Iraq Signs Contract with U.S. Company to Develop Oil Fields
Iraq has reached an agreement with U.S.-based Halliburton to develop the Bin Omar and Sindbad oil fields in Basra, as part of efforts to boost production and strengthen the energy sector.
The Independent High Election Commission (IHEC) announced that the number of voters issued with biometric cards has surpassed 21 million, strengthening preparations for Iraq’s upcoming elections.
PUK and KDP have postponed the formation of the new Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) until after the Iraqi elections, citing security and political concerns. The PUK has conceded the posts of president and prime minister to the KDP but is seeking the parliament speakership.
Iraq has begun implementing electronic signatures in state institutions, the private sector, and for citizens. The move is part of efforts to digitize services, curb corruption, and build public trust in government processes.
New Generation Movement MPs say they have raised farmers’ concerns with the Iraqi government, urging restrictions on foreign imports to protect local products.
A Kurdish doctor has successfully performed heart surgery without anesthesia, marking a medical first in Iraq. The breakthrough offers new possibilities for elderly patients and those unable to undergo traditional procedures.
Two workers lost their lives and another was severely injured after inhaling toxic gas while working inside a sewer tunnel in Kirkuk.
The outgoing government has officially prohibited all media coverage of crimes, following a request from the Independent Human Rights Commission. The decision aims to protect investigations and reduce negative psychological and social effects on citizens.
The Iraqi State Council has delayed its decision until next week due to the absence of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) representative.
The Kurdistan Regional Meteorological Agency has warned of unstable weather with heavy dust and strong winds starting Friday afternoon.
A committee has been formed by the Ministry of Education to address vacancies created by retired teachers. Transfers will be prioritized over new lecturer appointments.
The Iraqi Prime Minister’s Office announced that trucks from the Kurdistan Region will be allowed to pass into Iraqi provinces without additional delays. The decision follows protests by truck drivers at Kirkuk checkpoints over long waits and restrictions.
The State Council in Baghdad is set to meet on the issue of non-oil revenues, with oil deliveries expected next week to start paying July and August salaries. The KRG has shown readiness to hand over oil but insists on a tripartite agreement with Baghdad and companies.
The Iraqi Embassy in Lebanon announced that 20 Kurdish youths from Erbil and Sulaimanyah, who entered Lebanon illegally aiming to reach Europe, are detained and will be deported to Iraq in the coming days.
PUK Politburo member Saadi Pira confirmed that his party has two candidates for the post of parliament speaker. He also stressed that the PUK and the KDP cannot form a government without cooperation.
PUK Vice President Rafaat Abdullah stressed the importance of the upcoming Iraqi parliamentary elections for the Kurdistan Region. He said the PUK must prepare strongly, as Baghdad remains the center of political struggle for Kurdish rights.
The KRG Ministry of Commerce announced the start of the sixth food ration distribution after an NRT report. Officials also confirmed plans to continue providing rations monthly with support from new generation movement MPs.
Following pressure from the New Generation Movement, the Sulaimanyah Health Department confirmed that funds for medicines and surgical supplies will be allocated, resolving shortages that disrupted hospital services.
The Central Bank of Iraq announced that digital financial exchanges have exceeded 200 trillion dinars, with 5.6 million employees now using digital cards. The government has collected seven trillion dinars in eight months through the system.
The outgoing Kurdistan Regional Government will meet to review Iraq’s draft oil agreement, unify financial procedures with Baghdad, and prepare for the new school year. Meanwhile, the State Council continues discussions on non-oil revenues.
The US has urged the Kurdistan Region to speed up reforms and unite the Peshmerga forces. A recent meeting highlighted the need for faster implementation of the unification plan.
Iraq has overtaken other producers to become OPEC’s second-largest oil producer, according to the organization’s latest production data. With over 4.15 million barrels per day, Iraq continues to play a key role in meeting global energy demand
The Kurdistan Regional Government postponed the State Council meeting on non-oil revenues until Wednesday to finalize its decision. The meeting was consultative, and the final decision rests with the General Board.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani reaffirmed that Iraq’s parliamentary elections will be held as scheduled. He stressed that elections are the cornerstone of democracy and that abandoning them would open the way for corruption.
Dr. Hersh Sayed Salim, Deputy Director General of Health in Sulaimani, was attacked by stray dogs in a residential project. He was hospitalized and is now in stable condition.
Iraq’s Oil Marketing Company (SOMO) says it has completed all preparations to resume exports from the Kurdistan Region but has not received any oil. The company confirmed it canceled contracts with production firms and is awaiting Erbil’s handover.
New Generation MP Sipan Amedi said the outgoing KRG government is unwilling to comply with Baghdad’s request to hand over oil to resolve the salary crisis. He added that Prime Minister Sudani has taken responsibility for paying KRG employees’ salaries.
IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi urged Iran to implement the recent agreement signed in Cairo without delay. The deal aims to restore coordination suspended during the 12-day war between Iran and Israel.
The Coordination Framework reaffirmed its commitment to holding Iraq’s parliamentary elections on November 11, 2025. Members emphasized creating a favorable environment to ensure fair and transparent elections.
At the Arab-Islamic summit in Doha, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani stressed that an attack on any Arab country threatens the collective security of all others. Leaders from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey also condemned Israel’s policies and rejected relocation plans for Palestinians.