Baghdad – Political Advisor to the Prime Minister, Fadi Al-Shimmari, addressed recent rumors spreading online. He firmly denied any government plans to build Iraqi refineries outside the country. His comments directly responded to false reports circulating across media platforms.
Al-Shimmari expressed surprise over the misleading information. He criticized the claims for portraying the issue in an exaggerated and cinematic style. According to him, Iraq’s strategic economic planning does not operate through such sudden decisions.
He made it clear that no unilateral action has been taken by the Prime Minister. Al-Shimmari reminded everyone that strategic projects, especially those involving energy, require careful planning. These decisions fall under the jurisdiction of the Cabinet. They also involve detailed studies conducted by relevant ministries.
Such studies often take years. Ministries assess factors like technical feasibility, geopolitical impact, and economic viability. Therefore, jumping to conclusions only harms public understanding of Iraq’s strategic economic planning.
Al-Shimmari also questioned the political motives behind the accusations. He asked how future foreign investments could be labeled a betrayal. He insisted that no final decisions have been made.
In addition, he explained the broader context of economic strategy. Investing in refineries abroad is not a new concept. Many powerful nations—such as Saudi Arabia and the United States—engage in these ventures. They do so based on precise feasibility studies and clear long-term goals.
Al-Shimmari highlighted the purpose behind such investments. He said they aim to diversify export routes and increase state revenues. This approach supports Iraq’s strategic economic planning and reflects global best practices.
To conclude, he urged the public to rely on verified government channels. Spreading rumors harms public trust and weakens national dialogue. Moving forward, the government will continue focusing on transparency and realistic policy planning.
