
Iraqi oil ports 'UNAFFECTED' by regional tensions
Speaking to Shafaq News, the company's Director General, Farhan Al-Fartousi, reported that maritime traffic at the Basra Oil Terminal and offshore single point moorings (SPMs) remains steady, with large tankers continuing to dock, offload, and depart according to schedule.
'All marine units are functioning under well-defined operational plans that ensure safety and continuity,' Al-Fartousi added, stressing that between June 1 and 20, a total of 48 oil tankers arrived at Iraqi ports.
The reassurance comes as regional tensions mount sharply following Israel's launch of Operation Rising Lion — a series of targeted strikes on Iranian military and nuclear facilities. Iran has retaliated with True Promise 3, its most extensive direct attack on Israeli territory to date.
The Iranian operation has so far involved 18 waves of missile and drone strikes. With both sides signaling the possibility of further escalation, concerns have grown over potential impacts on maritime security, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for nearly 20% of global oil shipments.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Shafaq News
2 hours ago
- Shafaq News
Syria arrests key liaison between Iraqi PMF and Al-Assad's Division in Deir ez-Zor
Shafaq News – Damascus Syrian security forces have arrested the main liaison between Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) and the 4th Division of the Syrian army in the eastern city of al-Bukamal, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported Saturday. According to the UK-based war monitor, the individual—identified as Mohammad Hammoud al-Amin—was detained in a special operation carried out by Syria's Internal Security Forces. Al-Amin is described as the key "architect" of security and military coordination between the PMF and the 4th Division, which is commanded by Maher al-Assad, the brother of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The monitor said that he previously served as head of the "Alawite Security Office" in al-Bukamal and was reportedly one of the most influential intelligence figures in the area. 'His role had gained importance amid the increasing influence of Iranian-backed groups in Syria's eastern region over the past several years.' The PMF did not comment on the incident. Earlier this month, the security forces arrested another figure linked to the 4th Division, Shadi al-Samadi. He was a commander in the 'al-Ghaith' group, an elite unit led by Brigadier General Ghiath Dallah, a close ally of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Al-Samadi, originally from Daraa al-Mahatta in southern Syria, is accused of participating in documented military operations and atrocities, including the 2014 offensive on Eastern Ghouta and the 2018 military campaign in Daraa. Despite the Russian-brokered reconciliation deal that followed, he reportedly continued his activities under the 4th Division's banner.


Shafaq News
2 hours ago
- Shafaq News
Iraq's Al-Sudani insists weapons must remain under state authority
Shafaq News – Babil On Saturday, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani reiterated that exclusive state control over arms is essential, stressing that no party has the right to usurp this authority. Speaking during a ceremony commemorating the 1920 Iraqi Revolution (Thawrat al-Ashreen) in Babil province, al-Sudani stressed that ' limiting weapons to the state is a cornerstone of a strong and respected nation,' according to a statement from the PM's media office. He also commended the Supreme Religious Authority for its contributions to state-building, particularly through its guidance on preserving the state, fighting corruption, and ensuring that weapons remain under state control. Both the government and the people must remain acutely aware of the dangers and challenges facing the region, he stated, pointing out, 'We have exercised great caution in preserving Iraq's interests and avoiding involvement in any war that others seek to drag us into.'


Shafaq News
2 hours ago
- Shafaq News
Iraqi lawmaker: Finance Minister unaware of budget details
Shafaq News – Baghdad Iraqi Finance Minister Taif Sami lacks knowledge of the 2025 federal budget tables, an Iraqi MP claimed on Saturday, criticizing parliament's approval of the three-year Budget Law as a mistake. The Member of Iraq's Parliamentary Finance Committee, Faisal al-Naeli, told Shafaq News that the three-year budget experiment was flawed, adding that it burdened the Iraqi people and government employees, depriving them of financial and career entitlements. The finance minister informed the committee that the ministry is currently paying obligations related to the 2023 budget, Al-Naeli stated, noting, 'Everyone is looking for the 2025 budget tables, yet no one knows where they are or when they will be sent to parliament.' Earlier, fellow committee member Saad al-Toubi told Shafaq News that Sami informed members during a session that a special committee—formed by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani—had been tasked with drafting the tables. Finance Committee Chairman Atwan al-Atwani criticized the government last Sunday for failing to send the tables to parliament, warning that the delay has negatively impacted wide segments of the Iraqi population.