Maliki’s coalition: Warning of a US embargo on Iraq is “naive”.

The State of Law coalition, led by Nouri al-Maliki, said on Wednesday that warnings of an American embargo on Iraq if its leader assumes the premiership in the next government represent “naive analysis”.

The official spokesman for the coalition, MP Aqeel Al-Fatlawi, said in a statement received by Shafaq News Agency, “Some are trying to scare the public by promoting the idea that the American administration will impose a ban on Iraq if Mr. Maliki takes over, and unfortunately this proposal reflects a great deal of naivety in thinking and analysis.”

He added that “Iraq produces approximately 4.5 million barrels of oil per day, and exports the majority of it to the global market, making it an influential element in global energy and price balances,” explaining that “given the sensitivity of the oil market, it is illogical to assume that these large quantities will be withheld from international markets in response to emotional analyses or unrealistic estimates.”

Al-Fatlawi continued, “American policies are often managed according to the logic of interests and balances, not the logic of slogans or reactions,” noting that “portraying sanctions as an easy or automatic option ignores the complexities of the global economy and the entanglements of the energy market.”

Nouri al-Maliki, the head of the State of Law Coalition, had previously confirmed his insistence on running for prime minister despite American rejection, stressing that the selection of the head of government is a purely Iraqi matter decided by constitutional institutions.

Al-Maliki denied that his candidacy would lead to sanctions being imposed on the country, considering this proposal to be a means of putting pressure on him, and expressing his readiness to step down if the majority of the coordinating framework requested it, while the framework renewed its commitment to his candidacy and discussed options to overcome American objections.

It is worth noting that US President Donald Trump said, on January 27, 2026, via a post on the “Truth Social” platform, that the return of former Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki to the premiership is “something that should not be allowed,” considering that Iraq “slid into poverty and chaos” during his previous term.

Shafaq.com

The dollar surpasses 163,000 tomans and inflation reaches 60% in Iran.

Foreign currency prices continued to rise against the Iranian toman on Wednesday, with the dollar exchange rate exceeding 163,000 tomans, amid escalating tensions with Washington.

The dollar reached 163,700 tomans, while the euro recorded 195,000 tomans and the British pound 224,000 tomans, in parallel with the escalation of speculation about the possibility of the United States launching an attack against Tehran.

Meanwhile, the Iranian Statistics Center announced that it had recorded the highest inflation rate during the month of January.

The report stated that the point inflation rate, i.e., compared to the same month of the previous year, reached an unprecedented level of 60%.

The center explained that the consumer price index for Iranian households reached 469.4 points, recording an increase of 7.9% compared to the previous month, 60% compared to January of last year, and 44.6% during the past twelve months.

Shafaq.com

The State of Law coalition is threatening to dissolve parliament due to its failure to decide on the position of president.

On Wednesday, MP Youssef al-Kalabi, from the State of Law bloc, threatened to go to the Supreme Federal Court to request the dissolution of the House of Representatives if the item on choosing the President of the Republic is not included in the next session of the Council.

Al-Kalabi told Shafaq News Agency, “The failure to include the item of electing the President of the Republic on the agenda of the next session will push us to go to the Federal Court and request the dissolution of the House of Representatives due to its inability and exceeding the constitutional term.”

The MP explained that the move to dissolve the House of Representatives came in view of the failure to include the item of electing the President of the Republic on the agenda of the House, as he pointed out that this item should be the third item after electing the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and opening the door for nomination for the position of President of the Republic.

The MP believes that “the failure to add the clause on electing the President of the Republic has put Iraq in a state of anxiety, which requires resolving the issue and adding the clause to the agenda of the next session.”

The House of Representatives did not include a special clause regarding the selection of the President of the Republic in its session today, despite the fact that the constitutionally mandated period for him has been exceeded.

The constitution stipulates that the president must be elected within a period not exceeding 30 days from the date of the first session of the House of Representatives. Calculating this period from the first session held on December 29, 2025, the time limit is close to the night of January 28, 2026.

The Kurdistan Democratic Party candidate, Fuad Hussein, and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan candidate, Nizar Amidi, are leading the presidential race, according to the list of candidates that the Iraqi judiciary and the House of Representatives announced they had reviewed and decided on their eligibility, after the number of applicants was reduced from more than 40 applications to a final list of 14 names.

It has become customary in the Iraqi political system after 2005 for the presidency to go to the Kurds, in exchange for the prime ministership going to the Shiite blocs and the speakership of parliament going to the Sunni forces.

During most of the previous sessions, the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) had the most prominent share in this position through presidents such as Jalal Talabani, then Fuad Masoum, then Barham Salih, and finally Abdul Latif Rashid, which established an internal political tradition that the presidency was closer to the PUK, before the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) decided to enter into this competition.

Shafaq.com

Al-Maliki: Talk of disbanding the Popular Mobilization Forces is just rumors; the priority is the authority of the state.

The head of the State of Law Coalition, Nouri al-Maliki, affirmed on Wednesday that the priority of the current stage is to consolidate the authority of the state and unify the security decision, stressing that the Popular Mobilization Forces are part of the Iraqi security system.

Al-Maliki said in a statement, “The priority today is not to dissolve this or merge that, but to consolidate the authority of the state and unify the security decision,” stressing that “the Popular Mobilization Forces are part of the Iraqi security system, were established by law, and their role was decisive in confronting terrorism.”

He added that “any organization or development of the work of security institutions is done within the vision of the state and in a way that preserves sovereignty and stability, away from media posturing.”

Al-Maliki pointed out that “the Popular Mobilization Forces are an official institution that was established by law and voted on by Parliament, and any talk about dissolving or merging is done exclusively within the framework of the constitution and the law and by a decision of the state, not through rumors,” stressing that “any development of the Popular Mobilization Forces must protect it from weakness and support its combat readiness.”

Shafaq.com

Parliamentary move to amend the official holidays law and reduce the number of days

Parliamentary move to amend the official holidays law and reduce the number of daysMembers of Parliament revealed on Wednesday a parliamentary move to amend the official holidays law and reduce some religious holidays due to their impact on the state’s productivity and their economic repercussions on the performance of institutions. MP Nihal Al-Shammari stated that “Parliament is in the process of reconsidering the official holidays law with a view to reducing them,” indicating that this move will be presented after the formation of parliamentary committees is completed, especially the Endowments and Religious Affairs Committee, which is responsible for amending the official holidays law related to religious occasions.

As Al-Shammari explained, “The review of the law comes within the framework of regulating official working days in a way that aligns with the requirements of work and production, and reduces the frequent disruptions that affect citizens’ interests and the functioning of state institutions,” according to the state-run Al-Sabah newspaper. Meanwhile, economist Abdul Rahman Al-Mashhadani stated that Friday and Saturday holidays alone consume 30% of the days in the year, in addition to 10 official and religious holidays, while the cost of a single holiday amounts to $136 million in salaries and expenses for which no work is performed on that day.

Burathanews.com

Al-Maliki praises Al-Sudani: His supportive stance towards my nomination is unforgettable.

The head of the State of Law Coalition, Nouri al-Maliki, praised on Tuesday the position of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani in support of his nomination for the position of Prime Minister, while stressing that his supportive position will not be forgotten.

Al-Maliki said in a televised statement followed by “Mail” that “Al-Sudani’s position supporting my nomination for the position of Prime Minister is unforgettable,” stressing that “Al-Sudani did not demand any guarantees in return for his support for my nomination for the position of Prime Minister.”

He added that “we searched extensively for a way out of the dilemma of choosing between the candidates for prime minister,” indicating that “I did not speak with Al-Sudani about his withdrawal from the nomination for prime minister.”

Al-Maliki continued, “We respect the differences of opinion within the coordination framework and we will return to it in the event of any changes,” noting that “the issue of whether or not I will concede to Al-Sudani is up to the coordination framework.”

He explained that “if the coordinating framework decides by a two-thirds majority to change its candidate for prime minister, I will comply with its decision.”

Miliq.news

Bloomberg: Washington threatens Baghdad with reduced oil revenues if Maliki returns to the premiership

Bloomberg reported on Tuesday that Washington had informed Iraqi officials in recent days that it might reduce Iraq’s access to oil export revenues if Nouri al-Maliki were appointed prime minister, given the United States’ view of him as being close to Iran.

The agency, in a report citing sources who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the talks, indicated that the United States issued a new warning during a meeting held last week in Turkey between the governor of the Central Bank of Iraq, Ali Al-Alaq, and senior American officials.

Türkiye’s meeting came almost simultaneously with a social media post by US President Donald Trump, in which he stressed that Iraqi politicians could not choose Maliki.

The sources pointed out that American frustration increased due to al-Maliki’s insistence, who served as prime minister between 2006 and 2014, on not backing down.

In contrast, sources familiar with Tehran’s strategy reported that Iran informed Iraqi political leaders close to it of the need to resist Trump and his threats.

Sources told the agency that Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei sent Ismail Qaani, commander of the Revolutionary Guard, to Baghdad last month carrying a congratulatory message to Iraqi leaders on the nomination of Maliki, a move that angered American officials.

Iraqi oil export revenues are currently deposited in an account in the name of the Iraqi Ministry of Finance at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, and are managed by the Central Bank of Iraq.

The Iraqi government uses these funds to cover its expenses, including public sector salaries and pensions, amounting to approximately $7 billion per month. It also receives roughly $500 million in cash monthly, flown from New York to Baghdad.

Iraq is one of the world’s most oil-dependent countries, with oil revenues accounting for about 90% of its budget.

Shafaq.com

From Dollar to Dinar: Exchange Rate Policy Threatens the Stability of Iraq’s Oil Sector

The Central Bank of Iraq’s decision to disburse dollar remittances and convert them into Iraqi dinars for contractors with oil companies operating in Iraq has raised widespread questions in economic circles regarding the implications of this measure on those companies, particularly with regard to external obligations and operating costs.

Experts believe that continuing to implement this measure may impose additional financial burdens on companies that rely on the dollar in their transactions, given the fluctuations in the exchange rate and the requirements of the oil market.

Economic expert Nabil Al-Marsoumi says in a tweet on social media that “more than 200 Iraqi companies contracted with oil licensing companies, employing more than 50,000 Iraqi workers, are threatened with large financial losses and layoffs, due to the Central Bank of Iraq’s directive not to disburse their dollar transfers in dollars and to convert them to dinars at the official rate, even though their contracts and expenses are also in dollars,” explaining that “the loss occurs due to the large difference between the official and parallel exchange rates of the dollar against the dinar,” and pointing to “the collapse of companies due to the exchange rate.”

For his part, Mahmoud Hassan, a representative of one of the oil companies, said at a demonstration organized by a number of subcontracted oil companies working with an international oil company, that “Iraqi companies working in the oil sector have been facing a continuous crisis for more than a year without reaching solutions,” warning of “serious repercussions that may lead to the collapse of a large number of those companies.”

Hassan tells Shafaq News Agency that “the contracting oil companies, which employ more than 40,000 Iraqi workers, have begun to face significant financial pressures after the state began paying their dues in dollars at the official rate of 131,000 dinars per 100 dollars, while the dollar is trading at around 155,000 dinars on the parallel market,” stressing that “this is causing direct losses for the companies.”

He adds that “the state, instead of supporting these companies, is pushing them to reduce their operations,” noting that “the continuation of this situation will force companies to lay off their workers and may lead to their complete shutdown,” pointing out that “most of the companies contracted with international oil companies are Iraqi companies, and they have already begun to be unable to pay the salaries of their employees.”

Hassan called on the Central Bank of Iraq to “intervene urgently and find a solution that takes into account the nature of these companies’ work and their obligations,” warning that “the continuation of the crisis will negatively affect the oil sector and the labor market in the country.”

A number of subcontracting companies operate in Iraq, which vary from project to project, and carry out services, supplies, maintenance, construction, transportation, and other work, within contracts with oil companies or with international companies linked to the contracts.

The contract is the law between the contracting parties.

In this context, economist Hamza Al-Jawahiri told Shafaq News Agency that “as long as the contracts stipulate that payment should be in dollars, then payment should be in dollars,” explaining that “payment in any other currency is contrary to what the contracts stipulate.”

He affirms that “these companies can file complaints with the competent courts, as the rule states that the contract is the law of the contracting parties.”

Migration of foreign oil companies

For his part, energy expert Ahmed Sabah says that “the Central Bank of Iraq’s decision to disburse payments to companies contracted with oil companies in Iraqi dinars instead of dollars may lead to the gradual exclusion of some foreign companies, in favor of focusing on local companies or those that accept dealing in dinars,” explaining that “a number of Western and foreign companies rely on external supply chains that require payment in dollars to secure equipment and services.”

He adds, to Shafaq News Agency, that “this measure is not always sustainable in the long term, especially given that the current government is a caretaker government, which reduces the possibility of establishing decisions with a long-term strategic impact on the oil sector,” suggesting that “some major foreign companies will refrain from expanding or entering into new contracts if this mechanism continues to be used.”

Sabah points out that “the decision may be temporary and subject to change in the coming period, especially if negative repercussions appear on the investment environment or the pace of work in the oil fields,” noting that “the measure is not a political reaction as much as it is a phased organizational step.”

Creating confidence in the Iraqi dinar

For his part, economist Dirgham Muhammad Ali believes that “the attempt to avoid creating a parallel market for the dollar prompted the Central Bank to take a number of measures to enhance confidence in the dinar and strengthen it, but these measures were not fair in light of the continued gap between the official and parallel exchange rates.”

He adds, to Shafaq News Agency, that “the Central Bank is required to reconsider the policy of mandatory currency conversion, due to the losses it causes to traders, as well as the loss of an important channel for the market to inject dollars legitimately, away from illegal trading and dealing in foreign currency,” stressing the need to “either convert at a real and fair price or find a different mechanism for dealing with foreign companies.”

Economic circles warn that the loss or collapse of secondary oil companies contracted with international and local oil companies will lead to the disruption of operational work in the oil fields, especially maintenance, logistics and equipment work, which will negatively affect the stability of production, as well as the loss of tens of thousands of job opportunities, given that these companies rely mainly on Iraqi labor.

The collapse of these companies would also weaken supply chains and raise operating costs for foreign companies, which might lead some of them to reduce their activity or refrain from entering into new projects, which would affect the oil investment environment and limit the role of the local private sector.

Shafaq.com

Al-Maliki: Trump was misled about me and I am ready to withdraw the nomination with a majority vote.

On Tuesday evening, Nouri al-Maliki, head of the State of Law Coalition and the Coordination Framework’s candidate for the position of next Prime Minister, revealed new details regarding the American rejection and what followed President Donald Trump’s tweet about his candidacy for the position, confirming his readiness to concede on certain conditions.

Al-Maliki said in an interview on Al-Sharqiya channel, which was monitored by Shafaq News Agency, that he is an Iraqi citizen and his nomination for the position of Prime Minister of Iraq was made by an Iraqi institution, namely the “Coordination Framework”, and therefore it is not possible for him to withdraw at the request of a foreign country.

He added that Trump was misled against his candidacy for a third term by three countries and domestic parties, adding: “I heard that the tweet was written here, but I haven’t confirmed this yet.”

Al-Maliki pointed out that his candidacy would not expose Iraq to economic sanctions by the United States, noting that this matter is being promoted in order to push for abandoning this candidacy.

According to the head of the State of Law Coalition, he would be prepared to give up his candidacy for prime minister, if this were done at the request of the majority of the coordinating framework.

Shafaq.com

Washington threatens Baghdad with the “nuclear option”: Replace Fayhan and disarm the factions immediately.

The British newspaper “Financial Times” revealed that the United States has been pressuring senior Iraqi politicians in recent weeks to form a government that does not include representatives of armed groups supported by Iran, through threats that include economic measures, such as reducing the supply of dollars sent in cash in exchange for Iraq’s oil sales .

The newspaper quoted informed sources in a report translated by Shafaq News Agency, stating that American officials, during their meeting with prominent Iraqi political leaders tasked with forming the next government in recent weeks, pushed for the presentation of a credible plan to disarm Iranian-backed armed groups quickly .

The report quoted five sources familiar with the talks as saying that US officials threatened punitive measures if this did not happen .

According to three sources, the threats included imposing economic measures, such as reducing the supply of dollars sent in cash in exchange for Iraqi oil sales .

According to the report, tensions with Washington escalated after the election last month of Adnan Faihan, a former member of Asaib Ahl al-Haq, who now leads its political wing, as first deputy speaker of parliament, in a country the report described as being seen as the last stronghold of Iranian influence in the Middle East .

The report quoted one of the sources as saying, “The American embassy completely lost its temper, told us that this was hostile and defiant behavior, and demanded that we replace him .”

The report noted that the coordinating framework that received the largest share of votes is leading the government formation process, and it includes members of several “militias” that the United States classifies as “terrorist” groups. It pointed out that although the fighters of these groups have become less visible now, they enjoy a strong presence in Iraq, while these groups have become part of the state’s security apparatus .

The report also considered Asaib Ahl al-Haq to be among the most influential of these groups, noting that Asaib is trying to reintroduce itself politically, and had a minister in the previous government .

The report indicates that after Asaib Ahl al-Haq came in third in the election results, its political wing, like the wings of other factions, is trying to expand its presence within the government and state institutions, and to deepen the dialogue with Western capitals that are wary of dealing with a group classified by the United States as a terrorist organization .

The report noted that the administration of US President Donald Trump has not yet appointed an ambassador to Baghdad, as is the case in many world capitals that were considered pivotal to US foreign policy. Also, Mark Savaya, Trump’s nominee to serve as special envoy to Iraq, has not yet received congressional approval, while analysts say his influence is limited .

The report also stated that US forces withdrew completely from Iraqi territory under the control of the federal government a few days ago, but will remain in the Kurdistan region .

The report quoted Renad Mansour, a researcher at the British think tank Chatham House, as saying that “Iraq has fallen off the radar of the United States more than at any time in recent decades, yet the Trump administration remains very influential, directly and indirectly, in how the government is formed .”

The report also quoted former US State Department official Victoria Taylor as saying that “the Trump administration’s policy toward Iraq is driven more by Iran than by the relationship with Iraq .”

The report also revealed that since Fayhan’s election to his new position, US officials have frozen all meetings with their allies who voted for him, and have issued a list of names of MPs they do not want to have in the government .

In addition to demanding that Faihan be replaced from his position as First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, US officials are also calling for plans to be accelerated to disarm Shiite armed groups .

The report noted that Savaya had said in recent social media posts that the US Treasury Department would be reviewing transactions of Iraqi entities suspected of having financial links to “terrorist activities “.

According to three informed sources, Washington threatened to cut off dollar supplies to Iraq if Baghdad rejected American demands, a move one of these sources described as the “nuclear option “.

The report explained that Iraq’s economy has long relied on a special arrangement reached after the US invasion of Iraq, whereby since 2003, Washington has been sending billions of dollars in cash shipments annually to Baghdad via monthly flights, funds originating from Iraqi oil sales, the proceeds of which are deposited into Iraq’s account at the US Federal Reserve .

The report stated that if Washington were to cut off these dollar supplies again, Iraqis fear instability and an economic crisis .

The report quoted one of these sources as saying, “They told us that if we do not meet their demands, America will not be willing to help Iraq .”

According to the report, these threats, in addition to fears of possible military action by the United States and Israel, contributed to pushing Iraqi politicians to comply with some American demands .

The report also quoted five people familiar with the talks as saying that the Coordination Framework and Asaib Ahl al-Haq had expressed their willingness to replace Fayhan, with one of these sources saying that “it is better to compromise on this point than to compromise on another .”

According to the British report, the issue of disarmament remains the most sensitive issue, as the “militias” have long resisted pressure to disarm, considering that their weapons are still necessary to defend Iraq .

The report quoted a source as saying that the coordinating framework, including the main militias backed by Tehran, offered to announce a phased disarmament plan over two years after the formation of the government, hoping that the issue would “lose momentum” before its implementation. However, the report said that Washington demanded immediate action .

The report quoted Taylor as saying, “These demands are all in line with this administration’s goals,” adding, “Given Iran’s weakness and the militias’ fear of Trump and what he might do, why shouldn’t the United States try to exert maximum pressure? ”

Shafaq.com