United States: Iranian-backed militias are planning attacks inside Iraq

The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad warned on Tuesday that what it called “Iraqi terrorist militias allied with Iran” continue to plan attacks against American citizens and U.S.-related targets in Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region.

The embassy said in a security alert issued today that “Iraqi terrorist militias allied with Iran continue to plan additional attacks against U.S. citizens and U.S.-related targets throughout Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region of Iraq,” adding that “certain entities associated with the Iraqi government continue to provide political, financial, and operational cover for these terrorist militias.”

The embassy confirmed that the travel warning for Iraq remains at level four, “Do Not Travel,” urging American citizens “not to travel to Iraq for any reason” and to “leave immediately” if they are in the country.

She noted that Iraqi airspace had been reopened with limited commercial flights operating, while warning of ongoing risks in the airspace including missiles, drones and projectiles.

She indicated that the US mission in Iraq continues its work despite the mandatory departure order, to provide assistance to American citizens, and called for not going to the embassy in Baghdad or the consulate in Erbil due to security risks.

She also noted that all routine consular services, including visa services, remain suspended, while assistance for emergencies is being provided via email.

She explained that commercial flights are available from neighboring countries such as Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, in addition to land borders remaining open, with the need to adhere to travel guidelines and security alerts.

The embassy urged American citizens to take precautionary measures, including monitoring security updates, avoiding protest sites, maintaining emergency preparedness, and staying in constant contact with their families.

Shafaq.com

Border crossings: Customs revenues exceeding one trillion dinars were collected during the first four months of this year.

The head of the Border Ports Authority, Omar Al-Waeli, stated on Tuesday that customs revenues amounting to more than one trillion dinars were collected during the first four months of this year, while he expected that customs revenues this year would reach 3 trillion dinars. Al-Waeli told the official agency that “the Authority has taken it upon itself to find alternatives in case the sea ports or the eastern ports with Iran are closed,” explaining: “We have put in place an alternative plan for goods to enter Iraq.”

He added: “We were able to find alternatives through other outlets, namely Trebil, Arar and Safwan, to greatly increase import capacity, which led to price stability in the market, and no problems were recorded in the entry of goods,” noting that “the outlets have short, medium and long-term plans to deal with any challenges facing the country.” Al-Waeli continued: “The border outlets achieved an amount of two trillion dinars during the year 2024 and two trillion and 500 billion dinars during the year 2025, and during the first four months of this year we exceeded the one trillion dinar mark,” indicating that “the data indicates achieving three trillion by the end of this year.”

He also explained that “the ports have an upward trend in the amounts collected during the years 2024, 2025 and 2026,” stressing that “the ports are working hard to maximize non-oil revenues.

Burathanews.com

An “incomplete” government… Political maneuvering to select deputies for al-Zaydi as a “compensation”

Political sources revealed on Monday that there is intense political activity between the political forces and the technical and political committee of the coordination framework, with the aim of selecting the deputies of the new Iraqi government in a way that achieves “balance,” while on the other hand it was indicated that the government formation will be presented “incomplete” next week.

A source within the coordination framework told Shafaq News Agency that “political activity behind the scenes of the parties and the committee concerned with evaluating ministerial candidates and distributing positions is escalating to select three to four deputies for the new Prime Minister, some of whom will be (appeasement).”

He added, “One of the candidates, Mohsen al-Mandalawi, is supported by the State of Law Coalition, along with the leader of the Azm Alliance, Muthanna al-Samarrai, representing the Sunni component, in addition to the caretaker Foreign Minister, Fuad Hussein, representing the Democratic Party, and it is likely that a fourth candidate will be added.”

For his part, a source in the Sunni political coalition confirmed to Shafaq News Agency that most political forces and parties have submitted their candidates for ministries and independent bodies.

He noted that Al-Zaydi’s team and the technical framework committee are studying and evaluating the candidates.

In addition, the sources did not rule out that Al-Zidi would present his cabinet in an incomplete form, and that it would exceed half of the cabinet, due to the continuation of political disputes within the same components and with the other different components, regarding some important sovereign and service ministries.

On Monday, MP Mohammed Al-Shammari, from the parliamentary services bloc, revealed new details regarding the date for submitting the ministerial cabinet of the new government and the mechanism for deciding on it within the House of Representatives.

Al-Shammari told Shafaq News Agency that Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi has enough time constitutionally to finalize his government formation and present it to the House of Representatives within the specified period.

He added that “Al-Zidi informed the leaders of the Coordination Framework of his intention to present the ministerial cabinet on the 9th of this month,” noting that “the House of Representatives will hold a session during the next week to vote on granting confidence to the new government.”

According to the MP, the number of ministries in the next government will be 22 portfolios, distributed as follows: 12 ministries for the Coordination Framework forces, 6 ministries for the Sunni blocs, and 4 ministries for the Kurdish parties.

It is worth noting that a political source revealed to Shafaq News Agency a few days ago that the Ministry of Higher Education will be allocated to the Progress Party (which obtained the position of Speaker of Parliament) led by Mohammed al-Halbousi, which holds 27 seats as a major party, while the Azm Alliance, led by Muthanna al-Samarrai, which holds 15 seats, will receive the Ministry of Defense.

Last week, the ruling Shiite coalition forces in Iraq announced the nomination of Ali al-Zidi for the premiership, after al-Sudani and al-Maliki withdrew from the race for the position, in a move that opened the door to a new settlement within the Shiite bloc after weeks of political deadlock over the shape of the next government and the distribution of its sovereign and service positions.

Shafaq.com

Iraqi Parliament: Voting on the new cabinet will take place next week

The Iraqi parliament announced on Monday that the vote on the new government will take place next week, and that the names and the government program will be received by the end of this week.

The media office of the council said in a statement received by Shafaq News Agency that “the House of Representatives held its session today, chaired by Hebat al-Halbousi and attended by 217 members.”

She added, “At the beginning of the session, Al-Halbousi noted that the House of Representatives will receive the government program at the end of this week from Ali Al-Zidi, who is tasked with forming the new government, so that the members of the council can review it and study it through the Strategic Planning and Government Program Committees, pointing out that the names of the ministerial cabinet will be presented next week for a vote by the House of Representatives.”

On Monday, MP Mohammed Al-Shammari, from the parliamentary services bloc, revealed new details regarding the date for submitting the ministerial cabinet of the new government and the mechanism for deciding on it within the House of Representatives .

Al-Shammari told Shafaq News Agency that Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi has enough time constitutionally to finalize his government formation and present it to the House of Representatives within the specified period .

He added that “Al-Zidi informed the leaders of the Coordination Framework of his intention to present the ministerial cabinet on the 9th of this month,” noting that “the House of Representatives will hold a session during the next week to vote on granting confidence to the new government .”

According to the MP, the number of ministries in the next government will be 22 portfolios, distributed as follows: 12 ministries for the Coordination Framework forces, 6 ministries for the Sunni blocs, and 4 ministries for the Kurdish parties .

It is worth noting that a political source revealed to Shafaq News Agency a few days ago that the Ministry of Higher Education will be allocated to the Progress Party (which obtained the position of Speaker of Parliament) led by Mohammed al-Halbousi, which holds 27 seats as a major party, while the Azm Alliance, led by Muthanna al-Samarrai, which holds 15 seats, will obtain the Ministry of Defense .

Last week, the ruling Shiite coalition forces in Iraq announced the nomination of Ali al-Zidi for the premiership, after al-Sudani and al-Maliki withdrew from the race for the position, in a move that opened the door to a new settlement within the Shiite bloc after weeks of political deadlock over the shape of the next government and the distribution of its sovereign and service positions.

Shafaq.com

A deputy reveals the share of the Sudanese coalition in the Al-Zidi government.

On Monday, MP Ahmed Al-Dalfi, from the Reconstruction and Development Coalition, revealed the coalition’s share in the upcoming cabinet, stating that the ministries of oil, labor and social affairs, and industry and minerals would be allocated to them.

Al-Dalfi told Shafaq News Agency that “the Reconstruction and Development Coalition will receive 5 ministerial portfolios in the new government, including the ministries of oil, labor and social affairs, and industry and minerals,” indicating that “the other ministries are currently being negotiated to secure them for the coalition.”

Al-Dalfi added that “the head of the coalition, Muhammad Shia al-Sudani, will remain a political leader and head of the Reconstruction and Development Coalition, and will not be a minister in the next government.”

It is noted that the number of ministries in the next government will be 22 portfolios, distributed as follows: 12 ministries for the Coordination Framework forces, 6 ministries for the Sunni blocs, and 4 ministries for the Kurdish parties.

It is worth noting that a political source revealed to Shafaq News Agency a few days ago that the Ministry of Higher Education will be allocated to the Progress Party (which obtained the position of Speaker of Parliament) led by Mohammed al-Halbousi, which holds 27 seats as a major party, while the Azm Alliance, led by Muthanna al-Samarrai, which holds 15 seats, will receive the Ministry of Defense.

Sources also indicated that al-Zaydi will meet with Sunni leaders, including al-Halbousi, because the latter raised the bar for his party’s demands in the government cabinet, which sparked controversy behind the scenes of the political forces, especially with the Sunni ministries file entering the stage of direct negotiation.

Last week, the ruling Shiite coalition forces in Iraq announced the nomination of Ali al-Zidi for the premiership, after al-Sudani and al-Maliki withdrew from the race for the position, in a move that opened the door to a new settlement within the Shiite bloc after weeks of political deadlock over the shape of the next government and the distribution of its sovereign and service positions.

Shafaq.com

An economist says OPEC’s oil quotas need to be reconsidered after the UAE’s withdrawal.

Economic expert Dr. Safwan Qusay stressed the importance of reconsidering the oil quotas of the OPEC oil exporting organization after the UAE withdrew from it.

Qusay told Al-Maalomah, “The process of rearranging quotas within OPEC should be discussed, as the UAE’s withdrawal from the organization means a reduction in OPEC’s share of global markets. Member states cannot be allowed to increase their quotas unless there is competition to acquire a larger market share for the organization.”

He added, “There is a need to reconsider the organization’s market share based on the size of proven reserves and population in order to prevent the withdrawal of other countries, maintain OPEC’s cohesion, and try to bring in alternative members to replace the UAE.” He explained that “large-producing countries will be harmed if the UAE increases production without a quota rearrangement within OPEC,” noting that “Iraq, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia have the capacity to increase oil production at reduced costs, so there should be a review of quotas within OPEC, while emphasizing the importance of the UAE continuing to avoid harming global energy prices.”

Almaalomah.me

Al-Saadawi: Appointing deputies to the President of the Republic is necessary for two reasons

Former MP Abdul Hadi Al-Saadawi, a leader in the Reconstruction and Development Bloc, confirmed on Monday that there is political movement and current understandings to push for the appointment of deputies to the President of the Republic, considering this step to have become an urgent necessity to protect the constitution.

Al-Saadawi stated in an interview with Al-Maalouma News Agency that “the issue of appointing vice presidents is being strongly considered in current political discussions and will not be limited to the present phase but will extend to future phases as well.”
He added that “this approach is based on two main reasons. The first is to prevent the president from unilaterally approving or rejecting laws and legislation issued by parliament and the government, thus ensuring the presidency’s role as a true guardian of the constitution.” He continued, “The second reason is to maintain a balance among the fundamental components of Iraqi society within the presidency, guaranteeing everyone’s participation in sovereign decision-making.”

Almaalomah.me

Reconstruction and Development: No agreement has yet been reached on the candidates for the next government.

The spokesman for the Reconstruction and Development Coalition, Firas Al-Muslawi, denied on Monday what has been circulating regarding the finalization of the names of the ministerial cabinet candidates for the next government.

Al-Muslawi told Al-Maalouma News Agency that “the names circulating in the media and on social media are inaccurate and have no basis in reality,” stressing that “the selection of ministers is still under discussion among the political forces within the coalition.”
He added that “the current political process is focused on establishing criteria that rely on competence and professional experience as the basis for selection, before moving to the stage of proposing names,” calling for “accuracy in reporting information and reliance on official sources to avoid confusing the political scene.”

Almaalomah.me

Mansour: Al-Zaidi’s visit to the region is a “necessary” step to ensure the government’s neutrality.

The leader of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, Suzan Mansour, confirmed on Monday that the visit of the Prime Minister-designate, Ali al-Zaidi, to the Kurdistan Region and his meetings in Erbil and Sulaymaniyah represent a “necessary” step to ensure the neutrality of the next government.

Mansour told Al-Maalomah News Agency that “Al-Zaidi’s visit to the region sends a reassuring message that the incoming government wants to stand at an equal distance from all political forces and components.”

She explained that “the Kurdish conditions and demands presented to the prime minister-designate are not new, but rather long-standing issues,” indicating that “the most prominent of these demands focused on securing the salaries of the region’s employees, enacting the oil and gas law, as well as activating Article 140 of the constitution and guaranteeing the region’s share of the federal budgets.” She noted that “raising these issues at this time aims to find fundamental solutions that will end the outstanding disputes between Baghdad and Erbil within the framework of the new government program.”

Almaalomah.me

Kurdish demands on the table for the next government: oil, salaries, and Article 140

Political reactions continue regarding Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi’s visit to the Kurdistan Region and his meetings with Kurdish leaders in Erbil and Sulaimaniyah. This visit has been described as pivotal in the process of forming the next government, with many emphasizing its importance in solidifying understandings between Baghdad and Erbil.

In this context, Suzan Mansour, a leading figure in the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), affirmed that al-Zaidi’s visit represents a “necessary” step to ensure the neutrality of the next government and to strengthen trust among the various political parties.

Mansour told Al-Maalomah News Agency that “Al-Zaidi’s visit to the region sends a reassuring message that the incoming government seeks to maintain impartiality towards all political forces and groups.” She explained that “the issues raised by the region are not new, but rather long-standing demands that require fundamental solutions within the upcoming government program.”

She added that “the most prominent Kurdish demands include securing the salaries of the region’s employees, enacting the oil and gas law, activating Article 140 of the Constitution, and guaranteeing the region’s share of the federal budget.” She pointed out that “raising these issues at this time aims to end the chronic disputes between Baghdad and Erbil and establish common ground for government action.”

For his part, Mahma Khalil, a leader in the Kurdistan Democratic Party, revealed details of the meetings that brought Al-Zaidi together with the region’s leaders, confirming that the party was among the first to support him in the process of forming the next government.
Khalil told Al-Maalomah News Agency that “the meetings held by the Prime Minister-designate with both Masoud Barzani and Nechirvan Barzani were fruitful, and during them the party’s support for the next government was confirmed,” explaining that “Barzani laid out three basic pillars for participating in the government, which are: genuine partnership in decision-making, achieving balance within state institutions, and adopting political consensus among all parties.”

Regarding the parliamentary stance, Khalil clarified that “the decision by Democratic Party MPs not to attend parliamentary sessions is a temporary suspension, not a withdrawal or boycott of the political process,” noting that “this measure has been previously taken by other political forces at various stages for different reasons.”
This political activity comes at a time when the Iraqi arena is witnessing intensive efforts to bridge the gaps between political forces, particularly concerning the chronic points of contention between the federal government and the Kurdistan Region, amidst anticipation of the outcome of ongoing understandings regarding the formation of the next government and its political program.

Almaalomah.me