Iranian Consul: Iran-Iraq trade unaffected by Israel's offensive
Shafaq News – Al-Sulaymaniyah
Tehran's trade with Iraq remained stable during Israel's 12-day offensive against Iran, Iranian Consul in al-Sulaymaniyah Muhammed Mahmudian confirmed on Sunday.
At a press conference, Mahmudian stressed that commerce and travel between the two countries continued uninterrupted, highlighting what he described as 'deep and resilient' economic ties. He added that Iran continued to receive Iraqi visitors throughout the conflict.
Mahmudian accused Israel of targeting civilian infrastructure and the families of military officials, asserting that Iran's actions were purely defensive and rooted in a commitment to peace.
Regarding Gaza, he reaffirmed Iran's support for any nation confronting what he termed Israeli aggression.
His remarks come just days after a 'fragile' ceasefire between Iran and Israel, following a wave of missile exchanges and US airstrikes on Iran's Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear facilities.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Shafaq News
an hour ago
- Shafaq News
Trump rules out ongoing Iran talks
Shafaq News – Washington/Tehran On Monday, US President Donald Trump ruled out any engagement with Iran over its nuclear program after having already destroyed Tehran's nuclear facilities. In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, 'I am not offering Iran ANYTHING, unlike Obama, who paid them billions under the stupid 'road to a Nuclear Weapon JCPOA,' which would now be expired.' The 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), signed under then-President Barack Obama, was a nuclear accord between Iran and world powers that aimed to limit Tehran's nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. Trump, during his first term, withdrew from the deal in 2018, arguing it was too weak and failed to address Iran's ballistic missile program and regional influence. While Trump claimed US forces 'obliterated' Iran's nuclear sites in the June 22 strikes, Iran insists the damage was minimal and recovery is "already underway." Diplomatic efforts to revive nuclear negotiations remain stalled, particularly after the US strikes and Israel-Iran conflict, with no reported progress since the last round of indirect talks.
Shafaq News
an hour ago
- Shafaq News
Israeli cabinet to reconvene on Gaza strategy on Monday
Shafaq News – Middle East Israel's security cabinet will reconvene on Monday after failing to resolve deep divisions over its Gaza strategy, Israeli media reported. According to Israel Hayom, Sunday's tense session ended without consensus, pushing ministers to meet again today at 5 p.m. local time. The debate centers on whether to prioritize a hostage deal or escalate military operations against Hamas, with senior commanders and political leaders sharply divided. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces an International Criminal Court warrant, declared before the meeting that freeing Israeli hostages remained the top priority, followed by dismantling Hamas. Sources close to Netanyahu, cited by Israel Hayom, suggested he might accept a deal based on US envoy Steve Witkoff's proposals, with plans to resume military action if negotiations collapse. Top military officials reportedly pushed back, arguing that a full occupation of Gaza was unfeasible and calling on Netanyahu to define clear, realistic objectives. They warned the current campaign had reached its limits and that a prisoner swap might be the most practical path forward. While families of Israeli hostages welcomed Netanyahu's stated commitment to their release, they demanded a comprehensive deal to free all captives and end the war, with some accusing him of stalling for political reasons. One mother compared the situation to US President Trump 's decision to cancel an Iran strike at the last minute, urging Netanyahu to show similar restraint. Meanwhile, a senior US official told The Times of Israel, ahead of Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer's visit to Washington, that the White House would pressure Israel to agree to a ceasefire. Trump also warned on Truth Social that Netanyahu's trial could derail negotiations. Coalition insiders told Israeli outlets that the Knesset was unlikely to tie any ceasefire to freezing Netanyahu's legal cases. Hamas' October 7, 2023, attack, which followed years of blockade and military tensions, killed about 1,200 Israelis and led to 251 hostages being taken. In response, Israel launched a massive military campaign that has killed more than 56,400 Palestinians, including 18,000 children and 12,400 women, according to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics. So far, Israel has reportedly rescued eight hostages alive and recovered several bodies. Officials estimate 56 hostages remain in Gaza, with about one-third thought to be alive. At the same time, Israel holds roughly 10,400 Palestinians in its prisons, including 49 women and 440 minors, according to the Addameer Prisoner Support and Human Rights Association.
Shafaq News
an hour ago
- Shafaq News
Jordan-Syria trade rebounds: Exports surge nearly 500% in early 2025
Shafaq News – Amman/Damascus Jordan's exports to Syria surged nearly 500% in the first four months of 2025, according to the Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Trade. Exports reached $101M through April, up from $18.3M during the same period in 2024. Cement topped the list of outbound goods, with over 6,150 truckloads transported to Syria, reflecting Jordan's "expanding logistical role in reconstruction efforts and improved bilateral ties" with the new Syrian government, the ministry reported. The Jaber–Nasib border crossing recorded heightened activity, with nearly 14,600 Jordanian trucks entering Syrian territory during the same period. The trade rebound follows new economic agreements and a plan to establish a high-level coordination council aimed at boosting cooperation in trade, energy, transport, and water sectors. Jordan's exports to Syria had exceeded $1.1B before the outbreak of war in 2011, but dropped sharply after the 2020 implementation of the US Caesar Act, which imposed sanctions on entities dealing with the Syrian government. By that year, bilateral trade had fallen to just $79M.
