Latest news with #Al-Sudani
Iraqi News
21 hours ago
- Business
- Iraqi News
Morgan Hughes explores opportunities to develop oilfields in Iraq
Baghdad ( – The Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, and officials from the US-based energy corporation Morgan Hughes discussed on Tuesday possible cooperation to develop oil fields and recover associated gas in Iraq. During their meeting in the capital, Baghdad, Al-Sudani reiterated the country's commitment to completely recover all associated gas generated from Iraqi oil fields by 2028, according to a statement released by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). Al-Sudani reaffirmed that the government seeks to increase job opportunities and support the Iraqi private sector enterprises through deals with foreign oil firms. The prime minister also underlined the need to educate Iraqi engineers and professionals about the latest technology used in the oil sector. Deputy Minister of Oil for Gas Affairs Izzat Saber revealed in February that Iraq will stop 78 percent of the flared gas by the end of 2025 until it completely stops in 2028. The Ministry of Oil's strategy places a high priority on utilizing associated gas and minimizing the release of carbon dioxide, according to Saber. Gas flaring, or the burning of surplus natural gas during oil production, has long been a significant environmental and economic issue. Large volumes of carbon dioxide and methane are emitted into the atmosphere, exacerbating air pollution and hastening climate change. It also represents a significant waste of a useful energy resource that could be used to create electricity and grow industries. Flaring reduction not only reduces harmful emissions and improves air quality but also enables countries such as Iraq to use their gas resources more efficiently.
Iraqi News
a day ago
- Politics
- Iraqi News
Baghdad, US Central Command review security cooperation
Baghdad ( – Iraqi Prime Minister Mohamed Shia Al-Sudani emphasized the importance of maintaining stability and addressing the root causes of conflicts during a meeting on Monday with Michael Kurilla, the commander of US Central Command. The meeting was attended by Steven Fagin, Charge d'Affaires at the US Embassy in Baghdad; Kevin Lambert, the new commander of the US-led global coalition against ISIS; and Kevin Leahy, commander of the Combined Joint Task Force—Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR) in Iraq, according to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). The meeting addressed cooperation between Iraq and the international coalition, as well as preparations for the transition to bilateral security ties with the coalition's member countries. In addition to security coordination, the two sides reviewed recent developments in Syria and their implications for regional security. The Iraqi prime minister indicated that diplomatic initiatives and collaboration are important to maintain regional stability. In an interview with the BBC earlier in July, Al-Sudani said that the international coalition's mission in Iraq will end in September 2026. The Iraqi government held two rounds of discussions with the United States in Baghdad and Washington, and a third round is scheduled to be held to determine the structure of the security cooperation, in line with the Iraqi constitution, according to Al-Sudani. In April, Al-Sudani and Leahy discussed strategies to strengthen collaboration between Iraq and the member countries of the international coalition. This collaboration included improving training and exchanging knowledge and information with Iraqi security agencies. Iraq initiated discussions with the United States in January 2024 to terminate the coalition's operations in the country.
Iraqi News
6 days ago
- Business
- Iraqi News
Iraq starts developing 70,000 barrel-per-day refinery in Nineveh
Baghdad ( – The Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, initiated on Wednesday the construction work of the Nineveh refinery, which would have a capacity of 70,000 barrels per day. Al-Sudani stressed the project's strategic importance for the northern Iraqi province of Nineveh, which is part of a larger strategy to set up refineries across Iraq, the state-run news agency (INA) reported. Iraq's refining capacity has grown faster than predicted during the last two and a half years, according to Al-Sudani. This increase is part of the government's strategy to transfer 40 percent of the country's crude oil output to downstream industries. Iraq is currently above the 30-35 percent objective, which was originally set for the following 10 years, according to Al-Sudani. The new refinery, located south of Mosul, will assist northern provinces satisfy their fuel demands while also producing a range of petroleum derivatives. The project will provide around 1,000 direct job opportunities, as well as more individuals of indirect jobs.
Iraqi News
16-07-2025
- Business
- Iraqi News
PM Al Sudani opens Mosul Airport, launches major refinery and power projects in Nineveh
Nineveh ( – Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani launched a trio of strategic projects in Nineveh governorate on Wednesday (July 16, 2025), including the official inauguration of Mosul International Airport and the commencement of construction on a major new oil refinery and a significant power plant expansion. The visit underscores the government's focus on developing vital infrastructure and boosting the industrial capacity of a region heavily impacted by past conflicts. During his visit, the Prime Minister launched the executive works for the new Nineveh Refinery in the Hammam Al-Alil sub-district. The facility, to be built on an 800-dunam site, will have a refining capacity of 70,000 barrels per day (bpd). It is designed to produce key products like fuel oil (32,000 bpd), naphtha (15,000 bpd), and diesel (12,600 bpd), aiming to cover the needs of Iraq's northern governorates and create approximately 1,000 direct jobs. Al-Sudani also kicked off the expansion of the Qayyarah Combined-Cycle Power Plant. This project will add 375 megawatts (MW) of new capacity by utilizing exhaust gases from the existing simple-cycle units, bringing the station's total output to 1,125 MW. The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of combined-cycle technology for its dual benefits of boosting power generation efficiently while adhering to environmental standards. These projects are a cornerstone of the government's strategy to increase domestic industrial output and achieve self-sufficiency. PM Al-Sudani stated that his government has successfully managed to divert nearly 40% of Iraq's crude oil production into downstream refining and manufacturing industries—a target originally planned for the next decade that has been surpassed in just two and a half years. He noted that when his government took office, Iraq was spending 6 trillion IQD annually on importing refined fuel products despite being a major oil producer. In a highly anticipated moment for the region, the Prime Minister also officially inaugurated Mosul International Airport, marking its return to service. The reopening of the airport is a critical step in reconnecting Nineveh with the rest of Iraq and the world, expected to be a major catalyst for economic growth, investment, and tourism in the province. The combination of these three strategic projects signals a new chapter of reconstruction and development for Nineveh.
Iraqi News
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Iraqi News
Coordination Framework fears potential Al-Sadr-Al-Sudani alliance ahead of Iraq's election
Baghdad ( – Leaders of Iraq's ruling Shia coalition, the Coordination Framework, held a high-level meeting on Tuesday (July 15, 2025) to discuss the latest political maneuvers by influential cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, which have sparked fears of a potential new alliance between Al-Sadr and Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani that could reshape the upcoming parliamentary elections. The meeting, held at the office of former Prime Minister and Al-Nasr Coalition leader Haider al-Abadi, focused on the repercussions of Al-Sadr's recent statements. An informed source within the Framework told a local news agency that the coalition is grappling with how to respond to this 'new equation.' Al-Sadr's calculated move: An alternative path Despite maintaining his personal boycott of the November 11, 2025 elections and recently disavowing dozens of his own followers for running against his decision, Al-Sadr on Monday hinted at a new strategy. He signaled his readiness to support an 'alternative bloc' that publicly commits to his comprehensive reform program. The key tenets of Al-Sadr's program include ensuring Iraq's independence, confining all weapons to the hands of the state, strengthening the army and police, dissolving militias, and formally organizing the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) within a new legal security framework. The Framework's fear: A Sadr-Sudani alignment According to the source, these reformist conditions, particularly regarding state control of arms and the PMF, conflict with the policies of several key parties within the Coordination Framework. More alarmingly for some, they align with the perceived leanings of their own prime minister. 'Some leaders within the Framework have detected what they consider to be preliminary signals of an unannounced alignment between Al-Sadr and the leanings of Al-Sudani on this matter,' the source explained. 'These leaders fear that Al-Sadr could provide indirect support to Al-Sudani in the upcoming elections,' creating a powerful new rival bloc that could challenge their dominance. The Framework's meeting reportedly stressed the need to contain any shifts in Shia voter sentiment that could lead to a fragmentation of their power base. Political analyst Atheer Al-Sharaa noted that Al-Sadr's recent publication of his old 'Triple Alliance' documents was a 'clear rejection of consensus-based politics,' suggesting he feels betrayed by past allies and is unwilling to repeat the experience. He added that any genuine consensus would be complex, as Al-Sadr's condition of disarming all factions has been met with rejection by some armed groups. As the November election approaches, Al-Sadr's latest move has successfully reshuffled the political deck. The Coordination Framework now faces the complex challenge of managing not only its primary rival but also the potential for a powerful new political axis to form around its own Prime Minister.
