A member of parliament warns of the dangers of delaying the presidential elections and continuing the cycle of postponement.

Member of Parliament Abboud al-Issawi confirmed on Saturday that there has been a decline in the progress toward resolving the presidential and cabinet appointments before the April 11th parliamentary session. He warned that the country’s security and economic situation necessitates that political blocs end the current deadlock.
Al-Issawi told the Information Agency, “Current indicators show a decline in the level of political understanding required to resolve the presidential and cabinet positions before the scheduled April 11th session,” adding that “time is beginning to put pressure on everyone.”

He further stated that “the significant challenges facing Iraq on both the security and economic fronts require a fully empowered government, and we cannot continue in this cycle of postponement.” He pointed out that “national responsibility compels political forces to make concessions and overcome the current crisis to avoid potentially disastrous consequences.”

Al-Issawi stressed that “the Iraqi people are waiting for tangible solutions to their economic and security problems, and this will only be achieved by forming an executive authority capable of making crucial decisions, free from the conflicts of power-sharing,” noting “the necessity of utilizing the next few days to reach a final agreement that ends the political stalemate.”

Almaalomah.me

MP: No vote on the president without a pledge to hand over wanted individuals in the region

MP Ahmed Shaheed Al-Shammari confirmed on Saturday that there is a parliamentary movement to make the election of the President of the Republic conditional on his pledge to hand over all those wanted by the judiciary who are present in the Kurdistan Region, indicating that the region has become a haven for figures who incite against the security forces and the Popular Mobilization Forces.

Al-Shammari told Al-Maalouma News Agency that “there are names and figures convicted by the Iraqi judiciary who use the Kurdistan Region as a base for inciting against the security forces and the Popular Mobilization Forces,” noting that “some of these figures have gone so far as to support the American-Zionist aggression against the Popular Mobilization Forces and the Islamic Republic of Iran.”

He added that “the representatives are proceeding with their decision not to elect any candidate for the presidency unless they provide a formal pledge to hand over these wanted individuals,” noting that “the continued harboring of these individuals constitutes a threat to national security and a clear violation of the Iraqi constitution and law.”

Almaalomah.me

MP: Forming a government without the input of the street will deprive it of legitimacy

MP Hussein Saheb, from the Ishraqa Kanoun Movement, warned on Saturday of the repercussions of delaying the formation of a national government that meets the aspirations of Iraqis, noting that moving towards forming a government that is far from the will of the street will deprive it of its popular legitimacy.

Saheb told Al-Maalomah News Agency that “the current stage is critical and requires prioritizing the supreme national interest over narrow partisan interests,” indicating that “any further delay in resolving the government issue will create a large gap between the authority and the citizen.”

He added that “political forces are required to listen to the voice of the Iraqi street and not repeat past failures,” noting that “the public is waiting for a service-oriented government capable of addressing the outstanding economic and security issues.”

Almaalomah.me

America exports $357 million worth of agricultural products to Iraq during 2025

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that U.S. exports of agricultural products to Iraq amounted to $357 million in 2025.

The ministry stated that agricultural and animal products exported to Iraq amounted to $375.04 million, and the average value of annual exports during the last three years was $330.12 million, while the compound annual growth rate from 2016 to 2025 recorded a rate of 10.7%.

She noted that US exports to Iraq included rice, soybeans, meat, chicken, nuts, spices, sauces, baked goods, as well as food preparations and dairy products.

Shafaq.com

For the second time, war disrupts Iranian gas supplies to Iraq.

The Iraqi Ministry of Electricity announced on Saturday a significant decline in gas supplies coming from Iran to the country during the current period, attributing this to regional circumstances and the ongoing war in Iran.

The ministry spokesman, Ahmed Moussa, told Shafaq News Agency that “the quantities of gas currently supplied are limited to about 5 million cubic meters per day, supplied to the central region only, after previously reaching 19 million cubic meters, with 10 million cubic meters for the southern region and 9 million cubic meters for the central region.”

Musa added that “the current quantity is very low, especially since the normal rates that should be supplied at this time of year reach about 30 million cubic meters per day, which negatively affects the stability of the electrical power system in the country.”

He pointed out that “the system was affected by the loss of 3,500 megawatts, which is being compensated for by alternative fuel from the Ministry of Oil,” noting that some stations have seen a significant decrease in their generating capacity due to the shutdown and shortage of gas.

The Iraqi Ministry of Electricity confirmed in late March that it would proceed with the implementation of electricity interconnection projects with neighboring countries, whether with the Gulf states, or work to prepare the interconnection with Turkey to restart it, as well as completing the second phase of the interconnection project with the Kingdom of Jordan.

These projects have not been halted by recent events or current circumstances, and are considered important steps within the Ministry’s directions to diversify energy sources and enhance the stability of the electrical system, according to an official statement issued on March 27.

Iraq relies on gas imported from Iran to operate its power plants, but after the cancellation of US exemptions, Baghdad became “besieged.” Attempts to obtain a new exemption from the Trump administration were met with silence, while pressure on the Iraqi government to secure quick alternatives increased over the past six months.

Iraq imports 50 million cubic feet of energy from Iran, which constitutes two-thirds of Iran’s energy production, according to Iraqi government spokesman Bassem al-Awadi.

The last waivers from US sanctions granted by the administration of former President Joe Biden expired on March 7, 120 days after they came into effect.

According to the Iraqi Ministry of Electricity, the country needs about 50,000 megawatts to meet its energy needs in the summer, while it currently produces about 28 megawatts, according to official figures.

Shafaq.com

Telegram has been discontinued within federal institutions but continues to be used in the Kurdistan Region.

The Technology for Peace platform revealed yesterday, Friday, April 3, 2026, that the Telegram application has stopped working within institutions and departments affiliated with the federal government.

The platform noted in a post on its Facebook account that “the application is still operating normally in the governorates of the Kurdistan Region, without any official explanation from the relevant government authorities so far regarding the reasons for this measure or its nature.”

For their part, technology and communications experts recommended that users activate and operate VPN (Virtual Private Network) software to ensure the continued operation of the application and access to its services.

This development comes amid widespread reliance by institutions and individuals on the Telegram application for information exchange and communication, amid anticipation of official clarifications that reveal the background of the decision to stop and the reason for the disruption in Baghdad and other governorates affiliated with the federal government.

Burathanews.com

Iran is establishing a new system for crossing the Strait of Hormuz, dividing countries based on their relationship with Iran.

Al Jazeera English has revealed details of a new system prepared by Iran to manage the Strait of Hormuz and allow ships to enter the strait according to the official relationship with Iran.

According to the network, the new system will divide the world’s countries into three categories: “hostile, neutral, and friendly.” Neutral countries will be subject to large financial fees, while hostile countries will be barred from entering. Friendly countries, however, will be allowed to enter the strait for free.

The network indicated that the new system placed the Gulf states, including Iraq, in the category of hostile and neutral countries, expecting that most of the Gulf states would be prevented from using the strait, while imposing large “tolls” on other neutral countries that depend on the strait to export their oil.

It is noted that Iraq is suffering significant economic consequences as a result of the strait’s closure and its inability to export oil via the usual maritime transport routes.

Burathanews.com

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