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

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