Latest news with #Iraqi
Rudaw Net
29 minutes ago
- Business
- Rudaw Net
Kurdish parties push for unity amid financial standoff with Baghdad
Also in Kurdistan KDP, PUK top-level delegations meet to discuss new cabinet, Baghdad disputes Suicide drone shot down near Erbil airport: Kurdish counterterrorism KDP, PUK leaders to meet over Erbil-Baghdad tensions, KRG cabinet formation KRG meets to resolve financial disputes with Baghdad A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Top delegations from the Kurdistan Region's ruling parties met Monday in Erbil's Pirmam district to solidify a united stance on key issues - chief among them, the long-running dispute with Baghdad over public sector salaries and financial entitlements. In a joint statement, the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) said the meeting was chaired by preeminent Kurdish leader and KDP head Masoud Barzani, with Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani and PUK leader Bafel Talabani also in attendance. The discussions spanned political, economic, and social issues, with both parties committing to a unified strategy 'to intensify efforts' and 'ensure the provision of salaries and entitlements for the Kurdistan Region.' The statement stressed that all necessary steps should be taken within the constitutional framework, and urged collaborative efforts toward a resolution. Tensions between Erbil and Baghdad deepened in late May when the Iraqi federal finance ministry suspended budget transfers to the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), accusing it of exceeding its 12.67 percent share of the federal budget and failing to deliver the agreed-upon oil quota to the State Oil Marketing Organization (SOMO). The halt has left more than 1.2 million public servants in the Kurdistan Region unpaid for over two months. The joint statement also highlighted efforts to strengthen ties between the KDP and PUK to overcome internal challenges and safeguard the Kurdistan Region's political framework and gains. A well-informed source told Rudaw earlier in the day that the meeting underscored the need for a unified Kurdish stance, saying, "It underscored the importance of unifying the position of all political parties in Kurdistan and Iraq to be cooperative and supportive in resolving this issue." The high-level meeting notably followed a special session of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Council of Ministers held Sunday to address the worsening financial crisis. On Saturday as well, the KDP issued a warning, saying it would give Baghdad a 'final chance' to resolve the ongoing budget dispute. In addition to the Baghdad-Erbil standoff, Monday's talks also focused on the upcoming Iraqi legislative elections scheduled for November 11 and the delay in forming the KRG's tenth cabinet. Rudaw learned earlier on Monday that both the KDP and PUK had prepared draft proposals on the formation of the new cabinet to be presented during the meeting. The Region held delayed parliamentary elections in October, with the KDP winning 39 of the 100 seats, followed by the PUK with 23. As no single party secured a majority, a governing coalition will need to be formed, as has traditionally been the case. In late June, Prime Minister Barzani said the KDP and PUK had agreed on a cabinet agenda and that other parties were welcome to join. However, nearly nine months after the vote, no final agreement on the new cabinet has been reached.
Mint
an hour ago
- Business
- Mint
Iran is losing its stranglehold over Iraq
He was killed by an Israeli air strike in Lebanon last year. Yet the face of Hassan Nasrallah, formerly the boss of Hizbullah, is still plastered on posters all over Baghdad, Iraq's capital. Alongside them are images of other Shia militia leaders from Iraq, Iran and Lebanon. They have one thing in common: their outfits are backed by Iran. The posters are testament to Iran's long-standing influence in Iraq. Yet they also mask a growing dissatisfaction among Iraqis about their country's alignment with its bigger neighbour, particularly among the young. Many dreaded being dragged into Iran's war with Israel and America, and were relieved that their government stayed out of it. The response to calls by the militias to march on the American embassy during the war in June, which ended with a ceasefire after just 12 days, was lacklustre. As its influence wanes across the region, Iran cannot rely on Iraq the way it used to. The relationship between the neighbours, which share a 1,600km-long border, has waxed and waned. Their religious leaders compete for influence among Shia Muslims around the world. In the 1980s they fought a war in which hundreds of thousands of people died. Yet in the years since America toppled the regime of Saddam Hussein in 2003 Iraq has been a staging ground for Iran to project power across the region. With extensive Western sanctions in place to stymie Iran's nuclear programme, Iraq's economy has been one of the few lifelines for its beleaguered neighbour. For years the regime in Tehran manipulated the Iraqi central bank's daily dollar auctions to secure hard currency to pay for imports, circumventing sanctions. Only America's blacklisting of Iraqi banks in 2023 slowed the practice. Iraq is also a crucial market for Iranian exports. Iran presses Iraqi government departments and ministries to prioritise Iranian goods over those from elsewhere, according to businesspeople in Baghdad. 'If the Americans occupied Iraq militarily,' says one banker from the region, 'then Iran has done so economically.' Even more important has been Iran's exertion of military influence through militias backed by its Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC). The rise in Iraq of Islamic State (IS), a Sunni extremist group, in 2014 triggered a call to arms from Shia religious authorities in both Iraq and Iran. Iran supported the establishment of a number of Shia armed groups in Iraq. They battled IS and eventually helped to degrade it significantly. But they also provided Iran with a way to control much of Iraq's politics and economy. The militias' unmarked pickup trucks still roam the streets of the capital. Their members have vast business interests and control important ministries, including those in charge of oil and metals exports. Until recently they exerted significant influence over the supreme court. Much of that control was exerted by Qassem Suleimani, who as head of the Quds force, the IRGC's elite arm, helped co-ordinate Iran's foreign-influence activities. But Iran's hold over the militias has diminished since an American drone strike killed Suleimani in 2020. Even as some joined Iran's 'axis of resistance', others turned inward, focusing on domestic affairs. One reason is that Esmail Qaani, Suleimani's successor, lacks his predecessor's deft touch in managing the factions' competing interests, says a veteran Iraqi lawmaker. 'The requests became demands,' he says. Another is that Iran's allies in Iraq have grown rich and now have much to lose from getting dragged into a conflict with America or Israel. Some still believe in Iran's Islamic revolution and the need to fight Israel. But others are increasingly resentful of their country's status as its neighbour's satrap. Perhaps most important, a younger political class that grew out of anti-government protests in 2020 has become increasingly vocal about its opposition to the militias. The armed groups are 'corrupted and have built economic empires', says Muhi Ansari, who heads the Iraqi House foundation, a new civil-society group. 'The concept of resistance [to Israel] is hollow in Iraq,' he says. That sentiment was on full display during Iran's brief war against Israel and America last month. Even Iran's closest allies in Iraq were too wary of retaliation by America or Israel to offer much help. As Abu Meethaq al-Amsari, a political analyst close to Badr, one of the biggest Iran-backed factions, explained on national television on June 21st: 'The brothers in the factions are practising a high degree of self-restraint and rationality.' Israel's decimation of the IRGC's high command during the dozen-day war and America's strike on Iran's nuclear programmes have raised hopes among some Iraqis that Iran's hold over Iraq's politics and economy will diminish. As militias and politicians loyal to Iran find themselves adrift, a space could open up for other, homegrown political forces. 'Whatever they say in public,' says a civil servant, 'we're not sad to see Iran weakened.'
Express Tribune
an hour ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Pakistan, Iran and Iraq to set up joint working group for pilgrim facilitation
Mohsin Naqvi addressing trilateral conference of Interior Ministers of Pakistan, Iran and Iraq held on July 24 in Tehran. Photo: Express Listen to article Pakistan, Iran and Iraq have agreed to establish a joint working group to streamline travel arrangements for pilgrims, following a trilateral conference of the countries' interior ministers held in Tehran on Monday. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, speaking at the meeting, thanked his Iranian counterpart Eskandar Momeni for hosting the conference at Pakistan's request, highlighting the growing need to address issues faced by pilgrims visiting Iran and Iraq. 'Pilgrims travelling to Iraq and Iran are of great importance to us,' he said. 'This trilateral forum will pave the way for enhanced facilities and support.' Naqvi stated that starting January 1, 2026, Pakistani pilgrims will only be allowed to travel to Iraq under officially registered group organisers. He said the registration process for 'Zaireen Group Organisers' has begun, and only individuals granted special embassy-issued visas will be permitted to travel independently. تہران۔۔ وفاقی وزیرداخلہ محسن نقوی کی ایرانی وزارت داخلہ آمد ایران کے وزیر داخلہ سکندر مومنی نے وزیرداخلہ محسن نقوی کا خیر مقدم کیا پاکستان کی درخواست پر پاکستان۔ ایران اور عراق کے وزرائے داخلہ کا اہم اجلاس شروع — Ministry of Interior GoP (@MOIofficialGoP) July 14, 2025 'The organisers will be responsible for ensuring pilgrims' safe return,' he said. 'This system will help curb illegal travel and overstay issues.' Naqvi also praised both the Iraqi and Iranian governments for their efforts in managing large pilgrim crowds. 'Taking care of millions of Zaireen is a significant challenge, and both interior ministers are fulfilling this duty effectively,' he said. He commended Iran's leadership during recent hostilities, saying, 'Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stood firm and led with courage. We congratulate him and the Iranian people on this victory.' Naqvi reiterated Pakistan's support for Iran during its recent conflict with Israel. 'Pakistan unequivocally condemned the attack on Iran and supported its right to self-defence,' he said, adding that both the Pakistani people and government stood firmly by Iran's side. The conference was also attended by Iran's Deputy Interior Minister Ali Akbar Pour-Jamshidian, senior Iranian and Iraqi officials, Pakistani Ambassador to Iran Mohammad Mudassar Tipu, and Interior Secretary Muhammad Khurram Agha.
Iraqi News
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Iraqi News
France praises Iraq's stability, vows continued security support
Baghdad ( – French Ambassador to Baghdad, Patrick Durel, praised Iraq's success in 'preventing being dragged into' regional conflicts and affirmed France's continued security support, during a speech on Monday (July 14, 2025) marking the French National Day. Ambassador Durel stated that despite regional tensions, Iraq is living through an 'important phase of stability' thanks to the government's efforts. He emphasized that Iraq's security and defense are a 'priority for France,' which continues its presence through the International Coalition and on a bilateral level, especially in training and armament. 'France is always ready to meet Iraq's need for equipment, and we continue to work to support Iraqis in preserving their country's sovereignty, including its airspace,' Durel said. The ambassador also highlighted growing economic and cultural ties, including efforts to link the French and Iraqi private sectors and the recent success of the Iraqi film Kingdom of Reeds by director Hassan Hadi at the Cannes Film Festival. He urged continued dialogue between federal authorities and the Kurdistan Region to overcome challenges, reaffirming France's commitment to strengthening its partnership with Iraq at this 'pivotal moment' in its history.
Shafaq News
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Shafaq News
France reaffirms support for Iraq's stability and partnership
Shafaq News – Baghdad The Frensh ambassador to Iraq reaffirmed his country's commitment to strengthening ties with Baghdad, highlighting diplomacy, cultural exchange, and defense cooperation. In a speech marking France's National Day. Ambassador Patrick Durel praised Iraq's recent political and security stability and the scope of French-Iraqi cooperation across sectors. 'France and Iraq share a strong conviction that diplomatic solutions are always preferable to the use of force to overcome crises,' Durel said, citing France's support for the Baghdad Conference initiative backed by President Emmanuel Macron. The conference is intended to promote regional dialogue amid ongoing Middle East tensions. Durel noted notable achievements over the past year despite regional instability, pointing to increasing collaboration between French and Iraqi businesses. 'We are working together to rebuild strong ties between the French and Iraqi private sector... for the sake of Iraq's economic diversification and sustainable development and at the benefit of the Iraqi people.' The ambassador also highlighted cultural exchanges as a pillar of the bilateral relationship, with French archaeological teams resuming missions in Iraq and Iraqi filmmakers gaining international acclaim. On defense cooperation, Durel underlined France's active role in supporting Iraq's security through its contributions to the International Coalition, NATO Mission in Iraq, and bilateral initiatives. 'We pursue the training of the Desert Battalions,' he noted, adding that France remains ready to support Iraq's military and equipment needs, including safeguarding its airspace. Durel commended Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani for maintaining Iraq's neutrality amid regional conflicts, stating that the country is 'experiencing a period of stability' due to government efforts to steer clear of foreign entanglements. Describing Iraq's population as its 'real wealth,' the ambassador stressed the importance of unity and inclusion, referencing his visits to cities across the country, from Faw in the south to Zakho in the north. He also voiced support for continued dialogue between Baghdad and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) to resolve internal disputes, saying France encourages both sides to overcome challenges through cooperation.
