Attempts to appease the West… a second term at the state’s expense

he upcoming elections are no longer merely a constitutional requirement, but have become an arena for extensive spending and foreign maneuvering led by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani in his quest for a second term. These policies reveal a dangerous deviation in the direction of governance, where personal interests are prioritized over the concerns and daily crises of Iraqis.

• The nightmare of the second term

In this context, former MP Razzaq al-Haidari, in a statement to Al-Maalouma News Agency, accused al-Sudani of trying to appease foreign parties to ensure his continued hold on power, noting that “spending $500,000 on a conference featuring American and British figures represents only a small fraction of the enormous sums being wasted on his propaganda campaign.”

He added, “These policies only serve narrow personal ambitions, while the people pay the price in terms of their daily sustenance and the disruption of services.”

• Appeasing the West and marginalizing the interior

For his part, State of Law Coalition member Haider al-Lami warned, in a statement to Al-Maalouma News Agency, of the danger of appeasing the West at the expense of the Shiite component, stressing that “the Shiites were and remain the fundamental pillar in building the state and its stability, and any attempt to marginalize them will open the door to a dangerous political vacuum and blatant foreign interference.”

Thus, Al-Sudani insists on embarking on a political adventure titled a second term, even if the price is exacerbating Iraq’s crises and the suffering of its people. Ultimately, he appears not as a reformist leader, but as a politician who is desperate for power, no matter the sacrifices.

Almaalomah.me

The Central Bank of Iraq comments on the possibility of changing the dollar exchange rate.

Central Bank Governor Ali Al-Alaq denied on Sunday any plans to change the dinar’s exchange rate against the dollar.

During a dialogue session at the Iraq Investment Forum, attended by a Shafaq News Agency correspondent, Al-Alaq said, “There is no talk or discussion within the Central Bank or the government about adjusting the official exchange rate for the dollar.”

He added, “Everything that is being circulated is untrue.”

The dollar exchange rate against the Iraqi dinar has fluctuated significantly in recent years. After the previous government, headed by Mustafa al-Kadhimi, changed it from 121,000 dinars per $100 to 140,000 dinars, the current government, headed by Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, changed it again to 132,000 dinars per $100.

During previous changes, its price in the local market remained significantly higher than the official rate, reaching 170,000 dinars per 100 dinars, before recently stabilizing at a slight margin.

Shafaq.com

Iraq in 8 months: Oil exports exceed 800 million barrels, revenues exceed $41 billion

Iraq’s oil exports during the first eight months of 2025 amounted to more than 800 million barrels, according to statistics announced by the State Oil Marketing Organization (SOMO) and reviewed by Shafaq News Agency.

Statistics show that Iraq’s total oil exports during this period amounted to 816,140,045 barrels, at a monthly average of 102,017,505 barrels.

The company added that exports from the Basra and Central fields from Basra ports amounted to 798 million, 413 thousand, and 715 barrels, while total exports from the Qayyarah field from Kirkuk amounted to 7 million, 99 thousand, and 154 barrels.

The report indicated that oil exports from the modern Kirkuk depot to Jordan amounted to 1,866,194 barrels during the same period, noting that Iraq has not exported crude oil to Jordan since last July.

According to statistics, financial revenues from oil exports during the months of March through August amounted to approximately $41 billion, 859 million, 532 thousand, and 43 dollars.

Shafaq.com

“A historic and decisive moment lies ahead.” Washington reveals its “Iraqi” cards under the umbrella of “America First.”

Washington directly intervenes in the Baghdad-Kurdistan dispute and determines its paths.

– Regarding the Popular Mobilization Law and the presence of factions: “There is no force outside the control of the Iraqi state.”

“Post-Alliance” Features of a New Security Partnership: Iraq 2025 Will Not Be the Same

“Ask Baghdad about the return of the Baath Party.” This is our position on the Iraqi elections.

Baghdad – Shafaq News

In the heart of Baghdad, where regional politics intersect with domestic balances, US Chargé d’Affaires Joshua Harris is presenting what amounts to a “roadmap” for the next phase of Washington’s relationship with Iraq.

Harris, who has been closely involved in the Iraq file for years, returned to the capital at what he described as “sensitive and historic times.” In an exclusive interview with Shafaq News Agency in Baghdad, he revealed the outlines of Washington’s vision for Iraq under President Donald Trump, speaking frankly about his country’s priorities for the next phase.

He emphasized that the US administration, despite the reported decline in interest, still views Iraq as a vital partner in its strategy. He emphasized that the “America First” principle applies here as everywhere else, and that the relationship with Baghdad benefits both peoples, with security and political developments he is closely monitoring.

The release of researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov, 903 days after her abduction in Baghdad, provided a starting point for Harris’s discussion. For him, the release was not just a humanitarian event, but a direct political message from President Trump, Harris said, demanding the release of all American hostages “unconditionally.” The Iraqi government confirmed that the release occurred without any deal, money, or exchange.

The timing of these developments has raised questions about Iraq’s place in Trump’s foreign policy, especially given the delay in appointing a new US ambassador. Harris rejected the notion of “marginalizing Iraq,” emphasizing that the “America First” principle applies globally and that the partnership with Baghdad is “essential for both parties.”

Harris also believes that the United States wants a sovereign Iraq that is secure within its borders, contributing to regional stability and becoming more prosperous through economic development. He noted that this serves “the interests of both Washington and Iraqis.”

Harris emphasized that the security partnership with Iraq is “continuously evolving,” noting Iraqi sacrifices in the war against terrorism. He emphasized that his country is implementing a transition plan commensurate with the challenges, adding, “Iraq in 2025 is not the same as it was in the past.”

Interview details:

Question : Mr. Harris, let’s start with the release of Elizabeth Tsurkov. There is much mystery and controversy after more than 900 days of her detention. Various scenarios are being circulated, including deals with the kidnappers or threats against Baghdad. What actually happened?

Harris: Thank you very much. I am delighted to be with you today. It is a pleasure to be back in Iraq at this important time. Iraq is a country that holds a special place in my heart. I have worked on this file for years, and I am delighted to be here again at a sensitive time in our relationship. Regarding Elizabeth, it is wonderful that she has been released and returned to her family after such a long absence. It was a great honor for me to meet her, and she is now in good spirits and where she should be, with her family.

Her release came shortly after a very clear statement from President Trump about the priority he places on releasing the hostages. His position, and that of the US government, was clear: the hostages must be released, unconditionally. We greatly appreciate the personal efforts and leadership of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to achieve this, as well as the Iraqi government’s efforts to secure Elizabeth’s return home.

This crime should never have happened. The kidnapping of a U.S. resident is a violation of Iraqi law, and there must be accountability. The Iraqi government has made clear to us that there was no deal, no money was paid, and no one was released in exchange. We take this seriously and expect it. What you see here is the implementation of the United States’ policy: peace through strength. Elizabeth was returned to her family because of this policy, and that is what we will continue to do.

Question : In this context, it’s worth noting that the Trump administration hasn’t given the Iraqi issue the weight it once did. For example , there’s been a delay in appointing a permanent ambassador. Has Iraq truly become marginal in American policy, as some research centers and politicians claim, often linking it to the Iranian issue or the nuclear negotiations?

Harris: Thank you for the question. The United States, under President Trump’s leadership, puts American interests first. This applies to our relationship here as well as to what we do around the world. We have a fantastic team of professionals in our mission in Iraq, working every day to make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous. We do this through a U.S.-Iraq partnership that meets the needs of both countries.

This is a very important relationship, and we want to ensure that it serves the interests of both Americans and Iraqis. So, let me explain the vision we are bringing to this stage: The United States wants to support a fully sovereign Iraq, secure within its borders, and able to contribute to the stability of the region. We also want a prosperous Iraq that achieves economic progress that benefits Iraqis and Americans alike. These are our priorities, and this is what we are working on with our partners in Baghdad.

Question : With the international coalition forces’ mission nearing its end and the US military presence in Iraq withdrawing, how do you see the future of the security relationship between the two countries? What guarantees will there be no recurrence of the security vacuum that occurred after 2011? Has Baghdad requested that US forces remain?

Harris: Thank you for this important question, and for the opportunity to talk about the future of our security relationship, which is a critical aspect of our relationship with Iraq at this time.

The first thing I want to say is that the United States and Iraq have a very important and very effective partnership to defeat terrorism. Together, our soldiers in the United States and Iraq have fought bravely and nobly to defeat terrorism. This is a burden that Iraq has borne, alongside the United States, on behalf of the entire world, and for that we are grateful. This has resulted in great suffering and a terrible loss of Iraqi lives, and we honor those lives.

We are implementing an agreed-upon transition plan that will enable this partnership to move forward in addressing the current global challenges we face together. Iraq is a founding member of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, alongside the United States, and we are developing our relationship together to ensure we have the position, partnership, and tools necessary to ensure the sustainable defeat of terrorism in this region. Significant progress has been made in this regard.

As we have returned to Iraq in recent weeks, Iraq 2025 is a very different place. We recognize the tremendous efforts and progress made. There is still more work to be done. We need to work together to ensure the sustainable defeat of terrorism. This is absolutely in the United States’ interest, and I know it is in Iraq’s interest as well. We are here to continue together to ensure we take the necessary steps to keep ourselves safe.

At the same time, we are working together very hard to define the next phase of our relationship, including our security relationship. This relationship, of course, needs to meet Iraq’s needs, and it urgently needs to meet the needs of the United States as well. We have active and important discussions about the contours of the next phase of our security partnership, and what it will look like.

This is quite natural. It reflects the fact that our relationship continues to mature and evolve, and we are fully confident in our ability to continue working together effectively to address common challenges. Most importantly, we will do so in a way that meets the needs and priorities of the United States, and of course, Iraq as well.

Question : Has Baghdad submitted a request for US forces to remain?

Harris: Certainly, the Iraqi government needs to talk about any position it might take on this. What I can talk about is how the United States views the situation. I’ve had the pleasure of speaking with a number of Iraqi leaders in recent weeks about this next phase of our relationship. I’ve also had the pleasure of hearing from a number of our Iraqi friends and colleagues about their vision for the next period, and I look forward to continuing those conversations. But as to what the Iraqi government may or may not want, that’s something our Iraqi partners need to discuss.

Question : As we know, the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF ) bill has been postponed until the next parliament discusses it. What is the United States’ role in this? Or how did it react to the idea of ​​passing the bill?

Harris: Thank you for raising this issue. I’m not going to speculate on future legislation. But I can tell you how the United States has viewed this debate so far. What I’m here for, beyond our mission, is to put American interests first. We want a partnership with Iraq that fundamentally meets our needs. It must meet Iraq’s needs. Likewise, it is the Iraqi government’s duty to ensure that Iraq’s interests are put first. These are very compatible approaches that form a solid foundation for our partnership.

We firmly believe in Iraq’s sovereignty and the importance of ensuring its protection, and I know this is a view shared by our Iraqi friends. However, what is deeply concerning is that one of Iraq’s neighbors continues to disregard Iraq’s sovereignty, violate Iraqi laws through a series of affiliated groups within that country, and attempt to drag Iraq down a very dangerous path toward regional conflict.

We will continue to speak out very clearly about our concerns, about the presence of Iranian-backed militias and terrorist groups operating in this country outside the control of the Iraqi government. These groups pose a burden on Iraq’s sovereignty and a burden on an effective and strong American partnership with Iraq. We will speak out about this very clearly.

Last week, as you know, the United States announced the designation of four foreign terrorist organizations. These are four groups based in Iraq, directed and controlled by Iran, that threaten the United States, continue to threaten our interests, and threaten the very strong partnership between the United States and Iraq. We will continue to speak out clearly about the threat of Iranian-backed terrorism.

The United States, under President Trump’s leadership, will do everything in its power to preserve the security of our country and the safety of the American people. We will act in our interests around the world. We have a critical dialogue with our Iraqi partners about what is required during this period, the gravity of the current situation, and the seriousness of ensuring the preservation of Iraq’s sovereignty and dealing with the serious challenge posed by Iranian-backed militias and terrorist groups operating outside Iraqi law and outside the control of the Iraqi government in a sustainable manner. We will certainly continue this dialogue with our Iraqi partners.

There simply should be no debate about the presence of any security force or armed presence outside the command and control of the elected Iraqi government.

Question : How does Washington view the impact of the dispute between Kurdistan and Baghdad, particularly the issue of employee salaries , on political and security stability? Are there American diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis?

Harris: These issues are very much on my mind. I just returned from Erbil yesterday, where over the past few days I had the opportunity to reconnect with our partners in the Kurdistan Regional Government, including Mr. Barzani, to discuss these very issues, to talk about the special partnership between the United States and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, and how we can move forward together on our priorities.

As with our partners across this beautiful country, we have a very active dialogue, of course, with our partners in the Kurdistan Regional Government about our shared priorities: ensuring the defense of Iraq’s sovereignty, ensuring the security of this country within its borders and its ability to provide security to the region, and ensuring that we do everything we can to promote the prosperity of our people and advance the interests of both Iraqis and Americans. We will continue to discuss shared priorities with partners who are able to achieve this agenda.

We in the United States are providing all possible facilitation between the Baghdad government and the Kurdistan Region regarding the resumption of oil exports from the Iraq-Turkey pipeline. Resuming exports is a priority for us and is of utmost importance to our administration.

This progress in oil exports reflects the interests of all, including those of American companies. It is a very important positive sign, as it creates an attractive environment for American investment, business, and companies, by providing opportunities here. This, in turn, has a positive impact on energy security in the region and the world. These matters are extremely important, helping to achieve progress and contributing significantly to securing Iraq’s sovereignty.

We will continue to foster dialogue between the central and regional governments to achieve common interests and priorities, and we look forward to tangible progress in this regard.

Question : How does Washington assess the current situation in the Kurdistan Region, particularly following the escalation in Sulaymaniyah and the power struggle on the one hand, and the faltering formation of the local government on the other?

Harris: Again, I want to say that I greatly appreciate the opportunity to visit the Kurdistan Region, even in recent days, and to engage with friends and partners, regarding the political situation in the Kurdistan Region and to engage with our Kurdish friends. I think they are the best people to answer this question in a more in-depth way. We will continue to work to overcome any outstanding or existing issues in the region or Iraq as a whole, in accordance with the priorities of the United States and our Iraqi partners. But violence anywhere in Iraq is a very serious concern for us, and we will continue to assess and consider. Violence is unacceptable in any part of Iraq.

– A question about the Iraqi elections: What is the American message regarding whether they will be held on schedule or not, and the boycott by the Sadrist movement and other forces, and does Washington believe this will affect the legitimacy or influence of the next government?

Harris: Yes, thank you for that. We believe the Iraqi people are best placed to answer these questions and express their vision for their country’s future, but I can answer as far as it concerns the United States and its interests.

There is a dialogue with Iraqi leaders and elites across the country. In the United States, our interests lie in engaging with a strong and effective Iraq that serves the mutual interests of both countries. This is what we are working on with the current government and with any government after the elections. This is the path the United States is taking with regard to Iraq.

The United States has invested so much in Iraq and its success, and we have very high expectations for our partnership with Iraq going forward, to ensure a partnership that truly meets our shared needs. Therefore, we will continue to speak with great clarity and pride about America’s priorities and how we see our interests here, and we will continue to talk with our Iraqi partners about ensuring a sovereign, secure, and prosperous Iraq that meets our needs.

Our Iraqi friends and partners have a sovereign choice about how to move forward in this partnership, but I will continue to speak clearly about what is in the United States’ interest.

Question : Recently, the largest operation of its kind since 2003 took place, disqualifying hundreds of candidates from the Iraqi elections for various reasons, including their previous affiliation with the Ba’ath Party. What is your comment on this, and does Washington see any serious attempts to revive the Ba’ath Party in Iraq?

Harris: With all due respect, this is a question that should be directed to the Iraqi authorities. I can speak for the United States and our priorities, but regarding this particular question, I encourage you to follow up with the Iraqi authorities to discuss it.

Question : Okay, on another note. How does Washington view Iraq’s role in the recent tension between Israel and Iran, and what are your messages to Baghdad?

Harris: I heard very clearly from my conversations with my Iraqi partners that Iraq does not want to be drawn into a conflict within this region. I want to commend the commitment of the Iraqi government and leadership, including the Sudanese prime minister, to ensuring that Iraq does not become embroiled in the conflict that took place in June, the 12-Day War.

I won’t speculate on the future, but I will say that to keep Iraq out of conflict, there are actions the Iraqi government can take that will reduce the likelihood of Iraq falling into conflict. This means, in particular, addressing the serious challenge posed by these Iranian-backed terrorist militias operating against Iraqi sovereignty and against the strong partnership with the United States. I believe our Iraqi partners fully understand what is necessary.

Question : How do you evaluate freedom of expression and freedom of the press in Iraq?

Harris: Well, what I want to say is that I’m very happy to be having this conversation with you, and I think that’s clear from the very important questions that you asked today about what the United States is doing and the challenges. I think that reflects what you’ve said.

This meeting of ours is extremely important, as through it we expressed the policy of the United States and President Trump around the world, and our engagement and partnership with the Iraqi political spectrum and the Iraqi government, and this is something we welcome.

– Question : Do you think there is a specific file you would like to talk about?

Harris: Yes, thank you for that. Look, we’ve covered a lot of ground. I appreciate you raising a number of important questions. I’m grateful for that. I want to say in closing that we are at a pivotal moment. We are on the cusp of an important, decisive, and historic moment for the country and the world. Together, through our partnership between the United States and Iraq, we have an opportunity to rise to this moment and seize the opportunities available to us.

What I’ve heard from my Iraqi friends and partners, having returned to this very special country in recent weeks, is that they don’t want to be involved in a conflict in this region. They want to be safe within the borders and geography of their country, and this applies to all peoples around the world.

As well as investing in economic opportunities, the United States’ vision for our partners is very clear, and it matches the vision I have stated and made clear to all our friends, which is that we want to see a sovereign, secure, and prosperous Iraq. Members of our mission in Iraq and all diplomats strive daily to achieve tangible results within the framework of U.S. foreign policy through a genuine and sustainable partnership.

I was very pleased to meet you and to have the opportunity to discuss what Iraq and the United States are doing together to advance the interests of both countries.

Shafaq.com

Revealing its role, Washington: The Baghdad-Kurdistan agreement will enhance regional energy security.

US Secretary of State Mike Rubio revealed on Thursday Washington’s role in the Baghdad-Kurdistan Region agreement to resume oil exports, stressing that it will enhance “regional security.”

“We welcome the announcement that the Government of Iraq has reached an agreement with the Kurdistan Regional Government and international companies to reopen the Iraq-Turkey pipeline, an agreement facilitated by the United States that will deliver tangible benefits to Americans and Iraqis alike,” Rubio said in a press statement.

He added, “We commend the decisive efforts of Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and senior Iraqi government officials, as well as Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and senior KRG officials, to achieve this progress.”

He continued, “This agreement will strengthen the mutually beneficial economic partnership between the United States and Iraq, encourage a more stable investment environment across Iraq for American companies, enhance regional energy security, and strengthen Iraqi sovereignty.”

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani announced Thursday evening that he had reached an oil agreement with the Kurdistan Region, describing it as “historic.” The federal Ministry of Oil indicated that the agreement is the result of ongoing efforts over the past months to establish clear mechanisms to ensure smooth export flows and transparency in revenues .

It’s worth noting that the Kurdistan Regional Government’s Ministry of Natural Resources, the Iraqi Ministry of Oil, and oil companies signed a tripartite agreement last Monday, paving the way for the resumption of the export of Kurdistan Region oil via the Ceyhan pipeline.

Kurdistan Region oil exports were halted on March 25, 2023, following an international arbitration ruling requiring Turkey not to allow the region’s oil exports without the approval of the federal government in Baghdad .

Since then, shipments of an estimated 450,000 barrels per day have been disrupted, including 400,000 barrels from the Kurdistan Region and 50,000 from the northern Kirkuk fields. This disruption has resulted in daily financial losses exceeding $30 million, according to unofficial estimates.

Shafaq.com

US Secretary of Defense summons hundreds of generals for ‘urgent’ meeting

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has summoned hundreds of generals and admirals to an emergency meeting next week in Virginia, without announcing a clear reason.

The meeting comes after a series of dismissals of senior military leaders this year under President Donald Trump’s administration, sparking concern and confusion, according to the Washington Post .

Citing informed sources, the newspaper reported that the directive for the meeting, which will be held at a base in Quantico, Virginia, next week, was issued this week and included nearly all senior military leaders worldwide. The directive comes amid fears of a potential government shutdown and after the Department of Defense announced a broad restructuring plan for senior leadership.

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed to the newspaper that Hegseth “will address senior military leaders early next week,” without providing any further details. He explained that the meeting will be held next Tuesday at Quantico.

The newspaper explained that the number of generals and admirals in the US Army is approximately 800, distributed between the United States and other deployment areas around the world. The new order includes all officers with the rank of brigadier general or above, or their equivalent in the Navy, who hold command positions, along with senior advisors from the non-commissioned ranks.

The Washington Post noted that those invited to the meeting include commanders in conflict zones and senior military commanders in Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific region, while clarifying that the invitation does not include officers serving in administrative positions.

Shafaq.com

Kurdistan’s oil exports to Türkiye resumed starting tomorrow morning, Saturday.

An oil source at the North Oil Company revealed on Friday that crude oil exports from the Kurdistan Region to Türkiye will resume tomorrow morning, Saturday, after exports were halted in March 2023.

The source told Shafaq News Agency, “Pumping operations through the Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline will resume on Saturday morning, following technical and administrative understandings between the federal Ministry of Oil, the Kurdistan Regional Government, and the Turkish side.”

He added, “The resumption follows a series of intensive negotiations over the past few weeks, involving representatives of the federal government in Baghdad and the Kurdistan Region, as well as operating companies operating in the region.”

The source pointed out that “the previous halt in Kurdistan’s oil exports incurred significant financial losses for Iraq and impacted the regional government’s revenues, at a time when Iraq is experiencing a financial crisis and pressures on the federal budget.”

He stressed that “resuming pumping would boost revenues and contribute to stabilizing domestic markets.”

The Kurdistan Region was pumping about 500,000 barrels per day before exports halted in March 2023, following a court ruling requiring Türkiye to pay $1.5 billion to Baghdad, prompting Ankara to halt use of the crude pipeline.

Last July, the region agreed to hand over its oil to the Iraqi State Oil Marketing Organization (SOMO) for international sale, in a move to defuse the protracted dispute over oil revenues.

On Thursday, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein said that the country had incurred losses ranging between $22 and $25 billion due to the halt in oil exports from the Kurdistan Region, and that flows were likely to resume this week.

This figure represents an increase from previous estimates of losses of $19 billion as of last February.

This comes at a time when the region and most of the operating oil companies have signed an agreement to resume exports. However, the agreement still requires official approval from the federal government in Baghdad, according to a statement from the regional government’s Ministry of Natural Resources.

The resumption of pumping through the pipeline linking Kurdistan and Turkey is expected to result in an initial flow of approximately 230,000 barrels per day to global markets, amid concerns of an oil glut due to increased production by the OPEC+ alliance.

The Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline, which extends from northern Iraq to the Turkish port of Ceyhan on the Mediterranean, is the main artery for transporting crude oil from fields in the Kurdistan Region and the northern provinces to global markets.

Shafaq.com

Has Trump abandoned Iraq? Harris to Shafaq News: Its position is pivotal, and we are awaiting five guarantees from Baghdad.

The US Chargé d’Affaires in Baghdad, Joshua Harris, asserted that Iraq remains central to US policy, downplaying talk of Baghdad’s regression to the margins under President Donald Trump, as some observers have suggested.

In an exclusive interview with Shafaq News Agency, to be published later, Harris said, “The United States of America, under President Trump’s leadership, puts America’s interests first, and this is an effective principle that is applied here and around the world.”

Since the beginning of Trump’s second term, the US administration has not appointed a new ambassador to Baghdad, a move politicians and research centers have viewed as a sign of declining US interest in Iraq, increasingly tied to the Iranian issue or any potential deals related to the nuclear agreement.

But Harris stressed in the interview that “Washington is focused on its own interests and protecting Iraq’s interests simultaneously.”

He added that the administration is working with a “team of professionals” focused on making America “more secure, stronger, and more prosperous,” explaining that this vision is reflected in bilateral partnerships that “meet the needs of both countries, the United States and Iraq.”

Harris also noted that Washington wants to see an Iraq that is “future-oriented, sovereign, secure within its borders, a fundamental contributor to regional stability, and more prosperous through development and economic participation.”

The current US position comes at a particularly sensitive time, as Iraq lies in the midst of a tense region, coinciding with the withdrawal of coalition combat forces and the ongoing debate over the balance of its regional and international relations.

Since the fall of the former Iraqi regime in 2003 through a Western coalition led by Washington, Iraq has remained a key issue in American policy, whether under Bush, Obama, or Biden.

Successive US administrations’ interest in the Iraq file has been divided around several tracks. The Bush Jr. administration (2003-2008) dealt with Iraq through a large-scale military presence, along with attempts to rebuild the political system.

While the Obama administration (2009-2016) adopted the option of a complete withdrawal in 2011, which led to a security vacuum that ISIS exploited to expand, forcing Washington to return militarily as part of the international coalition in 2014.

The Biden administration (2021-2024), for its part, focused on reducing the direct combat presence and limiting itself to an advisory and training mission, within the framework of understandings with Baghdad, but it remained cautious regarding Iranian influence.

Shafaq.com

Economic Council: Iraq Investment Forum to showcase ready-made investment opportunities

The Iraqi Economic Council confirmed, on Friday, that more than 150 investment opportunities in various sectors will be presented during the Iraq Investment Forum, which will be held in the capital, Baghdad, on September 27 and 28, 2025. The head of the council, Ibrahim Al-Baghdadi, told the official agency, “The forum will constitute an important event to showcase ready-made investment opportunities, as Iraq is considered a fertile ground for investment in many fields, as it enjoys an important geographical location. It is considered an important link for international transportation routes and a promising virgin land rich in opportunities that represent investment projects with sustainable development dimensions, due to its natural resources and qualified human resources.”

He added that “the conference is an effective platform for showcasing investment opportunities for various economic sectors provided by the National Investment Commission, a number of ministries and investment bodies in the governorates, and the private sector.” He explained that “the forum’s agenda will include, over two days, key themes and dialogue sessions to highlight supportive measures and decisions that enhance the investment environment and promising projects, and the role that Iraq plays regionally and globally in the energy, industry, agriculture, trade, and transportation sectors, in support of the government’s strategic vision in the process of advancing the country through sustainable development projects.”

He also explained that “the forum will address a number of important issues, including the Strategic Development Road project and new residential city projects that will provide more than 150,000 housing units, in addition to more than 150 investment opportunities in various economic sectors.”

He explained that “the sectors that will showcase their investment opportunities include oil and gas, renewable energy, transportation, heavy and medium industries, housing and real estate development, agriculture and livestock production, health and pharmaceutical industries, food industries, tourism and hotels, education and scientific research, in addition to communications and information technology, and industries in free zones.”

He also noted that “the forum will provide ample opportunities for companies and businessmen to meet with global and regional banks and financing funds, and to hold direct bilateral meetings with ministries and investment bodies in Iraq, in addition to presenting economic and investment meetings of regional and international interest.”

Burathanews.com

Masrour Barzani: The oil agreement with Baghdad will return Kurdistan to global energy markets.

Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani affirmed on Thursday (September 25, 2025) that the agreement reached with the federal government on the oil file represents a “historic step” that ends years of dispute and restores the region’s direct connection to global markets.

Barzani said in a post on the X platform that the agreement was the result of joint efforts by delegations from all parties, adding: “I would like to commend the efforts of all parties, especially the resilient people of Kurdistan. On this historic day, a major obstacle to securing the financial dues of the people was removed. With the resumption of the region’s oil exports, we emphasize the need to fulfill all constitutional rights of the region.”

The KRG Prime Minister noted that the agreement opens the door to securing financial dues and ensuring the equitable distribution of wealth, thereby enhancing the stability of Iraq in general and the region in particular.

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani announced earlier today that a “historic” agreement had been reached between Baghdad and Erbil, whereby the federal Ministry of Oil would receive all crude oil produced in the region and export it via the Iraq-Turkey pipeline. Al-Sudani explained that the agreement includes “the fair distribution of wealth, diversification of export outlets, and investment encouragement,” describing it as an achievement Iraq has awaited for eighteen years.

Burathanews.com