“Iranian oil smuggling” puts Iraq in a predicament amid US pressure on Sudan.

The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) concluded that the Baghdad government has an opportunity to confront Iranian oil smuggling activities through Iraqi ports and waterways, warning of significant sanctions if smuggling is not curbed.

The American foundation stated, in a report translated by Shafaq News Agency, that “Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani announced on September 6 the formation of a committee to investigate the smuggling of Iranian oil through Iraqi ports and waters, and he affirmed that there would be no leniency in this matter.”

However, the report argued that the record of similar committees in the past, which investigate the activities of Iran-backed groups, indicates that perpetrators may not be held accountable. It noted that Tehran has devised numerous illicit schemes to generate revenue, relying on Iraqi companies, Iranian-backed militias, and government officials.

The report cited a 2024 Reuters report on oil smuggling operations generating between $1 billion and $3 billion annually.

He pointed out that Iranian oil is being smuggled by exploiting the control of government positions in the oil sector by Tehran-backed militias. He noted that the militias, many of which have political wings that form part of the ruling coalition, place their members and allies in key positions that control key elements of Iraq’s oil sector.

The report continued, stating that “in early September, the US Treasury Department imposed sanctions on an Iraqi national for smuggling Iranian oil as Iraqi oil, generating approximately $300 million annually for Iran and others involved in the scheme.”

He added that the ministry also targeted, in early July, a network run by Iraqi national Salim Ahmed Saeed for selling Iranian oil as Iraqi, implicating Iraqi officials. This network is believed to have transported billions of dollars’ worth of Iranian oil.

According to the US report, the idea of ​​forming government-affiliated investigative committees has previously largely failed to hold Iran accountable for a range of “malign activities” in Iraq. This includes, for example, the committee investigating drone attacks on military bases across Iraq last June. The committee concluded that the drones were manufactured outside Iraq, but did not specify the weapons’ country of origin.

As another example, he explained that “an investigation committee concluded, following a clash with members of the Hezbollah Brigades around the Agriculture Directorate, where a policeman was killed, that the militia was condemned and recommended the removal of two leaders from the brigades from their positions in the Popular Mobilization Forces. However, the government did not implement these recommendations, even though al-Sudani had approved them.”

Therefore, the report continued, the United States must pressure al-Sudani to ensure a fair investigation and swift action. It must inform al-Sudani that this committee represents an opportunity to put an end to the widespread illicit activity in Iraq that funds and assists the regime in Tehran. The United States must form the committee to be comprised of impartial experts and provide them with access to oil officials, sites, and associated companies, as well as records.

According to him, the Sudanese government must subsequently swiftly address the problems identified by the committee and implement a campaign of fundamental reforms to limit Iranian influence in the Iraqi oil sector and put an end to its evasion of sanctions.

The report concluded by stating that if this committee instead conducts a formal investigation and the government fails to implement this reform, the United States must expand its sanctions to include Iraqi oil officials who assist Iran and profit from its oil smuggling.

Shafaq.com

Laying down arms is a turning point. Iraq faces a golden opportunity fraught with risks.

Former Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari described Iraq on Friday as having a “golden opportunity” to stand on its own two feet and move forward, both in terms of the investment climate encouraged by the government of Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, the overall improvement in the security situation, and the recent regional shifts in the balance of power.

In an interview with the English-language newspaper The National in Abu Dhabi, translated by Shafaq News Agency, Zebari said that Iraq is moving on multiple fronts, and they will hold national elections to choose a new government.

Economically, according to Zebari, Iraq is attracting foreign investors primarily due to improved security across the country, a decline in terrorist attacks and unrest, and its recent encouragement of American companies to invest, particularly in the oil sector.

According to the newspaper, several factors are encouraging this development boom, including an improvement in the security situation to levels unprecedented since 2003. This calm, particularly since late 2022, when the Sudanese government assumed power, has provided the confidence to launch infrastructure projects and implement reforms aimed at improving the business environment .

In this regard, Zebari was quoted as praising the “good intentions of the Iraqi government,” despite the unstable situation, warning in this context that the recent drone attacks targeting American investments in the Kurdistan Region could undermine investor confidence .

According to the former foreign minister, “The Iraqi government investigated this case, but when the investigation concluded, it did not name any of the perpetrators, which discouraged investors.”

More than anything else, Iraq needs an investor-friendly environment, security, a court, laws, and control over outlaws and militias, Zebari says.

After noting the government’s recent withdrawal of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) bill following intense US pressure, the report quoted Zebari as saying, “The US position has been very explicit recently, unlike before, when they usually conveyed these messages through diplomatic channels. This time, however, they have openly and publicly declared that they will not support the passage of the PMF law.”

In the interview, Zebari addressed “positive change” in the region, pointing to the trend toward placing weapons and non-state actors under state control, as in Lebanon, Syria, and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party.

The report addresses regional power dynamics that have undergone dramatic shifts over the past year following the defeat of what it claims was the “Axis of Resistance.” The fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria removed a central client state and a pivotal conduit for Tehran’s regional influence, linking Iran to the Mediterranean via Iraq and Lebanon. Iran’s grip on Iraqi militias has also weakened.

But the report quoted Zebari as saying that the fall of the Assad regime in Syria was a “turning point in the Middle East,” adding that it occurred “at a pivotal moment, and was a surprise to many regional powers. I believe it was a blessing for the entire region, even though the new rulers were unknown, but politics accepts the facts on the ground.”

The former Iraqi foreign minister, a prominent leader in the Kurdistan Democratic Party, concluded by saying, “Syria’s new rulers have achieved significant progress in less than a year, and they now enjoy acceptance and appreciation in the Arab world and internationally.”

Shafaq.com

Ministry of Foreign Affairs: US Congressional Resolution Confirms End of Conflict with Iraq

Ministry of Foreign Affairs – US Congressional Resolution Confirms End of Conflict with IraqThe Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed, on Friday, that the Congressional revocation of the war authorizations represents a step to strengthen the partnership with Washington and consolidates the principle of respect for sovereignty, while reflecting the development of relations with the United States. Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Hisham Al-Alawi told the official agency, “The US Congress’ vote to revoke the authorization for the war on Iraq is a revocation of the old laws that had granted US presidents (George Bush Sr. in 1991, and George Bush Jr. in 2002) broad powers to wage war on Iraq without the need to return each time to Congress.”

He explained that “there were two basic types of authorizations: the first was the 1991 authorization to launch the Gulf War to liberate Kuwait from the occupation of Saddam Hussein’s regime, and the second was the 2002 authorization to launch the war on Iraq and topple Saddam Hussein’s regime.” He pointed out that “the importance of the cancellation at this time is due to the fact that Iraq is no longer under Saddam Hussein’s rule, and there are no longer legal justifications for the authorization to remain in place. In addition, the step will prevent any future US president from exploiting this law to launch military operations in Iraq or the region without congressional approval.”

Al-Alawi also stressed that “the decision is also a symbolic step toward improving relations with Iraq and demonstrating that the United States is no longer at war with it.” He noted that “the cancellation does not include ongoing operations, such as military cooperation against ISIS, as these are taking place within new agreements and understandings or with different approvals, and not based on the old laws of war.”

It is noteworthy that the US House of Representatives previously voted to repeal the legal justifications used to attack Iraq in 1991 and 2003, in the latest attempt by Congress to strip the president of his authority to wage war.

This move follows President Trump’s decisions to bomb Iranian nuclear facilities and strike a boat allegedly transporting illegal drugs in the Caribbean.

Lawmakers from both parties have long questioned the validity of keeping these mandates in place, arguing that they allow presidents to abuse their power.

The House of Representatives passed the measure by a vote of 261 to 167, with 212 Democrats and 49 Republicans supporting it. The bipartisan supplement is linked to the annual National Defense Authorization Act, which passed later Wednesday. The amendment was introduced by Democratic Rep. Gregory Meeks of New York and Republican Rep. Chip Roy of Texas.

During the House discussions, Meeks said that these authorizations were “long outdated” and “risk being abused by any administration of either party.” He added, “It is time for Congress to reclaim its constitutional authority over matters of war and peace.”

Republican Representative Brian Mast of Florida, chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, opposed the amendment on “procedural” grounds. He said, “I think there’s broad agreement on the reasons for terminating these authorizations, but it shouldn’t be done without the proper process for something of this magnitude.”

The Senate, which was controlled by Democrats in 2023, passed a similar measure with the support of 48 Democrats and 18 Republicans, but it was not brought to a vote in the House of Representatives, which was controlled by Republicans.

In the House of Representatives in 2021, 219 Democrats and 49 Republicans voted to repeal the 2002 authorization, but it stalled in the Senate, where both chambers had Democratic majorities.

Burathanews.com

Ministry of Oil: Plans to build a pipeline from Basra to the Sultanate of Oman

The State Oil Marketing Organization (SOMO) confirmed on Friday that the signing of memoranda of understanding with the Sultanate of Oman came due to its strategic importance in marketing Iraqi oil, while indicating that there is discussion regarding the construction of a complete pipeline from Basra to Oman. The company’s general manager, Ali Nizar Al-Shatri, said in a statement to the official agency, “The signing of memoranda of understanding with the Sultanate of Oman comes due to its strategic location for Iraqi crude oil and petroleum products, as Oman has an outlet on the Arabian Sea and another on the Arabian Gulf at its beginning, before the Strait of Hormuz. The result is that its presence will be closer to our crude oil customers, as most of our exports are directed to Asia, and thus Asian customers will be able to load crude oil from those locations instead of taking the long route.”

He added, “There are also technical issues. The more open the waters are, the less impact bad weather will have. However, our ports in Basra suffer from bad weather, which forces us to halt exports. Therefore, going to Amman means going to an open region, and exports from there are more stable and consistent with our customers, while reducing the chances of disruption.”

He also pointed out that “discussions are open regarding the construction of a complete pipeline from Basra to Amman, which would achieve multiple outlets and increase export capacity, and would give Iraq the potential referred to by the Prime Minister regarding increasing quotas and production ceilings. This can only be achieved with the presence of local export and consumption capacity, and this was noted in the Prime Minister’s speech regarding increasing investments in the refining sector, which is important, while export capacity depends on the available export outlets.”

He continued, “Oman will play a major role in this area if the pipeline and tanks upon which the memoranda of understanding were signed are completed, as well as the commercial process, which is not without marketing aspects. The result is that when oil is stored in Oman, there is a cost that has been incurred, and this cost must be recovered. Iraq needs additional profits to recover the costs, and this can only be achieved through commercial integration.”

Al-Shatri explained: “This is why another memorandum of understanding was signed for trade integration between Iraq and the Sultanate of Oman, between the State Oil Marketing Organization (SOMO) and OQ Trading Company, an Omani state-owned company that has proven itself globally and internationally. We are currently in the process of discussing the details of the contracts, because the memoranda of understanding set the general roadmap, but we need the details of the contracts to complete them.”

Burathanews.com

Digital banks and financial inclusion

Today, Iraq is witnessing the launch of a new era of banking services, shifting toward digital services in line with the global trend toward digitization and the abandonment of traditional services.

This sound approach is not just about smart applications and digital platforms, but rather represents the launch of an ambitious vision for a more comprehensive and efficient financial future. The traditional banking sector has always been the cornerstone of economies, but for years it has been confined by walls of branches and long bureaucratic wires, which has prevented it from reaching broad segments of society. Obtaining a bank account or a simple loan is an arduous journey, especially in remote areas. Here, the…

The importance of the real revolution of digital banks.

The technology has matured, becoming more secure and safe than ever before thanks to advanced encryption and biometrics. Consumer confidence has matured, as consumers have learned how to manage their daily affairs through their smartphones. More importantly, the urgent need to popularize the concept of the financial citizen, who has the right to save, invest, transfer, and finance with ease and transparency, has matured.

A digital bank, then, is not a luxury, but a strategic necessity. It is the bridge that will allow millions of the “unbanked” to cross into a world of economic opportunity that once seemed out of reach. It is the means by which the small shopkeeper, the woman working from home, the ambitious young man, and the elderly man in a remote village will be brought under the umbrella of the formal financial system. These are not just transactions; they are true empowerment.

Hence the importance of digital banks in achieving financial inclusion.

Digital banks are distinguished by their absence of the huge operating costs of traditional branches. Digital banks can offer their services at highly competitive prices, lower fees, and higher returns on savings, benefiting all customers, especially those with limited income.

The launch of these banks is a clear message of confidence in our economy, our technological capabilities, and our future. It is a declaration that we believe in all our citizens and strive to provide every individual with the tools they need to be an effective part of the economic fabric.

This is not the end of banking as we know it. Rather, it is a new birth—smarter, faster, and closer to the pulse of the people. The financial future begins today, with the push of a button, the touch of a screen. Let us all be the ones who make it happen.

Today comes the Central Bank’s step

The launch of e-wallets is a fundamental prerequisite and an important path to launching digital banks in Iraq. This approach forms part of a broader strategy for digital transformation in the Iraqi banking and financial sector. This step—and I mean the launch of the e-wallet—can be considered a

Preparing the digital infrastructure and developing the payment and financial transfer system in Iraq. These wallets serve as a technical and operational foundation for building integrated digital banking services.

• By enabling transfers between e-wallets and merchants, the Central Bank facilitates the transition to cashless transactions, a necessary step for digital banks that rely entirely on electronic services. This will contribute to enhancing digital financial literacy.

Having secure e-wallet systems in place also makes it easier for future digital banks to comply with regulatory standards without having to build systems from scratch.

All these efforts coincide with the banking sector reform plan launched by the Central Bank, which focuses on enhancing financial inclusion and digital transformation.

Alsabaah.iq

“Electrical and mechanical appliances” are Iraq’s most prominent imports from Mexico.

A global statistic revealed, on Wednesday, Iraq’s most prominent imports from Mexico in 2024.

According to the Trade Map website , which tracks global markets, Iraq imported four goods from Mexico last year, including mechanical products and machinery, worth $5.240 million.

He added that Iraq also imported electrical appliances and their parts worth $3.534 million, noting that Iraq imported vehicles other than railway cars worth $470,000.

The website indicated that the fourth item included various types of basic metals worth $218,000, noting that “Iraq did not export any goods to Mexico.”

Shafaq.com

Nechirvan Barzani discusses with an Emirati envoy enhancing investment and partnership in Kurdistan.

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani expressed his pleasure on Wednesday to receive Saeed Al-Hajri, the UAE Minister of State and Special Envoy for Economic Affairs to the region.

Barzani thanked the leadership of the United Arab Emirates for its support for the Kurdistan Region and Iraq, stressing in a tweet on the (X) website that Al-Hajri’s appointment represents an important step that embodies the UAE’s commitment to its strong ties with the region.

He added that the meeting included discussions on the strong relations and ways to expand cooperation, with a shared commitment to enhancing investment and partnership opportunities.

Meanwhile, the Kurdistan Region Presidency said in a statement received by Shafaq News Agency that the President of the Region, Nechirvan Barzani, received this morning Saeed Al-Hajri, Minister of State and Special Envoy of the United Arab Emirates for Regional Affairs, and his accompanying delegation. The statement indicated that the two sides praised the history of friendship and relations between Kurdistan and the UAE, stressing the common will to develop them and expand areas of bilateral cooperation, especially in sectors of importance to both sides, with a focus on providing a legal environment and a climate conducive to investment in the region.

The statement indicated that President Nechirvan Barzani expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the UAE’s support for Iraq and Kurdistan, and considered the appointment of an Emirati special envoy an important step that reflects the UAE’s commitment to bilateral relations. He reiterated his gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and noted their recent meeting in Abu Dhabi, which included confirmation of the dispatch of a special envoy to the region.

During the meeting, according to the statement, the two sides discussed investment opportunities and strengthening the presence of Emirati companies and the private sector in Kurdistan, with the possibility of expanding activities in various fields. The meeting also touched on economic diversification and providing a clear vision for expanding Emirati investments in Iraq and the region. It also discussed Iraqi-Emirati relations and a number of issues of mutual interest, with a number of officials from the region in attendance.

Shafaq.com

The Iraqi Foreign Ministry launches the “Tas’heel” service for electronic document authentication.

This came during the inauguration of the service by Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein at the Consular Department of the Ministry’s building, in the presence of the Head of the Consular Department, Falah Abdul Hassan, and representatives from the Ministry of Communications.

According to a Foreign Ministry statement received by Shafaq News Agency, Hussein listened to a detailed explanation of the program’s working mechanism during the opening, stressing in a press briefing that “this project, which aims to complete and authenticate transactions electronically, will serve citizens wherever they are.”

He explained that “the project would not have reached its final stages without close cooperation with the Ministry of Communications, extending his thanks to the Minister and the relevant departments who contributed diligently as part of a fruitful collective effort to complete this project.”

The minister noted that “this step comes within the framework of automating the work of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and is the first of its kind among Iraqi ministries,” expressing his hope that other ministries will follow suit.

Hussein emphasized that “the project will contribute to enhancing transparency and eliminating the role of intermediaries in completing transactions, which will enhance citizen confidence and contribute to combating corruption.”

Iraqi Minister of Communications Hiyam Al-Yasiri announced the launch of the “Tas’heel” service on Monday to track and process government transactions for citizens.

For her part, the Director General of the Iraqi Postal Service, Zainab Abdul Sahib, told Shafaq News Agency on Monday, “The Tas’heel platform launched by the Ministry of Communications is purely Iraqi and its investor is Iraqi, not foreign. All documents received from citizens are fully secure in terms of the system and the platform, and no external server or anything else is used.”

She confirmed that “the Ministries of Interior, Foreign Affairs, Education, Industry, and some universities within the Ministry of Higher Education have participated in the (Tas’heel) platform.”

Abdul Sahib explained that “the platform facilitates procedures for employees, retirees, civilians, and all segments of society to request documents and endorsements electronically. These documents must be obtained through the platform and by mail for a nominal fee.”

Shafaq.com

5 billion dinars returned to the Iraqi treasury after two companies were defrauded.

Iraq’s Supreme Judicial Council announced on Wednesday that the Karkh 2nd Investigation Court had recovered an amount of five billion Iraqi dinars for a financial fraud case.

In a statement received by Shafaq News Agency, the judiciary indicated that “the sum was recovered from two companies that violated the law by fraudulently obtaining the difference in the dollar exchange rate through money transfers outside the country.”

According to the statement, “The Second Karkh Investigation Court, through extensive efforts and under the supervision of the court’s first judge, recovered this amount. These efforts are ongoing to take legal action against the remaining companies that employ illegal methods to obtain large profits, thereby harming public funds.”

Shafaq.com

Tehran: We are ready to develop Iraqi gas, and the decision is up to Baghdad.

Iran’s Deputy Oil Minister, Hossein Zadeh, announced on Tuesday (September 9, 2025) his country’s readiness to work within Iraqi territory to develop and extract gas fields, which will support the Iraqi National Gas Company’s supplies.

Zada pointed out in press statements that the future of this vital cooperation “is determined by the Iraqi government” in light of ongoing international pressure, stressing that Iraq must decide for itself.

He added that Iran has always “extended a helping hand to the Iraqi people,” and that the offer of assistance and investment in this field had been on the table since the Iranian oil minister’s recent visit to Baghdad.

These statements come at a critical time, as Iraq faces a significant daily electricity production deficit that threatens the stability of the electricity grid, especially after the end of US waivers on Iranian gas imports in March 2025. Iraq’s summer energy demand is approximately 50,000 megawatts, while its domestic production does not exceed 28,000 megawatts.

Burathanews.com