Iraq transport ministry suspends director general's powers at ports company

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Ministry of Transport has suspended all administrative authorities granted to the director general of the country's ports company, according to an official ministry circular. The decision withdraws powers previously delegated to the director general under a directive dated April 28, 2023, following a separate ministry letter dated August 10, 2026, in which the renewal of those authorities was sought. The suspension covers internal transfers between company departments and ports, commendations, domestic and overseas assignments, bonuses, and approvals for extended leave. Under the order, the director general may not exercise those authorities except in cases of necessity, public interest or operational requirement, and only with prior approval from the ministry. The ministry directed the company's units to carry out procedures in line with the suspension and to refrain from submitting applications that would require the use of the withdrawn authorities. No further details on the reasons behind the decision were immediately available.