Iraq Economic News and Points To Ponder Saturday Afternoon 9-19-26
Observatory: Potential Sanctions And Speculation Shake The Dollar Market In Iraq
2026-09-19 04:45 Shafaq News - Baghdad The “Eco Iraq” economic observatory observed on Saturday a rapid rise in the exchange rate of the dollar in the parallel market against the Iraqi dinar, noting that the current rise is due to several factors, including fears of possible American sanctions against Iraq.
The observatory stated in a statement received by Shafaq News Agency that "the current rise is not related to one factor, but rather comes as a result of the overlap of several economic, financial and psychological factors," indicating that "among the most prominent of these are the speculations in the parallel market, which are active from time to time, taking advantage of the high demand for the dollar and the decline in its supply."
He added that "concerns and speculations related to the post-September 30th deadlines, and what is being discussed regarding the issue of restricting weapons to the state, along with talk of American sanctions or possible measures," explaining that "this increases the state of uncertainty in the market and pushes some traders to increase the demand for the dollar."
The Economic Observatory explained that "another reason is the decline in confidence in the banking sector from time to time, which represents an additional factor in increasing the demand for the dollar," pointing to the crisis of Al-Taif Bank and the imposition of guardianship over it by the Central Bank of Iraq on September 3.
In conclusion, the Eco Iraq Observatory called on the Central Bank of Iraq to "closely monitor developments in the exchange market and take appropriate measures to curb speculation and maintain market stability, thereby contributing to strengthening confidence in the Iraqi dinar and the banking sector
https://www.shafaq.com/ar/اقتصـاد/مرصد-العقوبات-المحتملة-والمضاربات-تهز-سوق-الدولار-في-العراق
The 2027 budget is facing comprehensive parliamentary review... Al-Shammari: No crises will hinder its approval
Information/Baghdad... Member of Parliament's Finance Committee, Mohammed Al-Shammari, confirmed on Saturday that the draft general budget law for 2027 will be subject to intensive technical study and detailed auditing as soon as it is officially sent by the Ministry of Finance and the government to the House of Representatives, noting that the existence of prior political understandings will contribute to its smooth passage without complex disputes.
Al-Shammari told Al-Maalouma News Agency that “the arrival of the budget to Parliament will begin with the Finance Committee’s work of reviewing all schedules, allocations, and expenditure items accurately to ensure their suitability to the economic reality and the needs of service projects,” indicating that “the auditing and study process represents an indispensable oversight and legislative duty before it is put to a vote.”
He added that "subjecting the draft to an in-depth study does not mean obstructing it, as the political climate is conducive and the parliamentary blocs are determined to finalize the necessary technical amendments through a swift consensus."
He predicted that "the reading and discussion procedures will proceed to approval without any crises or conflicts that might hinder its completion within the parliament." End/25h
Parliamentary Committee Clarifies Reasons For "Rise" In US Dollar Exchange Rate
Translated from Arabic
Pay attention to this statement carefully..... especially the last few seconds of the news......
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https://x.com/AMrym93884/status/2101233753301430366
Abu Maryam @AMrym93884
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·Translated from Arabic Parliamentary Committee Clarifies Reasons for "Rise" in US Dollar Exchange Rate | #wan_news
https://x.com/onenewsiq/status/2101218609716470171/video/1
Transcription of the video in the link:
This is a member of the Finance Committee in the Iraqi Parliament, Jamal Kujer.
The decline in the value of the dinar against the dollar to the fears stemming from the continuous American threats regarding the file of armed factions in Iraq and the fate of their weapons after September 30.
Kojer said that these threats raised fears among Iraqi citizens and pushed a greater number of them to buy dollars. He added that a segment of citizens fears the possibility of the United States, after September 30, reducing the sending of dollars to Iraq and their unavailability in the country, which prompted people who own dinars to daily buying dollars and gold, and pointed out that the increase in demand
On the dollar contributed to the continued rise in its price against the Iraqi dinar.
According to Kujer, another reason is related to the Iraqi government's attempt to amend the dinar exchange rate against the dollar in the draft budget law. https://x.com/AMrym93884/status/2101233753301430366 Abu Maryam @AMrym93884
The Dollar Is Caught Between Speculation And Rumors... A Financial Expert, Speaking To Iraq Observer, Predicts A Decline In The Exchange Rate After September 30th.
Baghdad/Iraq Observer Recently, local markets have witnessed a rise in the dollar exchange rate, amidst anticipation and speculation regarding expected developments at the end of the month. This has impacted market activity and raised concerns among citizens and traders about potential disruptions in the availability of foreign currency.
Financial and banking expert Dr. Mustafa Hantoush stated that part of the current increase may be linked to speculation and expectations circulating about September 30, 2026, explaining that talk of a possible dollar shortage or market instability has contributed to increased anxiety and speculation.
Hantoush told Iraq Observer that “delays in cash dollar shipments allocated for travelers are not new and have occurred on previous occasions,” noting that the Central Bank of Iraq possesses sufficient cash reserves to address such situations and meet domestic needs.
He added that “transfers for financing foreign trade differ from cash dollars allocated for travelers, as they are linked to trade, imports, and securing market needs,” emphasizing that their continuation is essential for Iraq’s food and economic security.
He pointed out that “fears of chaos or unrest are not, so far, based on clear indicators, especially given Iraq’s attainment of relative stability after years of challenges,” considering rumors and speculation to be among the factors influencing the exchange rate in the parallel market.
Hantoush indicated that “the decline in Central Bank sales over the past few months may be linked to the drop in oil revenues,” anticipating that the bank’s ability to meet market needs will improve with the current recovery in oil revenues.
He explained that “the stability of the situation after September 30th, and the absence of exceptional developments, may be reflected in the exchange rate and push it towards a decrease, as long as the official dollar rate remains fixed and no official decision is issued to change it.”
He emphasized that changing the official rate, should it be proposed in the future, would be a different matter requiring an official and publicly announced decision.
In the same context, the Central Bank of Iraq affirmed the adequacy of its foreign reserves to meet all demands for foreign currency, including financing foreign trade, settling bank cards, and fulfilling travelers' requests for cash dollars, at the approved official exchange rate.
The bank attributed the rise in the exchange rate in local markets to speculation
, speculation, and the exploitation of geopolitical circumstances.
Despite the Central Bank's confirmation of adequate reserves and the anticipation of improved oil revenues, the movement of the dollar in the local market remains largely dependent on the level of speculation and speculation, while any change in the official rate remains contingent upon an announced governmental and banking decision.
https://observeriraq.net/الدولار-بين-المضاربات-والشائعات-خبير/