Al-Jalabi: The arrests by the Reconstruction and Development Party are a devastating blow to the Sudanese coalition.

Zuhair al-Jalabi, a member of the State of Law Coalition, confirmed on Monday that the arrest campaign targeting a number of prominent political figures, including members of the Reconstruction and Development Coalition led by former Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, on corruption charges, represents a devastating blow to the coalition.
Al-Jalabi told the Information Agency, “The arrests, which included approximately eight prominent figures from the Reconstruction and Development Coalition, as well as other alliances such as the Azm Alliance headed by Muthanna al-Samarrai, on corruption charges, represent a devastating blow to their alliances, potentially leading to their collapse.”

He added, “The lofty rhetoric adopted by some alliances, including al-Sudani’s coalition, regarding combating corruption, especially during the election period, completely contradicts the reality on the ground. The arrest campaign launched by Prime Minister Ali al-Zubaidi against some prominent political figures involved in corruption has exposed the falsity of those lofty slogans.”

It is reported that the arrest campaign launched by Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi included eight prominent members of the Reconstruction and Development Coalition, on charges related to corruption and embezzlement of public funds.

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Parliament is expected to convene in early July to decide on nine ministerial portfolios in al-Zidi’s government.

Member of the Coordination Framework, Uday Abdul-Hadi, predicted on Monday that a session of the Council of Representatives would be held during the first week of July to vote on nine ministerial portfolios in Ali al-Zaidi’s government.

Abdul-Hadi told Al-Maalouma, “There is political support for completing the formation of Ali al-Zaidi’s government from the forces within the Coordination Framework, in coordination with the other political forces and movements.” He anticipated “a session of the Council of Representatives in the first week of July to vote on the candidates for nine ministerial portfolios, in order to complete the remaining cabinet positions.”

He added that “next week will witness an important round of political meetings, especially among the forces within the Coordination Framework, to finalize the choices regarding the candidates’ names, particularly for the sovereign ministries.” He indicated that “expectations point to reaching a comprehensive agreement that will lead to holding the parliamentary session and voting on the candidates for the nine ministerial portfolios.”

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Al-Zaydi announces the date for “monopolizing weapons” and reveals a settlement with those involved in corruption.

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi affirmed on Monday that his government is committed to ending the proliferation of weapons outside the state’s control and combating corruption. He announced the convening of a “National Sovereignty Conference” at the end of this year to enshrine the state’s monopoly on force, while also revealing a plan to reach legal settlements with those involved in corruption cases in exchange for the return of looted funds.

Al-Zaydi said in an interview with the newspaper “Al-Sharq Al-Awsat”, which was reviewed by Shafaq News Agency, that the decision to combat corruption is “final and irreversible”, stressing that corruption has become a threat to the existence of the Iraqi state, and that those who entered state institutions with the aim of stealing “no longer have a place.”

He added that the government is working to end the system of corruption and close that chapter, stressing that “there is no place for corruption, and no place for weapons outside the state.”

He explained that the government will announce at the end of this year the “National Sovereignty Conference,” which will enshrine the monopoly of force in the hands of the state and its security apparatus only, stressing that “there will be no entities carrying weapons outside the framework of the state.”

In the file of recovering funds, Al-Zaydi revealed that the Minister of Finance had directed the opening of a special account to return the looted funds, indicating that the government is moving towards a settlement with those who return the corruption funds, while preserving the rights of Iraqis in accordance with the law and the confidentiality of the procedures, while warning that those who refuse to return the funds “will have a different stance from the government.”

On foreign affairs, the Prime Minister stressed that “Iraq comes first, and nothing precedes the interest of Iraqis,” noting that the country’s interest requires building distinguished relations with the international community, neighboring countries, and the Arab Gulf states.

Al-Zaydi’s statements come in conjunction with a campaign of arrests targeting political officials, members of parliament, and businessmen as part of the anti-corruption campaign, which al-Zaydi described, during a cabinet session, as the “first phase” of broader measures to recover public funds, while tasking oversight bodies with receiving any indications related to cases of corruption or negligence in state institutions.

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11,000 Brazilian calves arrive in Iraq via Syria

The Syrian General Authority for Ports and Customs announced on Sunday evening that 11,000 calves had entered Iraq through the Al-Tanf border crossing after passing through the country’s territory in transit.

According to a statement issued by the authority and seen by Shafaq News Agency, this step is an indication of the growing transit movement, with the increasing number of commercial convoys loaded with various goods, using Syria as a main route.

The authority explained that the convoy of calves came from Brazil and entered Syria through the port of Tartus, and the total number of heads that will take the same route will reach approximately 50,000 heads.

She explained that the passage of these convoys reflects the growing confidence that border crossings and seaports are gaining as a pivotal logistics hub on regional trade routes, in addition to their growing role in supporting transport and trade.

The General Authority for Ports and Customs confirmed that it provides all customs facilities for the passage of transit trade convoys, to facilitate their arrival at their final destination smoothly and safely.

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After 24 hours, the anti-corruption campaign in Iraq raises its tally to 67 detainees.

A security source revealed on Monday that the number of detainees in the anti-corruption campaign launched by the Iraqi authorities had risen to 67 during the first 24 hours.

The source told Shafaq News Agency that among those arrested were politicians, members of parliament, and employees, who were detained on charges related to financial corruption, squandering of public funds, and illicit enrichment.

He added that a large number of wanted people were able to escape or hide inside the country, but that strict security measures prevented any of them from leaving Iraq.

This tally comes about 24 hours after the start of one of the largest campaigns to pursue those accused of corruption in Iraq in years, which has targeted deputies, politicians, officials, employees and business owners, in conjunction with tightened security measures in Baghdad and other provinces.

An informed source revealed to Shafaq News Agency on Sunday that the campaign, in its first phase, targets more than 200 figures within 72 hours, as part of a broader six-month campaign to combat corruption and recover public funds.

The source explained at the time that the campaign included senior officials, party leaders, political forces, former and current agents, and business owners, some of whom were suspected of acting as fronts for money laundering or passing on illicit contracts and benefits.

The campaign coincided with the deployment of special forces and the counter-terrorism unit inside the Green Zone in central Baghdad, the closure of a number of its entrances and the imposition of strict inspection procedures, while the competent authorities confirmed that the execution of arrest warrants is carried out under the supervision of the judiciary and in accordance with legal procedures.

In his first comment on the campaign, Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi said that what happened represents a first stage, stressing that the government will continue to fight corruption and recover public funds, and that it is tasked with protecting the interests of the Iraqi people, “and there will be no leniency in this responsibility.”

Al-Zaydi added that the situation “has become impossible to remain silent about, and that there are strong guardians of public funds.”

Al-Zaydi tasked the oversight bodies with receiving any indicators related to government performance or the performance of ministries, in order to uncover cases of corruption or negligence, noting that Iraq has gone through periods of wars, chaos and fighting terrorism, and that the government’s path today is based on strengthening the power of the state and its monopoly on force and weapons, and not allowing corrupt individuals to be within the body of the state with the aim of stealing public money.

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Seven “urgent” questions to the Oil Ministry regarding US oil reserves.

On Monday, MP Hayam Al-Yasiri addressed an “urgent” parliamentary letter to the Ministry of Oil regarding media reports about supporting the US oil reserves with half a million barrels per day and establishing an energy and development fund with Washington, demanding answers to seven questions supported by documents within 15 days.

According to a document issued by Al-Yasiri’s office, published by Shafaq News Agency, the parliamentary question was based on Article (61/Second) of the Constitution, Articles (27/Third) and (29) of the House of Representatives Law, as well as Article (50) of the Council’s internal regulations.

The MP asked the Ministry of Oil to clarify the validity of the circulating statements, and whether an official decision had been issued regarding them by the Cabinet or the Ministry’s advisory body.

She also questioned whether the quantities of oil referred to were in addition to Iraq’s share in the “OPEC+” alliance, and whether they would be sold at the global price or under a special agreement.

The questions included the nature of the financial compensation, whether Iraq would receive the price of the oil in cash or in a barter arrangement in exchange for projects implemented by American companies, as well as the nature of those projects and their estimated costs in the event of adopting the barter arrangement.

Al-Yassiri also requested clarification on the approved export outlets, the oil companies that will undertake the implementation, as well as the project’s timeframe and the expected returns for Iraq from it.

She also inquired whether the Ministry of Oil had prepared an economic and technical feasibility study for the project, requesting that it be provided with answers and supporting documents within a period not exceeding 15 days.

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Deposits and credit declined in Iraqi banks during 2026

Data from the Central Bank of Iraq showed a decline in total deposits and credit in the banking sector during the first four months of 2026.

According to bank data seen by Shafaq News Agency, total deposits in the banking sector decreased during the first four months to 104.727 trillion dinars by the end of April 2026, compared to 111.065 trillion dinars at the end of 2025, a decrease of 6.338 trillion dinars.

According to the data, central government deposits decreased to 31.517 trillion dinars compared to 36.497 trillion dinars at the end of 2025, and private sector deposits also decreased to 48.924 trillion dinars compared to 50.644 trillion dinars, while public institutions’ deposits increased to 24.286 trillion dinars compared to 23.924 trillion dinars.

In contrast, total credit reached 73.637 trillion dinars at the end of April 2026, down from 75.584 trillion dinars recorded at the end of 2025.

Credit was distributed as follows: 23.915 trillion dinars to the central government, 2.486 trillion dinars to public institutions, while the private sector accounted for 47.236 trillion dinars of total credit.

The data indicates a relative contraction in liquidity within the banking sector during the first four months of 2026, with a decline in both deposits and credit, which may reflect an expansion in government spending and a relative slowdown in credit activity.

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Soon, Baghdad will host international figures: oil, electricity, and strategic partnerships.

Informed sources revealed on Thursday that important visits by international figures to Baghdad are expected, to conduct economic understandings that will bring mutual benefit to the parties concerned, just hours after reports spoke of the possibility of Iraq withdrawing from OPEC, and the repercussions of this decision on the global energy market.

A government source told Shafaq News Agency that “figures and representatives from some European Union countries will soon visit Iraq to reach understandings that achieve common interests, which will include presenting offers and economic partnerships in developing the energy sector in Iraq, including the oil and electricity sectors, in order to reach self-sufficiency and resolve the problem of supply hours.”

The source added that “among the proposed offers is the processing of associated gas and making the most of it in order to achieve self-sufficiency within a short-term plan not exceeding two years.”

He pointed out that “supporting electricity production, along with proposals to implement projects to increase storage capacity and to acquire a joint maritime fleet with important countries, including the United States, is being arranged, with the aim of expanding the volume of Iraq’s crude oil exports.”

Oil Ministry spokesman Salim al-Rikabi had hinted, in a comment seen by Shafaq News, at the possibility of withdrawing from OPEC if the production level allocated to Iraq is not increased in line with its production capabilities and future needs.

In this context, economic analyst Joel Rimmer, who specializes in the global stock market, revealed on Thursday the repercussions of Iraq’s exit from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) on the future of the global oil market, stressing that recent reports from Baghdad carried a message that said, “Either allow production to increase more freely or we will leave the organization.”

Reimer said in an analysis published on the MarketWatch website and translated by Shafaq News Agency that “Iraq’s threat to withdraw from OPEC appeared deliberate and intentional, and any progress in this direction will have major repercussions on the global oil market, as an increase in Iraqi production outside the quota system could put strong pressure on prices that are already witnessing a significant decline.”

According to the analyst, Qatar’s exit from OPEC in 2019 and the UAE’s withdrawal on May 1, 2026, did not pose a major threat to the organization, given that Doha was primarily focused on gas production, while the UAE’s production was only about 3.4 million barrels per day.

As for Iraq, the situation is different for it, as it is one of the founding members of the organization when it was established in 1960, and the second largest producer in it after Saudi Arabia, with a production of about 4.5 million barrels per day, according to him.

Reimer stressed that Iraq’s importance goes beyond its membership in OPEC, because the size of its production makes it a pivotal player in the global supply and demand equation, noting that the Iraqi position carries an indirect message to Saudi Arabia and the influential countries within the organization regarding Baghdad’s dissatisfaction with the current production ceilings imposed on it.

The US Energy Information Administration estimates that Iraq, if it ignores production quota restrictions, could raise its production to seven million barrels per day by 2029, an increase of more than 75% compared to current levels.

Reports also indicate that major American companies such as ExxonMobil, Chevron and Halliburton may be among the biggest beneficiaries of any anticipated investment expansion in the Iraqi oil industry.

Reimer concluded that OPEC losing a founding and major member like Iraq shortly after the UAE’s withdrawal could lead markets to question the organization’s ability to control or support oil prices when they decline.

The economic damage inflicted on the Gulf states by the war with Iran has created significant financial needs for reconstruction and investment, which may prompt some producers to demand an increase in their production quotas, raising the likelihood of a future oil supply surplus and increasing pressure on global prices.

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Iran announces the establishment of a “direct communication line” with the US regarding Hormuz.

Iranian television reported on Friday the establishment of what it described as a direct “line of communication” with the United States to prevent any incidents in the Strait of Hormuz that could lead to a military confrontation between the two countries.

Iranian television confirmed that the establishment of a line or “communication channel” between the two countries comes in implementation of Article 5 of the memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States.

Sources, according to Press TV , indicated that the final statement issued by the mediators following last week’s talks in Switzerland stipulated the establishment of this channel to avoid any incidents in the strategic waterway that could lead to a military confrontation, and to implement the provisions of Article 5 of the Memorandum of Understanding signed in Islamabad.

Iran confirmed that the understanding stipulates that any passage through the Strait of Hormuz must be via routes announced by the leadership in Tehran.

In this context, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stressed on Friday that “ensuring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz cannot be achieved under ambiguous arrangements, parallel routes, or decision-making mechanisms that ignore Iran’s role as a coastal state.”

He added that “any failure to coordinate with Tehran will lead to the suspension of work on any parallel tracks.”

Article 5 of the Memorandum of Understanding stipulates that talks will be held between Iran and the Sultanate of Oman to determine the mechanism for the future management of the Strait and maritime services, in accordance with international law and the sovereign rights of coastal states.

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To boost the economy, calls are being made to open corruption files, monitor contracts, and investigate local governments.

Recently, numerous corruption cases involving officials in the executive branch have been opened, with the theft of millions of dollars. This has prompted many political and parliamentary circles to demand the opening of all corruption files, the monitoring of local governments, and the continuation of efforts to eradicate corruption in order to serve the national economy amidst Iraq’s economic decline. They are also calling for scrutiny of contracts and investments, as political figures assert that many of these contracts are tainted by corruption and suspicion.
Former MP Yasser al-Husseini told Al-Maalouma, “Many corrupt individuals have managed to obtain large contracts for important strategic Iraqi projects, securing them through long-term agreements that generate tens of billions of dinars monthly.”
He added, “If the government truly wants to pursue reform, there are many corruption cases that can be addressed, combated, and the funds, both oil and non-oil, that are being squandered daily, brought under control.”

He explained that “there are simple steps that can be taken to ensure control over Iraqi funds and revenues in order to rescue the Iraqi economy, promote its recovery and revitalization, achieve economic sovereignty for Iraq, and nationalize public economic projects.”

For his part, former MP Arif al-Hamami told Al-Maalomah that “the scourge of corruption necessitates a firm response through a clear, systematic plan based on forming a high-level committee to audit all files and contracts concluded by local governments in various service sectors over the past years.”

He added that “there are suspicions of financial and administrative corruption that may surprise the public,” emphasizing “the need to open the file on inflated project costs and adopt clear and transparent mechanisms to address it.”

Al-Hamami stressed that “corruption has devoured enormous sums of the people’s resources over many years,” indicating that “combating corruption in local governments in the provinces represents the right start to blocking this scourge, which has spared no department or institution. Therefore, confronting corruption requires a clear vision and a comprehensive action plan to ensure accountability and fairness.”

In a related context, MP Ali Saber explained to Al-Maalomah that “eliminating corruption is among the most prominent tasks of the government during the current phase, through the adoption of serious and clear mechanisms to hold those involved accountable and restore the prestige of the state.”

He added that “corruption has caused the depletion of public funds and directly affected the paths of development and progress, which necessitates taking decisive measures to address it,” calling for “opening all closed files that witnessed the squandering of public funds and holding those responsible and involved accountable within the legal frameworks.”

He pointed out that “it is the duty of MPs to work on restoring rights to their owners with complete transparency and not to be satisfied with formal procedures, as the current phase requires isolating the corrupt and exposing the parties behind them, whether they are influential figures or entities, considering this a national entitlement and a responsibility to the people.”

He emphasized the importance of “moving towards forming specialized professional teams and bodies to support anti-corruption efforts, operating according to standards of integrity and efficiency, and contributing to strengthening institutional oversight and activating legal tools in a way that consolidates the principles of transparency and accountability.”

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