KRG Meets to Discuss Oil Exports and Pension Reform
The Kurdistan Regional Government met to discuss oil export negotiations and a draft plan to reform the pension system. The issue of public salaries was not included on the agenda.
Iraq has begun testing domestic gas pipelines to reduce its reliance on Iranian imports. The project aims to supply power plants with locally sourced gas and support electricity production.
The May 1 Committee says 12 workers have died in the Kurdistan Region so far this year due to poor safety conditions. Workers’ lives remain at risk without adequate protective measures.
Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein says US sanctions on Iran are pushing Iraq to seek alternative gas sources. He stressed Iraq’s efforts to maintain a balanced policy and avoid regional crises.
Iraq has banned the importation of workers from Syria, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the Philippines to encourage local employment. The decision comes amid concerns over $2 billion annually leaving the country through foreign remittances.
Iraq plans to raise non-oil revenues to 79 trillion dinars by 2028 to reduce its economic dependence on oil. The government will focus on agriculture, industry, and tourism to achieve this goal.
Halabja is set to become Iraq’s 19th province today following presidential approval. The decision comes months after the Iraqi Parliament passed the bill in November 2023.
New Generation MP Goran Dibageyi criticized the KRG Interior Ministry’s decision to allow MPs to blacken their car windows, calling it shameful. He said the New Generation faction would not abide by the decision.
An Iraqi court has acquitted Taqadum Party leader Mohammed al-Halbousi of all charges against him, rejecting the accusations. Halbousi responded on social media, highlighting the manipulation of truth in political matters.
PUK and KDP representatives are meeting today at Dukan Resort to finalize the distribution of posts in the new regional government. The meeting aims to complete the allocation of key positions following multiple rounds of negotiations between the two parties.
US Consul General Stephen Pitner met with Shaswar Abdulwahid to discuss political developments in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq. Several foreign diplomats have recently visited Abdulwahid amid rising political engagement.
Epicur, the association of oil companies, announced that no agreement has been reached with Baghdad and Erbil to resume oil exports from the Kurdistan Region. Despite expressed willingness from both governments, payment assurances and progress remain unresolved, leaving the future of the exports uncertain.
IHEC announced that 70 political parties have registered for the upcoming Iraqi parliamentary elections. The elections are set to take place on November 11, 2025
A powerful explosion in Iran’s Bandar Abbas port city has injured 516 people, according to local authorities. The blast caused widespread damage across several kilometers, with rescue efforts underway.
Iraq will send 220,000 tons of wheat to Syria as a humanitarian gift to support food security. The shipment reflects Iraq’s commitment to regional solidarity and aid.
Iraq became the fifth largest importer of Turkish goods in 2024, with $12 billion in imports. Experts recommend diversifying trade partners to reduce reliance on Turkey.
Mazlum Abdi called for a decentralized constitution in Syria that guarantees Kurdish rights. He emphasized that Kurdish unity strengthens Syria’s unity and honors the sacrifices of all communities.
The Kurdish Position Unity Congress was held in Qamishlo to strengthen unity among Kurdish parties. A joint political document on Syria's future will be submitted to the Damascus administration.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani and Badr leader Hadi al-Amiri have reaffirmed their commitment to holding elections on schedule. Their meeting focused on ensuring national stability and supporting a unified electoral framework ahead of the 2025 vote.
Iraq’s Agriculture Ministry sets strict conditions for meat imports, requiring health certificates and compliance with national standards to ensure safety and quality. The move aims to address local production shortages.
More than 126,000 solar panels have arrived in Iraq for the Basra Solar Power Project, a major renewable energy initiative developed by French company Total. The project aims to generate 1,000 megawatts and boost clean electricity supply in the Basra province.
The Islamic Movement of Kurdistan condemned the arrest of Shorsh Ghafoor, a prominent member, demanding his immediate release and an apology from the authorities.
Nechirvan Barzani marked the anniversary of the Qaladze bombing, honoring the sacrifices made by the people of Qaladze in the Kurdish struggle for freedom. He emphasized the responsibility to build a better future for the region in recognition of their enduring legacy.
Prime Minister Masrour Barzani issued a message on the 51st anniversary of the bombing of Qaladze and the 43rd anniversary of the Raperin uprising, honoring the victims of these tragic events. He pledged that their memory would be commemorated with dignity, highlighting the resilience of the Kurdish people.
Bafel Talabani, leader of the PUK, highlighted that the ongoing talks with the KDP focus on the conditions for forming a new government. He emphasized that the new cabinet must meet the expectations of both parties and serve the best interests of the people.
Germany has deported nearly 35 asylum seekers to Baghdad, most of whom are Kurds, including a Yazidi family. This marks the 23rd deportation of Kurdish asylum seekers since late 2023, with more flights planned.
DNO has increased its oil production in the Tawke and Fishkhabour fields to over 82,000 barrels per day. The rise comes as Iraq warns of continued oil smuggling from the Kurdistan Region.
The Iraqi Election Commission has extended the biometric voter registration deadline by one month to ensure wider participation in the upcoming elections. Citizens born in 2007 and those facing fingerprint issues are also urged to register or update their data.