Monday, October 12, 2026English edition
The Geopolitician

Country risk, from the local press

Iraq · Country watch

Iraqi Graft Crackdown, Seismic Survey Deal

Iraq's anti-corruption drive intensifies, while new seismic survey contracts boost energy exploration.

The picture Improving

Business conditions in Iraq are improving due to intensified anti-corruption efforts and new energy exploration contracts. These developments enhance governance and boost the energy sector, providing a more stable environment for business.

In this briefing Government of Iraq · Basim Muhammad Khudhair al-Abadi · Iraq Oil Exploration Company · KAR Group · US dollar · Iraqi dinar

Regulation

  • public-sector
  • finance

Iraq's Anti-Corruption Campaign Jails Lawmakers

aerial view of city buildings during daytime
Saad Salim / Unsplash

Iraq's anti-corruption campaign has intensified, with several lawmakers and officials being jailed and over $1 billion returned to state coffers, according to Iraq Business News. The campaign aims to tackle systemic corruption, which has long plagued the country. The crackdown has targeted high-profile individuals, though questions remain about reaching their influential patrons. This move is part of a broader effort to improve governance and financial transparency in Iraq.

Impact Public-sector reformers and financial institutions see increased accountability with over $1 billion recovered.

Sources: Iraq Business News ↗

Disruption

Nothing significant reported today.

Internal tension

Nothing significant reported today.

Safety & health

Nothing significant reported today.

Companies

  • energy

Seismic Survey Contract Signed for Sasan and Alan Fields

A contract for 2D and 3D seismic surveys at the Sasan and Alan exploration blocks in Nineveh province has been signed between Iraq Oil Exploration Company and KAR Group, according to Iraq Business News. Oil Minister Basim Muhammad Khudhair al-Abadi presided over the signing ceremony. The project aims to enhance Iraq's oil exploration capabilities and is expected to provide detailed geological data for future development.

Impact Energy sector stakeholders anticipate improved exploration data from the Sasan and Alan fields.

Sources: Iraq Business News ↗

Markets

  • finance

US Dollar Stabilizes Near 164,000 IQD in Iraq

The US dollar has maintained a stable position across Iraq's parallel currency exchanges, trading between 163,000 and 164,000 Iraqi dinars, according to Iraqi News. This stability follows recent fluctuations in the currency market and provides a more predictable environment for financial transactions. The exchange rate stability is crucial for importers and exporters who rely on consistent currency valuations for pricing and contracts.

Impact Importers and exporters benefit from stable exchange rates, aiding in predictable pricing and contracts.

Sources: Iraqi News ↗

Trade

Nothing significant reported today.

Politics

Nothing significant reported today.

Also today in Iraq

Sources in this briefing

Sources: each headline links to the original article on the publisher's site.

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