Saturday Iraq News Posted by Tishwash at TNT 6-27-2026
TNT:
Tishwash: Al-Zaydi sets a date for filling ministerial vacancies
Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi has set a date for filling the vacancies in the government formation.
Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi told Sky News, according to a statement issued by his media office and received by Al-Sa’a Network, that “our visit to Washington is not a mere protocol visit, but rather represents a declaration of a new phase of partnership between Iraq and the United States, based on common interests and mutual respect.
In September, the international coalition forces will end their combat mission against ISIS and leave Iraq permanently.” He added, “We look forward in the next phase to the American presence being through economic, investment, and development partnerships.”
He pointed out that "we want to move from the stage of military partnership to a sustainable economic partnership, and build an effective economic bridge between Iraq and the United States that achieves the interests of both peoples. We have directed the Ministries of Oil, Electricity and Communications to give priority to reputable American companies in the fields of energy, communications, technology and development," indicating that "the Ministerial Council for the Economy has taken important decisions related to major oil projects with international companies, including Chevron, Halliburton and HKN, in addition to giving them opportunities to work in new fields and exploration blocks."
He continued, “The telecommunications sector is moving towards a strategic partnership with Starlink, which will enhance the digital infrastructure in Iraq. We will discuss with the American side the Energy and Development Fund project, which will start from 500,000 barrels per day up to two million barrels per day, according to economic and production conditions, and perhaps outside the constraints of OPEC quotas.” He added, “Accounts will be opened for the fund in reputable American banking institutions, and its resources will be used in agreements with American companies, including electricity and infrastructure projects.”
He added that "the fund's financing could reach, over three decades, about $400 billion, with gradual growth linked to the performance of the projects and companies implementing them. Our goal is to rebuild the infrastructure that was damaged by investing these resources in development projects, and we are working to obtain a fair share for Iraq in oil production within OPEC in line with its capabilities."
He explained that "the current reality of Iraq is the result of accumulations that have extended over many decades. Since 1980, the country has entered a phase of great depletion, and huge resources have gone towards wars instead of construction and development."
He added that “because of the war of the 1980s, reconstruction projects stopped, infrastructure deteriorated, and Iraq was exposed to widespread destruction that affected infrastructure and the social system. It emerged from the war with losses, high debt, and economic decline. During the embargo period in the 1990s, Iraqi society was exposed to a deep humanitarian and economic crisis that affected various sectors.” He emphasized that “after 2003, Iraq faced the challenge of terrorism, and many Iraqi talents left the country.”
He pointed out that “Iraqis confronted ISIS in defense of their homeland, and at the same time they were fighting a battle to protect the security of the region and the world, with the support of the United States and friendly countries. Iraq was the first line of defense against terrorism, and the war against ISIS left behind great damage to infrastructure and huge economic losses,” indicating that “the United States is a strategic partner in Iraq’s development and economic plans.”
He pointed out that "the Arab Gulf states represent a historical, cultural and social depth for Iraq, and they are an element of strength. We believe in a policy of balance and openness with everyone. A strong state needs decisive decisions, and decisiveness is an essential part of a statesman's responsibility. Not being attached to the position gives the official strength to face challenges, and we are continuing to work to achieve our goals."
He continued, saying: “We held an in-depth dialogue with the armed factions, and we emphasized that the state is the unifying framework, and the presence of weapons outside its institutions cannot be accepted. The role of the factions in confronting terrorism cannot be denied, but the current stage requires everyone to move to working through the state and its institutions.” He explained: “I called on everyone to preserve their history and not allow their sacrifices to be lost, because our goal is to build a state and not just run a government.”
He explained: “We are working on preparing for an international conference entitled (The Sovereignty Conference), which affirms that the decision of Iraq is in the hands of the Iraqis, with an Iraq free of foreign forces and any armed formations outside the framework of the state,” adding that “as a result of the regional crises, Iraqi oil exports have declined to limited levels, and we are working to restore full export capacities.”
He explained: “We aspire to raise Iraq’s oil production to seven million barrels per day over the next three years, and we have informed American companies of this vision,” stressing that “our relationship with the Islamic Republic of Iran is based on good neighborliness, respect, and common interests, just as our relationship is with all countries in the region.”
He stressed that “Iraq does not accept dictates from any party, and the decision will always be in accordance with the interest of Iraqis first and foremost. Our direction is towards building a strong economic partnership with the United States based on the interest of Iraq, and not at the expense of any other party,” noting that “we do not follow a policy of axes or hostility, and Iraq wants to be an area of communication and stability, not an arena of conflict.”
He noted that "Baghdad welcomes hosting any dialogue that contributes to calming the region, including talks between the United States and Iran. Investigations have not indicated any attacks launched from Iraqi territory towards Saudi Arabia, and we have issued clear directives to prevent any future transgressions."
He added, "Our goal is to protect Iraq and its people, and after September 30th, we will present to the citizens the results of the government's work and achievements, not promises.We look forward to completing the filling of vacancies in the government formation within two weeks," noting that "within the government's program, we are working to provide one million residential plots prepared for citizens."
He stressed that “there is an old economy that is trying to continue, and a modern economy that we are working to build. We are moving towards a productive and developed economy, and we are working to establish the Development Fund with the participation of the Central Bank of Iraq and national funds, while opening the door to public subscription and regional and international partnerships.” He pointed out that “the projects of the Development Fund will be financed according to the needs of the market, which will contribute to stimulating the economy and creating job opportunities.”
He explained: “We started confronting corruption through legal procedures, and we stopped a large part of the waste, and we recovered funds through official frameworks. Corruption in Iraq is a phenomenon that starts from small levels and extends through a system of bribery and favoritism, and addressing it requires comprehensive and continuous reform.” He emphasized that “we formed a central committee to review contracts that exceed 25 billion dinars in value, to audit them and ensure the integrity of their financial estimates, and to prevent exaggeration in estimated costs.”
He concluded that "the Cabinet approved referring a draft law to the House of Representatives to form a body for prior oversight and auditing in all ministries and state institutions, which will enhance transparency and governance procedures and raise the efficiency of public finance management." link
Tishwash: Three delegations from Kurdistan are heading to Baghdad to resolve financial and administrative issues.
Three high-level government delegations from the Kurdistan Region are scheduled to travel to the federal capital, Baghdad, early next week as part of their ongoing efforts to resolve a number of outstanding financial and administrative issues between Erbil and Baghdad, and to guarantee the constitutional rights of the region's citizens.
Kurdistan 24's correspondent in Baghdad reported that the first delegation, representing the financial side of the regional government, will hold an expanded meeting with the federal Ministry of Finance next Sunday.
The delegation will focus its discussions on reconsidering the mechanism for calculating non-oil revenues and demanding that Baghdad reduce the amount of 120 billion dinars deducted monthly, based on the technical reports approved by the Iraqi Financial Control Bureau, which clearly indicate a decrease in these revenues, which requires urgent action to ensure the continuity and smooth funding of the salaries of the region’s employees without any obstacles.
In a parallel track, on Sunday an official delegation from the Ministry of Martyrs and Anfal Affairs in the regional government will also head to Baghdad for a five-day visit. The delegation will hold a series of meetings with the General Authority for Political Prisoners in the federal government, aimed at signing an official agreement stipulating the equality and matching of salaries and entitlements of the families of martyrs and Anfal victims in the region with their counterparts in the center, in order to do justice to this sacrificing segment and increase their financial entitlements legally.
Regarding the regulation of trade and border crossings, a third technical delegation will head to the capital, Baghdad, next Monday, tasked with finalizing the technical procedures for implementing the global electronic system “ASYCUDA” for customs at the region’s border crossings.
Through this step, the delegation seeks to sign the final agreement to unify and coordinate customs fees and procedures between the region and the center in accordance with the latest applicable international standards.
Through this extensive diplomatic and administrative movement, the Kurdistan Regional Government affirms its full commitment to the path of constructive dialogue and legal solutions, in order to overcome all technical and financial obstacles in a way that serves the public interest and ensures the living stability of citizens. link
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Tishwash: Why are investors hesitant? An expert reveals the obstacles hindering the investment boom in Iraq.
Economic expert Saleh al-Khafaji asserted on Friday (June 26, 2026) that "several key factors are preventing Iraq from achieving a genuine leap in foreign investment, despite the availability of vast and diverse opportunities."
Speaking to Baghdad Today, al-Khafaji stated, "Iraq boasts promising investment opportunities across multiple sectors, not limited to the energy sector (oil and gas), but extending to housing, industry, and agriculture. Furthermore, its strategic geographic location could contribute to the development of industrial and pharmaceutical sectors capable of exporting to the Middle East."
He added, "While the initial foundations for attracting investment are present, several factors are discouraging many companies and investors from entering the Iraqi market. These include bureaucratic procedures, the pervasive corruption that hinders any progress in this direction, and the nature of the political disputes and problems that arise periodically."
Al-Khafaji pointed out that "capital needs a stable and calm environment with all the necessary support, especially regarding the banking infrastructure." He explained that "the banking environment in Iraq is still lagging behind other countries in terms of developing its operational mechanisms, which requires serious attention to this issue."
He clarified that "the factors for attracting investment and achieving a real leap in foreign investment are numerous and interconnected. Despite this, some companies and investors have taken the plunge and achieved successes, but these remain contingent on patience and navigating the existing complexities and problems."
Al-Khafaji emphasized that "the most significant obstacles to investment are corruption and the bureaucratic hurdles imposed by some corrupt individuals within institutions to extort money in exchange for granting approvals."
He noted that "many investors complain about these practices, which necessitates finding mechanisms to facilitate their work and send genuine reassurances."
The economic expert concluded by stressing that "the volume of foreign investment in Iraq is substantial, but more than 90% of it is concentrated in specific sectors, primarily the energy sector. This necessitates diversifying the investment environment and attracting capital to other sectors." link