Haider al-Aboudi, spokesperson for the Iraqi government, stated that the economy will remain the government’s primary objective and said the Development Road project continues to move forward steadily. He added that the Kurdistan Region’s oil issue remains directly linked to the settlement of public sector salaries.

Al-Zaidi Will Not Form a Party or Participate in Elections

The Iraqi government spokesperson stated that Ali Faleh al-Zaidi has decided not to establish a political party and will not participate in the upcoming elections.

Economy Remains the Government’s Top Priority

Haider al-Aboudi said economic affairs will continue to be the government’s main focus, emphasizing that the Development Road project is progressing without interruption.

He added that the cabinet reshuffle will be completed before the Prime Minister’s arrival in Washington and confirmed that economic matters will be the central focus of al-Zaidi’s visit to the United States.

Weapon Collection Remains an Internal Matter

Regarding the disarmament process in Iraq, al-Aboudi stated that the issue of weapon collection is strictly an internal Iraqi matter.

New Oil Wells and the Kurdistan Region Oil File

Commenting on oil exports and reserves, the Iraqi government spokesperson said that the Iraqi Ministry of Oil is currently working on rehabilitating the Kirkuk-Ceyhan and Kirkuk-Baniyas oil pipelines.

He added that, for the first time, the Iraqi Ministry of Oil has discovered a number of new oil wells within the Kurdistan Region, reiterating that the Kurdistan Region’s oil dossier remains tied to the salary issue.

Iraq Faces Temporary Cash Liquidity Shortage

Addressing salaries, cash availability, and Iraq’s financial situation, Haider al-Aboudi said Iraq has not taken out foreign loans to pay public salaries.

He explained that Iraq is currently facing a temporary cash liquidity shortage, which will be resolved once the Strait of Hormuz is reopened.

Haider al-Aboudi also announced that Iraq’s 2027 draft budget bill will be prepared by October.