Shafaq News- Baghdad/ Erbil

The US dollar opened Thursday’s trading mixed in Iraq, hovering around 154,000 dinars per 100 dollars.

According to Shafaq News market survey, the dollar traded in Baghdad's Al-Kifah and Al-Harithiya exchanges at 153,600 dinars per 100 dollars, unchanged from the previous session.

In the Iraqi capital, exchange shops sold the dollar at 154,000 dinars and bought it at 153,000 dinars, while in Erbil, selling prices stood at 153,500 dinars and buying prices at 153,400 dinars.

Shafaq News

Gold edged lower on Thursday as higher Treasury yields and a firm dollar weighed on the metal, while hopes of a resolution to the U.S.-Iran conflict limited losses.

Spot gold was down 0.3% at $4,528.03 per ounce, as of 0611 GMT. Bullion had gained more than 1% on Wednesday after falling to its lowest level since March 30 earlier in the day.

U.S. gold futures for June delivery fell 0.1% at $4,528.90.

The dollar rose 0.1%, making greenback-priced ⁠bullion expensive for other currency holders.

"Inflation expectation, rising yields, and stronger dollar are the headwinds keeping gold prices under pressure. And these factors will continue to remain in place until we get clarity on how long the conflict is going to persist," said ANZ analyst Soni Kumari.

Gold has fallen more than 14% since the war began in late February, as the non-yielding metal tends to decline on expectations of higher interest rates.

Iran said it was reviewing Washington's latest position on ending the war after U.S. President Donald Trump suggested he was prepared to wait a few days to "get the right answers" from Tehran.

The yield on ⁠the U.S. 10-year Treasury bond was up 1 basis point at 4.578%, resuming its climb after snapping a three-day streak of declines.

Markets are increasingly pricing in possibilities of the Federal Reserve tightening monetary policy this year, with a 39% chance of a 25 basis-point hike expected in December, per CME Group's FedWatch tool.

"The overall trend of 10-year ⁠U.S. Treasury yield, since the start of early March, is still in a medium-term uptrend phase. Hence, gold bulls may not be so aggressive in beating up prices at this juncture," said Kelvin Wong, a senior market analyst ⁠at OANDA.

Minutes of the Fed's April meeting showed a majority of policymakers felt "some policy firming would likely become appropriate" if inflation stays persistently above the central bank's 2% target.

Gold is expected to remain weak ⁠in the upcoming sessions, with resistance seen at $4,645 levels and support at $4,456 levels, said Wong.

Spot silver was down 1.1% at $75.19 per ounce, platinum lost 0.9% to $1,933.13, and palladium fell 0.8% to $1,359.20.

(Reuters)

Only the headline is edited by Shafaq News Agency.

Shafaq News- Basrah

Basrah crude slipped by less than 1% on Thursday, diverging from broader gains in global oil markets.

Basrah Heavy crude lost 76 cents, or 0.71%, to $106.85 per barrel, while Basrah Medium crude declined 0.69% to $108.95 per barrel.

Despite the drop, Iraqi crude prices remained above several Gulf benchmarks. Dubai crude stood at $105.34 per barrel, Oman crude at $106.36, Qatar Marine at $105.60, and UAE Das crude at $105.85. However, some Gulf grades traded at higher levels, with Kuwaiti crude standing at $123.62 per barrel, Saudi Arab Light registering at $116.96, and Arab Medium recording at $115.21.

Globally, Brent crude gained 0.74%, adding 78 cents to reach $105.80 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) rose 0.85%, reaching $99.10.

Shafaq News- Moscow/ Baghdad

Proposals to establish sister-city partnerships between Najaf and the Russian city of Bolgar, as well as between Basra and Kazan, emerged during the “Russia–Islamic World: Kazan 2026” forum on Wednesday.

The event focused on governance, transparency, and economic growth, while also examining initiatives linked to public diplomacy and cultural exchange. It was attended by former Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi, who served from 2018 to 2020.

During the forum, Ali Mohammed al-Barghash, head of the Russian House in Iraq, described the twinning initiatives as part of broader efforts to deepen cultural and municipal cooperation between Iraq and Russia’s Republic of Tatarstan.

Sister-city partnerships are agreements between cities in different countries designed to strengthen cultural, economic, educational, and tourism ties through joint projects and exchanges. Iraq already maintains several such partnerships, including ties between Baghdad and Tehran, as well as between Karbala and Qom. Other initiatives have included a proposed sister-city link between Swiss municipalities and the ancient city of Babylon (Babil), which has yet to be formalized.

Shafaq News

Oil prices edged up on Thursday, paring some previous losses as investors monitored peace talks between the U.S. and Iran, while supply tightness and U.S. inventory drawdowns provided some support.

Brent crude futures rose 78 cents, or 0.74%, to $105.80 a barrel by 0341 GMT, and U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures were up 84 cents, or 0.85%, at $99.10.

Both benchmarks dropped more than 5.6% on Wednesday to an over one-week low after U.S. President Donald Trump said negotiations with Iran were in the final stages, but also threatened further attacks if Tehran did not agree to a peace ⁠deal.

"The oil market remains overly sensitive to Iran-related headlines, with participants continuing to pin considerable hope on reports that talks between the U.S. and Iran are progressing," ING analysts said in a note on Thursday.

"We’ve been in this situation multiple times before, which ultimately led to disappointment," they added, forecasting the Brent price would average $104 per barrel in the current quarter.

Iran warned against further attacks and announced steps entrenching its control of the crucial Strait of Hormuz, which before the war carried oil and liquefied natural gas shipments equal to about 20% of global consumption but has been mostly closed.

On Wednesday, Iran announced a new "Persian Gulf Strait Authority," saying there would be a "controlled maritime zone" in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran effectively ⁠closed the strait in response to the U.S. and Israeli attacks that started the war on February 28. Most of the fighting has stopped since an April ceasefire, but while Iran is limiting traffic through Hormuz, the U.S. has blockaded its coastline.

The supply losses from the key Middle Eastern region because of the war have forced countries to pull from their commercial and strategic inventories ⁠at a rapid rate, raising concerns about draining them.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration said on Wednesday the country withdrew nearly 10 million barrels of oil from its Strategic Petroleum Reserve last week, the biggest drawdown on record.

Underlining the impact of the supply disruptions in the ⁠Middle East was EIA data showing a bigger-than-expected decline in U.S. crude oil inventories last week.

"The drawdown in oil inventories will make it difficult for oil prices to remain low," said Mingyu Gao, chief researcher for energy and chemicals at China ⁠Futures.

"With the Strait of Hormuz blocked, global refined-product and onshore crude inventories are expected to fall below their lowest levels for this time of year in the past five years by late May and late June," Gao said.

(Reuters)

Only the headline is edited by Shafaq News Agency.

Shafaq News- Baghdad/ Erbil

Iraqis continued gathering around glasses of strong black tea on Thursday as the country marked World Tea Day, maintaining a decades-old tradition that persists even during extreme summer heat.

Recognized by the United Nations since 2019 and observed annually on May 21, World Tea Day highlights the economic and cultural importance of one of the world’s most widely consumed drinks. In Iraq, tea is closely tied to daily social life, hospitality, and family gatherings, with many Iraqis preferring heavily brewed black tea, locally known as “chai makhaddar,” often flavored with cardamom and served in small glass cups.

Preparation methods vary across the country, with differences in brewing time, tea concentration, sugar levels, and cardamom use reflecting local tastes and traditions. Traditional tea houses also remain central gathering spaces across Iraqi cities, hosting political discussions, domino games, and daily social gatherings.

Despite its high consumption levels, Iraq imports nearly all of its tea, primarily from Sri Lanka and India, and has re-emerged in recent years as one of the largest buyers of Sri Lankan tea. But tea spread widely in Iraq during the British occupation in 1914 before becoming a central part of Iraqi social customs, where serving tea to guests remains associated with hospitality and respect.

Mohammed Khalil, owner of one of Erbil’s oldest cafes, told Shafaq News that tea remains the country’s second most consumed drink after water, noting that demand does not decline even during periods of intense heat because of its deep connection to Iraqi daily life and mood. According to World Population Review data, Iraq ranks third among Arab countries in annual tea consumption after Egypt and Morocco, consuming around 68,000 tons each year.

Many Iraqis living abroad also continue to associate Iraqi tea with home, often describing its strong taste as different from lighter tea styles common in other countries, particularly in the Gulf.

Shafaq News- Baghdad

Iraq’s ruling Coordination Framework (CF) discussed efforts to fill unresolved security ministries while examining Saudi and Emirati allegations that drones launched from Iraqi territory targeted the two Gulf states, a CF source told Shafaq News on Thursday.

The discussions took place during a meeting held on Wednesday night attended by Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi, with discussions focusing on the Interior and Defense ministries alongside regional security accusations involving Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Iraq’s parliament granted confidence to Al-Zaidi’s government on May 14, approving 14 ministers out of 23 while delaying nine portfolios, including Interior and Defense, amid continuing disputes over cabinet allocations. CF leaders agreed to authorize Al-Zaidi to select candidates for the Interior and Defense Ministries from lists of 10 nominees submitted by supporting political groups and parties affiliated with the candidates, provided they possess proven military and security experience.

Read more: What does Iraq's new government promise? A guide to Ali Al-Zaidi's ministerial program

Al-Zaidi will choose the final nominees for the two ministries from those lists, the source added, noting that names currently circulating for the posts were inaccurate. Leaders at the meeting also agreed to reassess the distribution of sovereign ministries based on the “official cost formula” approved by the team overseeing negotiations under Al-Zaidi’s supervision, adding that the cabinet allocation map could witness further changes.

On the regional security file, the meeting discussed allegations by Saudi Arabia and the UAE that drones launched from Iraq had targeted the two countries. Leaders agreed to form a committee including security specialists and representatives from the Interior, Defense, National Security, and Foreign Ministries. One team will visit Saudi Arabia and the UAE to review evidence related to the alleged drone flights, particularly radar and early-warning data, in an effort to determine launch points and flight paths and identify the responsible party, while a second team will conduct investigations inside Iraq and gather information related to allegations that drones targeting Saudi Arabia and the UAE originated from Iraqi territory.

“The committee’s work will focus on obtaining evidence before adopting any final position,” the source said, adding that conclusions would depend on technical and security findings presented by the relevant authorities.

Saudi Arabia and the UAE earlier alleged that drones entered their airspace from Iraq, including an attack Abu Dhabi said targeted the Barakah nuclear power plant, while Riyadh announced intercepting drones approaching from the Iraqi direction. Iraq later condemned the attacks and announced technical and security coordination with Saudi Arabia and the UAE to review available evidence.

Shafaq News- Baghdad

Rising marriage costs in Iraq in 2026 are placing growing financial pressure on young people seeking to start families, amid increasing prices for wedding halls, dowries, gold, and other ceremony-related expenses.

Costs vary between provinces and between modest and lavish weddings, but marriage has increasingly become an economic burden for Iraqi families. Specialists interviewed by Shafaq News linked soaring wedding expenses to inflation, rising service prices, and mounting social expectations.

Heavy Financial Burden

The marriage process in Iraq typically begins with the dowry, which varies depending on social customs and regions, ranging in some cases between 10 million and 30 million Iraqi dinars (about $7,600 to $22,900), and sometimes higher depending on the financial status and demands of both families.

Gold remains one of the most expensive aspects of marriage, with costs ranging between 3 million and 10 million dinars (about $2,300 to $7,600) or more, depending on weight, jewelry type, and fluctuating global and local gold prices.

Wedding celebrations have also shifted in recent years from simple gatherings held in neighborhoods and homes to events hosted in specialized halls, adding new financial burdens on families.

The owner of a wedding hall in Baghdad’s Zayouna district told our agency that booking costs currently range between 1 million and 2 million dinars (about $760 to $1,500) and can exceed that in luxury venues across Baghdad and other provinces, depending on the services offered.

He added that expenses are not limited to renting the venue but also include photography, decorations, music bands, and hospitality services, which can add between 1 million and 3 million dinars (about $760 to $2,300) to the final bill.

Marriage Beyond Financial Reach

According to the Iraqi Supreme Judicial Council, Iraqis registered 31,499 marriage contracts and 6,628 divorces in April 2026, up from 18,565 marriages and 5,075 divorces registered in March.

Mohammed Aref, a recently married Iraqi man, said marriage has become significantly more expensive compared to previous years due to the continuous rise in the prices of most wedding requirements.

He explained that the total cost of his marriage ranged between 25 million and 30 million dinars (about $19,000 to $22,900), covering bedroom furniture, gold, clothing, wedding party expenses, hall reservations, and other preparation costs.

Many young people, Aref added, now struggle to get married because of these high expenses, forcing some to delay marriage or reduce wedding requirements as much as possible.

Marriage Costs Spiral Higher

Mudhar Mohammed Saleh, financial adviser to the Iraqi prime minister, told Shafaq News that rising marriage costs are linked to two interconnected factors: inflation and rising prices for housing, furniture, gold, and services on one hand, and expanding social expectations and excessive luxury demands on the other.

He noted that the problem is not solely tied to inflation but also to social culture, which has raised expectations associated with marriage. “Under current income levels and the sharp disparities they reflect, marriage costs have become exaggerated in many cases compared to the purchasing power of low-income groups,” Saleh clarified, warning that the trend would increase economic pressure on young people and families while contributing to delayed marriage.

He also stressed that balancing realistic requirements with financial capability has become a social and economic necessity to preserve family stability and encourage sustainable marriage based on strong foundations.

Read more: Budgeting for baby: Financial strain cools Iraq’s birth rate

Declining Marriage Rates

Economic expert and political science professor at Dhi Qar University Najm Abdul Tarish said rising marriage costs are directly linked to Iraq’s difficult economic conditions, particularly poverty and unemployment, which have clearly affected marriage rates.

According to Abdul Tarish, the high costs of marriage are among the main reasons behind declining marriage rates in recent years.

“The lower marriage rates have also affected birth rates because the two indicators are directly connected,” he added, noting that “exaggerated” marriage demands and rising expenses have reached levels that sometimes exceed those in many Middle Eastern countries, increasing pressure on young people and delaying family formation.

Escalating Dowries

Economic expert Dirgham Mohammed Ali attributed rising costs to overlapping factors, including global increases in gold prices, while social behavior and expectations remain unchanged despite the economic conditions facing most young people.

“The variable today is prices, not demands.”

He added that population growth and the concentration of most state services and educational institutions in Baghdad’s old city center, without sufficient horizontal expansion in housing projects outside urban centers, have also contributed to higher costs.

Ali said the increase in marriage expenses now reflects rising prices of basic marriage requirements as well as exaggerated dowries used for social competition and prestige rather than for building a stable family life.

Demographic indicators show Iraq has witnessed a gradual decline in population growth rates over recent decades, falling from around 3.5% in previous periods to nearly 2.3% currently, alongside a drop in fertility rates from more than five children per woman to around three.

Specialists also link the transformation to changing lifestyles, higher education levels, and shifting priorities among younger generations regarding family formation, all of which have gradually affected Iraq’s demographic indicators.

Read more: Vanishing vows: Why Iraqi marriages now fail in months, not years

Shafaq News- Tehran

Iran on Wednesday published the boundaries of a new supervision zone in the Strait of Hormuz, formalizing a transit mechanism requiring vessels to coordinate passage and obtain permits from Iranian authorities.

Iran’s Hormuz Strait Management Authority said the supervision area extends between the line connecting Kuh Mobarak in Iran and southern Al-Fujairah in the UAE, and the line linking Qeshm Island and Umm Al-Quwain.

1/جمهورى اسلامى ايران محدودهٔ نظارتى مديریت تنگه هرمز را به این شرح تعيین کرده است: «خط اتصال كوه مبارك درايران وجنوب فجيره درامارات در شرق تنگه تاخط اتصال انتهاى جزيره قشم درايران و ام القيوین امارات درغرب تنگه.» pic.twitter.com/3ELSwYx5Bp

— PGSA | نهاد مدیریت آبراه خلیج فارس (@PGSA_IRAN) May 20, 2026

Vessels operating within designated communication frequencies in the area must coordinate with the Persian Gulf Waterway Management Authority before crossing the strategic waterway, the authority added.

Earlier today, Reuters reported that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had imposed additional conditions on ships seeking passage through Hormuz, which handles roughly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas flows, including submitting an “affiliation document” confirming no links to the United States or Israel. Citing Iranian and European sources, the outlet said vessels could face approval delays of up to a week alongside fees that in some cases exceeded $150,000, while the new mechanism gives priority to ships linked to Russia and China.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei separately clarified that Tehran was coordinating with several countries, in cooperation with Oman, to facilitate maritime transit through Hormuz while negotiations with Washington continue. “We are in close contact with many countries to ensure the passage of their ships through the Strait of Hormuz without harm,” he stated, adding that Iran would not allow the US or Israel to use the waterway in ways that “threaten” Iranian national security.

Read more: Force without a finish line: Iran losing war, US losing endgame

Shafaq News- Washington/ Tehran

US President Donald Trump warned on Wednesday that Washington was prepared to escalate rapidly if Iran failed to provide the “right answers” in ongoing negotiations.

“We are in the final stages with Iran,” Trump told reporters, warning Tehran of “harsh things” if no agreement is reached. He said he would not lift sanctions or grant Iran any oil exemptions before a deal is signed, stressing that “if we don’t get the proper answers from Iran, things will move very fast.”

He added that avoiding war remained possible if diplomacy succeeded within days, saying he was willing to delay decisions temporarily to “prevent further bloodshed.”

The remarks came as Iran’s Foreign Ministry confirmed in a statement carried by local media that it was reviewing a US response delivered through Pakistani mediation while simultaneously working on a new mechanism to regulate ship transit through the Strait of Hormuz in coordination with regional states and international bodies, including Oman.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian responded, earlier today, by insisting Tehran would not surrender under pressure. “Iran has always fulfilled its commitments and pursued every path to avoid war,” Pezeshkian stated, adding that “forcing Iran into surrender through coercion is nothing but an illusion.”

Iran has consistently honored its commitments and explored every avenue to avert war; all paths remain open from our side. Forcing Iran to surrender through coercion is nothing but an illusion. Mutual respect in diplomacy is far wiser, safer, and more sustainable than war.

— Masoud Pezeshkian (@drpezeshkian) May 20, 2026

He said all options remained open for Tehran but argued that “mutual respect in diplomacy is wiser, safer, and more sustainable than war.”

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, meanwhile, warned that “clear and hidden movements by the enemy” indicated preparations for another round of war involving the United States and Israel.

Read more: Iran is losing the war, the US is losing the endgame

Shafaq News- Erbil

A month-long art exhibition promoting environmental awareness through paintings inspired by Kurdistan’s landscapes and four seasons opened in Erbil on Wednesday.

Hosted at Shanidar Park, the exhibition features 30 paintings by Kurdish artist Pinar Berdawud highlighting the natural beauty of the Kurdistan Region and encouraging environmental protection during the peak tourism season, Shafaq News correspondent reported.

Berdawud told our agency that the exhibition focuses on Kurdistan’s nature and seasonal diversity while promoting awareness about preserving parks, forests, and tourist areas, particularly during the spring and summer months when recreational sites attract large numbers of visitors.

“The paintings reflect Kurdistan’s four seasons through varying colors and natural scenery from across the Region.”

Similar initiatives could encourage greater public attention to environmental protection among residents and tourists alike, visitor Mahmoud Omar said.

The exhibition comes as environmental organizations and regional officials increasingly warn about wildfire risks and damage to natural areas during the dry summer season. Nature Iraq and the University of Sulaimani’s Center for Environmental Studies said in a 2025 wildfire assessment that more than 120,000 hectares had burned across the Kurdistan Region in recent years.

Read more: Kurdistan’s forests under threat: War, climate, and efforts to rebuild

Shafaq News- Duhok

More than 80 farmers and dairy producers from across Iraqi Kurdistan gathered on Wednesday in Duhok’s Semel district for the opening of the first dairy festival, aimed at supporting local production and boosting economic activity.

Festival coordinator Asaad Hamid told Shafaq News that the three-day event, which runs daily until 10 p.m. local time, was organized as a Kurdistan-wide gathering rather than a local exhibition limited to Semel, showcasing the production chain from livestock breeding to traditional products such as cheese, lorik (whey cheese), and jaji, alongside specialty items flavored with herbs and vegetables, underground-aged varieties prepared using wild plants, knafeh, and locally made ice cream.

The initiative connects livestock breeders with small factories that buy directly from farmers, Hamid said, adding that the Kurdistan Regional Government covered participation costs by providing tents, electricity, water, and other services free of charge in exchange for vendors selling below market prices, while a special committee was formed to oversee pricing.

Organizers also brought livestock to the venue to familiarize visitors with the origins of the products and recreate a traditional rural atmosphere.

Speaking to our agency, farmer Hussein Kocher noted that participants are displaying several varieties of jaji, including a seasonal type traditionally buried underground in early May before being unearthed three months later.

Shafaq News- Al-Sulaymaniyah

A drone strike targeted a camp belonging to the Kurdish opposition Komala party of Iranian Kurdistan in Iraqi Kurdistan Region’s Al-Sulaymaniyah province on Wednesday, a local source told Shafaq News.

The source said the attack struck a camp housing families of Peshmerga fighters affiliated with the party in the Zargwezala area.

No casualties were reported, with damage limited to material losses, according to the source.

On Monday, Iranian missiles hit the same camp. In a statement, Komala said that since the start of the conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, Tehran has targeted Komala headquarters with more than 77 missiles and drones.

Read more: 650 Strikes in Iraqi Kurdistan: How deniability became a weapon

Shafaq News- Baghdad

Iraq’s parliamentary Security and Defense Committee called on Wednesday for an “emergency budget” to strengthen the country’s air defenses following Gulf accusations that drone attacks against Saudi Arabia and the UAE originated from Iraqi territory.

Committee member Yasser Watout told Shafaq News that the governments of Saudi Arabia and the UAE should provide “concrete evidence” supporting their recent accusations.

“The protection of Iraqi airspace is the responsibility of the Global Coalition,” Watout pointed out.

He also questioned how such operations could occur without being detected, noting that Iraqi skies is monitored by US and Israeli aircraft as well as advanced surveillance systems and satellites, urging both countries to clarify whether the drones were launched from southern, central, or northern Iraq.

He suggested that a “third party” could be behind the attacks in an attempt to fuel tensions between Iraq and Gulf countries.

Earlier today, Iraq’s Ministerial Council for National Security ordered an investigation into the alleged drone attacks and warned of legal action against those responsible if the accusations are confirmed. The council also formed a special committee to coordinate with Saudi and Emirati authorities, while Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Ali Al-Zaidi instructed security agencies to take all necessary measures against any individuals or groups involved.

Read more: How the Iran–US–Israel war exposes Iraq’s defense paralysis

On May 17, Saudi Arabia’s Defense Ministry announced that it had intercepted and destroyed three drones after they entered the kingdom’s airspace from Iraq, warning that Riyadh would take the necessary operational measures “at the appropriate time and place.”

Later, the UAE Defense Ministry also revealed that it had intercepted six drones originating from Iraq over 48 hours targeting the Barakah Nuclear Plant.

Iraq’s armed forces have relied on foreign defense procurement since the early 2000s, with recent efforts focused on rebuilding deterrence amid regional instability and increasing pressure to assert airspace sovereignty —particularly following repeated breaches during the 12-day war between Iran and Israel in 2025.

Read more: Iraq's air defense void: How US vetoes, and Russian limits leave Baghdad exposed

Shafaq News- Baghdad

Iraqi lawmaker Hassan Qasim Al-Khafaji declared on Wednesday his withdrawal from the Reconstruction and Development Coalition (RDC) led by former Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, becoming the latest figure to leave the bloc.

Al-Khafaji confirmed he would continue serving in Parliament as an independent lawmaker, stating that the next phase requires “greater independence” and broader room to carry out his parliamentary duties in line with public expectations and current political developments.

The move follows a series of recent departures from the coalition. On May 18, Iraqi MP Ali Anhir Al-Sarai also withdrew from the RDC and announced his decision to continue as an independent lawmaker.

Days earlier, the National Contract Alliance (Al-Aqd Al-Watani), led by Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) chief Faleh Al-Fayyadh, and the Sumariyoun Movement, headed by former Labor Minister Ahmed Al-Asadi, split from the coalition, citing marginalization and violations of prior political agreements.

Sunni lawmaker Ammar Youssef also withdrew from the RDC on May 15 while remaining within the National Contract Alliance, describing the step as consistent with decisions adopted by the alliance.

Shafaq News- Baghdad

Iraq’s Ministerial Council for National Security on Wednesday ordered an investigation into attacks targeting Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates allegedly launched from Iraqi territory, warning of legal action against those involved if the claims are confirmed.

During the council’s first meeting chaired by Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, members condemned the recent attacks and reaffirmed Baghdad’s rejection of using Iraqi territory or airspace to target neighboring Arab and regional states, according to a statement from the prime minister’s office.

A special committee was formed to coordinate with Saudi and Emirati authorities as investigations continue, while al-Zaidi directed security agencies to take all necessary measures against any individual or group found responsible.

The council also stressed the need to maintain high security readiness and coordination among Iraqi security forces to preserve internal stability.

Al-Zaidi reaffirmed Iraq’s commitment to strengthening relations with regional and international partners, protecting diplomatic missions and foreign companies operating in the country, and limiting weapons to state control as part of the government’s broader security priorities.

On Sunday, Saudi Arabia reported the interception and destruction of three drones after they entered its airspace from Iraqi territory. 

Shafaq News- Middle East

Canada, Spain, and France summoned Israeli diplomats on Wednesday following international backlash over the treatment of activists detained from the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla, after Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir published a video showing detainees restrained at Ashdod Port.

The Footage showed dozens of activists kneeling with their hands tied and their foreheads on the ground. Ben Gvir also appeared in the video, waving an Israeli flag and mocking the detainees.

ככה אנחנו מקבלים את תומכי הטרורWelcome to Israel 🇮🇱 pic.twitter.com/7Hf8cAg7fC

— איתמר בן גביר (@itamarbengvir) May 20, 2026

The flotilla organizers accused Israeli forces of subjecting detained activists to “violent abuse” after intercepting the convoy at sea, describing the operation as an attempt to prevent international scrutiny of conditions inside Gaza.

SOS - Al Lajjun (Isias) InterceptedSOS: the israeli occupation has again illegally and violently intercepted our international fleet of humanitarian vessels and abducted our volunteers as they undertake a legitimate mission to break the illegal siege on Gaza and open a… pic.twitter.com/ZBq1vPXjsW

— Global Sumud Flotilla (@gbsumudflotilla) May 20, 2026

Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand described the scenes as deeply disturbing and completely unacceptable, noting that Canada was treating the matter with “the utmost seriousness” because it involved the humane treatment of civilians, media outlets reported.

Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares condemned what he described as “monstrous” treatment of flotilla participants and demanded a public apology from Israel.

Ante el trato monstruoso, indigno y humillante de un ministro de Israel a los españoles y resto de miembros de la flotilla he convocado urgentemente a la encargada de negocios de Israel. Exijo su liberación inmediata y disculpas del gobierno de Israel. pic.twitter.com/3IugTQGqY3

— José Manuel Albares (@jmalbares) May 20, 2026

In France, Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot demanded the release of French citizens participating in the convoy and urged Israeli authorities to treat them with respect.

Les agissements de M. Ben Gvir à l'égard des passagers de la flottille Global Smud, dénoncés par ses propres collègues au gouvernement israélien, sont inadmissibles. J'ai demandé que l'ambassadeur d'Israël en France soit convoqué pour exprimer notre indignation et obtenir des…

— Jean-Noël Barrot (@jnbarrot) May 20, 2026

Ireland joined the criticism, with Foreign Minister Helen McEntee saying she was “appalled and shocked” by the footage and calling for the immediate release of Irish activists, including the sister of Irish President Catherine Connolly. McEntee added that Ireland’s ambassador to Israel had requested assurances regarding the detainees’ welfare and legal protections.

Full statement: https://t.co/F4yOucMhNR pic.twitter.com/n7sMCt83Pv

— Helen McEntee TD (@HMcEntee) May 20, 2026

Italy and Greece also condemned the treatment of the activists and called for the immediate release of their citizens, while Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni demanded an apology from Israel.

Le immagini del ministro israeliano Ben Gvir sono inaccettabili. È inammissibile che questi manifestanti, fra cui molti cittadini italiani, vengano sottoposti a questo trattamento lesivo della dignità della persona.Il Governo italiano sta immediatamente compiendo, ai più alti…

— Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) May 20, 2026

Additionally, Turkiye’s Foreign Ministry accused Ben Gvir of once again exposing what it described as the “violent and barbaric mentality” of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.

Regarding the Use of Violence by an Israeli Minister Against Detained Participants of the Global Sumud Flotilla https://t.co/g1JB9lNQxy pic.twitter.com/kRZAZkfNdg

— Turkish MFA (@MFATurkiye) May 20, 2026

According to Israeli media outlets, the footage also triggered criticism inside Israel, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu describing Ben Gvir’s conduct as “not in line with Israel’s values and norms” and ordering the activists’ deportation, while Foreign Minister Gideon Saar accused the minister of harming Israel’s image through a “disgraceful display.” Ben Gvir defended his actions, saying he was proud of the security forces’ treatment of what he called “supporters of terror.”

You knowingly caused harm to our State in this disgraceful display - and not for the first time.You have undone tremendous, professional, and successful efforts made by so many people - from IDF soldiers to Foreign Ministry staff and many others.No, you are not the face of… https://t.co/KOj6fhpyM7

— Gideon Sa'ar | גדעון סער (@gidonsaar) May 20, 2026

Around 50 vessels under the Global Sumud Flotilla departed from Turkiye last week in an attempt to challenge Israel’s blockade on Gaza. Israeli authorities reported that about 430 activists aboard the convoy were transferred to Ashdod Port after the interception.

Shafaq News- Beirut

About 116 medical workers have been killed and 263 others injured in Lebanon since Israeli attacks resumed on March 2, the Lebanese Health Ministry announced on Wednesday.

The ministry also recorded 147 attacks on ambulance teams, damage to 139 ambulances, strikes on 31 health centers, and disruptions affecting 16 hospitals, three of which were forced to suspend operations.

Lebanese media reported continued Israeli airstrikes and artillery shelling across Tyre, Bint Jbeil, and Nabatieh districts. A separate Israeli drone strike targeting a motorcycle on the Burj al-Shamali road in Tyre district reportedly killed one person.

مشاهد للعدوان الإسرائيلي على عدد من قرى جنوب لبنان اليوم.#الميادين_لبنان pic.twitter.com/MkTt4V3FNm

— الميادين لبنان (@mayadeenlebanon) May 20, 2026

Lebanese authorities have documented more than 8,500 Israeli raids since March 2, which, according to the Health Ministry, have killed 3,073 people and wounded 9,362 others, including women and children.

Hezbollah, meanwhile, said it carried out two new attacks against Israeli forces “in retaliation for Israeli ceasefire violations and strikes on southern Lebanese villages that caused civilian casualties.” In separate statements, the group noted that it shelled Israeli troop and vehicle gatherings near Deir Siryan and targeted a Merkava tank near al-Taybeh with a suicide drone, claiming a direct hit.

On the Israeli side, Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir stated that Israeli forces remain on “maximum alert” and prepared for any developments.

#عاجل ‼️رئيس هيئة الأركان العامة لقادة الفرق: "في جميع الجبهات نحن مستعدون ونتمركز في مناطق دفاعية أمامية، نحبط التهديدات ونرسم الواقع من خلال المبادرة، والمثابرة، والإصرار. إنجازات جيش الدفاع تحققت بفضل القتال والتضحية غير المسبوقة من قبلكم أنتم القادة ومن قبل المقاتلين في… pic.twitter.com/BTUEa6jJVr

— Lieutenant Colonel Ella Waweya | إيلا واوية (@CaptainElla1) May 20, 2026

Israeli health authorities, operating under strict reporting restrictions, said that 1,043 Israeli officers and soldiers have been wounded since fighting resumed on the Lebanese front, including 59 in serious condition and 122 with moderate injuries.

Shafaq News- Diyala

Wheat production in Iraq’s Diyala has dropped by 50–55% this season after severe water shortages forced authorities to reduce cultivated areas across the province, local agricultural officials said on Wednesday.

Director General of Diyala Agriculture Directorate Iyad Al-Jubouri told Shafaq News that severe water shortages at the start of the season forced authorities to reduce the areas allocated for wheat cultivation.

While many farmers struggled to secure sufficient water quotas to irrigate their farmland, thousands relied on rainfall, which helped improve production during the latter part of the season.

According to Al-Jubouri, cultivated areas inside and outside the official agricultural plan exceeded 300,000 dunams (about 30,000 hectares), while the expected marketed production would surpass 200,000 tons, quantities he said would achieve self-sufficiency in the province.

Read more: Rooted in soil: An Iraqi farmer holds on as the land changes

Earlier this month, wheat harvest season began in Diyala, Karbala, Najaf, and Basra. In its 2025 annual report, the International Grains Council forecast Iraq’s 2026 wheat crop at 5 million tons, down from 6.3 million the previous year, while imports are expected to rise to 2.1 million tons from 1.5 million in 2025.

Read more: Iraq's farmers fed the state. Now they're waiting to be paid.

Shafaq News- Kirkuk

Doctors at Kirkuk’s Azadi Teaching Hospital successfully performed the province’s first complete pericardium removal surgery through chest bone opening on a 19-year-old patient suffering from chronic heart membrane inflammation, local health authorities said on Wednesday.

Kirkuk Health Directorate Director-General Arjan Mohammed Rashid told Shafaq News that the patient had been experiencing severe breathing difficulties caused by chronic inflammation of the heart lining before doctors decided to proceed with surgery following clinical, laboratory, and radiological examinations.

Cardiac surgeon Herman Yassin Shawani, who supervised the operation, said the procedure involved opening the sternum and fully removing the pericardium in what he described as one of the most delicate heart surgeries carried out for the first time in Kirkuk.

The surgery lasted around two and a half hours and was completed successfully, Shawani said, adding that the patient’s condition stabilized after the operation and he was later discharged from hospital in good health.

Shafaq News- Baghdad

The National Contract Alliance (Al-Aqd Al-Watani), the Sumariyoun Movement, and several lawmakers who split from the Reconstruction and Development Coalition (RDC) led by former Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, announced on Wednesday the formation of a new political bloc named the National Statement Alliance (Al-Bayan Al-Watani).

In a statement, the new alliance said the signatory parties decided to establish the bloc after reviewing Iraq’s political landscape, the requirements of political work, and consultations with national political forces.

The alliance would continue supporting the government and preserving the unity of the Shiite Coordination Framework, the statement vowed, stressing commitment to what it described as national and legitimate principles guiding its political positions. “The alliance seeks to safeguard national sovereignty, preserve independent decision-making, support state institutions, and confront any attempts to weaken them.”

Shafaq News- Baghdad/ Erbil

The US dollar traded at 153,600 Iraqi dinars per 100 dollars in Baghdad at the close of Wednesday trading, while edging slightly higher in Erbil.

According to a Shafaq News market survey, the rate at Al-Kifah and Al-Harithiya central exchanges in Baghdad remained stable at 153,600 dinars per 100 dollars, unchanged from morning trading. In Baghdad’s local exchange shops, the sell rate stood at 154,000 dinars per 100 dollars, while the buy rate remained at 153,000 dinars per 100 dollars.

In Erbil, the sell rate rose slightly to 153,500 dinars per 100 dollars, with the buy rate at 153,400 dinars.

Shafaq News- Tehran/ Washington

The US Navy diverted 90 vessels and disabled four to ensure compliance with the maritime blockade measures against Iran, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Wednesday.

CENTCOM did not disclose the ships’ nationalities or the nature of their cargo.

A U.S. Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter patrols near a commercial vessel transiting regional waters as American forces enforce the maritime blockade against Iran. As of May 20, U.S. forces have redirected 90 ships and disabled 4 to ensure compliance. pic.twitter.com/58gANXuGmR

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) May 20, 2026

Meanwhile, Iranian state television reported that five large oil tankers crossed the Strait of Hormuz after coordinating with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), adding that Iranian naval forces remain deployed at their positions and are operating at the “highest level of readiness to defend the country.”

The IRGC Navy instructed vessels to coordinate with Iranian forces before transiting the strait, indicating that ships doing so “will enjoy safe and smooth passage,” while Iranian forces would ensure maritime security.

Earlier this week, the member of Iran’s Expediency Discernment Council, Mohsen Rezaei, described the US naval presence as “an act of war,” cautioning that the Sea of Oman could become a “graveyard” for American forces if tensions escalate, while US President Donald Trump renewed pressure on Tehran, warning that “the Clock is Ticking.”

Shafaq News

US President Donald Trump’s repeated decisions to postpone strikes on Iran at the request of parties involved in the conflict no longer come as a surprise. After each delay, negotiations between Washington and Tehran regain momentum, yet the two sides have still failed to reach an agreement.

Trump’s latest decision to suspend a planned strike on Iran, following appeals from the leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, has fueled questions over the reasons behind the US reversal. Political observers interviewed by Shafaq News say the move reflects the convergence of three key factors: accelerating diplomatic contacts, Gulf pressure, and the economic and military cost of any open confrontation in the region.

At the same time, Pakistan-backed regional mediation efforts continue to shuttle proposals between the two sides. The mediation has increasingly shifted from seeking to end the war to preventing its return, as both Washington and Tehran continue to reject each other’s conditions while escalating their demands. Islamabad conveyed a new 14-point Iranian proposal to Washington focused on ending the war, lifting sanctions, and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, while deferring more sensitive issues, including uranium enrichment, to later stages of negotiations.

The proposal coincided with reports of partial US flexibility toward allowing Iran to maintain a limited civilian nuclear program under International Atomic Energy Agency supervision, in exchange for reducing enrichment levels and transferring part of its stockpile of highly enriched uranium.

Despite these developments, major disputes remain unresolved, particularly over Iran’s right to enrichment, the mechanism for lifting sanctions, security guarantees, and the future of the US military presence in the region. Washington continues to insist on a central demand: no uranium enrichment inside Iran.

Read more: Force without a finish line: Iran is losing thewar, the US is losing the endgame

Crisis of Trust

Researcher on Iranian affairs Saleh Al-Qazwini said the roots of the dispute between Tehran and Washington lie in years of accumulated mistrust.

“The Islamic Republic does not trust the United States because of a long history of violating agreements and failing to honor commitments,” he told Shafaq News, stressing that Iran’s distrust does not mean abandoning negotiations.

“On the contrary, Tehran is keen to present itself as a state committed to political solutions, even if negotiations fail to produce tangible outcomes.”

Al-Qazwini noted that Iran pursues a “balanced deterrence policy,” and that “Tehran’s hand remains on the trigger, but at the same time it is serious about negotiations.”

According to the researcher, Iran places little confidence in US guarantees, viewing its immediate priority as “ending the war and aggression before moving to other issues, including the nuclear file.”

Meanwhile, Iran continues to insist that ending the conflict across all fronts in the region is a prerequisite for negotiations on other matters, including its nuclear program. 

Read more: Ceasefire without sovereignty: how Lebanon's fragmented power blocks a peace with Israel

Cost of War

The push toward de-escalation is shaped by increasingly difficult economic calculations inside the United States, particularly with rising energy prices and fears that the conflict could spread across the Gulf and disrupt the Strait of Hormuz.

Jordanian political science professor Hazem Ayad said economic considerations have become a decisive factor in the US administration’s decision to preserve the negotiation track.

“US markets have shown panic and alarm over the repercussions of the war,” Ayad told Shafaq News, pointing out that persistent concerns over inflation and the difficulty of lowering interest rates while the conflict continues have all pushed Washington to favor the diplomatic path.” He argued that the United States has failed to isolate Iran from China, warning that any open confrontation could evolve into “a prolonged war of attrition backed by international powers,” reducing the likelihood of entering a large-scale direct conflict.

Ayad concluded that negotiations, even without a breakthrough, remain the “preferred option” for all parties, particularly given the difficulty of making painful concessions at this stage. “Israeli pressure continues to heavily influence the American decision,” the academic said, and that Israel views the conflict as “an existential issue tied to its deterrence capability and preserving its regional position.”

Israel continues its military campaign in Lebanon despite the announcement of a ceasefire. While Israel says it retains freedom of movement to respond to Hezbollah violations under the agreement reached with the Lebanese state under US sponsorship, Tehran insists, according to statements by its officials, that ending the war in Lebanon is a core condition in any agreement.

Read more: US-Iran talks collapse; Analysts warn of high escalation risk as ceasefire deadline nears

Negotiations at a Standstill

Essam Al-Faili, professor of political science at Al-Mustansiriya University, said the high cost of war remains the main factor sustaining negotiations, describing it as a genuine barrier against the collapse of talks.

Al-Faili told Shafaq News that the mysterious military operations and explosions witnessed across the region in recent hours, including at sites linked to missiles and strategic weapons inside Israel, “have exposed the scale of risks associated with any broad escalation.”

These developments prompted Washington to delay its response to the latest 14-point Iranian initiative, noting that the US administration has so far limited itself to media leaks suggesting the Iranian proposals remain insufficient.

The continuation of communication channels between the two sides, alongside regional diplomatic activity, indicates that negotiations remain on the table as the logical alternative to war, he added, warning that “the negotiations remain fragile and vulnerable to collapse if Washington concludes that military action could achieve decisive results.”

The talks, al-Faili explained, are currently stuck in a phase of stalemate and indirect messaging, but still represent the preferred option “compared to an open-ended war with no horizon.” 

Read more: US-Iran war threatens Iraq’s fragile stability

Written and Edited by Shafaq News Staff.

Shafaq News- Abuja

Iraqi trainers fighting within ISIS were killed during joint Nigerian-American operations in northeastern Nigeria, Nigerian media outlets reported on Wednesday, citing military and intelligence sources.

The trainers were responsible for preparing and instructing ISIS members to carry out terrorist attacks, the sources noted, adding that they had been planning to leave the area within two days before the strikes killed them.

Recent airstrikes and ground operations in northeastern Nigeria resulted in the killing of 175 ISIS leaders and members.