Iraq News Posted by Tishwash at TNT 5-19-2026

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Tishwash:  Political consensus paves the way for the passage of the oil and gas law.

 The Iraqi Parliament is preparing to introduce the draft oil and gas law in the coming period, amid indications of a political consensus among most blocs to pass it. MP Adel al-Mahalawi, from the Progress Bloc, told Al-Sabah newspaper that the law will be presented to Parliament soon after political understandings are reached.

He explained that Prime Minister Ali al-Zubaidi has expressed his willingness to cooperate in finalizing legislation with an economic dimension. He clarified that the law is considered one of the most anticipated pieces of legislation, as it regulates the relationship between the federal government and the oil-producing provinces and contributes to supporting the budget and boosting revenues.

Al-Mahalawi added that some technical and political disagreements still exist, but they are resolvable through national consensus. He also noted Parliament’s intention to introduce a set of service and economic laws in the coming period in coordination with the government.   link

Tishwash:  Al-Jurani told Al-Mirbad: The oil and gas law is at the top of the priorities for the next stage, and preserving Basra’s rights is essential.

Member of Parliament’s Oil and Gas Committee, MP Qaisar Al-Jurani, confirmed in a statement to Al-Mirbad that enacting the Oil and Gas Law will be among the top priorities of the next stage, after years of delay and political disputes.

Al-Jurani told Al-Mirbad that the law represents the cornerstone for regulating the relationship between the federal government and the producing governorates, in addition to guaranteeing the rights of the Iraqi people to manage their national wealth.

He added that the committee is working to pass the law in a way that achieves justice for all parties and preserves the rights of Basra, as it is the largest oil-producing governorate in Iraq.  link

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Tishwash:  Coordination framework: Agreement to finalize the remaining cabinet positions after the holiday

On Monday, Uday Abdul-Hadi, a member of the Coordination Framework, revealed that an agreement has been reached to finalize the remaining ministerial appointments in Ali al-Zaidi’s government immediately after the Eid al-Adha holiday. He noted that changes to some of the ministerial nominees are possible.

Speaking to Al-Maalouma, Abdul-Hadi said, “There are meetings and discussions taking place between the Coordination Framework and other political forces, both Sunni and Kurdish, to reach an understanding regarding the post-Eid al-Adha period, specifically regarding the vote on the remaining ministerial positions in al-Zaidi’s government.”

He added, “There is an agreement to hold a decisive session on this matter,” explaining that “changing some of the ministerial nominees is possible, but the final decision rests with the political blocs whose appointments remain pending, awaiting the post-Eid al-Adha session, whether for the Interior, Culture, Planning, or other ministries.”

He pointed out that “understandings are what determine all paths between the political forces,” stressing that “everyone agrees on the necessity of resolving the cabinet formation issue, because this will give the government greater flexibility in carrying out its duties, especially in light of the financial and economic challenges and the nature of developments in the region.”  link

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Tishwash:  Nasif calls on Al-Zaidi to request an increase in Iraq’s OPEC quota and to resolve the issue of its oil through the Strait of Hormuz.

MP Alia Nassif called on Prime Minister Ali al-Zubaidi on Tuesday (May 19, 2026) to request an increase in Iraq’s share in OPEC and to find understandings with America and Iran to resolve the issue of oil passing through the Strait of Hormuz, which is closed due to the war, during his visit to Washington at the invitation of US President Donald Trump.

Trump had invited al-Zaidi to visit Washington after he formed his government, during a phone call that included congratulations on his appointment and an invitation to visit the White House.

We hope that during the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi to the United States of America at the invitation of Trump, Mr. al-Zaidi will ask the American administration to increase Iraq’s share in OPEC, and to find common ground between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Iraq to secure Iraqi oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz, because the issue of the Iraqi economy is an existential issue in the current circumstances, and all positions must be united to support our government and our economy.  link

Tishwash:  Amidi discusses with the Economic Council ways to enhance investment opportunities and support projects in the country

President Nizar Amidi received Ibrahim al-Masoudi al-Baghdadi, head of the Iraqi Economic Council, and his accompanying delegation at the Peace Palace in Baghdad on Monday, on the occasion of his assumption of the presidency.

The Presidential Media Office stated in a press release received by the Video News Agency that the visiting delegation offered their congratulations to the President. During the meeting, they discussed the general economic situation in the country and ways to enhance investment opportunities and develop infrastructure.

The statement added that the President emphasized the need to support major development projects to contribute to strengthening economic stability and improving the living conditions and services for all citizens in the various governorates.

Amidi stressed the importance of diversifying national income sources and not relying solely on oil revenues, as well as supporting the private sector and creating a suitable environment for investment and sustainable development by providing the necessary facilities for business and coordinating efforts among official institutions to advance the economy. link