from Iraq's State Oil Marketing Organization (SOMO), reviewed by Bloomberg, the discounts offered by the OPEC member reach $33.40 per barrel for Basra Medium crude, compared to official prices. The notice, dated May 3, outlines varying pricing levels throughout the month in an effort to incentivize buyers, despite the risks associated with shipping. link
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Tishwash: Parliament announces it will receive the government program from Al-Zidi by the end of this week.
Parliament Speaker Hebat al-Halbousi confirmed on Monday (May 4, 2026) that the parliament will receive the government program from Ali al-Zaidi, who is tasked with forming the new government, by the end of this week, while he indicated that the names of the ministerial cabinet will be put to a vote next week.
The media office of the House of Representatives said in a statement received by "Baghdad Today" that "the House of Representatives concluded its twenty-second session held today, Monday, under the chairmanship of Speaker Hebat Al-Halbousi and with the attendance of 217 members, four draft laws."
She added that "the Speaker of the Council confirmed at the beginning of the session that the House of Representatives will receive, at the end of this week, the government program from Ali al-Zidi, who is tasked with forming the new government, in order to inform the members of the Council about it and study it by the Strategic Planning and Government Program Committee," noting that "the names of the ministerial cabinet will be presented next week for a vote by the House of Representatives." link
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Tishwash: Sudani and Barzani stress the need to expedite the formation of the new government
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and President of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, Nechirvan Barzani, discussed on Monday the efforts being made to form the new government, stressing the need to expedite its formation.
The Prime Minister's Media Office said in a statement that "Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani received the President of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, Nechirvan Barzani."
The statement added that "the meeting discussed the general situation in the country and reviewed the efforts made to form the new government, stressing the need to expedite its formation in a way that reflects the aspirations and hopes of all the people throughout Iraq."
He added that "the meeting addressed the political, economic and developmental achievements made during the current government's term, with Barzani expressing his appreciation for Al-Sudani's efforts and his keenness to manage understandings leading to legal and constitutional solutions between the federal government and the regional government."
He explained that "the two sides discussed developments in the region and the tensions it is witnessing, and emphasized the importance of Iraq's efforts in supporting regional and international stability in a way that contributes to strengthening the country's sovereignty." link