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Minister of Foreign Affairs Fuad Hussein receives a phone call from his Iranian counterpart regarding the recent military developments in the region

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Fuad Hussein received a phone call today, Saturday, from Iran’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abbas Araghchi. During the call, the Iranian minister reviewed the latest military developments in Iran following the recent attacks, affirming that his country will continue to defend itself. He indicated that Iran’s response would target U.S. military bases located in the region, describing it as part of what he called the right to self-defense. He clarified that these attacks would not target the countries concerned, but would be limited strictly to military sites. For his part, Mr. Fuad Hussein reiterated Iraq’s firm position rejecting the escalation of military actions, stressing that war cannot be a means to resolve problems. He emphasized that dialogue and de-escalation remain the best path to addressing crises in a way that preserves the security and stability of the region.

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Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al-Sudani meets with President Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid

The meeting included a review of the general situation in the country, as well as regional and international developments, in addition to emphasizing the need to complete the constitutional entitlements in a way that meets the aspirations of our people. The meeting also discussed ways to enhance cooperation and coordination between the Presidency of the Republic and the Council of Ministers in a manner that contributes to consolidating stability and supporting reform efforts. Furthermore, developments in the region and their implications for Iraq were addressed. It was emphasized that the challenges facing our people require a unified stance among national forces to preserve the country’s security and stability amid ongoing regional tensions, and to support the government’s measures and steps aimed at strengthening Iraq’s pivotal role in promoting international security and peace.

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Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani chairs the eighth regular session of the Council of Ministers

At the outset of the session, the Council addressed Iraq’s step of depositing the maritime boundaries map with the United Nations. The Council affirmed Iraq’s sovereign right over its land and territorial waters, with full commitment to international resolutions and the provisions of international law. It also emphasized Iraq’s commitment to maintaining the best possible relations with all neighboring countries in a manner that guarantees mutual rights and national sovereignty within a framework of constructive brotherly relations. The Council of Ministers continued reviewing the measures taken to maximize revenues and rationalize expenditures across all ministries and state institutions. It approved the recommendations contained in the report of the team tasked with following up on the implementation of Council of Ministers’ decisions, as well as the directives of the Prime Minister in this regard. The Council discussed its agenda and followed up on efforts to establish a floating platform for importing liquefied natural gas (LNG). It approved authorizing the Ministry of Electricity to contract with the U.S. company Excelerate Energy to establish the platform, pursuant to Council of Ministers Resolution No. 878 of 2025. The Council also approved the continuation of contracts with previously contracted personnel, in accordance with Article (15) of the Emergency Food Security Support Law (No. 2 of 2022), for those still in service whose contracts had expired and who were not included under Article (66) of the Federal Budget Law (No. 13 of 2023). Regarding vehicles entering the country in violation of the law, the Council approved the recommendations of the relevant committee formed for this purpose. It also directed facilitating procedures for re-exporting vehicles outside Iraq and mandated the Ministry of Interior and the General Authority of Customs to take necessary measures to prevent the unlawful entry of vehicles. The Council approved that the General Company for Ports of Iraq take the necessary measures to reduce the government’s share of goods storage fees at the port to zero, and that the share of the joint operating partner not exceed 50% of storage fees. It also directed the General Company for Maritime Transport to take the necessary measures to reduce the revenues and fees of transport companies and shipping line agents by 75% of the amounts incurred by importers, effective from January 1, 2026, until April 15, 2026. In the electricity sector, the Council approved recommendations concerning the settlement of dues owed to the local investor for the supply of electrical energy, as well as the payment mechanism outlined in the minutes. The Ministry of Electricity will send tables of supplying companies to the Ministry of Finance to carry out financial and accounting set-off and reconciliation. In the clean energy sector, the Council approved exempting the environmentally friendly government buildings project, pursuant to Council of Ministers Resolution No. 1128 of 2025, to complete the commitments of the National Team for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Projects, by implementing the government buildings project covering 535 buildings. The Council authorized the Ministry of Interior to sign the offer and acceptance letter related to modern electronic surveillance systems for the Iraqi-Syrian border. As part of its follow-up on ministries’ and institutions’ implementation of decisions related to expenditure control, revenue maximization, and addressing the financial situation, the Council approved the recommendations of Diwani Order Committee (TSh 8 of 2026), as follows: * The application of the quality mark shall be entirely optional. The validity of the Iraqi Quality Mark shall be three years, renewable, and obtaining a certificate of conformity during its validity period shall not be mandatory. * Fees for granting and renewing the Quality Mark certificate shall be determined, whether granted by the Central Organization for Standardization and Quality Control or by companies authorized by it. * Goods bearing the Iraqi Quality Mark shall have a simplified pathway free from routine inspection procedures. Traders and consumers shall be educated about the reliability of goods bearing the Quality Mark, with the choice left to the trader and consumer. * The Communications and Media Commission shall exclusively assume responsibility for granting type approvals, import approvals, and conformity assessment for telecommunications and information technology equipment. * Factories shall assume responsibility for all trademarks granted the Iraqi Quality Mark that are manufactured within the factory. * A single Quality Mark shall be granted to products under the same trademark, even if manufactured in more than one factory. * The Central Organization for Standardization and Quality Control shall amend the regulations governing the granting of the Iraqi Quality Mark in accordance with the Council of Ministers’ decision adopted today.

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The Board of Commissioners of the Communications and Media Commission approves the regulation on imposing fines for the use of the radio frequency spectrum

The Board of Commissioners of the Communications and Media Commission held its regular session chaired by Dr. Blassim Salem, during which the items listed on the agenda were discussed and the necessary decisions were taken accordingly. The Board ratified the regulation on imposing fines for the use of the radio frequency spectrum, contributing to strengthening the regulation of this national resource and ensuring its optimal use in accordance with the approved legal frameworks. The Board also approved the registration of domain names on the Internet free of charge, based on the request submitted by the Ministry of Interior concerning the unified emergency number (911), in support of national projects of a service-oriented and humanitarian nature. Furthermore, the Board discussed the matter of Basra International Airport and decided to grant it the necessary period to rectify its legal status in accordance with the applicable regulations and instructions. The Board also reviewed amendments to the license regulation for providing geographic location tracking services, reaffirming its continued efforts to regulate the telecommunications and media sectors in a manner that serves the public interest and enhances legal compliance.

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Al-Araji chairs a meeting of the Diwani Order Committee concerned with combating the recruitment of Iraqi citizens into the Russian army

Today, Wednesday, National Security Adviser Qassem Al-Araji chaired a meeting of the Diwani Order Committee tasked with combating the recruitment of Iraqi citizens into the Russian army, in the presence of representatives from security institutions, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other relevant bodies. The meeting discussed the committee’s agenda, and decisions and measures were adopted to address this issue. These included activating the relevant legal provisions under the Iraqi Penal Code, which stipulate penalties for any Iraqi citizen who joins the armed forces of another country. The measures also include holding tourism companies and entities accountable if they assist Iraqi citizens in engaging in such activities, as well as combating financing, recruitment, and the networks involved in this matter. The committee gave final approval to these decisions and submitted them to the Prime Minister for consideration and final action.

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The Communications and Media Commission hosts MBC Iraq Channel

The Communications and Media Commission hosted the director of the MBC Iraq office in an urgent meeting to discuss the technical and professional parameters of the series “Hamdiya,” scheduled to air during the holy month of Ramadan. The meeting was convened based on the results of monitoring and technical analysis of the promotional trailer for the production, which included scenes and content found to be in partial violation of the Media Broadcasting Code of Practice, particularly with regard to public decency, morals, and societal taste. It also followed parliamentary correspondence and public appeals objecting to certain elements of the content. The Commission emphasized the necessity of refraining from presenting any material that could be interpreted as targeting or offending any social, religious, sectarian, or ethnic group. It directed a comprehensive review of all episodes of the series, with immediate technical adjustments and the permanent removal of the violating scenes, as well as full compliance with the Media Broadcasting Code of Practice and Circular No. (81) of 2026 concerning the sanctity of the holy month. For its part, the channel’s management affirmed its commitment to the Commission’s directives and its respect for societal and religious values, noting that the production has obtained official authorization from the Iraqi Artists Syndicate and addresses humanitarian and social issues without targeting any component of society. The Commission reiterated its independent regulatory role in ensuring a responsible media environment that respects the privacy of Iraqi society, safeguards its values, and preserves civil peace.

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A magical spring flows from beneath the right wall of the city of Mosul on the banks of the Tigris River.

Here, a magical spring flows from beneath the right wall of the city of Mosul on the banks of the Tigris River, specifically under the remaining ruins of the historic Bash Tapia Castle. The geography of the area indicates that Ain al-Kibrit originated from distant mountains, and its waters seeped into this spring inside the city of Mosul. Historically, the spring is believed to have appeared more than a thousand years ago. Its waters are distinguished by being warm in winter and cool in summer. Ain al-Kibrit flows from a rocky cave measuring 30 m², near which there is a stone basin used for swimming. The land surrounding the spring contains “gil”, a type of grayish-black sulfurous clay, which is applied to the body for a few minutes until it turns white, and then washed off with the spring water or by immersing in the adjacent stone basin. This sulfurous clay is highly beneficial in treating skin conditions such as allergies, itching, scabies, acne, and other dermatological issues. One of the unique features of Ain al-Kibrit is that its water increases every Wednesday. Today, with the reconstruction revolution taking place in Nineveh, these springs have been included in the riverfront development projects, aimed at reviving the history and civilization of ancient Mosul.

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President of the National Approach Alliance receives the Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Iraq

The President of the National Approach Alliance, Dr. Abdul Hussein Al-Mousawi, received the Chargé d’Affaires of the United States Embassy in Iraq, Mr. Joshua Harris. The meeting discussed the latest developments on the national and regional levels, as well as ways to strengthen bilateral relations between Baghdad and Washington in accordance with the principle of mutual sovereign respect and shared interests, through balanced and constructive understandings that promote stability and advance development and reconstruction efforts within Iraq. The two sides also addressed consultations among political forces to resolve national entitlements through constitutional pathways and adherence to the outcomes of the electoral process and its results, in order to consolidate democratic foundations, safeguard national decision-making, and reinforce partnership and cooperation among various political actors, ultimately leading to the formation of a government capable of overcoming challenges and restoring Iraq’s leading role in the region. The meeting further emphasized the importance of ensuring the success of negotiations between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran, describing them as a positive step that contributes to de-escalation and the adoption of dialogue and calm diplomatic approaches.

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Commander of the Naval Forces, Staff Vice Admiral Mazen Abdul Wahid Kabayan, receives the Commander of the NATO Mission in Iraq

The Commander of the Naval Forces, Staff Vice Admiral Mazen Abdul Wahid Kabayan, received the Commander of the NATO Mission in Iraq, General Christophe Hintzy, along with the Assistant Chief of Staff for Training, Staff Lieutenant General Hamid Mohammed Kamer, and their accompanying delegation, at the headquarters of Umm Qasr Naval Base. The base commander delivered a detailed briefing on the base’s missions and duties. During the meeting, discussions focused on enhancing joint cooperation in several areas of planning and training, and agreements were reached to implement activities in coordination with the command and to provide advisory support. The visit included a tour of the base’s pier to review the naval vessels, as well as visits to the command maintenance facility, the floating dock, the naval school, and the live-fire training simulators. The second stop was the Marine Infantry Brigade headquarters, where the delegation was briefed on the brigade’s area of responsibility and ongoing training courses. The visit also included the Naval Forces Command headquarters. The final stop was the Arabian Gulf Naval Studies Academy, where they were received by the Academy President, who presented a detailed briefing on the academy’s missions and responsibilities. The delegation toured the academy headquarters, the planetarium, laboratories, student training simulators, and the Maritime Vocational Training Center. At the conclusion of the visit, the Commander of the NATO Mission expressed his appreciation and gratitude to the Commander of the Naval Forces and to all the commanders of the mentioned units for their efforts and the notable development achieved across all aspects of the command.

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Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani paid a visit to the headquarters of the Ministry of Electricity in the capital, Baghdad, to review the ministry’s early preparations for providing electrical power during the upcoming summer season.

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani paid a visit to the headquarters of the Ministry of Electricity in the capital, Baghdad, to review the ministry’s early preparations for providing electrical power during the upcoming summer season. He also chaired a meeting attended by the Acting Minister of Electricity, along with a number of advisors and director generals at the ministry, during which plans and preparations related to power generation, transmission and distribution were reviewed, as well as efforts to relieve bottlenecks in the national grid and the issue of bill collection. Al-Sudani stressed the priority of bill collection in the electricity sector and its role in rationalizing consumption and reducing energy waste. He noted that collection is not merely about raising funds, but that its objective is to ensure sustainable service and allocate revenues toward rehabilitating the electricity sector. He directed the preparation of a study on bill collection aimed at improving revenue collection efficiency, including a comparison of collected tariffs with those in neighboring countries. He also instructed the ministry to regularly follow up on and review its plans and field procedures in order to improve services and ensure the provision of electricity to citizens, especially with the approach of the upcoming summer season.

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Joint Operations: Four Terrorist Elements Killed in an Airstrike Along the Border Between Nineveh and Salah al-Din Provinces

The Joint Operations Command announced the targeting of two ISIS hideouts in the western Nineveh desert (near Hatra), along the border separating Nineveh and Salah al-Din provinces. The Security Media Cell said in a statement received by the Iraqi Photo Agency, quoting the Joint Operations Command, that “our heroic Air Force Falcons carried out airstrikes using F-16 aircraft, targeting two hideouts housing four terrorist elements and a concealed vehicle in the western Nineveh desert (near Hatra), along the border between Nineveh and Salah al-Din provinces.” It added that “the operation was carried out based on precise intelligence and a specialized effort that lasted several days by the men of the Military Intelligence Directorate, in coordination, cooperation, and planning with the targeting cell of the Joint Operations Command.” It further explained that “the strikes were direct and highly accurate, resulting in the killing of the terrorists and the destruction of the two hideouts along with all logistical materials, equipment, weapons, ammunition, and other items inside.”

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The U.S. Embassy announces that it has contained an explosion inside one of its facilities in Baghdad

The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad announced on Saturday morning that a controlled explosion had taken place inside its Diplomatic Support Center. In a post on the platform “X,” the embassy said it had informed the Iraqi authorities of a controlled explosion that occurred earlier today inside the Diplomatic Support Center in Baghdad. It added that the facility is a U.S. diplomatic installation. The embassy clarified that the explosion was conducted as part of controlled procedures, without indicating any damage or injuries.

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The Governor of the Central Bank discusses with the U.S. side support for monetary stability

The Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq, Mr. Ali Mohsen Ismail Al-Alaq, received the Chargé d’Affaires of the United States Embassy in Iraq, Mr. Josh Harris. The meeting discussed prospects for strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries and emphasized the importance of supporting monetary and economic stability in a manner consistent with the requirements of political and security stability in Iraq. The U.S. Chargé d’Affaires, Mr. Harris, stressed the importance of a strong partnership between the United States and Iraq that delivers tangible benefits to both Americans and Iraqis, within the framework of advancing shared interests. This includes safeguarding Iraq’s sovereignty, enhancing regional stability, and strengthening economic ties. He also underscored that the presence of Iraqi institutions capable of operating effectively and transparently with the United States is essential to keeping Iraq on a path toward prosperity and protecting its economy from malign influence. For his part, the Governor expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the continued support provided by the United States, represented by the Department of the Treasury and the Federal Reserve, particularly during the quarterly meetings. He also outlined the banking reform plan and highlighted the notable progress achieved in stabilizing external transfer operations, as well as regulating the sale of U.S. dollars in accordance with best practices and international standards. At the conclusion of the meeting, Mr. Harris expressed his full readiness to continue supporting the efforts of the Central Bank of Iraq, enabling it to achieve its objectives of enhancing financial and monetary stability.

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The Coordination Framework calls on its members of parliament to be free in their choices in the event that a single candidate for the presidency of the Republic is not agreed upon

Here is a polished and accurate English translation with an official tone: --- The Coordination Framework held its regular, numbered meeting (262) at the office of Mr. al-Hakim on Wednesday evening, 4 February 2026, to follow up on the latest developments on the national and regional fronts and to discuss the current phase’s developments. The Coordination Framework renewed its emphasis on the importance of respecting and adhering to constitutional timelines in accordance with the periods stipulated in the Iraqi Constitution, calling for the presidency file to be resolved within a short period. It also stressed the importance of the brothers in the Kurdistan Region giving due consideration to the proposals presented by the Coordination Framework’s delegation during its recent visit to the Region, in a manner that contributes to accelerating consensus and ending the state of deadlock. In this context, the Coordination Framework called on its representatives to be free in their choices should a single candidate for the presidency of the Republic not be agreed upon, affirming that the continued paralysis of state institutions is inconsistent with the magnitude of the political, economic, and security challenges facing the country. Regarding the regional situation, the Coordination Framework reaffirmed its firm rejection of the use of Iraqi territory to launch attacks against any country, in commitment to the provisions of the Iraqi Constitution. At the same time, it stressed its call on the security forces to take further necessary precautions while exercising the highest levels of restraint in the face of any provocations, in order to avoid providing any pretext that could be exploited to target Iraq or undermine its stability.

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Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani chairs a meeting of the Ministerial Council for the Economy.

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani chaired a meeting of the Ministerial Council for the Economy, during which discussions continued on the government’s approach to implementing measures aimed at maximizing revenues and rationalizing expenditures. The Council reviewed a study submitted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which presented an integrated plan of procedures and figures outlining the Ministry’s localization and financial policy for the current year, 2026. The Council also hosted the Head of the Advisors Commission at the Prime Minister’s Office, who presented a detailed study on the value of trade and imports from abroad. Parts of the study were discussed by the relevant ministries, and observations and proposals were put forward to further develop it. The meeting included an in-depth discussion of decisions related to the implementation of customs tariffs and their impact on revenue enhancement, as well as an examination of market conditions and the requirements of domestic trade, and the effects that have emerged following the implementation of the adopted measures. The Council also discussed Recommendation No. (25511) of the Ministerial Council for the Economy regarding addressing the financial situation through a review of subsidy ratios for petroleum products. The Prime Minister stressed the necessity of maintaining market stability and citizens’ overall income, avoiding harm to the private sector, professions, and small businesses, ensuring the proper implementation of decisions, and conducting careful follow-up on their impact every three months.

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The Iraqi Ministry of Interior denies opening the borders to Syrian refugees to receive 350,000 refugees.

The Iraqi Ministry of Interior denied reports circulating on some social media platforms claiming that Iraq has opened its borders to Syrian refugees to receive 350,000 refugees. The Ministry also called for accuracy in the transmission of information, urging the public to obtain news exclusively from official sources and to refrain from spreading malicious rumors. It further stressed the need for bloggers and social media users not to circulate incorrect information, and highlighted the importance of following the official websites of the authorized authorities.

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A delegation from the Coordination Framework visits the cities of Erbil and Sulaymaniyah.

A high-level delegation from the Coordination Framework visited the cities of Erbil and Sulaymaniyah on Monday, February 2, 2026, where it met with the leaders of the Kurdistan Democratic Party and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan. The delegation included Mr. Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani, Mr. Hadi Al-Amiri, Mr. Mohsen Al-Mandalawi, and Dr. Abbas Radi. During the meetings, the parties discussed constitutional entitlements, foremost among them the election of the President of the Republic, in accordance with a mechanism that ensures adherence to constitutional timelines. The meetings also addressed current developments in the region, the situation in Syria, and the importance of unifying Iraq’s national political discourse in response to these changes and events, in a manner that strengthens Iraq’s position and serves its supreme national interests.

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After a 12-year hiatus the first flight for Umrah pilgrims begins from Mosul Airport

In a step described as a historic milestone in Mosul’s return to the map of regional and international air transport Mosul International Airport announced the launch of the first international flight since its restart, heading to the city of Medina in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, carrying 157 pilgrims from Nineveh Governorate. The director of Mosul International Airport, Ammar Al-Bayati, said that the airport launched the first international flight towards the Holy Land, explaining that this flight is the first foreign flight carried out by the airport since its official opening and its restart after years of cessation.