Iraq’s Customs Revenue Surpasses 2 Trillion Dinars
Iraq’s General Customs Board announced that revenue has reached 2.4 trillion dinars so far this year. Officials attribute the increase to anti-corruption efforts and strengthened oversight at border crossings.
The Iraqi Election Commission has officially sent the final parliamentary election results to the Federal Supreme Court for approval. This marks the last legal step before the new parliament can convene and begin forming the next government.
Nearly 16 mm of rain has fallen in Sulaimanyah in the past 24 hours as a strong rain wave covers the Kurdistan Region. Meteorologists warn that rainfall will continue until early next week, with flood risks in several areas.
Sulaimanyah’s Shar Hospital recorded over 26,000 patient visits in November, according to new health statistics. More than 1,200 surgeries and nearly 71,000 laboratory tests were performed during the same period.
Twelve Kurdish refugees stranded in Libya have been repatriated to the Kurdistan Region with the help of Iraqi authorities. Officials say hundreds more remain trapped in Libya and Tunisia, many living in difficult conditions
Rebaz Hamlan said the Interior Ministry will remain with the KDP and will not be given to the PUK. He added that although most posts have been agreed upon, the Interior Ministry is still the only unresolved dispute.
The Election Judicial Board has finalized all 853 appeals related to the Iraqi parliamentary elections. The final results will now be forwarded to the Federal Supreme Court for approval before the new parliament convenes.
Heavy rainfall has begun across the Kurdistan Region, with temperatures expected to fall to as low as 4°C in mountainous areas. Authorities warn of possible floods and urge citizens to take precautions.
Sulaimanyah Traffic Directorate reported 774 accidents in the first nine months of 2025, resulting in 142 deaths and 2,792 injuries. Officials cite speeding, alcohol use, and lack of attention as the main causes.
Qubad Talabani says the Kurdistan Region is ready to form a new cabinet based on genuine partnership, stressing equal service to all areas. He also emphasized the need for a strong, efficient Iraqi government capable of protecting sovereignty and driving economic development.
The Iraqi prime minister’s financial adviser says the recent rise in the dollar’s parallel-market price is temporary and driven by rumors. He confirms that inflation has dropped to 2.5% and the official exchange rate remains fully stable.
The Kurdistan Regional Meteorological Agency says a new rain wave will begin tomorrow in western areas and then spread across the entire region. Heavy rain, strong winds, and a drop in temperature are expected, with flooding possible in parts of Erbil and Sulaimanyah.
A dispute between two PUK forces led to clashes and the temporary closure of the Bani Maqan checkpoint in Chamchamal. The tension began after checkpoint forces requested ID cards from commando employees.
A meteorologist warned that January 2026 could be very cold, with snow expected in mountainous areas and the center of Sulaimanyah. Heavy rainfall is also forecast in some regions next week.
The Peace and Brotherhood Commission of the Turkish Parliament will meet to review Abdullah Ocalan’s latest views following recent visits by delegations. Ocalan emphasized preventing repeated destructive acts similar to coups.
The Coordination Framework has shortlisted nine candidates for Iraq’s next prime minister, with the final choice expected to be made by consensus rather than election results. The identity of the nominee may be decided in a meeting scheduled for next Monday.
The Kurdistan Region’s Election Commission says the salary distribution date is still undecided due to new federal payment procedures. Efforts are underway to resolve technical issues and begin delivering funds to employees.
A 21-year-old man injured in the Lajan village clashes has died after more than six days in the hospital. The incident occurred after residents protested over lack of job opportunities, leading KDP forces to respond with gunfire and later evacuate the village.
The Ministry of Labor reaffirmed that Iraqis must make up 80% of the workforce under a government decision regulating foreign labor. New criteria were set to ensure foreign workers are only hired when expertise is unavailable locally.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Sudani said he is committed to building a friendship with the United States that serves Iraq’s stability and development. President Donald Trump praised Sudani, calling him a friend and expressing surprise at being nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.
The new generation movement denied reports attributed to its members in KDP-affiliated media, calling the published information false and unethical. The movement stressed that no official or volunteer has spoken to channels funded by what it described as “the nation’s stolen money.”
The UN has urged the swift formation of the next Kurdistan Regional Government to help stabilize relations between Baghdad and Erbil. The Security Council discussed delays and emphasized that a new cabinet would support resolving outstanding disputes.
The Ministry of Transportation will introduce a nationwide taxi system in 2026, connecting all taxis through a unified application with fixed fares. The project aims to modernize transportation and improve passenger safety.
President Erdogan said the peace process aims to remove major obstacles to stability, the economy, and social cohesion. He stressed that unity among Turks, Kurds, and Arabs will overcome conflict and chaos in the region.
The Erbil Security Committee says a group attempted to incite chaos and target public and official buildings in Khabat. One suspect, identified as Nechirwan Isa Mirmsu, was arrested and accused of encouraging violence.
An NRT reporting team was arrested by KDP forces in Khabat, where parts of their journalistic equipment were damaged and others confiscated. The incident involved reporter Shiraz Abdullah and cameraman Najmaddin Sadiqi.
The Coordination Framework met again at Nouri al-Maliki’s residence but failed to settle on a candidate for prime minister. The number of nominees has reportedly reached 30 as efforts continue to narrow the list.
The Kurdistan Region has recorded 87 new AIDS cases this year, including 64 foreigners and 23 local residents. Health officials say more than 600 blood tests were conducted in the past 11 months as part of routine screening and prevention programs.
The Sunni National Political Council has nominated six candidates for the position of speaker of the Iraqi parliament. Officials say agreement on a candidate from outside the list is still possible.
Local sources say KDP forces evacuated residents of Lajan village and detained more than 20 individuals. Communication lines were reportedly cut during the operation, limiting contact with the outside world.