Shafaq News- Baghdad

Iraq's Acting Higher Education Minister Abdul Hussein al-Moussawi on Tuesday ordered an immediate halt to receiving new applications to establish private universities, colleges, and academic departments.

The ministry said the decision, effective June 30, 2026, is part of a strategy to regulate and reassess private higher education, improve academic quality, and strengthen oversight of the sector.

Read more: Iraq’s higher education crisis: +45,000 degrees unrecognized

The country's private higher education sector has expanded rapidly, with the ministry's 2025/2026 Guide to Private Universities and Colleges listing more than 70 private universities and colleges across the country.

Shafaq News-Al-Diwaniyah

Al-Diwaniyahneeds one trillion Iraqi dinars (about $763M) to complete its development projectsthrough mid-2027, Governor Abbas al-Zamili told Shafaq News on Tuesday.

Adequatefunding would be sufficient to finish the projects in full, al-Zamili said,lifting the province's services and urban infrastructure to a better standard.The province's 2023 allocation under Iraq's Regional Development Program —afederal budget mechanism that distributes funds to provinces for infrastructureand service projects such as roads, water, electricity, and healthcare, basedon population and poverty levels, with implementation overseen by localgovernments in coordination with federal ministries— totaled around 400 billiondinars ($305.3M), according to al-Zamili. An additional 150 billion dinars($114.5M) came from the Reconstruction Fund for the Poorest Provinces, bringingtotal allocations to roughly 600 billion dinars ($458M), an amount that fallsshort of closing Al-Diwaniyah's development gap.

Federalministries have since launched investment projects in the province valued ataround two trillion dinars ($1.53B), building on initiatives the previousgovernment established to address the province's service and urban shortfalls.The local government is ready to complete the investment projects, but fundingneeds to arrive in installments, according to al-Zamili.

Read more: Iraq’s al-Diwaniyah’s critical struggles: Infrastructure, healthcare, education

Funding hadseparately stalled on several service projects in Al-Diwaniyah due to theabsence of federal budgets for 2025 and 2026, parliamentary Regions andGovernorates Committee member Jaafar al-Zamili said earlier, citing a need formore than 100 billion dinars ($76.3M) to complete key projects including asports city, a medical city, the Al-Diwaniyah Grand Sewage project, and theAl-Sudair water project, some of which have already passed 75 percent completion.Following talks with Finance Minister Falih al-Sari, the ministry pledged toallocate funding for the stalled projects in the coming period.

Read more: Discover Iraq: Al-Diwaniyah, a province of untapped potential and neglect

Shafaq News- Baghdad

Baghdad Al-Karkh civil court on Tuesday ordered detainedlawmaker Alia Nassif Jassim to pay financial compensation to Hussein YoussefAl-Tamimi, a legal adviser at Iraq's Interior Ministry.

The court found Nassif civilly liable for damages resultingfrom her statements about the plaintiff through media outlets, concluding thatthe remarks harmed his reputation, professional standing, and social status.

According to the ruling, Al-Tamimi was carrying out hisofficial duties in accordance with a judicial arrest warrant when he oversawthe arrest of Nassif's nephew while he was allegedly caught in the act ofcommitting an offense.

Iraq presses ahead with a sweeping anti-corruption campaignlaunched on June 28. The six-month operation targets more than 200 officials,politicians, current and former deputy ministers, and business owners overallegations of illicit enrichment, misuse of public funds, and moneylaundering.

Read more: Iraq detains top officials in anti-corruption sweep

Shafaq News- Basra

Motorists from Baghdad, Karbala, and Dhi Qar provinces protested outside the Southern Customs Directorate in Basra on Tuesday, demanding changes to customs fees imposed on vehicles covered by Cabinet Decision No. 102 of 2026.

Chanting "Your customs are invalid," the protesters urged the government to revise the fee structure, arguing that customs authorities were charging a flat 5 million Iraqi dinars ($3,800) regardless of a vehicle's model or market value.

A protest representative told Shafaq News the fee had placed an excessive financial burden on thousands of vehicle owners, many of whom rely on their cars for daily transportation or income, and called for duties to be calculated according to each vehicle's actual value.

The demonstrators also said the current system was less flexible than the settlement mechanism introduced in 2021 and urged Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi and the Ministerial Council for the Economy to amend the regulations.

Cabinet Decision No. 102, adopted under the previous government of Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, requires customs duties and taxes on unregistered vehicles to be assessed according to each vehicle's classification rather than setting a uniform fee. It also requires inspections to determine the applicable customs rates before registration.

Read more: Iraq’s protests: A system that learned how to contain the street

Shafaq News- Basra

More than 600 employees of the Basra Oil Company working at Iraq's oil export terminals protested outside the Zubair oilfield on Tuesday, temporarily blocking the facility's main gate over delayed financial entitlements and working conditions.

The gate reopened after company management intervened and pledged to review the workers' demands, according to a Shafaq News correspondent.

A representative of the protesters said employees had yet to receive financial entitlements for 2023, 2024, and 2025, despite maintaining oil export operations under difficult conditions. The workers called on Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi to intervene, investigate the delays, and ensure the payments are released.

The protesters added that they support the government's anti-corruption campaign but argued that reform must also include protecting workers' rights. They also complained of inadequate workplace support, unequal allocation of residential land, and insufficient care for employees suffering from occupational illnesses.

They warned they would stage an open-ended sit-in at oilfield entrances within a week if their demands are not met.

Read more: Iraq protest activity jumps 671%, index shows

Shafaq News-Nineveh

A 21-year-oldman from the Kokjali area in Nineveh province has tested positive forCrimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), a medical source at the provincialHealth Directorate told Shafaq News on Tuesday.

The latestinfection raises Nineveh's tally of confirmed CCHF cases to 10 in recent weeks.

According tothe Shafaq News tracker, Iraq has recorded 154 CCHF infections since the startof 2026, with 74 cases concentrated in the southern province of Dhi Qar.

Read more: Blood, ticks, and broken systems: The resurgence of CCHF in Iraq

Shafaq News- Basra

Basra Governor Asaad al-Eidani on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding with US engineering and technology company KBR to advance strategic development projects in the southern province during a visit by US Embassy Chargé d'Affaires Joshua Harris.

In a press conference, al-Eidani said KBR would provide technical and advisory support for the province's development plans, describing the partnership as a step toward accelerating economic growth.

According to KBR President Jay Ibrahim, the company would help advance projects including the redevelopment of Basra International Airport, rehabilitation of the Shatt al-Arab waterway, and support for the Grand Faw Port.

Harris expressed Washington's will to expanding its economic partnership with Iraq through development initiatives in Basra.

يسرني أن أشهد توقيع مذكرة التفاهم بين شركة KBR والحكومة المحلية في البصرة، وهي خطوة تهدف إلى توظيف الخبرات والتميز الأمريكي في تطوير البنية التحتية وتعزيز النمو الاقتصادي. pic.twitter.com/p6IDP0YCQu

— U.S. Embassy Baghdad (@USEmbBaghdad) June 30, 2026

Iraq’s Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is expected to visit Washington following an invitation from US President Donald Trump. The visit aims to expand opportunities for mutual and joint investment.

Read more: Iraq PM al-Zaidi to Washington with energy deals front

Shafaq News- Baghdad (Updated at 10:55) 

Two Iraqi watchdogs warned againstnarratives suggesting that nationwide anti-corruption campaigns may besuspended, selectively applied, or driven by political motives, noting thatsuch disinformation seeks to erode public confidence in state institutions andweaken accountability efforts.

In a statement on Tuesday, theStrategic Center for Human Rights described corruption as Iraq’s “mostdangerous enemy,” arguing it has drained hundreds of billions of dollars overthe years, weakened state institutions, and deprived citizens of essentialservices, including healthcare, education, housing, and infrastructure.

“Attempts to cast doubt on theintegrity of anti-corruption campaigns serve entrenched networks that benefitfrom corruption,” it added, stating that spreading false information with theintent to influence investigations carries legal accountability under Iraqilaw.

The Center also underlined that publictolerance for corrupt officials is declining, stressing that accountabilityshould apply to all individuals proven guilty in court, regardless of rank orpolitical affiliation.

Meanwhile, Baghdad-based Echo Iraqreported that lawmakers recently accused of corruption continue to receive fullsalaries and benefits while in detention, unless a final judicial ruling isissued or their parliamentary membership is formally revoked.

Calling for immediate reforms to thefinancial and administrative rules governing salary payments during periods ofdetention or indictment, it pointed out that the practice raises legal andethical concerns over the use of public funds.

On Sunday, under directives from al-Zaidi, Iraq launched a nationwideanti-corruption campaign dubbed the “Dawn Crackdown.” A security source toldShafaq News that arrests surpassed 67 during the first 24 hours, while otherinformed sources indicated that the initial phase is expected to target morethan 200 current and former officials, politicians, business owners, and othersuspects.

Read more: Iraq detains top officials in anti-corruption sweep: What we know so far

ShafaqNews- Al-Anbar

Thedeployment of Iraqi security forces around the house of former IndustryMinister Khaled Battal in Al-Anbar province is not linked to the ongoingnationwide anti-corruption campaign, but rather stems from a family dispute, asecurity source told Shafaq News on Tuesday.

OnSunday, under directives from Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi, Iraq launched anationwide anti-corruption campaign dubbed the “Dawn Crackdown.” A securitysource told Shafaq News that arrests surpassed 67 during the first 24 hours,while other informed sources indicated that the initial phase is expected totarget more than 200 current and former officials, politicians, businessowners, and other suspects.

Read more: Iraq detains top officials in anti-corruption sweep: What we know so far

Shafaq News- Baghdad (Updated on Jun 30, at 10:29 AM)

Investigatorshave seized 1.4 billion Iraqi dinars (about $8.7 million), along with severalproperties, from detained Deputy Oil Minister for Distribution Affairs AliMaarij al-Bahadli, Iraq's Supreme Judicial Council said Monday.

In a statementciting the investigative judge at the Central Anti-Corruption Criminal Court,the council said the assets were uncovered during the initial investigationinto al-Bahadli and that the investigation remains ongoing.

Al-Bahadli wasarrested Sunday as part of a wide-ranging anti-corruption government-ledcampaign, named the Dawn Crackdown, that also targeted dozens of lawmakers andgovernment officials, including the head of the al-Azm Alliance, MP Muthannaal-Samarrai.

The officialwas recently sanctioned by the United States over alleged links to armedgroups. The US Department of the Treasury accused him of exploiting hisposition to facilitate the transfer of Iraqi oil for the benefit of the Iraniangovernment and Iran-backed armed factions.

Shafaq News-Al-Diwaniyah/ Karbala

Tribal leaders,sheikhs, and notables from Al-Diwaniyah and Karbala on Monday expressed fullsupport for the Iraqi government's Dawn Crackdown anti-corruption campaign,declaring they would withdraw all tribal and community protection from anyoneimplicated in the theft of public funds or wanted by the judiciary.

"The stepstaken by the government under the prime minister to pursue the heads ofcorruption represent an important beginning in state-building and restoringcitizens,” tribal Sheikh in Al-Diwaniyah, Nabil Hussein al-Amer, told ShafaqNews, adding that recovered funds should be directed toward service andinvestment projects.

Karbala'stribal leadership also declared the lifting of tribal and community cover fromany accused or wanted by the judiciary, “our guesthouses will never be shelterfor those who plundered Iraq's wealth."

Earlier, Babiland Dhi Qar’s Central Council of Sheikhs and Notables backed Prime Minister Alial-Zaidi's campaign on Sunday and called for an uncompromising approach againstcorrupt figures across state institutions.

Launched onJune 28 under al-Zaidi's direction, the nationwide Dawn Crackdownanti-corruption campaign has produced more than 67 arrests in its first 24hours, according to a security source who spoke to Shafaq News. Security forcessealed entrances to Baghdad's fortified Green Zone, which houses parliament,government headquarters, and diplomatic missions, and raided the residences oflawmakers, politicians, and businessmen on charges including illicit gain andmisuse of public funds.

Informedsources said the initial phase is expected to target more than 200 current andformer officials, politicians, business owners, and other suspects.

Read more: Iraq detains top officials in anti-corruption sweep: What we know so far

Shafaq News- Baghdad

Iraq’s Electricity Minister Ali Saadi Wahib on Monday removed the headof the General Company for Electricity Distribution in the South from his postand ordered an investigation into his work, according to a ministerial directive.

The order stipulates that Ghaith Najm Obeid be relieved of his dutiesfor 60 days, while assigning Tarek Faraj Ahmed to run the company during theperiod, pending the outcome of the inquiry.

The reason behind the decision was not disclosed.

Iraq launched the nationwide campaign, dubbed the Dawn Crackdown, onJune 28 under Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi’s direction. A security source toldShafaq News that arrests exceeded 67 during the first 24 hours, while informedsources indicated that the initial phase is expected to target more than 200current and former officials, politicians, business owners, and other suspects.

Read more: Iraq detains top officials in anti-corruption sweep: What we know so far

Shafaq News-Karbala/ Najaf

Authorities inIraq's holy cities of Karbala and Najaf confirmed on Monday their readiness tohost funeral ceremonies for Iran's late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on July 8,after Baghdad approved Tehran's request to include Iraq in the official funeralitinerary.

MohammedAl-Masoudi, a member of Karbala's Provincial Council and head of its TribalAffairs and Religious Occasions Committee, told Shafaq News that Iraqi andIranian officials discussed the details of the funeral during a meeting withIranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Sunday, explaining that Karbala'sprogram would take the form of a public farewell, with security and logisticalmeasures modeled on those used during the city's largest annual religiouspilgrimages, including Arbaeen, which draws millions of Shia Muslim pilgrimseach year, while being adapted to the nature of the event.

Visitors fromacross Iraq are expected to arrive one or two days in advance, alongsideHusseini processions, volunteer religious groups that organize and provideservices during Shia religious occasions, taking part in the reception.

Read more: Discover Iraq: Najaf, a city of dust and divinity

The proposedroute would begin in Baghdad before continuing to Karbala, home to the shrinesof Imam Hussein bin Ali and his brother al-Abbas, two of the most reveredfigures in Shia Islam, and then to Najaf, where the Imam Ali bin Abi Talebshrine is located. Khamenei's body would later be transferred to Iran forburial at the Imam Reza shrine in the northeastern city of Mashhad.

In Najaf, localgovernment spokesperson Ahmed Al-Fatlawi told Shafaq News that the officialprogram would start at Najaf International Airport before proceeding to theImam Ali shrine, with security, municipal, and other government agenciesoverseeing the event and receiving official delegations and mourners.

Iraniandelegations have arrived in Najaf to coordinate the final logisticalpreparations with Iraqi authorities.

Khamenei, wholed Iran from 1989 until his death, was killed on February 28 during theopening day of US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran.

Read more: Discover Iraq: Karbala, where memory breathes and future beckons

 Shafaq News- Baghdad

Iraq’s Central Anti-Corruption Criminal Court (CACC)sentenced the former director general of the General Commission for Taxes andhis wife to prison for money laundering, while also ordering heavy fines andthe confiscation of their assets, Iraq's Federal Commission of Integrity statedon Monday.

In a statement, the commission said Osama Hossam Jawdat wassentenced to 10 years in prison, and his wife to five years and one month underArticle 36 of Iraq's Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Law.The court also ordered the couple to jointly pay a fine of 32 billion Iraqidinars (about $24.4 million).

The ruling included the confiscation of 10 properties inBaghdad and 12 properties in Turkiye registered in the wife's name, as well asseized cash, rental income from the properties, gold jewelry, and funds held ina Kuwaiti bank and several Turkish banks.The court also ordered the seizure of the couple's movable and immovableassets.

Shafaq News-Kirkuk

KirkukInternational Airport maintained normal flight operations on Monday, with nodelays or cancellations affecting scheduled services, according to airportadministration.

Hardial-Salihi, the airport's spokesperson said that the facility operates tenflights daily to Turkiye and Saudi Arabia on the regular schedule. Technicaland administrative staff continue work as normal, with all operational servicesproceeding based on approved plans and flight movement experiencing nodisruption.

Regardingsocial media reports about a fire at the airport, al-Salihi clarified that theincident was limited to dry grass burning outside the airport perimeter,distant from vital installations and operational facilities. Civil defenseteams extinguished the fire quickly with no impact on flight navigation.

The airportwill continue daily monitoring of flight movement and operational services toensure uninterrupted work, al-Salihi said.

Read more: Iraq airspace closure costs $43 million during US-Israel war on Iran

Shafaq News- Basra

Iraqi Electricity Minister Ali Saadi dismissed and replacedaround 20 senior officials and directors general in the ElectricityDirectorates of Basra as part of a broader administrative restructuring, asource told Shafaq News on Monday.

The decisions included the dismissal of the director ofBasra's Electricity Distribution Directorate and his deputy, who is the brotherof former Electricity Minister Saif Ali Fadhil, the source said, adding that theminister also ordered the formation of investigative committees to examine theconduct of several officials over alleged failures to fulfill their officialduties, as well as weak oversight and follow-up of operational performance.

The move follows a series of dismissals, transfers, and new appointments involvingsenior officials and directors-general at the ministries of electricity, oil,and transport. The changes have been carried out under directives issued byministers and Prime Minister Ali Falih al-Zaidi as part of a broader administrativereshuffle across key government institutions. 

Shafaq News-Baghdad (Updated at 14:01)

The PopularMobilization Forces (PMF), a state security organization that includesIran-aligned factions, said on Monday that Iraq's government had requested anofficial funeral procession for Iran's late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Speaking ata PMF meeting, Muhannad Al-Aqabi, director of the PMF's General Directorate ofMedia, described the procession as an official event that would be held incoordination with political forces and organized with the participation ofrelevant state institutions.

The Iraqi government spokesman Haider al-Aboudi said in a press conference that Iraq has approved a request from Iran to hold the official funeral procession for Iran's Khamenei on July8.

Iran’s FM is currently in Baghdad for a one-day visit, which includes officialtalks about preparations for the funeral procession.

Khamenei,Iran's supreme leader from 1989 until his death, was killed on February 28during the opening day of US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran. Tehran has announcedfuneral ceremonies beginning in the Iranian capital on July 4, followed by Qomon July 7, Iraq on July 8, and burial in Mashhad on July 9.

The Iraq legof the procession is scheduled to begin in Najaf before moving to the Imam Alishrine, one of Shia Islam's holiest sites, and then to Karbala, home to theshrines of Imam Hussein and Abbas ibn Ali, two other central figures in Shiareligious history.

Shafaq News- Ankara

Iraqi nationals topped the list of foreign citizens leaving Turkiye in 2025, with immigration rising sharply and overall emigration falling.

According to the Turkish Statistical Institute, 393,829 people immigrated to Turkiye in the same year, up 25.2% from the previous year. Of those, 301,877 were foreign nationals, and 91,952 were Turkish citizens.

The number of people leaving Turkiye fell 5% to 403,216, including 248,097 foreign nationals and 155,119 Turkish citizens.

Iraqis accounted for 15.7% of all foreign nationals departing Turkiye, followed by Afghans (11.2%), Russians (7.6%), Iranians (6.3%), and Turkmen nationals (5.7%).

Turkish Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi stated that more than 1.434 million Syrians have voluntarily returned to Syria since 2016, including 578,000 since the fall of the former Syrian government on Dec. 8, 2024, while more than two million Syrians remain under temporary protection in the country.

Among new arrivals, Turkmen nationals made up the largest share of foreign immigrants (23.4%), ahead of Azerbaijanis (8.3%), Uzbeks (6.9%), Egyptians (6.1%), and Afghans (5.8%).

Shafaq News- Amman/ Baghdad

Iraq on Sunday secured the vice presidency of the Arab Unionfor Land Transport for a third consecutive term after Karim Kazem Hussein,director of the General Company for Passenger Transport and Delegations, wonre-election during the union's meetings in Jordan.

The company, one of Iraq's Transport Ministry entities,described the outcome as reflecting Iraq's growing role in specialized Arabtransport organizations and its contribution to strengthening regionalcooperation in the land transport sector.

Shafaq News- Al-Anbar

Iraq's Federal Commission ofIntegrity arrested six Saqlawiyah Municipality employees on Sunday over allegedfinancial and administrative corruption cases, according to a local official.

Speaking with Shafaq News, Al-AnbarProvincial Council member Adnan Al-Kubaisi identified the detainees as DeputyMunicipal Director Raed Abbas Hammad, engineers Laith Subhi Karim and UqbaKhaled Hammadi, employees Ammar Mahdi Hussein and Zuhair Abdul Mohsen, andtechnical employee Mahmoud Saadallah.

Al-Kubaisi said the case involvesthe auditing of contracting procedures, bonus payments, salaries for contractemployees, and records related to the distribution of residential land tomunicipal staff.

The investigation remains ongoing.

The arrests came hours after Iraqiauthorities launched a sweeping anti-corruption campaign that, according toinformed sources, is expected to target more than 200 officials, politicians,former and current deputy ministers, business owners, and other suspects duringits initial phase.

Read more: Iraq detains 47 officials in anti-corruptionsweep: What we know so far

Shafaq News- Babil

The Leading Tribal Council in Babil province on Sunday backed IraqiPrime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi’s anti-corruption campaign, urging a tougher stanceagainst corruption across state institutions.

In a statement, the council also praised Iraqi security forces forarresting several individuals accused of embezzlement and bribery involvinglarge sums of public funds.

Earlier today, Iraqi security forces, under Al-Zaidi’s directive,carried out a wide-ranging anti-corruption operation, detaining 47 officials,politicians, businessmen, and members of parliament. Informed sources toldShafaq News that the drive is expected to continue, with a second phase likelyto target additional senior figures.

Read more: Iraq detains 47 officials in anti-corruption sweep: What we know so far

Shafaq News- Dhi Qar

The head of the Integrity Committee in the Dhi QarProvincial Council, Abdul-Baqi Al-Omari, called on Sunday for stricteranti-corruption measures and a "night of anger" similar to thecampaign underway in Baghdad.

At a press conference, Al-Omari said the province hasseveral complex files requiring urgent intervention by the federal governmentand judicial authorities.

Duplicate land plot numbers as well as the allocation ofplots without completed legal and technical procedures have harmed thousands ofresidents, he said, while high prices and implementation delays continue toaffect more than 110 housing projects and compounds, leaving tens of thousandsof citizens waiting for housing units.

Regarding the Shatt Al Ibrahim lining project, Al-Omari saidauthorities spent more than 60 billion Iraqi dinars (about $45.8 million) withoutdelivering the intended results, fueling public anger after the project damagedthe Sayed Dakhil district and worsened the water shortage crisis. He alsocalled for an investigation into allegations of commissions and violationslinked to more than 200 projects.

Earlier today, joint security forces in the capital of Iraq closedentrances to the fortified Green Zone, which houses parliament, governmentoffices, and diplomatic missions, during a broad raid and search campaigntargeting the homes of lawmakers, politicians, and businesspeople. The campaignled to the arrest of more than 45 officials.

Read more: Scoop: Iraq anti-corruption drive nets 43 suspects in first phase

Shafaq News- Baghdad

Iraq’s Bar Association on Sunday refused to provide legal defense fordetainees held in a sweeping anti-corruption crackdown targeting officials,lawmakers, and business figures across Baghdad and several provinces.

The Association welcomed the “serious and practical steps to confrontcorruption,” noting that public frustration has reached a level where loss ofhope has become widespread. It further viewed the campaign as a potentialturning point, stating it could open “a new window” for Iraqis if matched bysustained political will to recover state assets, enforce accountability, andstrengthen institutions.

Iraqi security forces carried out a wide-ranging anti-corruptionoperation at dawn, detaining 47 officials, politicians, businessmen, andmembers of parliament. Authorities expect the campaign to proceed in furtherphases that may reach more senior figures. The operation follows the arrest offormer Oil Ministry Undersecretary Adnan al-Jumaili, whose case remains underinvestigation. Officials confirmed the seizure of $10 million and 31 billionIraqi dinars (about $23.5 million) linked to the probe.

Read more: Scoop: Iraq anti-corruption drive nets 43 suspects in first phase

Shafaq News- Baghdad

Iraq’s Communications and Media Commission (CMC) on Sunday banned twotelevision presenters from appearing on media outlets operating in the countryfor 90 days, citing violations of broadcasting rules.

Documents released by the Commission show that Ahmed Mulla Talal wasbarred, while his program “With Mulla Talal” on UTV Channel was exempted andmay continue with a replacement host.

CMC’s Media Regulation Department pointed to a Facebook post publishedby Mulla Talal on June 27, 2026, regarding Iraq’s participation in the WorldCup, which was deemed offensive to the Iraqi state and in breach of mediabroadcasting regulations.

Talal had already received a warning in March over content aired on thesame program covering the conflict involving Iran, the United States, andIsrael. The episode criticized Iraqi authorities’ position, with the presenterdescribing Baghdad as among the main losers of the conflict.

Separately, the CMC suspended “Voice of the People” on Iraq Al-Hadath TVfor 90 days and imposed a matching ban on its presenter, Marwa Hashem. Amonitoring report on an episode aired on June 24, 2026, found that it contained“inappropriate expressions” inconsistent with the public role of the media.

The regulator also identified violations of provisions related to publicdecency, accuracy, integrity, and respect for privacy, instructing IraqAl-Hadath TV to remove the violations, regularize its legal status, and submita written undertaking within five days of notification.

Iraq ranked 162nd in the 2026 Reporters Without Borders World PressFreedom Index, placing it alongside Sudan and Yemen at the bottom of the globalranking. The Iraqi Observatory for Human Rights has previously warned of risingviolations against journalists, including arrests, assaults, kidnappings, andrestrictions on media coverage, citing growing pressure on press freedom and alack of accountability for abuses.

Read more: The New era of control: Can Iraq's free press survive its politically-tainted rulers?

Shafaq News-Al-Anbar

Al-AnbarProvincial Council ordered legal action against people using illegal fishingmethods in the Euphrates River in Ramadi, a local official said on Sunday.

MoayadAl-Dulaimi, spokesperson for the council, told Shafaq News that some violatorsuse prohibited methods, including electric shock devices and explosives, whichkill large numbers of fish and other aquatic life, force fish to migrate toother areas, and disrupt breeding seasons, leading to a decline in fish stocksacross the province.

Environmentalspecialist Sinan Hammoudi warned that illegal fishing is depleting fishpopulations faster than they can naturally recover. The use of banned methods,including electric shock devices, explosives, and toxic substances, “would harmboth fishermen and the local economy by reducing fish production, driving upprices, and increasing reliance on imported fish.”

Read more: Iraq's fish sector faces collapse due to water and disease