The coordinating framework fails to decide on a candidate for prime minister and postpones its meeting.

The Coordination Framework failed again to decide on a candidate for the premiership on Monday evening, due to disagreements among its members over two names nominated for the position. However, the Secretary-General of the Framework, Abbas Al-Amiri, confirmed that the meeting was “positive,” but that the agreement needs more time to mature.

Al-Amiri said in a video after the meeting: “Today’s meeting was positive and all opinions and discussions were presented. It needed more time, so the framework decided to postpone the meeting until Wednesday to complete today’s dialogue.”

Al-Amiri confirmed that “tomorrow, Tuesday, the dialogue will also be completed,” indicating that “the atmosphere today was very positive, and we will reach a solution next Wednesday.”

A source told Shafaq News Agency that “the coordination framework has not reached the stage of agreeing on the name of the candidate, Bassem al-Badri, and disagreements have occurred regarding the distribution of ministerial portfolios and independent bodies, most notably the Popular Mobilization Forces.”

Yesterday, the General Secretariat of the Coordinating Framework called on the forces of the framework to hold a meeting today, Monday, at the office of the leader of the Wisdom Movement, Ammar al-Hakim, stressing that the agenda is limited to deciding on the candidate for the presidency of the Council of Ministers.

The coordinating framework that includes the ruling Shiite political forces in Iraq failed to hold a “crucial” meeting last Saturday, and it was postponed to Monday.

These developments come at a time when the government formation process has entered a critical phase, following the election of Nizar Amidi as President of the Republic. This places the largest bloc before a constitutional deadline ending on April 26 to officially present its candidate, amid fears of returning to square one of political deadlock.

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Wisdom surrounds Shafaq News with scenarios for the “crucial” framework meeting… and a new name enters the race

MP Riyad Adai, from the “Hikma” bloc, confirmed that the coordination framework meeting scheduled for Monday evening is still on, suggesting that the prime minister candidate will be decided within the next 24 hours, with a new name being put forward among the scenarios being discussed.

Adai told Shafaq News Agency that the remaining constitutional period for assigning the Coordination Framework’s candidate to form the government is five days, which puts the Framework’s leaders in a political predicament and pushes towards resolving the issue quickly.

He explained that the framework’s internal regulations stipulate that the candidate who obtains two-thirds of the votes or the consensus of the leaders will be the framework’s official candidate for the position of Prime Minister.

He added that today’s meeting will be held in the office of the head of the Wisdom Movement, Ammar al-Hakim, denying any postponement, and expressing his hope that the name of the candidate will be decided during the session.

Adai pointed out that there is more than one scenario being considered, the first of which includes putting forward the name of the current Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, while another scenario includes names including Basim Al-Badri, in addition to putting forward the name of Ihsan Al-Awadi as a new candidate.

He explained that the person who is acceptable within the coordination framework and is able to collect the required votes will be the closest to obtaining the final nomination.

For his part, a parliamentary source confirmed to Shafaq News Agency that the meeting will be held on its scheduled date, and that one of the proposed scenarios is for each party to present its candidate for the position of Prime Minister, and then a vote will be held to choose the one who obtains two-thirds of the votes.

The source added that the head of the State of Law Coalition, Nouri al-Maliki, will put forward the name of Bassem al-Badri, while al-Sudani will put forward the name of Ihsan al-Awadi, with the winner being the candidate of the Coordination Framework for the premiership, who will be chosen by a two-thirds majority.

Yesterday, the General Secretariat of the Coordinating Framework called on the forces of the framework to hold a meeting today, Monday, at the office of the leader of the Wisdom Movement, Ammar al-Hakim, stressing that the agenda is limited to deciding on the candidate for the presidency of the Council of Ministers.

The coordinating framework that includes the ruling Shiite political forces in Iraq failed to hold a “crucial” meeting last Saturday, and it was postponed to Monday.

These developments come at a time when the government formation process has entered a critical phase, following the election of Nizar Amidi as President of the Republic. This places the largest bloc before a constitutional deadline ending on April 26 to officially present its candidate, amid fears of returning to square one of political deadlock.

Shafaq.com

Support: The prime ministerial candidate may be outside the three names.

Former MP Hassan Fad’am, from the Coordination Framework, confirmed on Monday that the Framework is determined to decide on its candidate for Prime Minister during its meeting today or next Wednesday.

Fadaam told Al-Maalouma that “the coordination framework will hold its meeting today in order to decide on the selection of the prime minister for the next stage, and the framework is determined to end this matter and choose its candidate before the end of the constitutional deadline next Sunday.”

He added that “today’s session will be held to decide on the selection of the new president, and the framework session and its meeting may be postponed until next Wednesday, and it is expected that there will be a candidate from outside the three nominated names (the former prime ministers).”

He explained that “the candidate Bassem al-Badri is under consideration by the Coordination Framework, and the Framework will finalize its position on this matter during its upcoming meeting, either today or next Wednesday, to announce the candidate it will present to be tasked with forming the government.”

Almaalomah.me

Reconstruction and Development: Tonight’s framework meeting is crucial, and there is no alternative to al-Sudani and al-Maliki.

The spokesperson for the Reconstruction and Development Bloc, Firas al-Muslawi, revealed on Monday that there are positive indicators for the coordination framework meeting scheduled for this evening. He emphasized the blocs’ commitment to finalizing their candidate for the position of Prime Minister, coinciding with the approaching constitutional deadline.

Al-Muslawi told the Information Agency that “tonight’s meeting of the coordination framework leaders will be crucial in determining the final mechanism for selecting the next Prime Minister, and then proceeding to a vote on the candidate, whether by consensus or majority.” He predicted that “the candidate’s name will be officially decided in a meeting that may be held next Wednesday.”

He added that “the Reconstruction Bloc remains committed to its leader, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, and there is no alternative to him at present. The Dawa Party has also clearly announced its support for the head of the State of Law Coalition, Nouri al-Maliki.” He pointed out that “the tight constitutional deadlines are pushing everyone towards resolving the issue as quickly as possible.”

Almaalomah.me

MP: There is no draft budget law for 2026… Finance Ministry focuses on controlling spending

MP Ahmed Haji Rashid confirmed on Monday that there is no draft budget law for 2026 at present, indicating that the legal procedures for its preparation will begin in the middle of next year.

Rashid told the Information Agency, “The preparation of the 2026 budget is not underway now; rather, its outlines and preparation are scheduled to begin in May 2025,” explaining that “what is being circulated now is merely speculation.”
He added that “there are accurate financial statements issued by the Ministry of Finance and submitted to the Federal Board of Supreme Audit to regulate the current expenditure mechanism,” noting that “these procedures aim to ensure transparency in spending while awaiting the legal deadlines for preparing future budgets.”

Almaalomah.me

Abdul Hadi: Today’s framework meeting is crucial, and there will be no postponement in announcing the final decision.

A member of the Coordination Framework, Awda Abdul-Hadi, confirmed on Monday that the meeting of the Coordination Framework forces scheduled for this evening in Baghdad will be decisive, denying any postponement or delay in announcing the final decision.
Abdul-Hadi told Al-Maalouma, “The meeting of the Coordination Framework forces this evening will be final in determining the identity of the candidate for the next prime minister,” noting that “all leaders are determined to resolve this matter without any delay or hesitation.”

He added that “the number of candidates proposed so far is four, and it is impossible to determine who will receive support before the meeting concludes,” emphasizing that “all options remain open.”

He explained that “the Coordination Framework will announce the identity of the agreed-upon candidate in an official statement immediately after the meeting concludes,” indicating that “the Framework forces agree on the necessity of expediting the formation of the government in light of the current circumstances, and the importance of forming a fully empowered government to manage critical issues, particularly financial, economic, and security matters.”

Almaalomah.me

Coordination framework: No withdrawals among candidates; final decision to be made this evening.

A member of the Coordination Framework, Uday Abdul-Hadi, confirmed on Monday that none of the candidates for the position of Prime Minister have withdrawn, indicating that the list of names remains limited to only four candidates.

Abdul-Hadi told Al-Maalouma, “What is being circulated about withdrawals or a reduction in the number of candidates is inaccurate, as the four names remain on the table of the Coordination Framework forces without any change,” denying “the withdrawal of any candidate so far.”

He added that “the meeting of the Framework forces, scheduled for this evening, will be decisive and final in determining the identity of the candidate who will receive the Framework’s support to assume the task of forming the next government and managing it for the next four years.”

He pointed out that “so far, it is not possible to favor any particular candidate, but the Framework will rely on the principle of achieving a majority in making its final choice,” noting that “the picture of the supported candidate will be clearer after the meeting concludes this evening.”

Abdul-Hadi confirmed that “all indications point to the presence of all leaders of the Coordination Framework at this important meeting, given its direct impact on the formation of the next government.”

Almaalomah.me

A liquidity crisis is putting pressure on Iraq’s finances; a government advisor proposes two options.

The financial advisor to the Iraqi government, Mazhar Muhammad Saleh, confirmed on Monday that the country’s public finances are facing a liquidity crisis as a result of declining oil revenues due to the repercussions of the Strait of Hormuz crisis, revealing two main options to address the revenue gap and ensure the continuation of government spending.

Saleh told Shafaq News Agency that public revenues may not exceed 4 trillion dinars per month, compared to operating expenses estimated at about 8 trillion dinars, including salaries, pensions and social welfare.

He explained that the current crisis represents a short-term liquidity crisis resulting from an imbalance between incoming cash flows and fixed financial obligations, rather than a structural crisis in the state’s financial capacity.

He explained that the first option is to resort to internal financing through the issuance of short-term government debt instruments and the activation of open market operations in coordination with the central bank, to provide urgent liquidity that enables the state to meet its obligations, warning of potential inflationary pressures and risks to the exchange rate if these measures are not managed carefully.

He added that the second option is to borrow externally through international financial institutions or global capital markets by issuing international bonds or loans with sovereign guarantees, noting that this path supports foreign reserves and enhances the stability of the dinar, but it may be linked to reform conditions.

Saleh suggested adopting a mix of rapid domestic financing to cover immediate needs, and external borrowing later to enhance financial stability in the medium term.

He stressed that the success of this approach depends on controlling public spending, improving non-oil revenues, maintaining exchange rate stability, and restoring optimal oil export capacities.

He concluded by saying that the Strait of Hormuz crisis has once again highlighted the fragility of Iraq’s dependence on oil revenues, and the need to build more flexible and sustainable financial instruments.

Shafaq.com

United States: Iraqi government-linked entities support militias that threaten Americans

The US Embassy in Baghdad warned its citizens on Monday of continued security risks in Iraq, despite the reopening of airspace and the resumption of limited commercial flights, urging Americans not to travel to Iraq and to leave immediately if they are already there. It also accused parties linked to the Iraqi government of providing political, financial and operational cover to “Iranian-linked militias.”

The embassy said in a new security alert issued today, which was seen by Shafaq News Agency, that Iraqi airspace has been reopened, but air travelers through Iraq should be aware of the ongoing risks associated with missiles, drones and projectiles.

The embassy added that what it described as “Iraqi terrorist militias allied with Iran” continue to plan additional attacks against American citizens and US-related targets throughout Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region.

The US embassy accused “entities linked to the Iraqi government of providing political, financial, and operational cover to Iraqi militias allied with Iran,” and said they continue to plan attacks against US citizens and US-linked targets.

The embassy confirmed that the US mission in Iraq would continue to operate despite the mandatory departure order, noting that its services were limited to assisting American citizens, while warning against going to the embassy in Baghdad or the consulate in Erbil due to security risks.

The embassy renewed its Level 4 travel warning, which states “Do not travel to Iraq for any reason,” urging American citizens currently in the country to leave immediately.

Regarding exit options, the embassy noted that land routes to Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Turkey remain open, with long delays and local entry and exit procedures expected, as well as the possibility of higher airfares or cancellations at short notice.

The embassy also announced the suspension of all routine consular services in Iraq, including visa services, urging American citizens to communicate via email only in emergencies.

Shafaq.com

“Within days”… Iraq to resume pumping its oil through the “Kirkuk-Ceyhan” pipeline

On Monday, an official source at the North Oil Company revealed that the work of connecting all secondary pumping stations linked to the (K1) and (AT1) stations in Kirkuk has been completed, in a preliminary step to restart the oil pumping system in the next few days via the “Kirkuk-Ceyhan” pipeline.

The source told Shafaq News Agency that “the technical and engineering staff were able to complete the connection of all secondary pumping stations within the system linked to the K1 and AT1 stations,” indicating that “actual pumping operations will begin within days, preceded by a trial pumping phase to ensure the network’s readiness and operational efficiency.”

This development comes at a time when stakeholders are seeking to reactivate the infrastructure of the oil sector in Kirkuk, following periods of shutdown and technical and security challenges that have affected the stability of transportation and export operations.

K1 station is one of the most important strategic stations in the oil transport system in northern Iraq, as it represents a key connection point for pipelines extending towards export, while AT1 station contributes to supporting pumping operations and enhancing the flexibility of the oil network.

According to experts, completing the connection works between the secondary stations represents an important technical step to ensure the stability of oil flow and reduce the rates of malfunctions or interruptions, as well as raising the operational efficiency of the system as a whole.

In this context, experts believe that resuming pumping operations would contribute to boosting oil revenues, especially given the Iraqi economy’s heavy reliance on oil exports as a primary source of income.

Positive indicators

For his part, Ali Khalil, an economic expert, told Shafaq News Agency that “the reactivation of pumping stations in Kirkuk represents an important step towards increasing Iraq’s export capacity, especially from the northern fields, which have large production capacities but have not been fully exploited in the past.”

He added that “improving the infrastructure of the oil transport sector will contribute to reducing technical bottlenecks and raising export efficiency, which will directly reflect on the size of the state’s financial revenues,” noting that “any increase in oil exports will provide additional support for the general budget, especially in light of the economic challenges facing the country.”

Khalil explained that “the stability of pumping and export operations from Kirkuk can enhance the confidence of foreign companies operating in the oil sector and open the door to new investments in field development and infrastructure,” noting that “this requires continued government support and the provision of a safe and stable working environment.”

Regarding local repercussions, the economist pointed out that “revitalizing the oil sector in Kirkuk may contribute to boosting the local economy by providing direct and indirect job opportunities and stimulating related sectors such as transportation and services.”

He also pointed out that “increased production and exports may give the government more financial space to improve basic services, especially in oil-producing provinces that suffer from a lack of infrastructure.”

Despite these positive indicators, Khalil stressed the need to “manage oil resources efficiently and transparently to ensure maximum economic benefit from them,” calling for “diversifying income sources and not relying entirely on oil to reduce the impact of global price fluctuations.”

Full readiness

Meanwhile, the source at the North Oil Company confirmed that “the next phase will witness close monitoring of the experimental pumping operations, to ensure that there are no technical obstacles,” noting that “the technical staff are ready to deal with any emergency that may occur during the operation phase.”

The resumption of pumping operations from Kirkuk stations is expected to contribute to strengthening Iraq’s position in the energy markets, especially with the increasing global demand for oil, giving the country an opportunity to maximize its revenues and achieve greater economic stability in the coming period.

Shafaq.com