“Oil for water”: A Turkish agreement places Iraq at the heart of an equation that confounds Iran.

In a move described as unprecedented in the Middle East, Turkey is moving towards an agreement to release one billion cubic meters of water towards Iraq, in exchange for exporting half a million barrels of oil per day to Turkey.

The deal, which appears purely economic on the surface, is fundamentally part of what a report by the Iranian Diplomacy website , translated by Shafaq News Agency, described as “Ankara’s grand strategy of using water as a geopolitical pressure tactic.” This policy, according to the report, has repercussions not only for Iraq but also for Iran, which is already facing an unprecedented water shortage.

Ankara and the water weapon

Since the 1980s, Turkey has embarked on its massive GAP project, which involves constructing dozens of dams on the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. This project has given Turkey a dominant position over the shared water resources with Iraq and Syria, transforming it over time into a dominant water power through which it practices what the regional press calls “blue diplomacy.”

With climate change worsening and rainfall becoming scarce, Ankara has leveraged this natural advantage to reshape the balance of power in the region. Building dams is no longer merely an engineering decision, but a tool for political and economic negotiation, and sometimes a means of deterrence.

Observers believe that the construction of new dams such as Karakurt, Tuzluja and Suyilmaz in the upper reaches of the Aras River threatens the water security of entire Iranian cities in West Azerbaijan, Kermanshah, Ilam and even Khuzestan.

Tehran: Between Thirst and Blackmail

The drying up of lakes such as Urmia and Hawr al-Azim, according to environmental reports, is not only a result of internal neglect, but also a direct consequence of the Turkish dam policy that has reduced the flow of rivers into Iranian territory.

Experts in Tehran believe that “Ankara has made water a strategic commodity that can be traded for oil or political concessions,” and that the recent oil move towards Iraq is a clear example of this approach, as it reinforces Turkey’s position as a player that controls a vital resource in the regional energy market.

In contrast, former Iranian diplomats warned that what is described as “water terrorism” threatens Iranian national security, after water scarcity became an issue where geography, politics, and security intersect.

In eastern Iran, the story is repeated, albeit with a different geography. Successive Afghan governments, from Ashraf Ghani to the Taliban, have also adopted a policy of damming the Helmand River, disregarding the 1973 agreement that guarantees Iran 820 million cubic meters of water annually.

“If Iran wants more water, let it pay with oil,” Ghani once said, and the Taliban put it into practice by opening the “Kamal Khan” dam and proposing projects to build twenty additional dams.

The result was tragic, with Lake Hamoun drying up, thousands of families displaced, and agriculture collapsing in Sistan and Baluchestan.

Former Iranian ambassador to Brazil, Seyed Ali Saghaian, believes that Turkey’s oil move is not just a deal, but a test of the extent to which countries in the region are willing to accept “the logic of immoral bartering”.

He tells Sharq newspaper: “Remaining silent about the oil-for-water policy will open the door for Ankara, the Taliban, and others to blackmail their neighbors. Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Armenia must reactivate their joint committees to protect their right to water resources.”

Saqayyan warns that Türkiye itself “is suffering from a severe internal water crisis in Ankara and Istanbul, and that the dam policy could backfire on it environmentally and socially.”

He adds: “It is a mistake to allow the normalization of the principle of water bartering, as water is not a commodity, but a sovereign right guaranteed by international conventions.”

For his part, Kurdish expert on regional affairs Salahuddin Khadiyo believes that Turkey and Afghanistan treat water as a “hard political currency”.

He says that Ankara “realized early on that water in the 21st century would replace oil in the balance of power,” taking advantage of its geographical location on the sources of rivers.

Khadija believes that “Turkey’s dam policy has contributed to exacerbating the crises in Syria and Iraq by intensifying drought and generating waves of migration and poverty,” adding that “the Taliban are practicing the same policy today, but in a more chaotic manner.”

He warns that continuing this approach will turn water from a source of life into a factor of conflict and instability, calling for “genuine regional diplomacy” conducted through cooperation, not threats.

The Middle East is on the brink of a great thirst

As the region approaches its driest decade, water appears to be a new nerve center of power. Turkey is projecting its strength through dams, Iran is defending its historical rights to rivers, Afghanistan is bargaining over the Helmand River, while Iraq teeters between water scarcity and energy dependence.

In this gloomy scene, Saqayyan says that “salvation will not come from water battles, but from water diplomacy.”

Shafaq.com

A report ranks Iraq on the “strongest reputation” index for countries.

Iraq ranked 117th globally and eighth in the Arab world in the index of countries with the strongest international reputation, according to a report by the American magazine CEOWORLD.

The magazine stated in its report, which was reviewed by Shafaq News Agency, that it relied on ten dimensions and fifty key attributes in the “strongest reputation for countries” index, combining tangible data and cognitive analyses in the areas of ethics, innovation, governance, sustainability, and social cohesion.

The magazine added that each dimension measures how global citizens perceive a country’s leadership, integrity, capacity for innovation, culture, and human capital, to form what is known as a comprehensive “trust index” for countries.

The report indicated that Iraq ranked 117th globally out of 197 listed countries, with a score of 46.37 out of 100 in the strongest global reputation index, and eighth in the Arab world.

Singapore ranked first globally with 97.83 points, followed by Switzerland with 97.81 points, Ireland with 97.22 points, the Netherlands with 96.77 points, and Germany in fifth place with 95.49 points. North Korea and Palestine ranked last with 14.26 points, and Palestine with 14.58 points, respectively.

In the Arab world, the UAE came in first with 91.03 points, followed by Kuwait with 81.67 points, Bahrain with 80.15 points, Qatar with 66.94 points, Saudi Arabia with 65.59 points, Libya with 50.8 points, and Algeria with 47.07 points, while Iraq came in eighth.

The results also showed that Lebanon came in ninth with 44.5 points, Morocco in tenth with 44.11 points, Jordan in eleventh with 44 points, and Tunisia in twelfth with 41.97 points.

Shafaq.com

5 days of electoral calm.. The Commission reveals the date of special voting and the voting holiday – Urgent

The Electoral Commission revealed on Tuesday (October 28, 2025) the details of the election holiday and the date of the special voting for the upcoming House of Representatives elections.

The head of the commission’s media team, Imad Jamil, said in a press statement that “the special voting will take place on November 9 (9/11), two days before the general election.”

He added that “the election holiday will initially be from Friday to Tuesday, i.e., for five days, extending until the day of the general vote,” indicating that “the possibility of extending the holiday to a week is still on the table, pending a decision by the Council of Ministers, as determining the official holiday is exclusively within its powers.”

He noted that “the Ministry of Education will hand over the schools designated as polling centers to the Commission starting from November 5th until the 12th,” stressing that “the Commission is awaiting the government’s decision regarding the final duration of the holiday.”

These arrangements are part of the final preparations being made by the Electoral Commission in preparation for the House of Representatives elections scheduled for mid-November, as the Commission intensifies its coordination with ministries and security institutions to ensure the smooth running of the electoral process and its organization in a safe and stable environment.

It is worth noting that special voting includes security forces, inmates and displaced persons, and is usually conducted before the general vote to allow them to participate without affecting security on election day.

Burathanews.com

With Al-Sudani’s attendance, Iraq ushered in a renewed banking era.

Iraq inaugurated its headquarters in Baghdad in the presence of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, who affirmed that the bank’s presence represents a strategic addition to the national banking sector.

The bank said in a statement, “The launch of Arab Bank – Iraq comes within the framework of strengthening the presence of the Arab Bank Group, which owns one of the largest Arab banking networks globally, with more than 600 branches across four continents. The group is based on an ambitious future vision and a comprehensive strategy that employs the latest digital developments in the banking industry, reinforced by a distinguished reputation and banking experience spanning more than nine decades, during which it has been able to build solid relationships with generations of customers locally, regionally and globally across various sectors.”

He explained that “the headquarters of Arab Bank – Iraq embodies its corporate identity, reflecting its dynamic organization and strong ties with customers, partners, and the community. Based on its corporate slogan, “Arrival is a Beginning,” which reflects the bank’s commitment to enabling its customers to achieve their ambitions and celebrate their achievements as new beginnings toward further success, this opening is a distinctive start to the official launch of Arab Bank – Iraq, with its new horizons and confident steps toward a renewed banking future.”

In his speech at the opening ceremony, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani said, “The presence of the Arab Bank of Iraq represents a strategic addition to the national banking sector, and is a model for what we aspire to in terms of modern and effective banking institutions capable of providing advanced services that contribute to financing sustainable development.” He emphasized “the need to stimulate the financing of diverse investment projects and opportunities, given the presence of a bold and capable Iraqi private sector that understands the intricacies of the investment environment.”

The Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq, Ali Al-Alaq, welcomed the return of Arab Bank to Iraq through Arab Bank-Iraq, noting “the bank’s long history and experience spanning more than nine decades.”

He expressed his pride in “Arab Bank Iraq’s contribution to the soon-to-be-launched Riyada Bank.”

For his part, Sabih Masri, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Arab Bank Group, thanked Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani for sponsoring the opening ceremony, stressing that “this participation embodies the Iraqi government’s commitment to supporting the banking sector and developing its infrastructure. It also supports the Arab Bank of Iraq’s journey as part of the Arab Bank Group’s efforts to serve the Iraqi economy.”

Al-Masry commended the presence of the Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq, praising his “pivotal role in supporting and stabilizing the Iraqi banking sector.” He emphasized that “the Central Bank represents the fundamental pillar of this sector, and its efforts directly contribute to strengthening confidence in Iraqi banking institutions.”

Miliq.news

Central Bank: E-commerce rises to $60 billion

The Central Bank of Iraq expects the amount of electronic payments to reach $60 billion by 2035, as part of the reform plan and the gradual abandonment of paper transactions.

In an exclusive interview with Al-Sabah, the bank’s spokesperson, Alaa Al-Fahad, said, “As part of its reform plan, the bank is pursuing an electronic transformation and financial inclusion, given its significant role in reducing reliance on paper cash transactions, which has significantly reduced the use of paper. It has also encouraged all individuals today to increase their transactions and shift to electronic payments, particularly for salaries and government departments.”

He added, “The bank is implementing a banking reform plan in cooperation with Oliver Wyman, which announced in its report a significant response from banks to the reform plan’s implementation, expecting electronic payments to reach $60 billion by 2035.”

Al-Fahd explained that “electronic payments have significantly reduced the printing of banknotes due to electronic transactions,” noting that “there is an idea to move towards digital electronic banks and the significant role they play in reducing reliance on paper money.”

He continued, “The development of electronic payment over the past three years has witnessed a qualitative leap and a very high growth rate, as the number of cards issued has reached more than 22 million cards, in addition to the import of devices that amounted to more than 75 thousand devices,” expecting that “the future will bring greater growth in the issue of electronic payment and transactions as an alternative to dealing with Paper.

Alsabaah.iq

Due to election campaigns, Al-Saadi: No Parliament sessions before November 11

The head of the Parliamentary Legal Committee, MP Murtada Al-Saadi, confirmed on Tuesday that it is impossible to hold any session of the House of Representatives before November 11, due to the preoccupation of political forces and representatives with the ongoing election campaigns.

Al-Saadi said in an interview with / Al-Maalouma /, “All indicators point beyond doubt to the impossibility of holding a session of the House of Representatives before November 11, given the preoccupation of political forces and representatives with the election campaigns that have reached their peak these days,” indicating that “holding the session in light of this electoral momentum is extremely difficult, despite the importance of proceeding with the approval of some laws.”

He added that “after November 11, the House of Representatives will have the right to hold its sessions officially and resume its legislative work to complete the list of laws that require a vote or a second reading,” noting that “the passage of these laws remains contingent on achieving consensus among the political blocs within Parliament.”

Almaalomah.me

Excelerate Energy CEO: Our agreement puts Iraq on the global gas market map for the first time

US company Excelerate Energy announced on Tuesday details of its agreement with the Iraqi government to develop the country’s first floating terminal for importing liquefied natural gas (LNG) at Khor al-Zubair Port in Basra Governorate, with an investment estimated at approximately $450 million.

The company said in a statement received by Shafaq News Agency that the agreement was signed in the office of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani in the presence of its CEO, Stephen Cobus, US Deputy Secretary of Energy James Danley, US Chargé d’Affaires in Baghdad Joshua Harris, Minister of Electricity Ziyad Ali Fadhil, and Acting Minister of Oil Ali Maaraj.

“The agreement represents a long-term commitment to supporting Iraq’s energy future and enhancing its regional stability,” Kobus added, noting that the project combines the development of the plant, gas supply, and operational management under a single contract, placing Iraq on the global gas market map for the first time.

The project includes a five-year gas supply and regasification contract with a guaranteed capacity of 250 million standard cubic feet per day, with the potential to expand to 500 million cubic feet per day. The company will use its newest floating storage and regasification vessel, Hull 3407, currently under construction in South Korea and one of the largest floating storage and regasification units in the world, with a capacity of up to 1 billion cubic feet per day.

The plant is scheduled to begin commercial operations in 2026, following the completion of construction and technical permits. This move is seen by Baghdad and Washington as “pivotal” to enhancing energy security and reducing reliance on pipeline gas imports.

The company explained that the project was implemented “in close cooperation with the Iraqi government,” noting that it aims to diversify fuel sources and meet the country’s growing demand for electricity, as part of a strategic partnership between Iraq and the United States to support energy infrastructure projects.

The Iraqi government announced earlier today the signing of the contract “as part of Baghdad’s efforts to attract more American investments to its energy sector.”

Iraq is under pressure from Washington to diversify its energy sources and limit its energy ties with Iran, whose gas exports to Iraq have been repeatedly disrupted by US sanctions and payment disputes.

The Prime Minister sponsored the signing ceremony of the contract for the floating unloading platform (FSRU) for gas, with a capacity of 15 million cubic meters per day, between the Ministry of Electricity and the American company Excelerate Energy, for a period of five years, renewable.

According to a statement from Al-Sudani’s office, this contract was signed to supply natural gas to power plants and support power generation by diversifying gas sources to meet the actual needs of the plants.

Shafaq.com

IMF: Iraq is expected to be the fourth largest Arab economy by 2030.

The International Monetary Fund predicted on Tuesday that Iraq will rank fourth among the largest economies in the Arab world by 2030.

According to the report, Saudi Arabia tops the list as the largest Arab economy, with a GDP of $1.6 trillion, followed by the United Arab Emirates in second place with $764.8 billion, and Egypt in third place with $589.8 billion.

Iraq comes in fourth place, with a projected GDP of $345.9 billion, maintaining its leading position among Arab economies, supported by the energy and oil sector and reconstruction and development projects. It is ahead of Algeria, which comes in fifth place with a total of $309 billion, followed by Qatar in sixth place with $296.8 billion, Morocco in seventh place with $241.9 billion, and Kuwait in eighth place with $190.1 billion.

The Sultanate of Oman ranked last on the list, with a total of $133.3 billion, followed by Jordan in tenth place with $73.6 billion.

The report indicated that Arab economies are experiencing varying growth trajectories, driven by economic reforms, expanding investments in renewable energy, tourism, and technology, along with diversification efforts away from reliance on oil as the primary source of revenue.

Shafaq.com

The Prime Minister sponsors the signing ceremony of the contract for the implementation of the floating gas platform.

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani sponsored the signing ceremony of the contract for the floating gas platform today, Tuesday. The Prime Minister’s media office stated in a statement, “Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani sponsored the signing ceremony of the Ministry of Oil’s contract for the floating gas platform with the American company Excelerate.”

Burathanews.com

Advanced steps towards joining the World Trade Organization

Advanced steps towards joining the World Trade OrganizationThe Ministry of Trade confirmed that Iraq is continuing its progress toward joining the World Trade Organization (WTO) after resuming the process that had been stalled for more than sixteen years.

The ministry’s official spokesperson, Mohammed Hanoun, told Al-Sabah that the ministry has completed the basic technical and legislative files in preparation for entering into bilateral negotiations with the organization’s member states.

Hanoun explained that the Ministry has completed seven major files, including the memorandum on the foreign trade system, agricultural support, import and export licenses, customs valuation, and technical standards for trade. It has also submitted the initial offer for goods and services to the WTO Secretariat.

He explained that joining would contribute to enhancing the competitiveness of the national economy and supporting Iraqi exports, especially in the agriculture, industry and services sectors, stressing that the government is adopting a policy of gradual and disciplined openness to protect producers and consumers and achieve sustainable development.

Alsabaah.iq