Kurdistan President discusses strengthening partnership with US Charge d’Affaires

News- Erbil: Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani received the US Chargé d’Affaires to Iraq, Joshua Harris, on Wednesday. They discussed relations between the United States, Iraq, and the region, as well as the outstanding issues between Erbil and Baghdad.

A statement from the Kurdistan Region’s presidency, received by Shafaq News Agency, said the meeting addressed the general economic situation in Iraq and Kurdistan, the upcoming general elections, as well as financial dues and salaries for the region’s employees. The meeting emphasized the need to find urgent solutions to these issues through a unified mechanism.

During the meeting, Harris emphasized the importance of the partnership and cooperation between the United States and the Kurdistan Region, reiterating his country’s commitment to strengthening relations and expanding areas of joint cooperation.

The meeting also addressed terrorist threats and the response to ISIS attacks, in addition to discussing developments in the Middle East in general, with the US Consul General in the region in attendance.

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Iraqi Kurdistan confirms completion of oil export commitments

The Ministry of Natural Resources in the Kurdistan Region confirmed on Wednesday that it had fulfilled its oil export obligations, while indicating that it was awaiting the signing of an agreement with the federal government. The ministry stated in a statement that “the Ministry of Natural Resources has fulfilled all its obligations related to the export of Kurdistan Region oil with the federal Ministry of Oil, within the framework of the recommendations and decisions of the Council of Ministers.”

He added, “All local and foreign companies have signed, with the exception of one foreign company that has not signed the agreement. This does not affect the tripartite agreement between our ministry, the companies, and the federal ministry of oil.” He continued, “The ministry is awaiting the federal ministry’s response to sign the agreement, so that the State Oil Marketing Organization (SOMO) can begin exporting oil as soon as possible and implement the terms of the agreement.”

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The Ministerial Council discusses maximizing non-oil revenues and supporting the general budget.

The Ministerial Council for the Economy discussed, on Monday, proposals to maximize non-oil revenues and explore ways to support the state’s general budget, in addition to establishing a commercial zone for agricultural products and agricultural supplies to support agriculture and farmers. The media office of the Ministerial Council for the Economy stated in a statement that “Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Planning Mohammed Tamim chaired the 30th session of the Ministerial Council for the Economy, which was held in the Council building in the presence of the Ministers of Finance, Trade, Agriculture, Industry, Labor and Social Affairs, the Secretary-General of the Council of Ministers, the Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Oil, the Deputy Chairman of the National Investment Commission, and the Prime Minister’s advisors for economic and legal affairs.”

The statement added, “The Council hosted the Minister of Water Resources to discuss the state of the water sector, as well as the water plan for the 2025-2026 winter agricultural season. The Council also discussed with the Minister of Water Resources the Ministry’s proposals to maximize non-oil revenues and explore ways to support the state’s general budget by maximizing the Ministry’s revenues.”

The statement continued, “The Council discussed the Ministry of Commerce’s proposal to establish a commercial zone dedicated to agricultural products and agricultural supplies, which would serve as a marketing and surplus export center to support agriculture and farmers.”

The statement also stated that “the Council decided to support this step in order to encourage farmers to export their products outside Iraq and achieve financial returns that contribute to the national product.”

He noted that “the Council hosted the head of the Iraqi Contractors Union to discuss the state of the contracting sector and service projects, as well as contractors’ dues for completed or under-construction projects. The Council decided to continue supporting this important sector and paying contractors’ dues after determining the completion rates of these projects, in order to ensure the continuity of work and prevent any interruption in work to improve the level of services provided to citizens.”

The statement concluded by saying, “The Council decided that the General Directorate of Industrial Development would grant establishment licenses to establish the new operation to produce prime coat, asphalt, and industrial solvents, in accordance with Industrial Investment Law No. 20 of 1998, provided that the raw materials are supplied according to what is available at the Ministry of Oil.”

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The Prime Minister arrives in Babylon to declare the province the industrial capital of Iraq.

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani visited Babil Governorate on Monday. The Prime Minister’s media office stated in a statement that “Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani arrived in Babil to declare the governorate the industrial capital of Iraq.” The statement added that “the visit includes the launch and inauguration of a number of industrial projects.”

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Al-Maliki warns of a “grave danger” from postponing the elections: By voting, we close the doors to dictatorship and sectarianism.

State of Law Coalition leader Nouri al-Maliki warned Sunday evening of a “grave danger” if parliamentary elections are not held on schedule. While asserting that ballot boxes will close the door to dictatorship, racism, sectarianism, and marginalization, he noted that voters’ votes will determine whether the current government remains in power or is replaced.

In a speech at the “Youth and Elections” conference, sponsored by the Minister of Youth and Sports, Ahmed Al-Mubarqa, and monitored by Shafaq News Agency, Al-Maliki said, “The country’s progress requires renewal and development for a strong, prosperous Iraq, and renewal in the world of youth is a foundation that should be embraced by everyone.”

He added, “Elections are one of the mechanisms for renewal and development, and democracy and the political process are meaningless without elections.” He emphasized that “the resistance was strong from us and from other political forces and parties, who insisted on holding the elections on the scheduled date.”

He stressed that “elections are the gateway through which the government and parliament are formed and the process of enacting laws regulating the political and social process begins,” noting that “there is nothing in the constitution called an emergency or caretaker government.”

Al-Maliki warned, “Everyone must realize the grave danger if the elections are not held on the scheduled date. He also emphasized the importance of making good choices in the elections and selecting those who deserve to represent the people.”

He considered that “through elections, we will close the doors to dictatorship, racism, and sectarianism from reaching power and the state’s institutions. The issue of exclusion and marginalization of the various components will end, and everyone will receive their due based on what they have contributed in the field. Likewise, through elections, we will eliminate the evil tide of killing and terrorism.”

Al-Maliki concluded his speech by saying, “The government’s survival or change is achieved through elections and parliament, building a successful political process and a developed state.” He emphasized that “Iraq deserves to be among the most developed and advanced countries, given its potential and historical legacy.”

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A hint of a return to the elections… A source close to him said: This is what al-Sadr intended in his latest message.

A source close to Shiite National Movement leader Muqtada al-Sadr revealed on Sunday the contents of the movement’s leader’s message regarding boycotting the parliamentary elections, hinting at a return to participation.

The source told Shafaq News Agency, “Al-Sadr and the Sadrists emphasize that the boycott here is a peaceful and moral pressure tool to force everyone to review the alternative path to blind participation, which is comprehensive reform, a real change of faces and policies, and the elimination of the loose weapons that have been confiscated by the state.”

He added, “Al-Sadr emphasized in his message and clarification a very important matter: that he and his supporters are soldiers for religion and nation, both inside and outside the process, and that they will only give their votes to those who carry a national program without allegiance or subservience. If that happens, he will reconsider participating. Otherwise, boycotting is a legitimate right and a national duty.”

He explained that “boycotting the upcoming elections is a principled position and a clear message of reform. The Sadrists’ position is that we have tried working within the political process, but corruption, subservience, and a lack of attention to the religious authority’s calls have caused all efforts to be wasted amid accusations of treason and exclusion. Hence the decision to boycott.”

Saleh Mohammed al-Iraqi, a close associate of Shiite National Movement leader Muqtada al-Sadr, revealed on Sunday that al-Sadr is demanding comprehensive reform and the replacement of senior officials in power in exchange for ending his boycott of the upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for November.

Al-Iraqi said in a post on social media, Facebook, quoting Al-Sadr, that “the real alternative to the boycott is to replace the current faces (stripped and removed), so that the doors of reform may open and the doors of dependency and prostration to the foolish may be closed, and the people may be safe from loose weapons, and from the suppression of voices, and the people may be rid of polluted water, and Iraq’s lost share of water and electricity may be restored, and the borders opened to terrorism and smuggling, and the imposition of foreign agendas that have weakened the sect and the nation.”

In March, al-Sadr announced his non-participation in the upcoming elections, citing “corruption and corrupt people,” while stating that Iraq was “experiencing its last gasps.”

In June 2022, al-Sadr decided to withdraw from the political process in Iraq and not participate in any upcoming elections, so as not to associate himself with “corrupt” politicians. This followed his call for the resignation of all 73 of his members of parliament.

The Sadrist bloc received the highest number of votes in the early parliamentary elections held in October 2021, but the movement’s leader’s efforts to form a new federal government failed due to the Shiite Coordination Framework’s opposition to the bloc’s formation. The bloc obtained a fatwa from the Federal Court, which uses the so-called blocking third, to prevent the session to elect a president, paving the way for the appointment of a prime minister.

The tripartite alliance between the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), led by Masoud Barzani, the Sovereignty Alliance, led by Khamis al-Khanjar, and the Sadrist Movement, led by Muqtada al-Sadr, has unraveled following the resignation of Sadrist bloc representatives and the movement’s withdrawal from the political process at al-Sadr’s behest.

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Iraqi Parliament: SOMO has agreed with Türkiye to resume Kurdistan Region oil exports.

Shakhwan Abdullah, Deputy Speaker of the Iraqi Parliament, stated on Sunday that the national oil company SOMO had reached an agreement with the Turkish side to resume oil exports from the Kurdistan Region after a halt that lasted more than two years.

In a statement to reporters today, Abdullah said that the regional government had reached an agreement with the federal government on oil and non-oil revenues, adding that SOMO had also agreed with Turkish companies to resume Kurdistan’s oil exports.

Abdullah continued by saying that what remains is for the Iraqi government to legally and morally abide by these agreements and begin, in the coming days, disbursing the salaries of July and August to public sector employees and workers in the Kurdistan Region.

Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani confirmed on Saturday that oil companies operating in the region and the federal government had reached a preliminary understanding regarding financial dues for crude oil extraction costs, in preparation for a final agreement to resume the region’s oil exports via the Turkish port of Ceyhan.

“Our discussions with the federal government regarding the budget and the provision of monthly salaries for employees in the Kurdistan Region are ongoing,” Masrour Barzani said in a speech he delivered during the inauguration ceremony of the Shekhan-Lalesh road in Duhok Governorate. He added, “There are no obstacles from us, but obstacles and pretexts are created by others in the process of understandings, and we are always trying to remove them and provide financial dues to the citizens of Kurdistan.”

He added, “In recent discussions between us and Baghdad, as I was told, there is some understanding between the oil companies operating in the Kurdistan Region and the federal government to reach solutions to the contentious issues between the two sides.” He considered this understanding “an important step towards reaching a final agreement to resume oil exports.”

Masrour Barzani continued, “I hope this agreement will be realistic and acceptable to all, and that the federal government will commit to the rights of Kurdistan’s citizens.” He emphasized the importance of not subjecting salaries to bargaining and not making them a daily headline in the media.

Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani said in early September that the regional government had no issues impeding the resumption of the region’s oil exports, stressing that what remained was to resolve the dispute between oil companies operating in Kurdistan and the federal government on the matter.

Meanwhile, Ali Nizar, Director of the State Oil Marketing Organization (SOMO), confirmed that the resumption of Kurdistan Region oil exports depends on the producing companies.

Nizar told Shafaq News Agency, “The agreement between the federal Ministry of Oil, the Oil Marketing Company, and the Ministry of Natural Resources in the Kurdistan Region established strict mechanisms for implementing the budget law.”

He added, “We are optimistic about the agreement and the mechanisms, and we hope to proceed with pumping oil from the Kurdistan Region via the Turkish-Ceyhan pipeline, as this is in Iraq’s best interest and will boost its financial revenues.”

He stressed that “the timing of resuming oil exports depends on the oil-producing companies.”

Reuters reported on Friday that the Iraqi government had given “in principle” approval to a plan to resume oil exports via the pipeline from the Kurdistan Region to Türkiye.

The agency quoted sources familiar with the talks as saying that “Iraq, OPEC’s second-largest oil producer, has given preliminary approval to a plan to resume oil exports via pipeline from the semi-autonomous Kurdistan Region via Turkey, after delays in the hoped-for resumption.”

The agreement between the Iraqi federal government, the Kurdistan Regional Government, and international oil companies could add at least 230,000 barrels per day of new supplies, as OPEC producers increase production to regain market share.

Turkey halted flows on the pipeline, which transports oil from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq to the Turkish port of Ceyhan, in March 2023 after an arbitration court ordered it to pay approximately $1.5 billion in compensation to Iraq for transporting oil without Baghdad’s approval. Ankara refused to pay the fine at the time and demanded that Erbil pay it.

The pipeline closure halted Iraqi oil exports by approximately 500,000 barrels per day. The resumption of oil flows from Kurdistan may mitigate some of the impact on markets due to reduced shipments from Iraq, the main source of crude.

Iraq had been exporting between 400,000 and 500,000 barrels per day from northern fields, including the Kurdistan Region, via the now-defunct pipeline. Oil Minister Hayan Abdul Ghani said earlier this month that Iraq plans to transport at least 300,000 barrels per day of crude oil once operations resume. He added that the Iraqi government has also begun a formal process to persuade the regional government to transfer the oil to the Federal Oil Marketing Organization (SOMO).

Türkiye has repeatedly said that the pipeline is operational and that it is up to Iraq to resume flows, and the United States has also expressed a strong desire to see oil flow through the Iraq-Turkey pipeline.

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Iraq: Billions of dollars drop in trade balance, oil derivative exports rise

The Iraq Future Foundation for Economic Studies and Consultations reported on Sunday that the country’s trade balance declined to a surplus of approximately $6 billion during the first half of this year, compared to last year.

The institution stated in a report published today that Iraq’s trade balance declined by 33% in the first half of 2025 compared to the first half of 2024, reaching a surplus of $11.7 billion, compared to $17.6 billion in the first half of 2024.

The head of the institution, economic expert Manar Al-Obaidi, attributed this decline to a 7% decline in the value of total exports, with oil exports declining by 11%, falling from $48.7 billion to $43.3 billion.

He pointed out that petroleum derivatives exports increased by 88% to reach $2.1 billion, up from $1.15 billion during the same period in 2024. Non-oil exports also increased by 68%, rising from $1.14 billion to $1.9 billion.

Despite these increases, the decline in the value of exports affected total exports. Meanwhile, the value of imports increased by 7%, rising from $33.3 billion in the first half of 2024 to $35.7 billion in the first half of 2025, according to the report.

Al-Obaidi continued, saying: “With the rise in the value of imports and the decline in the value of exports, the trade balance has declined by this significant percentage. Continued decline in oil prices could lead to a further decline in the value of exports, accompanied by an increase in imports, which could lead to a shift from a surplus in Iraq’s favor to a budget deficit.”

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Iraq is about to open one of the largest renewable energy projects in the region.

Iraqi Electricity Minister Ziyad Ali Fadhil announced on Sunday that the ministry will soon launch the “Shams Basra” clean energy project.

This came in a speech he delivered during the inauguration of the first phase of the Karbala Solar Power Plant project, the first of its kind in Iraq, in the presence of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani.

In his speech delivered via video link during the project’s inauguration, the minister said, “We have inaugurated the first phase of the project with 39,000 solar panels.” He added, “We will continue working until we install 500,000 panels with a design capacity of 525 megawatts in Karbala and Babylon, which will enhance grid stability, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and reduce harmful emissions.”

In the south, the minister noted that work is progressing on the “Shams Basra” project, with a capacity of 1,000 megawatts and two million solar panels, making it one of the largest renewable energy projects in the region. The first phase will open soon.

For his part, the Prime Minister said in a speech that solar energy projects are a key option for the current and future phases, and that it is essential to equip the housing units to be distributed among the educational family with solar energy, as is the case with other housing projects.

He pointed out that practical measures have been taken, starting with the agreement with the French company Total, which is currently being implemented. He also noted that the company implementing the project has achieved its position as the first company to produce solar electricity to be integrated into the national grid.

Al-Sudani explained that Iraq is witnessing, for the first time, the production of electrical energy from a solar station, which is currently producing (22) megawatts and will reach (75) megawatts within two months, and that the Ministry of Electricity is proceeding with the strategy of solar energy projects.

He continued by saying that new projects in the field of renewable, clean, and sustainable energy will soon see the light of day, emphasizing the need to ensure harmony with reducing carbon emissions and preserving the environment, which is experiencing negative impacts due to projects that rely on outdated production patterns.

Shafaq.com

A close associate of al-Sadr: The real alternative to boycotting the elections is to replace the current faces “without a trace”

Saleh Mohammed al-Iraqi, a close associate of Shiite National Movement leader Muqtada al-Sadr, revealed on Sunday that al-Sadr is demanding comprehensive reform and the replacement of senior officials in power in exchange for ending his boycott of the upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for November.

Al-Iraqi said in a post on social media, Facebook, quoting Al-Sadr, that “the real alternative to the boycott is to replace the current faces (stripped and removed), so that the doors of reform may open and the doors of dependency and prostration to the foolish may be closed, and the people may be safe from loose weapons, and from the suppression of voices, and the people may be rid of polluted water, and Iraq’s lost share of water and electricity may be restored, and the borders opened to terrorism and smuggling, and the imposition of foreign agendas that have weakened the sect and the nation.”

He added, “The alternative to the boycott is comprehensive reform, changing faces, and even changing the ‘deaf ears’ to save Iraq through political and legal means without foreign interference. But how can they do that?”

Shafaq.com