Iraqi Government Says Oil Companies Have Full Security Guarantees, Pledges Continued Salary Payments to Kurdistan Region
Peregraf- Iraqi government spokesperson Haider al-Aboudi said Sunday that Baghdad is providing full security guarantees to oil companies operating in Iraq, particularly in the Kurdistan Region, as the resumption of oil production remains closely linked to funding public-sector salaries in the region.
Speaking at a press conference, al-Aboudi said Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is committed to ensuring the continued payment of salaries to Kurdistan Region employees and described the recent agreement between Baghdad and Erbil on the ASYCUDA customs system as an important step toward accelerating the disbursement process.
“The Iraqi state provides full guarantees to oil companies operating in Iraq, particularly in the Kurdistan Region, as this is linked to the salaries of the Kurdistan Region’s employees,” al-Aboudi said.
He added that the prime minister is determined to secure salary payments for all months and that implementation of the ASYCUDA system would help facilitate financial arrangements between the federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government.
Financial Crisis Temporary
Al-Aboudi described Iraq’s current financial difficulties as temporary and linked them largely to regional instability and disruptions affecting energy markets.
“The financial crisis is temporary and will be resolved after the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz,” he said.
He also ruled out the possibility of Iraq seeking foreign loans to address budgetary pressures.
“The Iraqi state does not adopt foreign borrowing. Iraq is not a poor country, the government has many solutions, and there are signs of recovery,” he said.
According to al-Aboudi, energy and electricity projects will remain among the government’s highest priorities and will receive particular attention in future budget planning.
Cabinet Completion Before Washington Visit
The government spokesperson said the remaining vacant cabinet positions are expected to be filled during the first half of July, ahead of Prime Minister al-Zaidi’s planned visit to Washington.
“The completion of the ministerial cabinet will take place in the first half of July, specifically before the Washington visit,” he said.
Al-Aboudi noted that discussions in Washington are expected to focus on economic cooperation, investment, and the government’s efforts to strengthen state control over weapons and security institutions.
The visit is expected to take place in mid-July following an invitation from U.S. President Donald Trump.
Anti-Corruption Campaign
Al-Aboudi said the government continues to view corruption as one of the most serious threats facing Iraq.
He announced that contracts signed in previous years would be reviewed and audited, while some stalled projects could face suspension if companies fail to provide the required legal documentation.
“Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi views the corruption file as the most dangerous scourge threatening the country and the political system,” he said.
“The anti-corruption process will not stop and will reach all suspects, regardless of their titles or positions.”
PM Will Not Run in Elections
In one of the most notable remarks of the press conference, al-Aboudi said Prime Minister al-Zaidi has decided not to run in Iraq’s next parliamentary elections.
He also denied speculation that the prime minister intends to establish a political party.
“Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has decided not to run in the upcoming elections and is not adopting any project to establish a political party,” al-Aboudi said.
The comments come as Iraq’s political parties prepare for parliamentary elections expected next year and amid continuing efforts by the new government to address economic challenges, energy shortages, and security concerns.