Iraqi PM Al-Zaidi Says Salaries Guaranteed, Seeks Alternative Oil Export Routes

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi said on Friday that civil servants’ salaries are guaranteed, as his government works to develop alternative routes for oil exports amid the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

In a statement, al-Zaidi said border crossings would resume operations and that the government was pursuing several measures to address the country’s economic challenges.

“The closure of the Strait of Hormuz presents a significant challenge, but the government has multiple solutions to our economic problems,” he said, adding that a draft budget law would soon be submitted to parliament.

The prime minister stressed that his government was committed to maintaining economic stability and ensuring the timely payment of civil servants’ salaries. He said the 2027 budget would set out the government’s future priorities, particularly in the electricity and renewable energy sectors.

Al-Zaidi said Iraq would seek to increase oil exports through Türkiye’s Ceyhan port while exploring additional routes.

“We will increase oil exports through the port of Ceyhan. Concurrently, we are working to export oil via the Baniyas–Aqaba route, and we will seek to increase our export quota through OPEC,” he said.

He also announced an ambitious plan to raise Iraq’s daily oil exports to between 8 million and 10 million barrels within six years.

The measures come as disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz continue to pose significant economic challenges for Iraq and other oil-producing countries in the region.

On the security front, al-Zaidi said that political forces were united behind efforts to place weapons under state control and end the proliferation of illegal arms.

“Political forces agree on placing weapons under state control and are determined to end the proliferation of illegal weapons,” he said, adding that he did not expect a military confrontation.

He stressed that Iraq would work to prevent its adversaries from exploiting vulnerabilities within the country.

Al-Zaidi also reaffirmed his government’s commitment to combating corruption, saying the effort had gained support from various political factions.

The prime minister reiterated that he would not seek a second term in office, saying rebuilding state institutions was more important than remaining in power.

“I will not run for a second term because rebuilding the state is paramount, surpassing the importance of forming a government,” he said.

Al-Zaidi added that the reforms undertaken by his government would also benefit future administrations.