Baghdad: Today’s newspapers highlighted Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani’s remarks affirming that Iraq’s financial and economic situation is currently at its strongest, noting that the government has succeeded in reducing the budget deficit and maintaining economic stability.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Al-Sabah newspaper reported that during his meeting on Monday with a group of Arab and foreign journalists, Al-Sudani stated that the recorded budget deficit resulted from the flawed policies inherited from previous administrations. He explained that the current government managed to bring the deficit down to 34 trillion dinars.

The Prime Minister clarified that discussions about Iraq’s external debt are being circulated in an electoral rather than technical context, emphasizing that Iraq’s foreign debt does not exceed $13 billion, which is far lower than that of many regional countries. He added that Iraq’s $41 billion debt to the Paris Club is a legacy of the former regime, for which th
e current government bears no responsibility.

In the economic sphere, Al-Sudani described the appointment of a special envoy by former U.S. President Donald Trump to Iraq as ‘an important step,’ particularly since the envoy is of Iraqi origin. He revealed that Iraq has signed a major contract with General Electric (GE) to add 24,000 megawatts of electricity-the largest such deal in Iraq’s history-and will soon sign another agreement with ExxonLite Energy to import American natural gas.

The Prime Minister stressed that economic reform requires a strong and cohesive parliamentary coalition, which will serve as a cornerstone for forming the next government. He also underscored that citizens are essential partners in shaping the country’s political future, asserting that broad voter participation will empower any incoming government to make decisive decisions.

‘We had hoped for the participation of the Sadrist Movement in the upcoming elections,’ Al-Sudani said, ‘and we made several efforts to persuade them to
reconsider their decision to withdraw.’

Speaking about the Development Road Project, Al-Sudani described it as ‘the foundation of a new Iraq,’ highlighting its investment potential valued at $450 billion. He emphasized that Iraq’s Arab depth offers space for stronger relations and shared interests, particularly through major economic projects such as the Development Road.

Regarding water management, Al-Sudani announced the signing of an agreement with Turkey that allows Turkish companies to implement projects to improve Iraq’s water management systems.

On regional affairs, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Iraq’s support for dialogue with Iran, rejecting policies of pressure that ‘have proven ineffective,’ and stressing that stability in the region is vital, as it represents ‘the world’s energy lung.’

Concluding his remarks, Al-Sudani reiterated that the Palestinian issue remains central to regional stability, saying: ‘Without a fair resolution to the Palestinian cause, tensions will persist. The Palestinian
people alone have the right to decide their destiny and establish their independent state.’

Al-Zawraa, issued by the Iraqi Journalists Syndicate, highlighted President Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid’s meetings with the ambassadors of Palestine and Iran in Baghdad.

According to a statement by the Presidency, the President received the Palestinian Ambassador to Iraq, Ahmed Al-Ruwaidi, at Al-Salam Palace, on the occasion of the conclusion of his diplomatic mission. President Rashid reaffirmed Iraq’s steadfast stance in support of the Palestinian cause and its commitment to backing the Palestinian people in their pursuit of legitimate rights and the establishment of an independent state, while commending Ambassador Al-Ruwaidi’s efforts in strengthening bilateral relations between Baghdad and Ramallah.

For his part, the outgoing Palestinian ambassador expressed deep appreciation and gratitude to the President for the support and cooperation extended to him throughout his tenure, praising Iraq’s principled and unwaver
ing position toward the Palestinian cause.

In a separate statement, the Presidency announced that President Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid also received the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Iraq, Mohammad Kazem Al-Sadeq, where the two sides discussed bilateral relations and prospects for expanding mutual cooperation. During the meeting, the President stressed Iraq’s keenness to strengthen relations with Iran and broaden areas of joint cooperation in a way that serves the interests of both neighboring peoples, noting that enhancing such cooperation contributes to promoting peace and stability across the region.

For his part, Ambassador Mohammad Kazem Al-Sadeq expressed his appreciation for the President’s ongoing support for the strong and growing relationship between the two countries, emphasizing Iran’s commitment to consolidating principles of good neighborliness and fostering lasting friendship and cooperation in the interest of both nations.

Al-Zaman newspaper devoted its coverage to the ongoing
investigation into the assassination of Baghdad Provincial Council member and election candidate Safaa Al-Hijazi Al-Mashhadani, whose killing last week sparked widespread public and political reactions.

According to the paper, social media platforms circulated statements attributed to Parliament Speaker Mahmoud Al-Mashhadani, confirming that the perpetrators of the assassination had been apprehended. He stated on Monday that ‘the relevant authorities have begun taking their testimonies, and the results of the investigation will be announced soon.’

Meanwhile, a source close to the special investigative committee revealed that investigators had uncovered ‘significant leads’ that could help identify those responsible for the attack and their motives. The source noted that initial findings indicate the perpetrators were from the same area and not affiliated with any external party, adding that security camera footage across Tarmiyah and nearby routes showed that the explosive device was planted inside the distr
ict prior to the incident.

He further explained that the bomb was locally manufactured and connected to a mobile phone detonation system, suggesting that the explosion was triggered remotely via a phone call after tracking the target’s location. The source added that Al-Mashhadani’s vehicle movements remained within Tarmiyah before he headed to his office and later to a restaurant in western Baghdad, where the explosion occurred.

According to the source, security authorities have preliminarily identified the groups involved and are completing technical and legal procedures in preparation for an official announcement. He also revealed that Al-Mashhadani had an ongoing dispute with a local group over a plot of land in Tarmiyah, which is believed to be the primary motive behind his assassination.

Safaa Al-Mashhadani and two of his escorts were killed early Wednesday morning when an explosive device targeted their vehicle in the Tarmiyah district, north of Baghdad.