Al-Karawi calls for a national strategy to revive Iraqi industry

MP Mudhar al-Karawi called on Friday for the adoption of a comprehensive national strategy to revive Iraqi industry, noting that more than 80% of factories and industrial facilities are nearly closed to production.

Al-Karawi told Al-Maalouma, “The occasion of International Workers’ Day necessitates reflecting on the state of industry in Iraq, which has suffered in recent years from numerous pressures that have led to the near-complete closure of approximately 80% of its factories and associated facilities, and the dismissal of tens of thousands of experienced, skilled, and competent workers.”

He added, “The industrial sector needs a clear strategic vision to rehabilitate it and propel it back into production, given the availability of significant human resources that can contribute to providing ample job opportunities for young people in various fields.”
He pointed out that “Iraq imports more than 90% of its needs from abroad, an exceptional situation that must change, because the continuation of this situation will have cumulative negative repercussions over time.”

He affirmed that “creating a favorable environment for the revival of national industry will yield numerous benefits, most notably easing pressure on government employment and reducing imports, which drain the majority of hard currency,” emphasizing “the necessity of reassessing the economic balance to drive genuine industrial growth.”

Almaalomah.me

Report urges Trump to draw “red lines” ahead of al-Zaidi’s rule over Iraq

A US report urged President Donald Trump’s administration to maintain what it called “red lines” during the process of forming the new Iraqi government, three days after Ali al-Zaidi was tasked with becoming prime minister.

American conditions

The report issued by the US-based Foundation for Defense of Democracies , and translated by Shafaq News Agency, warned against including figures linked to armed factions or close to Iran in ministerial or senior positions.

The US report warned that forming a government that includes figures close to Tehran could harm the future of Iraqi-American relations, calling on Washington to continue to exert pressure to ensure the formation of a government that is “not subject to the influence of militias” and maintains a balanced relationship between Baghdad and its international partners.

The report stressed that Iraq represents a crucial arena for confronting Iranian influence and illicit financial activities, as well as combating terrorism, emphasizing that achieving this requires an effective partnership with Baghdad without pushing the country towards an economic or military crisis.

He pointed out that assigning businessman Ali al-Zaidi to the premiership does not guarantee that he will actually assume the position, as he still has 30 days to form a government that enjoys the confidence of Parliament, in light of previous experiences in which candidates failed to secure sufficient support, as happened in 2020.

Al-Zaydi was chosen after disagreements within the coordinating framework, as the American report saw that his “limited political experience” contributed to achieving consensus on him, as he was a figure who might be more susceptible to influence by the framework’s leaders.

Financial concerns

The report expressed concern about al-Zaidi’s past affiliations, noting that he served as chairman of the board of directors of the “South Islamic Bank,” which was barred by the Central Bank of Iraq in 2024 from participating in the dollar auction in response to American pressure.

According to the US-based Foundation for Defense of Democracies, Iraq is an important center for financing illicit Iranian activities, through oil smuggling networks that generate – according to estimates – about $1 billion annually for Tehran and its allies, in addition to exploiting the Iraqi financial system to access dollars in various ways.

According to the report, these activities, along with factional attacks during the recent war, prompted Washington to take pressure measures, including reducing dollar shipments to Iraq and imposing sanctions on faction leaders, as well as offering financial rewards for information about some of them.

Factional challenge

The report stressed that any new prime minister, especially if he came to power with the support of forces close to Iran, would not be able to confront the armed factions on his own, without direct American pressure.

He noted that these factions emerged from the last war – the February 28 war between the United States and Israel against Iran – “more daring,” citing the participation of their leaders in high-level political meetings despite some of them being on US terrorism lists.

The report concluded that the (current) Iraqi government has not taken any decisive steps to deter attacks targeting American diplomatic and military facilities, but has allowed factions to respond to American strikes, thus giving them “implicit legitimacy” to operate outside the framework of the state.

Shafaq.com

In the presence of the designated official, the coordination framework discussed the formation of the al-Zaydi government and the repercussions of the war.

On Thursday, the Coordination Framework held its meeting at the office of the Secretary-General of the Badr Organization, Hadi al-Amiri, in the presence of the caretaker Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, and the Prime Minister-designate, Ali Faleh al-Zaidi.

The framework stated in a statement that the meeting discussed all political, security and economic issues, as well as the challenges resulting from the ongoing war in the Middle East and its repercussions on Iraq.

Regarding the formation of the government, the attendees reviewed the results of the committees formed for this purpose, which the statement said had achieved “clear progress” in resolving the national entitlement within its constitutional timeframe.

Prime Minister-designate Ali Faleh al-Zaidi also presented the steps for forming the government and the details of the ministerial program, in addition to the telephone call he received from the US President.

The coordination framework, according to the statement, stressed the importance of building the state on sound foundations that enhance its strength, prestige and sovereignty.

Shafaq.com

Pakistani sources: Iran may present a revised peace proposal to America today.

CNN quoted sources as saying that mediators expect a new response after US President Donald Trump rejected the previous version of the Iranian proposal.

The sources also indicated that there were signs of progress in the negotiations despite the continued uncertainty.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry had confirmed that Pakistan would remain the official mediator for talks with America.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baghaei said it was unrealistic to expect quick results from the talks, noting that Tehran was seeking a path through which the threat of war could be completely averted.

Shafaq.com

The UAE on managing the Strait of Hormuz: We do not trust Iran.

The UAE government confirmed on Friday that Iran cannot be trusted to manage the Strait of Hormuz.

Anwar Gargash, the diplomatic advisor to the UAE president, said in a post on the “X” platform, which was reviewed by Shafaq News Agency: “Any unilateral arrangements taken by Iran cannot be trusted or relied upon regarding freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, after its brutal aggression against all its neighbors,” as he put it.

It is reported that Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei announced yesterday, Thursday, a “new administration” for the Strait of Hormuz that will bring “calm and economic benefits” to the region, while simultaneously affirming his country’s determination to “secure” the Gulf region, coinciding with calls from the Revolutionary Guard to keep foreign powers away from the region, amid escalating tensions with the United States.

Two days ago, Tehran proposed reopening the strait in exchange for lifting the American blockade on its ports and ending the war, while postponing discussions on its nuclear program. This proposal was not accepted by Washington, amid anticipation of a possible American response.

A senior White House official revealed on Friday morning that US President Donald Trump has put forward a “new plan” aimed at restoring smooth navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, coinciding with escalating geopolitical tensions in this vital artery for global energy supplies.

Shafaq.com

After a two-month hiatus, Kirkuk Airport receives its first flight.

Kirkuk International Airport announced on Friday the resumption of flights after a hiatus of more than two months.

The airport administration stated in a statement received by Shafaq News Agency that it “received its first flight after a period of suspension, amid an atmosphere of optimism about the gradual return of air activity.”

She added that “the resumption of flights represents the beginning of a new phase towards strengthening air traffic, with work underway to expand the flight network and restore the operational schedule to normal in the coming period.”

Air traffic in Iraq was disrupted due to the security tensions in the region, resulting from the war in the Middle East between the United States and Israel on one side, and Iran on the other, and the accompanying risks to the safety of air navigation.

Shafaq.com

Al-Zaydi opens the Kurdistan file and faces his first test with Al-Halbousi.

A political source familiar with the movements of Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi revealed on Friday that he is expected to make a visit to the Kurdistan Region in the next few days to meet with Kurdish leaders and discuss their entitlements in the new government, before moving on to the Sunni forces file and meeting with the leader of the Progress Party, Muhammad al-Halbousi.

The source told Shafaq News Agency that “Al-Zaidi’s visit will take place in the next few days, and he will also discuss the outstanding issues between Baghdad and Erbil, in line with the new government’s program.”

The anticipated visit comes after Kurdish leaders announced their support for assigning al-Zaidi to form the new federal government.

The source added that “Al-Zaydi will then meet with Sunni leaders, including the leader of the Progress Party, Muhammad al-Halbousi, for the same purpose, as the latter raised the ceiling of his party’s demands in the government cabinet, which sparked controversy behind the scenes of the political forces, especially with the Sunni ministries file entering the stage of direct negotiation.”

According to the source, “The resolution of the quota issue will be done according to the approved entitlements for each component, and according to political custom and parliamentary weight, provided that the active political parties have a role in the success of Al-Zidi’s government and its passage within the House of Representatives.”

He pointed out that “the coordination framework formed a special committee to monitor the distribution of ministerial portfolios and the names of the candidates for them, in coordination with the Prime Minister-designate, to prevent the dispute over ministries from turning into a complication that would hinder the formation of the government.”

These moves coincide with discussions within the political forces regarding a preliminary map for the distribution of ministerial portfolios. Information circulating behind the scenes of the negotiations indicates that the Reconstruction and Development Coalition, led by outgoing Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, is heading towards obtaining five ministries, including a sovereign ministry, while the State of Law Coalition will obtain the Ministry of Oil and another service ministry, in exchange for the Sadiqun Movement, led by Qais al-Khazali, increasing its share to two ministries and the position of Deputy Prime Minister.

As for the Sunni share, negotiations are underway regarding the Higher Education Ministry being given to the Progress Party led by Halbousi, while the Ministry of Defense is being proposed as part of the share of the Azm Alliance led by Muthanna al-Samarrai. This formula is still subject to discussion within the Sunni community and with the Shiite forces sponsoring the government formation process.

In contrast, the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Justice are likely to go to the Kurdistan Democratic Party, while the Ministries of Environment and Culture are being discussed within the share of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, within the framework of a broader understanding that links Kurdish participation in the new government to clear commitments regarding outstanding issues with Baghdad.

Al-Zaidi’s move comes hours after he received a phone call from US President Donald Trump, who congratulated him on being officially tasked with forming the government and invited him to visit Washington after the cabinet is completed. The two sides also discussed the strategic relations between Iraq and the United States and ways to enhance cooperation and stability in the region.

The coordinating framework had previously agreed to give al-Zidi more leeway in choosing his cabinet, after he was nominated for the premiership following the withdrawal of outgoing Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki from the race for the position, in a move that opened the door to a settlement within the Shiite bloc to end the political deadlock and accelerate the formation of the next government.

Shafaq.com

Trump calls al-Zaidi and extends an official invitation for him to visit Washington

On Thursday, US President Donald Trump congratulated Ali Faleh al-Zaidi on his official appointment to form the new Iraqi government, extending to him an official invitation to visit Washington after the government is formed.

The Prime Minister’s Media Office said in a statement received by Shafaq News Agency that “Prime Minister-designate Ali Faleh al-Zaidi received a phone call from US President Donald Trump, during which he congratulated al-Zaidi on his official appointment to form the new government, and extended an official invitation to him to visit Washington after the government is formed.”

The statement added that “the call included a review of the strategic bilateral relations between Iraq and the United States, and ways to develop and strengthen them in various fields, as well as the two sides’ emphasis on joint work and bilateral cooperation in order to consolidate stability in the region.”

Trump’s call to al-Zaidi came about an hour after a similar call the prime minister-designate received from US envoy Tom Barrack, who also congratulated him on being tasked with forming the new Iraqi government, and discussed with him ways to strengthen relations between the two countries.

The ruling Shiite coalition forces in Iraq announced last Monday the nomination of Ali al-Zidi for the premiership, after Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and Nouri al-Maliki withdrew from the race for the position.

Shafaq.com

Trump: A new government free of terrorism must be formed in Iraq.

On Thursday, US President Donald Trump stressed the need to form a new government in Iraq free of terrorism, during a call with Iraqi Prime Minister-designate Ali Faleh al-Zaidi.

Trump said in a post on the Truth Social platform, which was followed by Shafaq News Agency: “We congratulate Ali al-Zaidi on his nomination for the position of Prime Minister of Iraq, and we wish him success in his efforts to form a new government free of terrorism, capable of building a better future for Iraq.”

He added: “We look forward to a new, strong, and fruitful relationship between Iraq and the United States. This is the beginning of a new and prosperous chapter between our two countries, a chapter full of unprecedented prosperity, stability, and success.”

Trump concluded his post by saying, “Congratulations, Ali.”

The Prime Minister’s Media Office said in a statement received by Shafaq News Agency that “Prime Minister-designate Ali Faleh al-Zaidi received a phone call from US President Donald Trump, during which he congratulated al-Zaidi on his official appointment to form the new government, and extended an official invitation to him to visit Washington after the government is formed.”

The statement added that “the call included a review of the strategic bilateral relations between Iraq and the United States, and ways to develop and strengthen them in various fields, as well as the two sides’ emphasis on joint work and bilateral cooperation in order to consolidate stability in the region.”

Trump’s call to al-Zaidi came about an hour after a similar call the prime minister-designate received from US envoy Tok Barak, who also congratulated him on being tasked with forming the new Iraqi government, and discussed with him ways to strengthen relations between the two countries.

The ruling Shiite coalition forces in Iraq announced last Monday the nomination of Ali al-Zidi for the premiership, after Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and Nouri al-Maliki withdrew from the race for the position.

Shafaq.com

US extends deadline for Lukoil asset sale; Iraq among the most prominent assets offered

The U.S. Treasury Department has extended the deadline for energy companies to finalize deals to purchase Lukoil’s foreign assets to May 30, 2026, instead of May 1, in a move that reflects the continuing complications associated with sanctions imposed on the Russian energy sector.

The decision comes amid US pressure on Moscow over the war in Ukraine, where sanctions have forced Lukoil, Russia’s second-largest oil producer, to abandon its international portfolio, estimated at around $22 billion.

These assets include projects, oil fields, refineries and fuel stations distributed across several countries, including Iraq, which puts the Iraqi market within the circle of interest in any potential deals, especially with the company having existing investments within the country.

According to the data, the sale attracted the interest of more than 12 buyers, including ExxonMobil, amid strict US conditions stipulating that the Russian company would not receive any direct payments, and that the proceeds would be deposited into frozen accounts subject to US control.

This is the fifth such extension since the sanctions were imposed last October, reflecting the complexity of the negotiations and the sensitivity of the assets at stake, particularly those linked to strategic markets such as Iraq, which could be affected by any changes in the ownership or operation of these oil projects.

The Lukoil West Qurna 2 oil field is one of the largest oil fields in Iraq, located in the southern province of Basra. It is developed and operated by the Russian company Lukoil under a contract with the Iraqi Ministry of Oil. Development of the field began after 2010, and actual production commenced in 2014.

It is considered one of the world’s giant oil fields with its large reserves and production of between 400,000 and 470,000 barrels per day, making it one of the most important sources of oil income for Iraq and contributing significantly to boosting its oil exports.

Shafaq.com