The State of Law coalition is demanding an emergency session to decide on the remaining ministerial appointments.

Imran Karkoush, a member of the State of Law Coalition, stressed the need to resolve the issue of the ministerial cabinet and to form a fully constituted government, pointing to the importance of holding an emergency parliamentary session in response to the call of the Coordination Framework in order to resolve the remaining ministerial portfolios.

Karkoush told Al-Maalomah, “The coordination framework had previously called for a session of the House of Representatives to finalize the government file and complete the ministerial cabinet of Al-Zidi’s government, after the council failed to pass the entire cabinet in the recent past.”

He added that “the government is still lacking a quorum with regard to the number of ministers, as it is working incompletely and needs to resolve the issue quickly and complete the selection of the nine ministers for the remaining ministries and vote on them within the House of Representatives in an emergency session in order to ensure a complete government with a full quorum and powers.”

He explained that “there are key ministries that need to quickly finalize the selection of their ministers, such as the Interior, Defense, and Higher Education ministries, as they need ministers with genuine expertise who prioritize the interests of the citizen and the country.”

Almaalomah.me

Cabinet formation: Advanced negotiations underway to finalize remaining names before al-Zidi’s visit to Washington

The Iraqi political scene is witnessing rapid activity to resolve one of the most prominent outstanding issues in the government formation process: completing Prime Minister Ali al-Zubaidi’s cabinet. This comes amid growing indications that political forces are nearing final agreements on the remaining ministerial posts.

These moves coincide with efforts within the Coordination Framework to review certain government arrangements, including the potential elimination of deputy prime minister positions and a reduction in what is described as administrative bloat, as well as a reconsideration of several candidates nominated for the remaining portfolios. Statements from political leaders confirm advanced agreements that could pave the way for an extraordinary parliamentary session in the coming period to definitively resolve the issue, thus ensuring the completion of the government formation before the anticipated political and diplomatic events.

Nine ministries are awaiting resolution. In this context, Hussein al-Saabri, a member of the Reconstruction and Development Coalition, stated that a parliamentary session will be held in the coming days to finalize the cabinet after the legislative recess.
Al-Saabri explained in a statement to Al-Maalomah that “understandings regarding the completion of the remaining nine ministerial posts have reached an advanced stage among the political forces.”

He added that “the Speaker of Parliament will call for a session after the legislative recess ends, should the final agreements between the political parties be reached.”
He indicated that “there is significant progress in the ongoing discussions among the political forces to resolve the issue of the vacant ministries in the coming phase.”
He pointed out that the Coordination Framework forces are striving to complete the remaining ministerial portfolios before Prime Minister Ali al-Zubaidi’s anticipated visit to Washington, as part of efforts to fully resolve the government formation process.

Regarding the abolition of deputy prime minister positions, Salam al-Zubaidi, a leader in the Reconstruction and Development Coalition, revealed that the Coordination Framework forces agreed during their recent meeting to abolish the deputy prime minister positions, in addition to setting a date for an emergency parliamentary session to complete the cabinet.

Al-Zubaidi told Al-Maalomah that “the forces within the Coordination Framework unanimously agreed to hold an extraordinary emergency session to complete Al-Zidi’s cabinet, to be held after the conclusion of the Ashura commemorations.”
He added that “the Prime Minister will officially inform the Speaker of Parliament to set the date for the session.”

He explained that “the political forces within the Framework agreed to abolish the positions of Deputy Prime Ministers entirely, considering them redundant and a form of governmental bloat, in addition to the fact that they would embroil the political forces in new problems and disputes they can ill afford.”

He indicated that “the Framework Agreement also included amending the nominees for the Planning, Interior, and Higher Education portfolios, replacing them with alternative figures to finalize the matter.”

Political indicators suggest that the forces participating in the government are seeking to complete the cabinet formation process entirely in the coming period, by reaching an agreement on the nominees for the vacant ministries and resolving outstanding issues in preparation for presenting them to Parliament for a vote.

Almaalomah.me

Al-Zaydi appoints Basim al-Badri as head of the National Security Service, replacing al-Basri.

Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi appointed Basim al-Badri as head of the intelligence service on Thursday, replacing al-Basri. An informed source stated that “al-Zaidi appointed Basim al-Badri to head the National Security Service, succeeding al-Basri.” The source
added that “this appointment comes within the framework of administrative changes within the security establishment,” without announcing further details regarding the reasons for the replacement or its duration.

Almaalomah.me

The coordination framework is discussing the results of Tom Barrack’s visit to Baghdad and the completion of the government cabinet.

The coordinating framework that brings together the ruling Shiite political forces in Iraq discussed on Wednesday evening the recent visit of US envoy Tom Barrack to the capital Baghdad, and the completion of the government cabinet of Ali al-Zaidi.

The framework stated in a statement received by Shafaq News Agency that it held its 281st periodic meeting in the office of Humam Hamoudi, in the presence of the Prime Minister, to discuss the latest political, security and economic developments on the national scene.

According to the statement, the attendees listened to a presentation by the Prime Minister on the latest government procedures and files under follow-up. They also discussed the results and outcomes of the visit of US envoy Tom Barrack and the dialogues he held with the government, and emphasized the importance of protecting supreme national interests and strengthening Iraq’s foreign relations in a way that serves its stability and sovereignty.

The coordination framework also discussed the issue of completing the government cabinet, stressing the importance of expediting this process in order to enhance the efficiency of government performance and ensure the completion of the ministerial program requirements and meet the aspirations of citizens.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Coordination Framework extended its “deepest condolences to the Iraqi people and the Arab and Islamic nations on the occasion of the holy month of Muharram, recalling the great values ​​of Imam Hussein’s revolution and the eternal meanings it represents in reform, sacrifice, and the defense of truth and justice,” according to the statement.

Shafaq.com

A new shipment of gasoline has arrived; a giant tanker has begun unloading its cargo at the Khor Al-Zubair port in Basra.

An official source at the General Company for Iraqi Ports reported on Thursday that technical procedures have begun to unload a giant oil tanker carrying a large shipment of imported gasoline fuel for the account of the Iraqi Oil Marketing Company (SOMO), at the docks of Khor Al-Zubair port in Basra Governorate.

The source told Shafaq News Agency that the tanker, named “NAVIG8 MONTIEL” and supplied by “ADNOC GLOBAL TRADING”, docked at the port to begin unloading its cargo of approximately (37,500) tons.

The source added that the unloading operations are taking place at Pier No. 3 in Khor Al-Zubair port, noting that the technical and laboratory staff have already begun conducting the necessary tests on the product to ensure its conformity with the approved standard specifications under the official contract issued by the Ministry of Oil, before releasing the quantities and pumping them through the oil pipeline network to meet local consumption needs.

Shafaq.com

Regional trade shifts: Iran turns to Iraq to secure the flow of its goods.

Iran is moving towards strengthening the use of Iraq as an alternative trade route, after some traditional shipping routes through the UAE faltered and gas supplies to the Iraqi market declined, which was reflected in the volume of trade exchange between the two countries during the recent period.

Statements issued by the Iran-Iraq Joint Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, and followed by Shafaq News Agency, indicated that Tehran is working to activate alternative routes for transporting goods, after difficulties encountered in using major ports and logistics hubs, most notably the Jebel Ali port in the UAE, which used to be an important transit point for Iranian trade towards multiple markets.

According to the data, these transformations have prompted Iran to study alternative transportation options that include Iraq and a number of other countries, with the aim of ensuring the continued flow of goods and reducing dependence on a single route, in light of the changes taking place in the regional and commercial landscape.

In the same context, the Iraqi-Iranian side indicated that the volume of trade exchange between the two countries was partially affected by the decrease in Iranian gas supplies, which led to a relative decline in the overall figures during the recent period, with expectations of a gradual return of trade activity if supplies improve and transport routes stabilize.

Shafaq.com

Kirkuk markets a quarter of a million tons of wheat and releases payments for last season’s dues.

The director of the Kirkuk silo, affiliated with the Ministry of Trade, announced on Thursday that the marketed quantities of wheat crop have reached about 250,000 tons, while confirming that the dues of farmers and marketers for the past season, amounting to 70 billion dinars, have reached the relevant banks and the procedures for distributing them have begun.

Kirkuk silo director Hassan Hamdi told Shafaq News Agency that “the quantities of wheat received at the Kirkuk silo and its affiliated sites have reached approximately 250,000 tons so far,” indicating that “the receiving operations are still continuing smoothly and according to the timetables set by the Ministry of Trade.”

He added that “the technical and administrative staff are working around the clock to complete the transactions of farmers and receive the crop in accordance with the approved regulations, while providing all the necessary logistical requirements to ensure the speed of procedures and reduce waiting times.”

Hamdi pointed out that the current marketing season is witnessing great cooperation between the concerned authorities and farmers, which has contributed to facilitating marketing and receiving operations, noting that the quantities received are likely to increase in the coming days with the continued flow of crops from various agricultural areas in the governorate.

Regarding financial dues, the director of the Kirkuk silo revealed that the amounts for marketing wheat for the past season, amounting to about 70 billion Iraqi dinars, have been received by the relevant banks.

He explained that “the funds have already arrived at the relevant government banks, and the procedures for distributing them to farmers and marketers have begun according to a specific plan that ensures the smooth flow of the disbursement process and that the dues reach their owners as quickly as possible.”

He stressed that the Ministry of Trade is directly following up on the wheat marketing file and the disbursement of financial dues, given its great importance in supporting the agricultural sector and encouraging farmers to increase production and achieve food security, stressing that the governorate is witnessing a successful marketing season that reflects the volume of agricultural production it has achieved during the current year.

Shafaq.com

Warning: Iraq’s reliance on the Strait of Hormuz exacerbates the risks to its oil exports amid alternative Gulf moves.

Iraq, OPEC’s second-largest oil producer, faces increasing challenges in securing its oil exports as Gulf states accelerate the development of alternative routes to transport crude away from the Strait of Hormuz, at a time when Baghdad still relies almost entirely on its southern ports to export most of its oil production to global markets.

An analysis published by Reuters indicates that Iraq is among the countries most vulnerable to any potential disruption to shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, given that the bulk of its production is concentrated in the southern fields and it relies on Basra ports as a main route for oil exports.

According to the analysis, a number of Gulf states have already begun expanding alternative pipeline, land and sea outlets, giving them greater flexibility in the face of geopolitical risks, while Iraq still faces technical and political challenges that hinder the diversification of crude oil export outlets.

The report also indicated that Baghdad is considering strengthening northern export routes towards Türkiye, but these options still face obstacles related to infrastructure, political and security issues.

Analysts believe that Iraq’s continued reliance on a single main export outlet makes it more vulnerable to economic pressures in the event of disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which places the issue of diversifying export outlets at the forefront of the strategic challenges facing the Iraqi oil sector in the coming years.

Shafaq.com

The Prime Minister’s advisor sets a date for the recovery of Iraqi oil.

The financial advisor to the Iraqi Prime Minister, Mazhar Muhammad Salih, stated on Wednesday that the return of Iraqi oil production and exports through the Strait of Hormuz to pre-war levels depends on the implementation of a package of technical and logistical requirements, foremost among them being the clearing of the vital waterway from sea mines.

Saleh told Al-Maalomah that “the Iraqi oil fields that were damaged as a result of the forced shutdown that exceeded three months need a period of time of about a month to be restarted,” noting that “this step remains conditional on the return of the international companies that left the fields during the military operations.”

He added that “the second challenge is securing the arrival of oil tankers to Iraqi ports,” noting that this “is entirely dependent on the timeframe required to clear the Strait of Hormuz of mines to ensure the safety of maritime navigation and its return to its former state.”

Saleh added that “the oil sector requires a complete rehabilitation of the infrastructure, pipeline networks, and ports to be fully prepared before the actual start of crude oil pumping operations.”

He pointed out that “70 percent of Iraqi oil exports are allocated to East Asian markets,” stressing that “official contracts are still in place and valid.”

Saleh concluded his remarks by stressing that “the restoration of the Iraqi oil sector to its full production and export capacity will not happen suddenly, but will be subject to a gradual and well-thought-out timetable until the stage of full recovery is reached and cash flows for the country are secured.”

Iraqi oil exports have shrunk by 90% following recent regional events and the Israeli-American war on Iran. This challenge has revealed a clear governmental failure due to the lack of alternatives and the failure to provide any other outlet for exporting Iraqi oil, on which the state relies as its primary source of revenue to fund its budget and public expenditures.

Almaalomah.me

Al-Zaidi takes economic files to the White House

In mid-July, Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zubaidi is preparing for an official visit to the United States, where he will meet with US President Donald Trump at the White House to discuss the future of bilateral relations between the two countries.

During his meeting with US President Trump’s Special Envoy, Tom Barrack, al-Zaidi reaffirmed the shared commitment of the Iraqi and US governments to a strong and mutually beneficial partnership capable of fulfilling the aspirations of the Iraqi people for a sovereign, secure, and prosperous future, and providing tangible benefits to both nations. Barrack conveyed President Trump’s anticipation of hosting al-Zaidi at the White House in mid-July to discuss the future of this important relationship.

The discussions addressed the Iraqi vision for building a brighter future free from terrorism, through the complete disarmament and disbanding of armed groups operating outside the authority of the state, and the consolidation of weapons under the control of official institutions, thereby ensuring full sovereignty and distancing Iraq from regional conflicts. Both sides emphasized the urgent need to achieve these goals.

On the economic front, the Prime Minister reiterated Iraq’s commitment to deepening trade and investment relations, a move welcomed by Barak as a shared approach. Both sides commended Iraq’s decision to finalize the operating license for Starlink to provide world-class internet services, launch negotiations with Chevron to develop the West Qurna 2 and Nasiriyah oil fields, enable American companies to resume operations with full security guarantees, and proceed with the memorandum of understanding with TI Capital to rehabilitate the Kirkuk-Banias pipeline. They also discussed the project to develop a floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminal in Khor al-Zubair.

For his part, government spokesman Haider al-Aboudi told the Iraqi News Agency (INA) that the Prime Minister’s visit aims to “establish the necessary momentum to strengthen the Iraqi-American partnership and elevate it to an effective level,” noting that economic, trade and investment files will be at the forefront of the visit’s agenda, and that the government is proceeding with addressing the issue of unregulated weapons and confining them to the hands of the state and its specialized institutions.

Alsabaah.iq