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Trump: Iran’s largest bridge is collapsing, and it’s time to make a deal.

US President Donald Trump asserted on Thursday that Iran’s largest bridge is collapsing, emphasizing that it is time for Tehran to reach an agreement with Washington.

Trump said in a post on his Truth Social account, “Iran’s biggest bridge is collapsing and will never be used again – and more are coming! It’s time for Iran to make a deal before it’s too late, before there’s nothing left of what could have been a great nation.”

Earlier today, the Fars News Agency reported that a bridge on a highway linking the Iranian capital Tehran to the city of Karaj in the west of the country was hit by airstrikes, resulting in a number of injuries.

She added that “initial estimates indicate a number of casualties, in addition to other areas being targeted inside Karaj.”

She noted that “the targeted bridge is the highest in the Middle East, and it was opened earlier this year.”

Shafaq.com

Ports Authority launches first tugboat {Al faw 1} dedicated to Al Faw Port

The General Company for Iraqi Ports announced Wednesday, the launch of the first marine tug for the Grand Faw Port, confirming its readiness to enter service as soon as the port is operational, coinciding with the successful completion of its floatation as a crucial technical stage, in preparation for completing the delivery and operation phases.
The company’s general manager, Farhan Al-Fartousi, said in a statement received by Al-Furat News that “the launch of this tug represents a strategic step within the operational preparations for the Grand Faw Port,” noting that “strengthening the tugboat and maritime pilotage fleet is an essential element to ensure the smooth flow of maritime traffic and the reception of large ships with the highest levels of safety and efficiency.”

He added that “the tug was designed according to the latest international standards, and it has high maneuverability capabilities thanks to the ASD (Automatic Drive System), which makes it able to operate efficiently in complex navigational environments and within narrow basins and channels.”

He added that “the tug belongs to the (ASD Tug 3212) class, and its length is (32.7) m, and its width is (12.8) m, while its operational draft reaches (5.9) m, and it operates at a speed ranging between (12 and 13) knots.”

He explained that “the design towing capacity is about (80) tons, with an actual performance of up to (78.5) tons in front towing and (74) tons in rear towing, supported by two (Caterpillar 3516C) diesel engines with a total power of (5050) kilowatts, in addition to a rear drive system (Azimuth Thrusters) that provides full maneuverability at an angle of (360) degrees.”

He pointed out that “the tug includes integrated navigation systems including (GMDSS, DGPS, radar, depth gauge, and speed log), in addition to operational tanks of different capacities, including a fuel tank with a capacity of (148.3) m3, and a fresh water tank with a capacity of (15.4) m3, as well as tanks dedicated to fire foam and wastewater.”

He noted, “Additional equipment has also been added to enhance safety and efficiency. The tug has been equipped with a package of additional equipment, including expanding the accommodation to accommodate ten people, an integrated surveillance camera system, a foldable rear service crane, in addition to advanced towing equipment including a (60) ton hook and an additional front towing line.”

He added, “It also includes an integrated (Fi-Fi 1) fire suppression system with a pumping capacity of up to 1200 m3 per hour, along with a CO2 gas fire suppression system for the engine room, and an extensive range of safety equipment.”

He continued, “On the communications side, the tug is equipped with advanced systems including (ECDIS), (VHF) wireless communication networks and (Thuraya) satellite phones, as well as additional support systems such as air filters and cockpit cooling.”

He stressed that “bringing this tug into service, if it starts, will enhance the readiness of the Grand Faw Port to operate its operations with high efficiency,” noting that “the project represents one of the main pillars in the strategy to develop the maritime transport sector and transform Iraq into a regional logistics hub.”

Alforatnews.iq

Victory: Deciding the presidency paves the way for naming the prime minister

The Victory Coalition affirmed that resolving the issue of the presidency would expedite the appointment of the prime minister, given the continued political deadlock and divisions among the forces.

Coalition spokesman Salam al-Zubaidi said during his appearance on the “Free Talk” program on Al-Furat satellite channel: “The political scene is suffering from accumulated problems that have negatively affected the political process based on consensus,” noting that “personal interests still control positions until now.”

He added that “the coordination framework has largely decided on its vision regarding the position of Prime Minister, with the likelihood of Mohammed Shia al-Sudani continuing, despite external reservations, while Haider al-Abadi remains among the prominent candidates.”

He indicated that “the decision regarding the presidency may restore confidence in the political process and contribute to breaking the deadlock,” suggesting that “Nizar Amidi is likely to assume the position, with anticipated changes in the form of the government and the mechanisms for selecting ministers, moving away from quotas.”

Alforatnews.iq

Economic expert: Iraqi oil sales will not be affected by the war in the region.

Economic researcher Diaa Abdul Karim explained on Thursday that Iraqi oil sales will not be significantly affected by the ongoing war in the region.
Abdul Karim told Al-Maalouma, “Iraq continues to sell oil through futures contracts with other countries, despite the security tensions in the region resulting from the Zionist-American war against Iran.”

He added, “Iran has announced the opening of the Strait of Hormuz to friendly countries, including Iraq, China, and Pakistan, with whom Iraq has trade agreements, in addition to the fact that most of its oil exports are destined for Asian countries.” He indicated that
“Iraq’s revenues will not be significantly affected, nor will its oil exports to the aforementioned Asian countries. Therefore, the economic impact of the war on Iraq will not be substantial, especially given the existing understandings between Baghdad, Tehran, and the countries importing Iraqi oil.”

Almaalomah.me

Abdullah: A political move to resolve the issue of the presidencies in order to spare Iraq a potential economic collapse.

Naseem Abdullah, a member of the Coordination Framework, revealed today, Thursday, that there is a serious trend among political forces to resolve the remaining constitutional entitlements represented by the selection of the Prime Minister and the President of the Republic, while he warned of serious economic repercussions in the event of the expansion of the regional crisis.

Abdullah told Al-Maalomah News Agency, “The current stage requires political unity to resolve outstanding issues and form a fully empowered government capable of confronting external challenges and preventing Iraq from being drawn into a regional war.”
He added, “The closure of the Strait of Hormuz poses a direct threat to Iraqi national security, as it could lead to a severe economic collapse.” He pointed out that “Iraq relies almost entirely on oil exports to finance its general budget, and any disruption to export routes will have disastrous consequences for the internal situation.”
He continued, “The political forces understand the magnitude of the responsibility placed upon them to complete the building of constitutional institutions to ensure the stability of the state and protect the interests of the people amidst the escalating turmoil in the region.”

Almaalomah.me

Economist: Iraq urgently needs to form a government and approve the 2026 budget to secure salaries.

Economic expert Nabil Al-Marsoumi emphasized on Thursday the need for Iraq to form a new government with full powers to address the country’s economic situation, noting the necessity of preparing the 2026 budget to cover salaries and services.

Al-Marsoumi stated in a post on social media, which was monitored by the Information Agency, that “despite Iraq continuing to export oil through the Strait of Hormuz until March 8th, oil revenues did not exceed $1.9 billion, equivalent to approximately 2.5 trillion dinars. This means that Iraq needs to secure an additional 5 trillion dinars just to pay salaries for the fifth month.”

He stressed “the necessity of expediting the formation of a fully empowered Iraqi government and preparing the 2026 budget to provide the government with the legal basis for internal and external borrowing, discounting transfers at the Central Bank of Iraq, and taking other measures to meet the basic needs of the Iraqi people, especially those related to salaries, social welfare, and essential services such as water, electricity, and others.”

Almaalomah.me

Warnings of a “salary shock” in May… A 5 trillion deficit puts pressure on government formation and budget approval.

On Thursday, economist Nabil Al-Marsoumi warned of a potential shortfall of up to five trillion dinars in securing employee salaries for the month of May due to the sharp decline in oil sales caused by the disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. He urged the swift formation of the next Iraqi government with full sovereign powers to meet the needs of citizens by preparing the current year’s budget.

Iraq needs more than nine trillion dinars per month, equivalent to (six billion dollars), to secure the salaries of public sector employees and workers, retirees, and to provide social welfare and food basket grants, relying on more than 90% of the financial revenues generated from oil exports, which have decreased by more than 80% after the disruption of energy supply chains in the Strait of Hormuz due to the escalating pace of military escalation in the region.

In this regard, Al-Marsoumi said in an analysis he published that although Iraq continued to export oil through the Strait of Hormuz until the eighth of March, oil revenues did not exceed $1.9 billion, which is equivalent to about 2.5 trillion dinars, indicating that according to these data, the country needs another 5 trillion dinars just to pay next month’s salaries.

He stressed that “it is necessary to expedite the formation of a fully empowered Iraqi government and prepare the 2026 budget in order to give the government the legal cover for internal and external borrowing, discounting remittances at the Central Bank of Iraq, and taking other measures to meet the basic needs of the Iraqi people, especially those related to salaries, social welfare, and the most important services such as water, electricity, and others.”

Iraq is experiencing a state of “political deadlock” as the forces and parties that won the legislative elections held in late 2015 have not been able to complete the constitutional requirements, including electing a new president of the republic and assigning a prime minister to form the next government. The steps achieved so far have been limited to electing the parliament’s leadership only.

Observers warn of the repercussions of this continued delay on the political, economic and service levels in the country, especially in light of the rapidly escalating security and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East region, which necessitate the existence of a fully empowered government to manage the current crises.

Shafaq.com

As confirmed by Shafaq News, Iraqi oil announces the start of overland exports via Syria.

The Iraqi Ministry of Oil confirmed on Wednesday evening that it has begun exporting crude oil by tanker to the Syrian side in preparation for delivering it to export outlets in support of the country’s economy, after the disruption of maritime exports through the Strait of Hormuz.

The ministry stated in a statement received by Shafaq News Agency that “in order to support the national economy and provide financial revenues for the state treasury, the Ministry of Oil has begun exporting black oil by tankers through neighboring Syria.”

The ministry noted “cooperation with the Syrian side, which will ensure the arrival of quantities in Syrian territory to export outlets,” stressing that “export operations will be progressively increasing to boost exported quantities in support of the country’s economy.”

The statement concluded by saying that “the Ministry of Oil had previously resumed exporting crude oil via the Turkish port of Ceyhan.”

For its part, the Syrian Petroleum Company announced on Wednesday evening the arrival of the first batches of Iraqi fuel oil to the tanks of the Banias refinery, coming from the Al-Tanf crossing, where the technical teams began the unloading operations according to the approved operational readiness.

The company explained in a statement received by Shafaq News Agency that this step comes within an integrated supply plan in preparation for preparing the shipments and reloading them onto dedicated sea carriers to transport them to their final export destination, reflecting the efficiency of the infrastructure and the ability of national cadres to manage operations with high efficiency.

The Syrian Petroleum Company announced to Shafaq News Agency on Wednesday the arrival of the first convoy of Iraqi fuel oil (fuel) through the Al-Tanf crossing towards the Banias oil terminal, in a move that it said represents the beginning of a new phase of transit operations.

According to Reuters, the Iraqi oil marketing company SOMO has signed contracts to supply about 650,000 metric tons of fuel oil per month during the period from April to June, with the quantities to be transported overland through Syrian territory.

For his part, the director of the Iraqi Al-Walid district, Mujahid Mardhi Al-Dulaimi, said that more than 150 tankers are currently waiting to enter Syrian territory, expecting that the rate of tanker entry will reach about 500 tankers per day.

Earlier, oil expert and former spokesman for the Ministry of Oil, Assem Jihad, confirmed to Shafaq News Agency that what is being transported through Syrian territory is black oil and not Iraqi crude oil, noting that exporting in this manner is a temporary, forced option and the quantities are limited, and that transport by tankers is expensive compared to pipelines.

He added that SOMO had signed a contract to transport 650,000 metric tons per month during the months of April, May and June, equivalent to about 4.85 million barrels per month.

Crude oil is oil extracted directly from the fields before refining, while black oil is a heavy product resulting from refining operations and is often used as an industrial fuel. It has a lower value and higher transportation costs compared to crude oil.

Iraq announced on Tuesday the start of Iraqi oil exports by land through the Al-Walid border crossing with Syria, with the passage of 101 oil tankers heading to the port of Banias, with a total capacity of about 3.2 million liters of crude oil.

The move comes amid regional tensions and disruptions to maritime exports through the Strait of Hormuz, prompting the adoption of land exports as a limited alternative to ensure the continued flow of crude oil.

Shafaq.com

The US embassy warns of possible attacks in central Baghdad within 48 hours.

The US embassy in Baghdad warned on Thursday of the possibility of attacks by “Iranian-backed militias” in the center of the capital within 24 to 48 hours, urging US citizens to leave Iraq “immediately”.

The embassy said in a security alert posted on its official social media account that “Iraqi terrorist militias allied with Iran may be planning attacks in central Baghdad within the next 24 to 48 hours,” noting that these groups may target American citizens and US-related interests inside Iraq, including businesses, universities, diplomatic facilities, energy infrastructure, hotels, and airports.

She added that potential attacks could also target Iraqi institutions and civilian targets, noting that militias have “targeted Americans for kidnapping” in previous incidents.

The embassy stated that the Iraqi government “has not been able to prevent terrorist attacks” that occur within or originate from Iraqi territory, noting that some members of those groups may carry identification documents claiming they are employees of the Iraqi government.

She confirmed that the US mission in Iraq is continuing its work despite the mandatory departure of some staff, in order to provide assistance to American citizens, while warning against going to the embassy in Baghdad or the consulate in Erbil because of “ongoing security risks, including missiles, drones and rockets.”

The embassy renewed its Level 4 travel warning, stressing: “Do not travel to Iraq for any reason. Leave immediately if you are there.”

The embassy accompanied its warning with an illustrative image bearing the phrase “Travel Warning: Level 4 – Do Not Travel,” directing the message to American citizens to leave Iraq and avoid traveling there.

Shafaq.com