Iraqi State Council Adjourns Without Decision on Kurdistan's Non-Oil Revenues
The Iraqi State Council concluded a highly anticipated meeting on Wednesday without reaching a decision on the contentious issue of the Kurdistan Region's non-oil revenues, citing a lack of consensus among its members.
The council has postponed its deliberations on the critical legal files to its next session, scheduled for Thursday, September 18, 2025.
The meeting, chaired by Judge Abdul Karim Khasbak, President of the State Council, was convened specifically to formulate a response to the Iraqi Council of Ministers regarding the federal government's demand that the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) hand over 100% of its non-oil revenues.
This discussion is seen as a pivotal step in the long-standing financial disputes between Baghdad and Erbil. The State Council's legal opinion, though advisory, is expected to provide a crucial framework for the federal government's next moves, potentially impacting the payment of public sector salaries in the Kurdistan Region.
The case, which also encompasses the broader issue of KRG employee salaries, was formally referred to the State Council—an independent judicial body. This marks the first time a matter of this scale and significance concerning federal-regional relations has been presented to the council for review.
The Iraqi State Council is an independent judicial and administrative body whose origins date back to 1933. Its primary roles include:
Providing legal advice to the three presidencies (Republic, Council of Ministers, and Council of Representatives).
Issuing legal opinions to clarify ambiguous laws or settle interpretive disputes between government entities.
A key distinction is that the State Council's opinions are advisory and not legally binding. This contrasts with the rulings of the Federal Supreme Court, which are final. Therefore, while the council's interpretation will carry significant weight, the ultimate decision rests with the Iraqi Council of Ministers.
The council is composed of a president, two deputies, and 23 advisors and judges, including two Kurdish judges.
