The Prime Minister reveals “important” decisions in the areas of economy, energy, and security.

Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi revealed on Saturday “important” decisions in the fields of economy, energy, security, and others related to the poor and public sector employees.
A statement from the Cabinet, received by the Information Agency, indicated that “al-Zaidi confirmed the imminent issuance of important decisions for the country in the areas of economy, energy, security, and preserving sovereignty.”
He added that “other decisions will be issued concerning citizens from the poor class and public sector employees.”

Almaalomah.me

A Chinese tanker carrying two million barrels of Iraqi oil departs the port of Basra.

A source at Iraqi ports reported on Saturday that a Chinese oil tanker carrying approximately two million barrels of oil had departed from the port of Basra in the far south of the country.

The source explained to Shafaq News Agency that the Chinese tanker (Kiara – M), which carries the flag of (San Marino), recently arrived at the Basra oil port and loaded two million barrels of oil, adding that the tanker left the export terminals earlier today after completing its loading of Iraqi crude oil.

This comes as the northern port of Umm Qasr received, on June 1st, the first cargo ship coming directly from China via the Strait of Hormuz, despite the ongoing tensions in the region.

Shafaq.com

An Iraqi roadmap to pursue five trillion dollars from the 2003 invasion

On Saturday, academic and economic expert Nasser Al-Kinani said that he had prepared a legal file estimating the compensation for damages inflicted on Iraq as a result of the 2003 invasion at about five trillion dollars, calling on the Iraqi government to rejoin the International Criminal Court to move this file internationally.

Al-Kinani told Shafaq News Agency that over the past years he has collected a large file containing legal documents, video recordings, photos and international reports related to what he described as the violations and damages of the invasion and occupation, noting that he has contacted law firms and legal companies in the United States, Britain and other countries to study the possibility of filing compensation claims in the name of Iraq.

He added that estimates prepared by legal authorities who had reviewed the file, according to him, put the value of possible compensation at about five trillion dollars, which could be claimed from the countries that participated in the invasion of Iraq, foremost among them the United States.

Shafaq News was unable to independently verify the estimated extent of the damages or the legal mechanisms that could allow for the collection of these compensations.

But Al-Kinani said that the damages he is demanding be documented include state institutions, Iraqi, Arab and foreign private sector companies, in addition to the damages inflicted on citizens, noting that the war and its aftermath caused large numbers of dead, wounded and affected people.

He pointed out that the main obstacle to this path is that Iraq has not become a party to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, after the Iraqi interim government headed by Iyad Allawi decided to join the system in February 2005, before withdrawing the decision in March of the same year.

Al-Kinani said that Iraq’s rejoining the International Criminal Court would, in his estimation, give Baghdad an opportunity to pursue legal cases related to violations, compensation, and the protection of the rights of the state and its citizens.

The International Criminal Court, established under the Rome Statute, is competent to prosecute individuals accused of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression. It is not, by its very nature, a court to adjudicate compensation claims between states.

Article 5 of the Rome Statute stipulates the crimes within the jurisdiction of the Court, while Article 25 defines individual criminal responsibility, i.e., the prosecution of natural persons, not states. Article 11 also stipulates that the Court shall exercise its jurisdiction over crimes committed after the Statute has entered into force for the State concerned.

Article 75 of the Statute relates to compensating victims after a specific person has been convicted, and includes restitution, compensation and rehabilitation, but it does not provide a direct route to obligate a state to pay financial compensation to another state.

The International Criminal Court had previously examined allegations of war crimes committed by British forces in Iraq between 2003 and 2008, given that Britain is a State Party to the Rome Statute, but it closed the preliminary examination in 2020 without opening a full investigation.

Shafaq.com

Iraqi President: Efforts are ongoing to reach an understanding on disarming other factions

On Saturday, President Nizar Amidi praised the initiative of some Iraqi factions to hand over their weapons to the state and to cooperate in ensuring that this matter is exclusively in the hands of the relevant authorities, stressing the need to consolidate security and stability in the country.

Amidi said in a speech during the “Delphi” economic forum in Sulaimaniyah that efforts are continuing to reach an understanding on disarmament in a way that enhances the security and stability of the country and contributes to reconstruction and development, stressing that

Stability is no longer just a local goal, but has become a prerequisite for local, regional and global development.

He added that practical and productive dialogues are necessary to address challenges and reduce escalating risks, noting that the challenges facing Iraq should not hinder the aspiration to develop the well-being of the people and enhance opportunities for prosperity.

The Iraqi president explained that among the most prominent challenges are developing and diversifying sources of income, ending the rentier system, stimulating investment, and establishing a safe and attractive environment for investors. He pointed out that combating corruption and eradicating its strongholds courageously and without hesitation represents a fundamental priority in the path of reform and development, calling on

To the combined efforts of the executive, legislative and judicial authorities to confront the challenges and achieve the goals of development and stability.

This comes in conjunction with the announcement by the head of the Security Media Cell, Lieutenant General Saad Maan, on Thursday, of the launch of the first practical steps to integrate armed factions into the official security system, through the handover of the headquarters and weapons of the “Saraya al-Salam” in the city of Samarra, in response to the initiative launched by the leader of the Shiite National Movement, Muqtada al-Sadr.

Shafaq.com

International Monetary Fund: Iraq among the countries most vulnerable to financial pressures with rising debt in 2026

A report issued by the International Monetary Fund showed that Iraq faces increasing financial pressures during 2026, due to the rising cost of government energy subsidies, increasing public debt, and rising borrowing costs in international markets.

According to the report, which was reviewed by Shafaq News Agency, Iraq is estimated to be among the countries with high levels of energy subsidies, with the cost of subsidies reaching less than 6% of GDP, making the general budget more vulnerable to fluctuations in oil and gas prices, and increasing pressure on public finances if global energy prices continue to rise.

The IMF noted that Iraq is among a group of economies that have seen a significant increase in public debt compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic, as debt levels rose significantly in 2026 compared to 2019, within a regional trend that includes a number of countries with high fiscal deficits.

According to the report, this development coincides with rising sovereign borrowing costs in the region, increasing financing pressures on countries with large financial needs, including Iraq, in a global environment characterized by high interest rates and tighter financing conditions.

The Fund stressed that the continuation of these pressures poses challenges to fiscal policies in Iraq, especially with regard to the need to control spending, redirect subsidies, and enhance fiscal sustainability within medium-term frameworks, while maintaining the ability to finance basic services in light of the fragile regional economic environment.

Shafaq.com

The World Bank approves $900 million in funding for a project to develop Iraq’s road network.

The World Bank announced on Friday that it has approved funding for a $900 million project to improve road infrastructure in Iraq.

The World Bank stated in a statement received by Al-Maalomah Agency that “the project will support economic transport corridors in Iraq, strategic investments in main road corridors that form a basic pillar for internal transport, regional integration and long-term economic growth, enhancing the safety and reliability of transport and opening up new opportunities for individuals and companies throughout the country.”

The statement added that “land transport represents more than 90% of the volume of transport traffic in Iraq, but most of the country’s road networks suffer from weak infrastructure and deterioration caused by climatic pressures, as well as road safety risks.”

The statement continued, “Most of the road networks are paved, but a large proportion of them are not in good condition, which restricts the movement of trade and ease of access to services, and undermines economic opportunities.”

The statement continued, “This sector is a vital source of job opportunities, as road construction and rehabilitation works contribute to job creation and support broader economic activity.”

He pointed out that “the Economic Corridors for Transport project in Iraq is based on priority investments through two strategic axes: a north-south corridor linking Baghdad to the Turkish border via the E2 highway, and an east-west corridor along the E1 highway linking Baghdad to both Syria and Jordan.”

He pointed out that “the program, in its first phase, finances the rehabilitation of the main parts of the E1 highway, helps to improve the efficiency of specific roads in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, and establishes the initial section of the E2 highway. These investments combine to enhance the operational efficiency of the national road network in Iraq and fortify it against climate change, and lay a solid foundation for future phases that contribute to attracting private sector capital and expanding the scope of the transport corridors program.”

The statement affirmed that “approximately 7.9 million citizens are expected to benefit from the project, the majority of whom live along new or upgraded roads, including approximately 3 million women and 1.5 million young people,” noting that “the project will benefit various regions of Iraq, from Baghdad to the Kurdistan Region and along the border crossings with Jordan, Syria and Turkey.”

He noted that “by improving connectivity services between major population centers, industrial and agricultural areas, and religious tourism destinations, the project is expected to reduce travel times and transportation costs, increase shipping efficiency, and alleviate congestion on secondary and urban roads. These investments are also expected to enhance road safety, improve maintenance procedures, support economic diversification, and facilitate access to vital sectors such as tourism, agriculture, health, and manufacturing.”

According to the statement, the World Bank’s Middle East Director, Jean-Christophe Carré, affirmed that “roads are the backbone of Iraq’s transport network and the key to expanding connectivity and providing job opportunities.”

He added that “the Economic Transport Corridors project will help Iraq address critical infrastructure gaps,” noting that “by investing in strategic economic corridors, the project will connect citizens to markets and services, enhance regional and economic integration, and contribute to more inclusive and sustainable growth.”

The statement added that “the project was designed as the first in a series of projects aimed at addressing the challenges facing the road sector in Iraq in a gradual approach to support a long-term reform and investment program,” explaining that “the results of the pilot activities achieved by the first project will be evaluated and its design modified to guide future investments. In addition to the physical investments, the project will support efforts to support institutions and prepare future activities to modernize the road sector in Iraq.”

The statement continued, “The project will also support performance-based road maintenance contracts, create an enabling environment for sustainable partnerships with the private sector, and explore opportunities to generate income and revenue.”

Almaalomah.me

Finance Minister to World Bank Representative: We are proceeding with the implementation of financial and economic reform programs.

World BankDuring his meeting with the World Bank representative to Iraq, Emmanuel Salinas Munoz, Finance Minister Faleh Al-Sari affirmed the ministry’s commitment to implementing financial and economic reform programs, in line with the government program’s priorities and to enhance the efficiency of public resource management.
Al-Sari indicated, according to a statement from the Ministry of Finance, a copy of which was received by Al-Furat News, that “the Ministry is determined during the next stage to adopt reform paths based on developing the financial and banking environment, expanding the application of electronic systems in the tax and customs sectors, in addition to supporting non-oil revenues and simplifying procedures in a way that contributes to improving institutional performance and stimulating economic activity.”

The two sides reviewed mechanisms for enhancing technical and institutional cooperation with the World Bank to support development and infrastructure projects, empower the private sector, and benefit from international expertise in implementing reforms.

For his part, Salinas Muñoz affirmed the bank’s continued support for the reform programs implemented by the Iraqi government, which contribute to strengthening economic development and raising the efficiency of financial institutions.

Alforatnews.iq

Looted funds and billion-dollar contracts: A battle of attrition between al-Zaydi and networks of influence

The discussion about suspicious contract deals and the corruption files surrounding them has resurfaced, with the ongoing debate about the possibility of opening these files and holding those involved accountable, in addition to the most important aspect of recovering public funds.

After repeated attempts by previous governments, most of which failed to stop the waste of public money through suspicious contracts and deals, Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi stands out in confronting these thorny issues, amid speculation that they can be addressed and settled despite the large accumulation left by past years, as well as the acquisition of parts of these files by influential political entities and their influence on the investigation and follow-up processes.

In this context, MP Duha al-Sadkhan, from the National Approach bloc, affirmed in a statement to Al-Maalomah News Agency that any serious government initiative to combat corruption must encompass all state institutions without exception. She stressed the necessity of recovering stolen funds and holding those involved accountable under the law.
Al-Sadkhan stated that “exempting any entity from accountability procedures would weaken citizens’ confidence in the seriousness of anti-corruption efforts.” She emphasized that “the issue of political or partisan entities benefiting from certain contracts and tenders must be resolved through legal means, evidence, and the competent judicial authorities, not through accusations or political affiliations.”

Political analyst Talib Muhammad Karim explained in a statement to Al-Maalomah News Agency that any serious reform project will naturally clash with interests that have accumulated over many years within some parts of the state and the economy.

Karim said that the success of reform is not measured by the size of the clashes it faces, but by its ability to enforce the law and apply professional standards to everyone without exception, stressing the importance of giving the government sufficient space to work according to its program away from the pressures and political interventions that have disrupted many projects during the previous stages.

The arrest of Adnan al-Jumaili, the Deputy Minister of Oil for Refining Affairs and Director General of the North Refineries Company and Baiji Refinery, by a special force accompanied by a team from the Integrity Commission, was the first concrete step in opening investigations into previous contracts suspected of corruption, particularly after the seizure of large sums of money, real estate, and land in his possession. According to initial findings, judicial investigations revealed his involvement in widespread and serious corruption deals.

Almaalomah.me

Daham is referring to repaying the debt… We are not seeking anything other than what is rightfully ours in Al-Zaydi’s cabinet.

Mohammed Daham, a member of the Azm Alliance, confirmed that his alliance is not demanding more than its political and electoral entitlement in al-Zaidi’s cabinet. He also indicated that the alliance is repaying a debt related to relinquishing the position of Speaker of Parliament to ensure an end to the political deadlock.

Daham told Al-Maalouma, “The Azm Alliance is not seeking more than its electoral entitlement in the cabinet and will not demand anything more than that. The alliance is seeking the position of Deputy Prime Minister, in addition to two sovereign ministries and one regular ministry.”

He added, “The purpose of relinquishing the Speakership was to end the deadlock and move the political process forward, as happened in the previous parliamentary session and the bloody events that took place at the gates of the Green Zone.”
He explained that “positions must be considered and taken into account, as they are a debt that needs to be repaid, especially since such positions were not blackmail. Therefore, what is expected in the next phase is obtaining the electoral entitlement, nothing more.”

Almaalomah.me

Al-Saadawi stresses the need to find solutions before making any decision regarding the financial aspect.

Former member of the Parliamentary Finance Committee, Abdul Hadi Al-Saadawi, stressed the need to find solutions and remedies before the government takes any decisions regarding the country’s financial situation.

Al-Saadawi told Al-Maalouma, “A series of measures must be taken before making any amendments or issuing any decisions concerning the exchange rate in local markets to ensure the preservation of the value of the Iraqi dinar.”

He added, “There is a clear difference between the foreign currency sold through the official sales window and the same currency sold in local markets, with the difference reaching more than 20 points.”

He explained that “the government has taken good steps, as has the Central Bank, which has taken a series of measures to address the country’s financial and monetary situation,” noting that “financial solutions require courageous decisions from the government to address the economic situation, especially given the optimism surrounding the government’s ability to address the country’s economic situation.”

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