ARAQCHI: IRAN WILL NOT SEEK TO RESEARCH, PRODUCE, OR POSSESS NUCLEAR WEAPONS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stressed that Iran will not seek to research, produce, or possess nuclear weapons under any circumstances.
The minister said in a press statement that the 2015 nuclear agreement included a fundamental commitment from Iran that still stands and the United States has benefited from it.
He explained that there is not even the slightest evidence that Iran has violated its commitment to the 2015 nuclear agreement.
He stressed that diplomatic engagement has proven effective in the past and can remain effective until now.
He continued that it must be clear to everyone that there is no such thing as a military option, let alone a military solution.
He pointed out that the catastrophic failures in the region, which cost previous US administrations more than seven trillion dollars, speak for themselves enough.
April showers bring May flowers and so will we see these lovely flowers? Still no RV and “NO!”, it’s not going to happen this week…lol..lol.. How far must they go until they pull the plug…? Still also no recent news of finalizing the WTO accension for Iraq. I believe this is all related to this Development Road Project too.
So, today I have some more interesting news.
For today’s Newsletter I want to continue the news about the ongoing effort for the economic development in Iraq. My impression of this news is that this is Iraq’s time. Why am I only now showing excitement about this effort. This excitement comes because of all the components I see now coming together and I can see the writing on the wall of the end result.
Okay so another analogy coming….Those of my readers who know anything about cooking know that to get a dish that is tasty and satisfying you have to learn to first have the right ingredients then, take the time too blend the ingredients by slowly simmering it on the stove. What could go wrong? If you don’t start with the right mix of food and spices then how can they blend to the taste desired.
So, what are the ingredients needed for Iraq needed to develop its economy (the ingredients)?
Desire to grow the economy
Investment Laws
Local Laws
Lack of Corruption and Bribery
Low Taxes
Ability to Transfer funds into and out of Iraq safely
Safe Iraqi banks
Safe and Efficient Means of Transportation
Overall Safe Environment
Infrastructure (water, electricity, fuel)
Within this analogy of my cooking experience, I am presenting a video of an interview with a potential entrepreneur wanting to invest in Iraq Mr. Mohammed Khudairi. In this video we get a first-hand look at the obstacles facing in Iraq. These are the ingredients for preparing the fine, tasty meal (or RV). It seems from his perspective Iraq is close but still needs some work to completely open its doors to outside investors. Seems some ingredients are still missing.
He tells us a potential investor can navigate through them but still to be cautious. His interview also tells us there are still many obstacles to overcome and possible challenges Iraq needs to make to “smooth cut” to a transition to a capitalistic economy. Yes, Iraq is a tough market to get into, however if you listen carefully, you will see the potential is enormous. This means huge potential for growth which means huge profits. My question to Iraq is this – Why don’t they organize a forum of small businessmen and get their feedback on the challenges facing them. If you have been following my blog all this time you know that the CBI already held these kind of forums for very large investors many times already. These forums were held in Great Britian and Iraq and were held many years ago. Many of the changes we still see for small businesses. We know small businesses (mom and pop) are at the heart of any strong capitalistic system.
IRAQ MOVES UNDER US PRESSURE TO LIMIT HOUTHI ACTIVITIES
The Iraqi government has pledged to restrict the activities of Yemen’s Houthi-aligned government within its borders, confining their operations to media and cultural endeavours, according to sources cited by Al-Araby Al-Jadeed. This decision comes amid heightened international scrutiny and pressure, particularly from the US, which has intensified its aggression against Yemen.
Since 2018, the Houthis have maintained a presence in Baghdad’s Jadriya neighbourhood, operating an office overseen by Abu Idris Al-Sharafi. This office has facilitated coordination with Iraq’s Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) and other pro-Iran factions. According to the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace (CEIP), the Houthis have leveraged Iraqi territory for logistical support, including the smuggling of arms and subsidised fuel to Yemen, often in violation of international embargoes.
The Houthis’ integration with Iraqi resistance factions has extended to joint military operations. In July 2024, Houthi missile specialist Hussein Mastour was killed alongside members of Kataib Hezbollah in a US air strike targeting a drone facility in Jurf Al-Sakhar.
Despite official denials of an operational Houthi presence, sources indicate that “many of their activities — particularly political and media-related ones — have been halted, but the movement’s representatives remain in Iraq.” Abdulrahman Al-Jazaeri of the State of Law coalition acknowledged international pressure to close Houthi offices, stating, “All such activities are being monitored… strictly limited to civilian, media and cultural work only.”
Supporters of the Sanaa-based government, currently only recognized by Iran, argue that Iraq has offered them essential space to resist aggression and support the resistance in Gaza against the occupation state. Far from posing a threat, the Houthis’ presence in Iraq is seen as part of a broader struggle for sovereignty and regional justice in the face of Western-backed encirclement.
"Iraq is poised to strengthen its position as a key trade hub in the Middle East"
"The global TIR transit system became fully operational in Iraq on April 1, 2025. The initiative connects southern and northern Iraq, also providing an efficient trade corridor linking
Asia, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, Türkiye and Europe. Iraq transport minister H.E. Razzaq Muhaibes Al-Saadawi said:
"The operationalization of the TIR system in the Republic of Iraq, in which IRU played a significant role, marks a significant milestone as it places the country on the brink of a new phase of potential
investments and interregional trade with our neighbors and other countries in the region." US asset management firm BlackRock and Italian shipping company MSC have acquired 43 ports. Iraq has a unique vantage point, from negotiating with global partners to mentoring Iraq's next generation of builders. IRAQ signs contract for new economic city,
In this episode of Money Moves, Muhammed Mekki sits down with Mohammed Khudairi, an Iraqi-American entrepreneur and investor who’s helping rebuild Iraq, one business at a time.
Mohammed’s family company, Khudairi Group, has grown into a multinational spanning oil and gas, construction, and retail. But what sets him apart is his passion for Iraqi startups. From backing the country’s first major tech exit to advising early founders, Mohammed is proving that doing business in Iraq isn’t just possible, it can be incredibly profitable.
They talk about:
What it takes to succeed in frontier markets like Iraq
How the Iraqi diaspora is returning to build the country
Why the future of tech in Iraq is brighter than you think
Real estate, startup exits, and investing in one of the most misunderstood economies on earth
Join Muhammed Mekki as he uncovers Mohammed’s unique vantage point, from negotiating with global partners to mentoring Iraq’s next generation of builders. If you’re curious about tech in the Middle East, emerging market investing, or doing business in post-conflict economies, this conversation is unmissable.