Member Info for HGNAHMED

A senior PUK official said: "We don't understand what the KDP really wants. Why is reaching an agreement with Baghdad considered surrender? Instead of selling our oil to Turkey, we'll now sell it to Baghdad—and get more money in return. Right now we're selling a barrel for $33 and making zero revenue. Baghdad offers to buy it at $65 per barrel and also provides budget and salary payments. Before 2014, we had neither oil nor revenue, and our money came from Baghdad, Masoud Barzani was president of the Region then. Why wasn't that considered surrender? So why is it surrender now?"

https://x.com/KurdistanWatch/status/1943657203350618586

US sanctions disrupt port operations in Basra, threaten Iraqi oil exports

The New Region

Jul. 10, 2025

Experts warn that US-imposed sanctions against Iran-linked oil smuggling from Berth 41 of the Khor al-Zubair Port in Basra could significantly hamper Iraq's oil exports, resulting in severe economic consequences.

https://thenewregion.com/posts/2688

Economic: There is no alternative to the oil agreement. Kurdish citizens' trust in KRG 'eroded' - Urgent

Baghdad Today - Sulaymaniyah

Today, Thursday (July 10, 2025), the expert in economic affairs, Othman Karim, confirmed that the oil agreement with Baghdad is the only and sure solution to the successive economic crises in the Kurdistan region, stressing that there is no alternative to this agreement.

https://baghdadtoday.news/278284-.html

iraqi fm fuad hussein on thursday met with charge d'affaires of the us embassy in iraq steven ***in, with the pair discussing "the relationship between the federal government and the kurdistan regional government, with a focus on financial challenges and related problems" - statement

"the two sides touched on the conditions of american companies operating in the kurdistan region and the relations between baghdad and erbil regarding the management of oil extracted from fields located within the region," the iraqi foreign ministry statement said

according to the iraqi statement, hussein stressed "the importance of reaching realistic solutions that ensure the equitable management of national wealth and achieve the public benefit of iraq"

https://x.com/thenewregion/status/1943336784559030724

Iraqi National Security Advisor Qasim al-Araji said that the federal government is "serious about ending all issues" with the Kurdistan Regional Government, "especially the salary file."

https://thenewregion.com/posts/2686

Halwest Movement leader Ali Hama Saleh says they have obtained information that the KRG has formally informed the Iraqi government that it does not want subsidised fuel for local consumption. Instead, it wants to refine its own share of oil allocated for local use, citing existing agreements with Lanaz Refinery for 40,000 barrels per day and with KAR Group for 25,000 barrels — a total of 65,000 barrels for local consumption.

Lanaz Refinery, owned by Mansour Barzani, receives crude oil at $30 per barrel and refines it, with the refined products sold at $80 per barrel. KAR Group is also affiliated with the Barzani family.

According to Saleh, the KRG is essentially fighting to protect the profits of these companies, which continue to generate revenue while public employees in the region have gone unpaid for over 70 days.

https://x.com/KurdistanWatch/status/1943288038227845279

“The first meeting took place on Wednesday and focused on technical and legal matters,” the official said. “The committee requested information from both federal and regional institutions.”

The official, who asked not to be named, said the committee did not meet on Thursday and is waiting to receive the required data before holding a second meeting early next week.

😎“After the next meeting, the committee will submit a report to the Council of Ministers before Tuesday for a vote,” the source added. “The outcome will be binding😎 because the committee was formed based on both political and ministerial agreement. It represents all Iraqi political groups.”

https://thenewregion.com/posts/2685

The Iraqi Federal Supreme Court has scheduled July 20 as the date for a high-stakes hearing in a lawsuit filed against the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and several U.S.-based energy firms over newly signed oil and gas contracts worth more than $110 billion.

https://peregraf.com/en/news/9266

U.S. Consulate in Erbil Applauds Runaki Project, Highlights American Role in Advancing Kurdistan's Energy Security

“We’re proud to see U.S. companies like GE Vernova supporting Iraq and the Kurdistan Region’s energy security. Expanding 24/7 electricity through the Runaki project to 2M residents is a vital step forward for the IKR,” the U.S. Consulate General in Erbil stated.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/851026/us-consulate-in-erbil-applauds-runaki-project-highlights-american-role-in-advancing-kurdistans-energy-security

Iraq’s Federal Court to Convene on Kurdistan Salaries as National Security Adviser Urges Resolution

“Kurdistan’s financial entitlements, especially salaries, must be provided. Erbil and Baghdad must reach an agreement on this matter,” Iraqi National Security Adviser Qasim al-Araji stated.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/850979/iraqs-federal-court-to-convene-on-kurdistan-salaries-as-national-security-adviser-urges-resolution

The head of the Rudaw Media Network office in Baghdad said that the meeting of the Prime Minister's Committee on Salaries has been postponed.

Mr Smith said that no date has been set for the meeting so far. The committee attributed the reason for the postponement of the meeting to the fact that it requested details from the Kurdistan Region and Iraq Ministry of Finance as well as other relevant ministries، he said.

The Iraqi prime minister has demanded a response within 48 hours.

The committee consists of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Planning Mohammad Tamim؛ Minister of Construction and Housing Bengin Rekani؛ Minister of Justice Khalid Shawani؛ Minister of Health Saleh Hasnawi and Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Naeem Aboudi.

Yesterday، the Iraqi Ministerial Committee for Resolving the Problems between Erbil and Baghdad held its first meeting، according to the statement of the meeting، the file of oil exports، the amount of domestic consumption of oil products in the Kurdistan Region and the payment of salaries were discussed.

The committee was formed on Tuesday (July 8) to unify the draft of both Erbil and Baghdad on their demands on the issue of oil and salaries.

https://www.rudaw.net/sorani/kurdistan/100720251

The Iraqi Federal Supreme Court is set to hold a session on Monday for the hearing of a complaint filed by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) against the Iraqi government regarding Baghdad’s failure to pay salaries of the Kurdistan Region’s civil servants

https://x.com/thenewregion/status/1943203954696806425

The committee reviewed the drafts proposed by both governments and "addressed a number of vital topics, most notably the issue of oil exports and regulatory mechanisms, the volume of domestic consumption of petroleum products, the transfer of the federal treasury's share of non-oil revenues to the region, and the discussion of the nationalization of salaries for Kurdistan Region employees"

https://x.com/thenewregion/status/1942965415715483898

https://x.com/zoomnewskrd/status/1942967472937656393

(Translation.....)

The Ministerial Committee on Resolving the Outstanding Issues between the Kurdistan Region and the Federal Government held its first meeting in Baghdad on Wednesday and discussed four main issues، the most important of which was the issue of oil exports and the payment of salaries of Kurdistan Region employees.

The meeting was chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Planning of Iraq Mohammed Ali Tamim. The ministers of higher education، construction and housing، health، industry and minerals and the Iraqi minister of justice also participated.

According to a statement issued by the Iraqi Ministry of Planning، the meeting discussed the two drafts submitted by the federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government. The bill covers a number of important topics، including:

Petroleum Exploration and Petroleum Exports.

The volume of domestic consumption of petroleum products.

- Transferring the share of the federal treasury to the non-oil revenues of the Kurdistan Region.

Tax evasion of the Kurdistan Region's employees.

At the end of the statement، the committee stressed the importance of continuing technical and administrative discussions to reach a "prompt، fair and realistic" solution. They also pointed out that the aim of this is to protect the rights of the employees of the Kurdistan Region، similar to their counterparts in other Iraqi provinces and within the framework of the integrity of the state's fiscal policy.

The committee was formed on Tuesday 8 July 2025 by the Iraqi Council of Ministers to look into the disputes between Erbil and Baghdad.

https://www.rudaw.net/sorani/middleeast/iraq/090720256

Clashes between Harki fighters and KDP security forces have temporarily subsided, but the Harkis have dug trenches and insist they will not back down unless the KDP withdraws its forces from the area.

The root of the current tension lies in a land dispute between the Harki and Gorran tribes. Many Harkis, not just those involved in the clashes, believe the KDP is siding with the Gorran tribe. In the absence of a functioning, neutral judicial system, few have faith in resolving the matter through the courts. The Harkis claim that Khurshid Harki—the man KDP forces attempted to arrest—has legal documents proving his ownership of the land. When he brought equipment from his company to the area, Gorran tribe members allegedly attacked it, claiming the land was theirs. This triggered the initial clashes.

https://x.com/KurdistanWatch/status/1942910138437796281

Iraq’s National Security Advisor arrived in Erbil amid tensions over budget and salaries. Kurdish leaders accuse Baghdad of stalling payments and undermining autonomy. The U.S. urges both sides to resolve disputes through dialogue to ensure stability and economic cooperation.

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) — On Wednesday, Iraq’s National Security Advisor, Qasim al-Aaraji, tasked by Iraq's Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani, arrived in Erbil and was welcomed by Kurdistan Region's Minister of Interior Rebar Ahmed. The purpose of the visit is reportedly to hold a series of political and security meetings with leadership in the Kurdistan Region, according to the Media Office of the National Security Advisor.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/850785/iraqs-national-security-advisor-arrives-in-erbil-amid-budget-dispute

Wow...... First time.... in such a detail.... For us to understand what's going on ACTUALLY😎

The draft proposals from both the Iraqi government and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) have been leaked amid ongoing negotiations over oil and the budget. Here are the key points:

On Oil

Iraq Government Draft:

- Immediate delivery of 236,000 barrels/day (total production minus 46,000 for local use) to SOMO for export.

- Local consumption remains the KRG's responsibility at $16 per barrel for production and transportation costs until the end of Phase 2.

- Phase 2: A 30-day joint study to assess and potentially revise local consumption needs in coordination with the Federal Oil Ministry.

- Emphasizes full federal oversight from the outset.

KRG Draft:

Proposes two delivery scenarios depending on company participation:

- If companies agree: Full delivery minus 65,000 barrels/day for local consumption.

- If companies don’t agree: Delivery limited to 100,000 barrels/day until a joint agreement is reached.

- KRG continues to manage local consumption of 65,000 barrels/day, but proposes that the Iraqi government cover production and transportation costs.

- Links full delivery to reaching an agreement on the scope of the technical committee, making delivery conditional.

➤ Key Difference:

The Federal Draft demands immediate full delivery (236k), while the KRG proposes conditional, partial delivery (100k or full minus 65k) depending on company cooperation.

See more details in the link below:

https://x.com/KurdistanWatch/status/1942656196760199614

Fierce clashes broke out between a faction of the Harki tribe and KDP security forces in Erbil’s western Khabat district after security forces attempted to arrest Khurshid Harki, one of the tribe’s chieftains.

The incident follows earlier clashes between factions of the Harki and Goran tribes over a piece of land through which part of the KRG’s oil pipeline runs.

https://x.com/KurdistanWatch/status/1942631370704011459

https://x.com/thenewregion/status/1942631564652740803

Committee formed to draft a 😎new oil and salary agreement based on proposals from Baghdad and Erbil😊

The Iraqi Cabinet’s session, chaired by PM Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, ended without resolving the salary crisis affecting over 1.2 million civil servants in the Kurdistan Region awaiting May and June payments. However, a five-minister committee—including Finance, Planning, Justice, Health, and Higher Education—was formed to draft a new oil and salary agreement based on proposals from Baghdad and Erbil, to be submitted for final approval, reports Zoom News' Akam Fahmi.

https://x.com/zoomnewskrd/status/1942613356818370718

***Very interesting Article: KRG–Baghdad focused Explainer***

There is a major strategic recalibration in U.S. regional policy that is important to articulate in order to understand the current Baghdad–Erbil dispute:

From Syria to Lebanon to Iraq, it is increasingly clear that Washington’s new strategy focuses on reshaping power dynamics within existing states, without redrawing borders, to serve its interests. This approach is more feasible and less costly, especially as recent regional shifts have made it more viable, whereas redrawing borders could lead to prolonged conflict - something the U.S. is no longer willing to engage in.

According to multiple credible sources, the US is increasingly leaning toward the KRG making further concessions to Baghdad, occurring alongside pressure on the Iraqi government to cut salaries for Iran-backed Shia militias.

See👇 for further details:

https://x.com/NatlContext/status/1942602313136242824