Baghdad: The Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi, convened its eighteenth regular session on Tuesday evening, resulting in several significant decisions aimed at addressing the country’s pressing economic and strategic issues. Discussions centered on the latest national developments, as well as various agenda topics and files, leading to critical resolutions being passed.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, one of the pivotal decisions made by the Council was the approval for the Ministry of Finance to allocate funds to the Ministry of Oil. This move is designed to ensure the Ministry of Oil can disburse financial resources monthly to centrally funded ministries and official entities, as per each expenditure unit’s allocation. This initiative is part of broader efforts to enhance the nation’s oil and petroleum product export capabilities.
In an effort to navigate the ongoing crisis and maintain maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, the Council agreed to amend Resolution No. 165 of 2026. This amendment seeks to continue the mechanism for selling crude oil and petroleum products until normalcy returns. Additionally, the Council approved amendments to Resolution No. 348 of 2026, allowing for agreements between the Ministry of Oil and the American company Chevron, encompassing advance payment agreements, crude oil supply agreements, and technical consultation agreements.
Further strategic decisions included amending Resolution No. 388 of 2026, which governs the framework agreement on water between Iraq and Turkey. The amendment aims to limit crude oil exports to Turkey to no more than 33,000 barrels per day as a preliminary phase, aligning with the agreement’s actual financing needs.
In terms of domestic advancements, the Council approved measures to improve medical services by extending import approvals, as stated in a letter from the Ministry of Health. However, the extension will not continue beyond the current year. Cost-cutting measures were also enacted, including a halt on foreign assignments for state employees and a 60% reduction in assignment allocations across various budgets, with exceptions granted only to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Addressing historical legislative decisions, the Council sanctioned the draft law to repeal Resolution No. 110 of the dissolved Revolutionary Command Council from February 21, 1989. This draft law has been reviewed by the State Council and will be referred to the Council of Representatives.
To solidify Iraq’s international commitments, the Council approved the issuance of Ship Tonnage Regulations, which have undergone State Council review, in line with the Constitution and the Iraqi Higher Maritime Authority Law (No. 18 of 2019). Furthermore, to bolster international relations, the Minister of Trade was authorized to negotiate and sign a draft agreement on economic, trade, scientific, technical, and cultural cooperation with Serbia.