Iraqi Oil Minister: Agreement Will Ensure Salaries for the Kurdistan Region
Iraqi Oil Minister Hayyan Abdul Ghani confirmed that it has been agreed to hand over the oil of Kurdistan to Baghdad, ensuring monthly salaries, while NRT highlights concerns that the outgoing government may limit the deal to three months for election purposes.
Students at a private university in Sulaimanyah protested high student accommodation fees exceeding 300,000 dinars, citing financial hardship and low salaries as reasons they cannot afford the charges.
Following the resumption of oil exports, kerosene prices in KRG markets have risen, with sellers reporting higher costs in Erbil. A barrel price jumped from 150,000 to around 160,000 dinars.
Iraq’s Oil Minister says the new export agreement with the Kurdistan Region aims to control all oil revenues, with exports set to increase in the coming days. Turkey confirmed shipments resumed at 7:07 a.m.
Oil exports from the Kurdistan Region have resumed after two and a half years, with PM Masrour Barzani calling the agreement a major achievement. however, that the three-month deal is being used for election purposes and salary payments may again face uncertainty afterward.
Ali Nizar says the resumption of oil exports should ease disputes between Baghdad and Erbil, while NRT notes the deal may be limited to three months for election purposes.
Exports through the Iraq–Turkey pipeline resumed at 6 a.m. today, with the first convoy from Sheikhan expected in Turkey within 24 hours.
The KRG has resumed oil exports under SOMO’s supervision, with 130,000 barrels shipped from Sheikhan fields to world markets. Revenues will go directly to the federal treasury for the first time.
Masrour Barzani hailed the new oil export deal with Baghdad as the product of “hard work and efforts” by all delegations. He congratulated the people of Kurdistan, calling the agreement a historic step to restore the region’s access to world markets
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani says Baghdad has reached a “historic agreement” with the Kurdistan Region to resume oil exports. Under the deal, the Federal Oil Ministry will take charge of crude from KRG fields and export it via the Iraq–Turkey pipeline.
The PUK says it will soon form a new government with the KDP after months of delay. The parties have reached an understanding on the posts of prime minister and deputy prime minister.
Metro Center praised NRT and its journalists for standing firm against political pressure and daily obstacles. The Center said the resilience of NRT has made it a symbol of free press in the Kurdistan Region despite years of obstruction.
Iraq earned $7.16 billion from oil exports in August, with over 104 million barrels exported. SOMO confirmed no exports were made to Jordan during the month.
The KRG has transferred 120 billion dinars in non-oil revenues to Baghdad, fulfilling part of its agreement. The next step is expected to be the handover of oil to SOMO before July salaries are released.
IHEC says candidates who violate election laws will face punishments ranging from exclusion from the race to imprisonment. Special committees, backed by security forces, will monitor all campaigns to ensure fair elections.
Eight years after Masoud Barzani and political parties held the Kurdistan Region referendum, Masrour Barzani praised it as a courageous decision, though it resulted in territorial losses and deteriorating conditions.
The KRG Hajj and Umrah Directorate announced that pilgrims from the Kurdistan Region will stay in five-star hotels near the Holy Mosque of Medina starting next year, with a focus on quality accommodations and meals.
Iraq has decided to open two new border crossings with Saudi Arabia and Iran to boost trade and facilitate movement. The decision was announced by the Iraqi Border Gate Authority on Wednesday.
Prisoners in the Kurdistan Region without civil status IDs or national cards will now be issued national cards. The decision aims to ensure proper documentation and inclusion of all prisoners in the civil registry system.
Iraq’s gold reserves have exceeded 24 trillion dinars, accounting for one-fifth of the Central Bank’s total reserves.
CPJ and 17 press freedom organizations have urged the Kurdistan Regional Government to release journalist Sherwan Sherwani, warning his continued detention harms the region’s international reputation.
A father and son were shot dead inside their home in Kifri, Garmian police said. The victims’ bodies were sent for forensic examination as investigations continue.
The KRG says oil exports will resume within 48 hours under a three-month deal with Baghdad. The agreement covers oil and non-oil revenues but raises concerns it could be used as an election tactic.
The KRG Ministry of Natural Resources says it has met all obligations for resuming oil exports and is awaiting a response from the Federal Oil Ministry to finalize the agreement.
A young volunteer injured in last month’s Penjwen fire has died after 20 days in hospital. The blaze burned 5,000 acres of forest and left two people wounded.
Two people, a father and his son, were killed in a shooting inside their home in Kifri’s Shorsh neighborhood. Police say attackers arrived in a car before the incident.
A 20-year-old man died after being hit by an accidental bullet fired while a Peshmerga was cleaning his weapon. The victim succumbed to his injuries in hospital.
Two suspects have been arrested over the murder of KDP official Akbari Haji Rostam in Garmian. Authorities said the men had previously worked on his farmland but were no longer linked to him.
The KRG says its outgoing cabinet will meet today to address salaries and oil issues. Baghdad has tied the release of the seventh month’s salaries to the handover of 120 billion dinars in non-oil revenues.
Baghdad has tied the release of salaries to the handover of oil, non-oil revenues, and pension deductions, according to a New Generation Movement MP. He warned that employees’ situations will worsen if the PUK and KDP fail to comply.