Tishwash at TNT Some “Iraq News”

TNT:

Tishwash:  After a partial suspension, Iraq resumes flights to Dubai, Istanbul, and new destinations.

 The Independent – Air traffic in Iraq is gradually returning to normal, with the Ministry of Transport announcing the resumption of a number of international flights, in a step that reflects a noticeable improvement in the pace of operation and the restoration of navigational activity in the coming days.

The spokesman for the Ministry of Transport, Maitham Al-Safi, said that Iraqi airspace has already begun to receive flights in an increasing manner, stressing that work is continuing to raise the level of operation gradually until it reaches normal rates, according to what was reported by the Iraqi News Agency.

Al-Safi explained that Iraqi Airways resumed its international flights to a number of destinations on April 10, including Istanbul, Amman and Cairo, before later extending to flights to India, as part of a gradual operational plan aimed at reconnecting Iraq to the regional and international air transport network.

He added that the flight schedule will see further expansion, with flights to Guangzhou planned, and flights to Dubai resuming from Thursday, reflecting growing demand for travel and a return of confidence in the aviation sector.

In a related context, he pointed to the resumption of domestic flights between a number of major airports, including Baghdad, Erbil, Sulaymaniyah and Basra, with plans to gradually increase the number of flights in the coming period to meet the growing demand.

He also noted the return of a number of regional and international airlines to operations in Iraq, including Royal Jordanian and Flydubai, along with other companies, in an indication of the recovery of the aviation sector and the resumption of air traffic activity.

In a separate statement, the Ministry of Transport confirmed that flights between Baghdad and Sabiha Airport will resume starting next Saturday, as part of a government plan to expand the network of international destinations and facilitate the movement of passengers, which will enhance Iraq’s position as a regional transport hub in the coming phase.  link

************

Tishwash:  The reason for postponing the coordination framework meeting has been revealed… and these are the latest developments from the Prime Minister’s office.

Salam Al-Zubaidi, a member of the Victory Alliance, revealed the reason for postponing the coordination framework meeting, pointing to urgent developments that prompted the leaders to request the postponement while consultations continue to resolve the issue of the premiership.

Al-Zubaidi said during his appearance on the “On the Ruler” program broadcast by Al-Furat satellite channel: “It was hoped that this meeting of the Coordination Framework would be decisive today; however, emergency developments occurred that prompted the leaders to request a postponement,” stressing that “the Framework seeks to reach a full agreement on the Prime Minister candidate, away from division.”

He pointed out that “the competition is currently limited to three names, while other names are being put forward for the purposes of political maneuvering.”

Al-Zubaidi added that “the head of the State of Law Coalition, Nouri al-Maliki, is still holding on to his nomination; however, he may concede if the framework decides on an alternative candidate,” indicating that “the framework has no option but to put forward an alternative figure at the current stage.”

He indicated that “next Saturday’s meeting may largely decide on the candidate’s name, with the possibility of announcing the name 24 hours before the constitutional deadlines expire,” stressing “the framework’s commitment to adhering to the constitutional deadlines in order to restore confidence in the political process.”  link

************

Tishwash: Financial expert: There is no problem with salaries in the coming months, and current oil export alternatives are stopgap measures.

Financial and banking expert, Mustafa Hantoush, said that Iraq does not face a direct problem in securing some basic food items during the coming months, noting that the abundance of strategic food reserves covers the needs of two months, in addition to the continuation of supply chains from Türkiye.

During his appearance on the program “On the Ruler” broadcast by Al-Furat satellite channel, Hantoush explained that “tomato prices have witnessed relative stability in the past period as a result of achieving self-sufficiency,” expecting “prices to decrease after the Ministry of Agriculture announces the opening of the door to imports soon.”

Regarding the financial aspect, he pointed out that “there is a need to address some challenges related to securing salaries next month if borrowing is not resorted to,” noting that “the proposal includes covering the salary deficit and completing projects, given that the Central Bank has foreign currency reserves exceeding $20 billion.”

Hantoush confirmed that “salaries for the coming months are secured, and the state has the ability to borrow to overcome financial pressures until oil export revenues stabilize,” explaining that “tensions or war will not directly affect the continuity of salary payments.”

Regarding the oil sector, Hantoush pointed to “a decline in exports of about 3 million barrels during 45 days,” indicating that “the current solutions that rely on exporting through the port of Ceyhan or transporting by tankers through Syria remain ‘patchwork,’ as he put it, and do not eliminate the need to adopt stable routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.

He added that “Iraq does not have an oil transport fleet through the strait, which makes relying on it essential within the economic equation,” noting that “any future developments in the strait will directly affect global trade.”

Hantoush concluded by saying that “Iraq possesses great investment potential and competencies, but the weakness of the infrastructure and the lack of support for the private sector constitute an obstacle to development,” calling for “greater flexibility in dealing with investors and reducing the restrictions and fines, which he described as excessive.”  link

Tishwash:  US Treasury Secretary: I expect the war in Iran to end and prices to fall.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bisent predicted on Tuesday that the war in Iran would end and that prices would fall.

He stated, “I expect the war in Iran to end and prices to decrease.”

Earlier on Tuesday, Bloomberg reported that the United States and Iran were considering negotiations to extend the ceasefire before it expires next week.  link

************

Tishwash:  America decides to send an additional 6,000 troops to the Middle East

 The Washington Post, citing US officials, reported that the Pentagon will send thousands of additional troops to the Middle East in the coming days.

Officials said the Trump administration’s deployment of thousands of troops to the region was intended to pressure Iran into reaching an agreement.

The newspaper added that the forces heading to the region include about 6,000 soldiers aboard an aircraft carrier and escort ships.

It also indicated that the forces heading are estimated at about 6,000 soldiers on board an aircraft carrier and escort ships.

She noted that approximately 4,200 soldiers from the Boxer Amphibious Group and Marines are expected to arrive by the end of the month.  link