Fact Check: $930 million allocated to improve Iraq's railway infrastructure
What We Know
On June 25, 2025, the World Bank's Board of Executive Directors approved a financing package of $930 million aimed at enhancing Iraq's railway infrastructure. This initiative, known as the Iraq Railways Extension and Modernization (IREM) Project, is designed to improve railway performance, boost domestic trade, create jobs, and diversify the economy (World Bank, Reuters).
The project will focus on upgrading approximately 1,047 kilometers of railway connecting Umm Qasr Port in southern Iraq to Mosul in the north, passing through Baghdad. It aims to reduce travel time, increase freight volumes, and provide improved access to sustainable transport services (Iraq Business News, Iraqi News).
Analysis
The claim that $930 million has been allocated for the improvement of Iraq's railway infrastructure is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The World Bank, a reputable international financial institution, has officially announced this funding, emphasizing its potential to stimulate economic growth and job creation in Iraq (World Bank).
The project is positioned as a critical step in Iraq's broader strategy to enhance trade routes and regional connectivity, particularly through initiatives like the Iraq Development Road (IDR), which aims to transform Iraq into a transport hub linking the Gulf region to Europe (Iraq Business News).
The sources reporting on this funding, including Reuters and Iraq Business News, are recognized for their journalistic integrity and reliability in reporting on economic and infrastructural developments in the region. The information is corroborated by multiple outlets, which adds to the credibility of the claim.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that $930 million has been allocated to improve Iraq's railway infrastructure is accurate. The funding has been officially approved by the World Bank as part of the IREM project, which aims to modernize and extend Iraq's railway network, thereby enhancing economic growth and connectivity in the region.
