US Defense Secretary: We are working aggressively in Iranian airspace… and the coming days will be decisive.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Tuesday that US forces are operating “vigorously in Iranian airspace,” stressing that “the coming days will be critical” as military operations continue and Iranian capabilities decline.

Hegseth added at a press conference that US forces are “bombing deep inside Iran with force,” noting communication with members of the Navy and Air Force “who are shooting down Iranian missiles and drones,” and stressing that “our forces have lethal capabilities and our pilots are operating with high efficiency in Iran.”

He explained that “Operation Epic Wrath focuses on speed of execution in order to achieve victory,” indicating that the soldiers “did not ask to return home but asked me to complete the mission and provide them with bombs and targets,” noting that the American forces “face the Iranian threat daily and are aware of the dangers of Iran possessing nuclear weapons.”

He continued, “Our war is linked to history and heritage, and our success in it is important, and we are closer to victory than ever before,” stressing that “the coming days will be decisive, and Iran knows that.”

He noted that “in the past few hours we have seen the lowest number of missiles launched by Iran,” stressing that “the Iranians’ capabilities are declining and our central command confirms that they have a leadership deficit.”

Hegseth also confirmed “what President Trump said, that Iran will not have a nuclear weapon,” adding that “we don’t see many pictures from inside Iran because they have cut off the internet.”

He noted that “there has been a change in the new Iranian regime and it needs to be wiser,” adding that “if Iran is wise, it will agree to the deal on offer.” He also said that he “visited the Middle East on Saturday and spoke to our forces there.”

The US Secretary of Defense threatened that “the United States will continue its military operations with greater intensity if Iran refuses to sign a peace agreement,” noting that “Trump wants to reach an agreement with Iran and Tehran is aware of Washington’s conditions.”

For his part, US Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Dan Keane said during the conference that the forces “continue to destroy and undermine Iran’s capabilities,” stressing “the continued destruction of missile and drone capabilities as well as manufacturing operations.”

He added that US forces “bombed more than 11,000 targets and achieved air superiority that allowed the use of B-52 bombers,” noting the “destruction of more than 150 Iranian ships.”

The US Chief of Staff affirmed “continuing to impose dominance over the Iranian Navy and focusing on targeting its mine-laying capabilities.”

Shafaq.com

Prime Minister’s Advisor: Three-pronged plan to secure salaries amid global challenges

The Prime Minister’s financial advisor, Mazhar Muhammad Salih, confirmed on Tuesday that the current policy guarantees the continuation of salaries and social welfare grants. While identifying three main sources to ensure the sustainability of salaries and social spending, he indicated that Iraq is capable of facing global financial and economic shocks efficiently and effectively. The advisor told the official news agency that “the sustainability of monthly expenditures for salaries, wages, pensions, and social welfare allowances, in light of the current economic challenges and global fluctuations due to geopolitical risks, is a top priority, and depends on three main sources of revenue that guarantee the protection of the living and social stability of citizens on a regular monthly basis.”

He explained that “the first source is maximizing non-oil revenues, as ensuring the liquidity of collecting these revenues is achieved by intensifying approved electronic payment methods, which enhances the state’s own financial resources and reduces total dependence on oil revenues.”

Saleh added that “the second source is expanding the base of crude oil and petroleum product exports. This policy includes using traditional export channels whenever possible, including land and sea transport through neighboring countries, according to current global oil prices, which have seen an increase of nearly 70% compared to their levels before the outbreak of tensions in the Gulf and Middle East region.” He pointed out that “this export expansion contributes, in light of high crude oil prices, to boosting the revenues needed to cover social spending and ensure the stability of the local market.”

He also explained that “the third source of revenue is to follow a pattern of targeted quantitative easing policies, with monetary and fiscal coordination, where coordination between monetary and fiscal policy is intensified, and this coordination is supported by efficient foreign exchange reserves, to ensure the stability of the national economy and the sustainability of public social spending, including the payment of salaries, pensions and social welfare allowances without any interruption.”

Saleh concluded by saying: “The continuation of these integrated policies guarantees the protection of monthly job income, enhances economic and social stability in the country, and makes Iraq capable of facing global financial and economic shocks efficiently and effectively.”

Burathanews.com

The US military sends a message to Iranian soldiers: Leave your positions immediately.

The US Central Command confirmed on Thursday that the commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard’s naval forces, Admiral Ali Reza Tangsiri, was killed in an Israeli airstrike, stating that this “contributes to strengthening the security of the region.”

US Central Command chief Brad Cooper said in a statement seen by Shafaq News that Tangsiri led the Revolutionary Guard’s naval forces for eight years and oversaw “attacks targeting commercial vessels and civilians using drones and missiles.”

He added that the US military operations, as part of what he described as “Operation Epic Wrath,” resulted in the destruction of 92% of the large ships belonging to the Iranian navy, depriving it of the ability to carry out effective military operations in the Middle East or beyond.

Cooper indicated that the US strikes against the Revolutionary Guard’s naval forces would continue, calling on Iranian military personnel to “leave their positions immediately to avoid danger.”

The U.S. Treasury Department had designated Tanksiri a “global terrorist” in 2019, with additional sanctions imposed on him in 2024 related to drone programs.

Shafaq.com

Al-Saadi: Iraqi oil shipments will continue to flow through the Strait of Hormuz after coordination with Tehran.

Former MP Baqir al-Saadi confirmed on Thursday that Iraqi oil shipments will continue to flow to international markets via the Strait of Hormuz, following coordination with Tehran.

Speaking to Al-Maalouma, al-Saadi said, “The coming days will witness the flow of more oil shipments produced from Iraqi fields via giant tankers towards international markets through the Strait of Hormuz, in coordination with Tehran to secure safe passages.”
He added that “the return of Iraqi oil to global markets is very important for Baghdad’s economy,” stressing that “Iraqi fields will compensate for lost production by increasing their output rates, which will positively impact the next phase.”

Al-Saadi explained that “oil represents more than 90% of Iraq’s revenues,” noting that “coordination between Baghdad and Tehran is very important and has begun to bear fruit in securing safe passages for tankers carrying Iraqi oil to international markets.”

Almaalomah.me

Despite Iranian denials, Trump says Iran is negotiating secretly and is afraid to make it public.

US President Donald Trump insisted on Thursday that Iran is participating in peace talks despite its denials, asserting that Iranian negotiators are afraid to announce it for fear of internal reactions.

“They are negotiating, by the way, and they very much want to make a deal,” Trump said during a dinner for Republican members of Congress. “But they are afraid to say so, because they think if they do, they will be killed by their own people.”

In this context, the American newspaper “The Wall Street Journal” stated that Trump is seeking to end the war with Iran in the coming weeks, and that he has informed his aides of his desire to put a quick end to the conflict.

The newspaper quoted a US official as saying that some of Trump’s close associates are “pushing for escalation and regime change in Iran,” while the president has expressed willingness to send troops into Iran, but is hesitant because of the risks of escalation.

The source added that there are “fears of increased casualties in the event of a US ground intervention in Iran,” noting that losses on the US side amounted to “about 300 wounded and 13 dead since the start of the last war with Iran.”

The newspaper explained that Trump “discussed securing US access to a portion of Iranian oil as part of any agreement to end the war.”

Trump said on Wednesday that Iran’s leaders are negotiating with the United States but denying it to their people, adding: “I ended 8 wars, and now we are winning our war on Iran,” and asserting that the Iranian negotiators “are afraid of being killed by their own people.”

Trump stressed that “the Iranians are negotiating with us and are eager to make a deal,” adding: “We have destroyed everything in Iran. We want to see the United States succeed in its military operations in Iran.”

In contrast, the US government threatened on Wednesday to intensify attacks on Iran if no agreement is reached, with White House spokeswoman Carolyn Levitt saying that “there is no need for more death and destruction.”

Levitt added: “If Iran does not accept the reality of the current moment, and if it does not realize that it has been militarily defeated and will remain so, then President Trump will ensure that it is struck with even greater force than it has ever experienced before.”

She indicated that the leadership in Tehran has an opportunity to cooperate with Trump, which requires abandoning its nuclear program and ceasing to threaten the United States and its allies.

In this context, the White House announced that the United States and Iran remain engaged in peace talks, despite reports in Iranian media that Tehran has rejected Washington’s proposal to end the war.

In response to those reports, Levitt said that “talks are ongoing and productive, as President Trump has declared,” stressing that “President Trump does not threaten in vain, and he is prepared to open the gates of hell, and Iran should not miscalculate again.”

She explained that there are “elements of truth” in the media reports about a 15-point American plan that includes demands directed at Tehran.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on Wednesday that his government does not intend to hold any negotiations with the United States to end the war, adding in an interview with state television that exchanging messages through intermediaries “does not mean negotiating with the United States.”

Araghchi noted that the highest authorities are “reviewing the proposals submitted,” stressing that Iran does not intend to hold talks with the United States.

Shafaq.com

United States: Do not travel to Iraq. Leave immediately if you are there.

The US Embassy in Baghdad issued a new security warning on Thursday, urging its citizens not to travel to Iraq and to leave immediately, citing escalating security threats and attacks targeting Americans and US-related interests.

The embassy said in an “alert” issued today: “Do not travel to Iraq for any reason. Leave immediately if you are there,” stressing that what it described as “Iranian-backed militias have launched widespread attacks on American citizens and US-related targets throughout Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region.”

She added that the US mission in Iraq remains open despite the order to leave, to assist American citizens inside the country, while warning against going to the embassy in Baghdad or the consulate general in Erbil because of the ongoing risks from missiles and drones.

The embassy noted that Iran and its affiliated groups “pose a significant threat to public safety in Iraq,” explaining that these groups have targeted diplomatic facilities, companies, energy infrastructure, and sites believed to be linked to the United States, in addition to commercial airports and hotels frequented by foreigners, with a warning of the possibility of Americans being kidnapped.

She noted that the airspace is closed and there are no commercial flights from Iraq, while land routes to Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Turkey remain open with long delays expected, urging American citizens to leave through these ports of entry.

She explained that routine consular services, including visa services, are suspended, urging her citizens to leave immediately, avoid gatherings and demonstrations, comply with the instructions of local authorities, maintain supplies of food, water and medicine, and follow updates from the U.S. State Department.

Shafaq.com

The Iraqi judiciary settles the controversy surrounding the “million signatures”: No decision to dissolve parliament.

Iraq’s Supreme Judicial Council on Thursday refuted rumors circulating on social media about it issuing a decision regarding the dissolution of parliament or preparations for early elections.

The Council’s media center stated in a statement received by Shafaq News Agency that the news regarding the issuance of a decision to dissolve the House of Representatives, or to hold elections, or to begin collecting one million signatures to pave the way for early elections, is completely false information.

He explained that the publications on which these rumors were based were issued by a “fake website” impersonating the judiciary, and do not express its official positions.

In conclusion, the judiciary urged all media outlets to exercise caution before publishing such “misleading information” and to rely exclusively on reporting news from official sources.

This wave of rumors comes at a time when Iraq is experiencing a state of “political deadlock,” as the forces and parties that won the parliamentary elections held in late 2015 have not been able to complete the constitutional requirements, including electing a new president of the republic and assigning a prime minister to form the next government. The steps achieved so far have been limited to electing the parliament’s leadership only.

Observers warn of the repercussions of this continued delay on the political, economic and service levels in the country, especially in light of the rapidly escalating security and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East region, which necessitate the existence of a fully empowered government to manage the current crises.

Shafaq.com

Iraq earned nearly $7 billion from oil sales in February.

The Iraqi Ministry of Oil announced on Thursday that the financial revenues generated from crude oil exports for the month of February amounted to approximately $7 billion, according to the final statistics issued by the Iraqi Oil Marketing Company (SOMO).

The company stated in an official statistic received by Shafaq News Agency that the quantity of crude oil exports (including condensates) amounted to 99 million, 872 thousand and 220 barrels, achieving total revenues of $6 billion, 814 million and 585 thousand dollars.

Detailed data showed that the largest share of exports came from fields in central and southern Iraq, amounting to 93,349,480 barrels.

The statistics also indicated that the quantities exported from the Kurdistan Region through the Turkish port of Ceyhan amounted to 5 million, 551 thousand and 610 barrels, while exports from the Qayyarah field amounted to about 971 thousand and 130 barrels.

Shafaq.com

Iraq faces its most serious financial test in decades; the collapse of oil exports threatens employee salaries.

The Iraqi economy is facing an unprecedented crisis after a sharp decline in oil exports as a result of regional tensions and the closure of vital shipping lanes, causing revenues to drop by up to 90%, in a direct blow to the main artery of the economy on which the country depends almost entirely.

According to economic data, Iraq’s exports have plummeted from about 4 million barrels per day to levels not exceeding 1.3 million barrels, which has put the general budget under severe pressure and raised widespread concerns about the government’s ability to secure employee salaries and meet its financial obligations in the coming months.

In this context, MP Mohammed Al-Bayati confirmed in a statement to Al-Maalouma that Iraq has effectively lost between 85 and 90% of its financial revenues due to the repercussions of the war in the region, noting that current exports through the Ceyhan port cover only 7 to 10% of the state’s financial needs.

He added that the current crisis represents a serious warning that requires urgent action towards diversifying sources of income and not relying solely on oil, as well as the need to find alternative export outlets that ensure the stability of revenues and mitigate the severity of external shocks.

For their part, economic experts warned that the continued decline in exports in this manner could lead to serious repercussions that go beyond the economic aspect to affect political and social stability, stressing that the solution lies in moving from a rentier economy to a diversified economy capable of withstanding crises.

They pointed out that the government’s options remain limited, most notably resorting to the central bank’s reserves or taking drastic financial measures, at a time when the situation demands swift action to secure liquidity and prevent the collapse of the state’s financial obligations.

Almaalomah.me

Details of the Baghdad airport explosions: US munitions and equipment burned in preparation for a rapid withdrawal.

A security source reported on Tuesday that the explosions heard in the vicinity of Baghdad International Airport were the result of controlled detonations supervised by Iraqi forces.

The source told Shafaq News Agency that the site of the explosions is located near the diplomatic support headquarters inside the airport, explaining that the operation involved the destruction of ammunition containers containing heavy, medium and light weapons.

He added that initial information indicates that the number of US forces present at the site has become limited, after part of them withdrew during the past few days, without any official confirmation yet regarding a complete withdrawal of the remaining forces after the completion of the base evacuation operations.

According to the source, what is being circulated about the detonation of damaged equipment is “inaccurate,” noting that the operation also includes the destruction of a number of vehicles and equipment belonging to the forces, which will be taken out of service.

According to the source, in the event of a complete withdrawal of US forces, this will only involve the transfer of personal belongings, with the disposal of the rest of the equipment inside the base.

The sounds of explosions continue to be heard from the vicinity of Baghdad International Airport, causing panic among nearby residents, amid reports that they will continue into the evening.

The Security Media Cell had confirmed earlier today that the sounds of explosions heard in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, were the result of controlled detonations.

In a statement issued by the Security Media Cell of the Joint Operations Command and received by Shafaq News Agency, Lieutenant General Saad Maan said, “The sounds heard near Baghdad International Airport were the result of controlled explosions carried out by the relevant authorities, and were not the result of any hostile act.”

Shafaq.com