The Parliamentary Finance Committee vows to stop the “farce” of the 2025 budget schedules: a clear legal violation, and we will not vote for them.

On Thursday, MP Bassem Al-Gharabi, a member of the parliamentary finance committee, strongly criticized the Ministry of Finance for sending the 2025 budget schedules in April of 2026, considering this a “clear violation” of the law and a “clear breach” of the binding financial deadlines.

Shafaq News Agency publishes the document issued by the Ministry of Finance/Budget Department on April 28, 2026, and signed by Minister Taif Sami, which shows the referral of the general budget tables for the year 2025 and the deficit financing table to the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers for the purpose of sending them to the House of Representatives for approval.

Al-Gharabi explained in a statement received by Shafaq News Agency that Article (77/Second) of the Three-Year Budget Law No. 13 of 2023 requires that these schedules be sent before the end of the previous fiscal year (end of 2024), and not after the end of the fiscal year in its entirety.

Al-Gharabi added that “what happened practically means dealing with a completed fiscal year, which is contrary to the principle of annual budgeting stipulated in Federal Financial Management Law No. 6 of 2019, as it is not permissible to exceed the fiscal year or reopen it after it has been closed.”

The member of the Finance Committee stressed that this measure lacks legal basis and disrupts the work of oversight and final accounts, calling on the concerned authorities to clarify the legal basis and determine responsibilities.

Al-Gharabi concluded by saying: “We will put an end to this farce in the management of state funds, and we will not vote on the schedules if they are sent to the council for the purpose of legal cover-ups and evading accountability.”

Shafaq.com

The Central Bank of Iraq is discussing with Azerbaijan the opening of bank branches and the development of electronic payment systems.

On Thursday, the Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq, Ali Mohsen Al-Alaq, discussed with the Azerbaijani Ambassador to Baghdad, Eldar Selimov, the development of cooperation, including opening bank branches in both countries and activating electronic payment cards.

The Central Bank said in a statement received by Shafaq News Agency that “Al-Alaq received Salimov, and during the meeting, ways to enhance financial and banking cooperation between Iraq and Azerbaijan were discussed, with a focus on developing mechanisms for bilateral financial transfers, especially those related to the banking sector.”

He added that “both sides expressed their desire to expand the scope of banking cooperation, including the possibility of opening bank branches and strengthening financial partnerships, in a way that serves common interests and supports the movement of economic exchange between the two countries. The two sides also discussed the importance of developing the electronic payment card system in a way that contributes to facilitating the movement of travelers and raising the efficiency of financial operations, stressing the smoothness of transactions and their reaching ideal levels.”

He added that “Salimov extended an official invitation to the Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq to participate in the Islamic Development Bank meetings scheduled to be held in Baku from June 16 to 19, 2026.”

Shafaq.com

Exclusive: Washington makes progress in relations with Baghdad contingent on “dismantling the factions”

A spokesman for the US State Department confirmed on Wednesday that dismantling Iraqi factions is a “key pillar” for making progress in bilateral relations between Baghdad and Washington.

The spokesman told Shafaq News Agency, “The US administration was very clear in its vision of what is required to achieve progress in bilateral relations between Washington and Baghdad.”

He added that “dismantling the pro-Iranian armed factions in Iraq is a fundamental pillar for strengthening the relationship,” explaining: “We continue to stand with the Iraqi people in their aspirations towards the common goals of protecting Iraq’s sovereignty, enhancing its security, and building a prosperous future that brings tangible benefits to both Americans and Iraqis.”

Regarding the financial reward for information about the Secretary-General of Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada, Hashim Fenian Rahim al-Saraji, known as “Abu Ala al-Walai,” the spokesman explained that the “Rewards for Justice” program issued the reward offer for al-Walai due to his involvement in targeting operations that affected diplomatic and military facilities belonging to the United States.

Informed political sources revealed last Monday that a number of leaders of the Coordination Framework had received messages from the United States expressing its strong displeasure with the participation of the Secretary-General of the Sayyid al-Shuhada Brigades, Abu Ala al-Walai, in the last meeting of the Coordination Framework.

The sources told Shafaq News Agency that “Washington expressed surprise at al-Walai’s participation in a political meeting dedicated to choosing the prime minister, just hours after the US State Department announced a financial reward of up to $10 million for information leading to him .”

She added that “the American message was strongly worded, and included an emphasis that the continued coordination framework’s disregard for the nature of the existing relationship and partnership with Washington may push the American administration to conduct a comprehensive reassessment of the bilateral relationship at various levels, particularly in the security and economic aspects.”

The sources indicated that “the American side hinted at the possibility of not engaging or dealing positively with any new Iraqi government, in the event that the leaders of the factions continue to play a major role among the influential forces in shaping its features or directing its political decisions.”

It is noted that the Coordination Framework nominated Ali al-Zidi on Monday evening to form the new government, and President Nizar Amidi tasked him with forming it.

It is worth noting that the US State Department announced last Friday, through the Rewards for Justice program of the Diplomatic Security Service, a reward of up to $10 million for information about Hashim Finyan Rahim al-Saraji, also known as Abu Ala al-Walai, the leader of the Sayyid al-Shuhada Brigades in Iraq .

The United States had designated Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada and its leader, al-Sarraj, as Specially Designated Global Terrorists in November 2023, before later listing the group as a Foreign Terrorist Organization in September 2025 .

Shafaq.com

An economist says it’s likely that a spending law and a budget for 2027 will be passed.

Economic expert Dr. Safwan Qusay prefers enacting a special spending law for the remainder of this year and proceeding with the legislation of a budget for next year. Qusay told Al-Maalouma, “The remaining time of this year doesn’t necessitate enacting a budget law. It’s better to proceed with a special law for the remainder of this year and prepare for the 2027 budget.”

He added, “By October 15th of this year, there should be a draft of the government program to be voted on by Parliament according to legal frameworks. There is a possibility of enacting a special law to finance the remaining expenditures during 2026, especially since there are expenditures governed by legal frameworks, such as salaries, food baskets, and ration cards.”

He pointed to the importance of the Ministry of Finance focusing on expenditures governed by laws, utilizing oil revenues and other sources, as well as domestic borrowing, and converting a portion of the letters of credit allocated for investment projects, which have been suspended, into final revenues for the Ministry of Finance to compensate for the shortfall in operational spending.

Almaalomah.me

The Algerian explains the scenario for choosing Al-Zidi for the position of Prime Minister

Abdul Rahman al-Jazaeri, head of the political body of the National Tribal Movement, explained the mechanisms and scenario behind the selection of Ali al-Zaidi for the position of Prime Minister.

Al-Jazaeri told Al-Maalouma, “There is a trend towards independent figures, especially since the religious authority has closed its doors to politicians. Therefore, an independent candidate avoids the quota system and partisanship.”

He added, “The unanimous agreement on al-Zaidi was followed 60 minutes later by his appointment as Prime Minister by the President of the Republic. This confirms that there is a democratic process in Iraq to address the errors and the agreed-upon criteria.”
He explained that “the selection was made after an agreement between the teams of Maliki and Sudani and those who joined them. The selection was made according to an agreement concluded 48 hours prior, after postponing the framework meeting and agreeing on al-Zaidi with all the specifications of the coordinating framework, regardless of the points held by each party and bloc.”

Almaalomah.me

A move to appoint 3 vice presidents, with Maliki at the forefront.

Hashim al-Haboubi, a leader in the National Accord Movement, revealed on Wednesday a serious political move to reinstate the position of Vice President of the Republic and appoint three individuals to these posts. He indicated that the Speaker of Parliament alluded to this move publicly during his speech at the presidential swearing-in ceremony.
Al-Haboubi told Al-Maalomah News Agency, “Current information and leaks confirm the intention to appoint three Vice Presidents, with Nouri al-Maliki, leader of the State of Law Coalition, at the forefront. The other two positions will be allocated to the Sunni component and the Kurdistan Democratic Party.”

He added, “Reviving these positions comes at a time when the duties of the President of the Republic are viewed as largely ceremonial. However, recruiting three Vice Presidents will cost the state treasury enormous sums of money and impose additional burdens.”
Al-Haboubi explained that “the Speaker of Parliament clearly indicated this move during the presidential swearing-in ceremony, which confirms the existence of prior political agreements in this regard.”

Almaalomah.me

The dollar surges in Iran, nearing 180,000 tomans.

Foreign currency prices in Iran’s free market saw a sharp rise on Wednesday, amid a worsening economic crisis and the continued crippling naval blockade of its ports, with the US dollar exceeding 180,000 tomans, marking an increase of nearly 8 percent compared to the previous day.

The jump comes at a time when traders and observers link the decline of the toman to renewed concerns about the repercussions of the war, especially with talk of the fragility of the ceasefire and the possibility of a return to military confrontations, which usually prompts individuals and companies to increase demand for the dollar and gold to hedge against further deterioration.

The exchange rate in Iran is one of the most sensitive indicators of political and security crises, as any external escalation or tightening of sanctions is often quickly reflected in the free market, before its effect is transferred to the prices of imported goods, gold and the cost of living.

Shafaq.com

First US comment on al-Zaidi’s appointment as Prime Minister of Iraq

The United States mission in Iraq expressed its support on Wednesday for Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zubaidi in his efforts to form a government capable of fulfilling the aspirations of all Iraqis for a brighter and more peaceful future.

In a statement, the mission reiterated its solidarity with the Iraqi people as they strive to achieve the common goals of preserving Iraq’s sovereignty, enhancing security to defeat terrorism, and building a prosperous future that delivers tangible benefits to both Americans and Iraqis.

First US comment on al-Zaidis appointment as Prime Minister of IraqThis comes in conjunction with the announcement by the ruling Shiite Coordination Framework forces in Iraq, on Monday, April 27, of the nomination of al-Zaidi for the premiership, following the withdrawal of outgoing Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and the leader of the State of Law Coalition, former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, from the race for the position, thus ending the political deadlock that lasted for about 5 months after the parliamentary elections held in the country at the end of 2015.

Shafaq.com

Washington: Democrats are considering suing Trump if he continues the war on Iran.

Sources in the US Congress reported on Wednesday that a number of Democrats are considering filing a lawsuit against President Donald Trump if he decides to continue the war after May 1 without obtaining formal approval from the legislative authority.

Time magazine stated that this legal deadline, which began with the US administration informing Congress of the start of military operations against Iran on February 28, puts Trump before two constitutional options: either obtaining clear authorization to continue the war, or providing written justifications that allow the extension of operations for an additional 30 days under the title of “ensuring a safe withdrawal of forces.”

The magazine quoted sources in Congress as saying that the Democrats have not yet made a final decision on resorting to the judiciary, as they prefer at the present stage to exhaust the legislative tools within Congress before taking any escalatory step.

She added that Senator Adam Schiff intends to push for a new vote this week on a draft resolution aimed at restricting Trump’s powers to wage wars without returning to the legislative institution.

Since the start of the war on Iran, a number of Democratic representatives have escalated their criticism of the Trump administration, warning of the “dangers” of expanding the scope of military escalation, and of a possible overreach of the president’s constitutional powers in managing foreign operations without clear legal cover.

Shafaq.com

Iraqi Oil Ministry launches first phase of Bin Omar gas investment with a capacity of 80 million cubic feet per day

The Ministry of Oil inaugurated on Wednesday the first phase of the accelerated Bin Omar gas investment project in the Nahr Bin Omar field, in a move aimed at enhancing associated gas investment and supporting the energy system in Iraq.

In this regard, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Oil for Gas Affairs, Izzat Saber Ismail, said in a speech he delivered during the ceremony that the project was completed in record time, as work started in the first week of this month and was completed before its end, thanks to the continuous efforts made by the technical and engineering staff around the clock.

He stressed that “the gas sector enjoys exceptional attention from the government and the Ministry of Oil, as it represents a fundamental pillar in supporting the national economy and enhancing energy security,” indicating that “the ministry is working to achieve optimal investment in gas, whether associated or free, in a way that contributes to reducing waste and maximizing revenues.”

The Undersecretary explained that “the project includes extending a pipeline with a length of (5) kilometers and a diameter of (20) inches, to connect the gas system, with an initial investment capacity ranging between (70 – 80) million standard cubic feet per day.”

He added that the project will contribute to supplying between (55-65) million standard cubic feet per day of dry gas to feed power plants, and producing between (500-600) tons per day of liquefied gas to meet the needs of the local market, as well as producing about (1800) barrels per day of condensates, which will support national revenues.

Shafaq.com