More “Iraq News” Posted by Tishwash at TNT 4-20-2026
TNT:
Tishwash: Investment Authority: The dinar will be the sole currency for the sale of residential units.
The National Investment Commission affirmed the commitment of investment authorities in all governorates to implementing the applicable regulations and controls regarding the sale and lease of residential units within investment projects.
These regulations stipulate the exclusive use of the Iraqi dinar in all sales and installment transactions, emphasizing the prohibition of dealing in any foreign currency.
Hanan Jassim, spokesperson for the National Investment Commission, stated to Al-Sabah newspaper that this affirmation comes as part of its ongoing monitoring to ensure adherence to the approved regulations and enhance compliance levels, particularly in light of current economic changes and the fluctuations in the exchange market resulting from regional and international tensions. This aims to reduce informal foreign currency transactions and support the stability of the local market.
The commission clarified that this measure is based on applicable regulations and instructions, particularly Article (10), which stipulates the exclusive use of the Iraqi dinar for payments on housing units and their installments.
It noted that observations and complaints had been received indicating that some entities were requiring transactions in foreign currencies, contrary to instructions. This constitutes a clear violation of official regulations and negatively impacts market stability and the protection of citizens' rights. The commission stressed the necessity for investment companies implementing housing projects to refrain from demanding payment in any currency other than the Iraqi dinar, whether in sales or installment transactions. It affirmed that violating entities will be held legally accountable under the relevant laws.
She added that these measures come within the framework of supporting the state’s monetary policy and enhancing confidence in the national currency, as well as reducing fluctuations in the exchange market, especially in light of the unstable global economic conditions, which will positively impact consumer protection and ensure an organized and fair investment environment.
Jassim called on citizens to report any violations in this regard, stressing that she will continue to follow up on the implementation of instructions in coordination with the competent regulatory authorities, and take the necessary legal measures against violators, in order to consolidate the principle of the rule of law and enhance stability in the investment housing sector. link
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Tishwash: Moody's credit rating agency: Iraq's credit situation is negative and high risk.
On Friday (April 17, 2026), Moody's credit rating agency revised its outlook for Iraq from "stable" to "negative," citing risks to the country's creditworthiness as a result of the ongoing war in the Middle East.
Moody's said, "Iraq's heavy reliance on the oil sector means that any disruption to exports through the Strait of Hormuz—which account for about 90 percent of Iraq's crude oil exports—will lead to a significant decrease in dollar inflows and fiscal revenues."
Last month, energy officials in the country reported that production at key oil fields in southern Iraq, a member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), had fallen by about 80 percent due to the US-Iran war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, pushing oil stockpiles to critical levels.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on Friday that the Strait of Hormuz had been opened following the ceasefire agreement reached in Lebanon, while US President Donald Trump said he believed an agreement to end the Iran war would be reached "soon," although the timing remained unclear.
Four energy industry sources told Reuters that Iraq resumed oil exports from the south of the country on Friday after a halt of more than a month.
Moody's added in its report, "Even if the ceasefire holds, we expect it will take some time before oil traffic through the strait returns to normal."
The agency maintained Iraq's rating at "Caa1". link
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Tishwash: With a "limited" agenda, the framework sets Monday as the date for deciding on the candidate for Prime Minister.
On Sunday, the General Secretariat of the Coordination Framework called on the framework’s forces to hold a meeting on Monday at the office of the leader of the Wisdom Movement, Ammar al-Hakim, stressing that the agenda is limited to (deciding on the candidate for the presidency of the Council of Ministers).
The coordinating framework that includes the ruling Shiite political forces in Iraq failed to hold a "crucial" meeting yesterday, Saturday, and it was postponed until tomorrow, Monday.
These developments come at a time when the government formation process has entered a critical phase, following the election of Nizar Amidi as President of the Republic. This places the largest bloc before a constitutional deadline ending on April 26 to officially present its candidate, amid fears of returning to square one of political deadlock. link
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Tishwash: The Sudanese have an overwhelming majority in the Iraqi parliament and on the Iraqi street.
In a political scene characterized by complexity and ongoing tensions, the name of the current Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, stands out as the most prominent and influential figure in the Iraqi political equation, not only within the parliament but also on the street, which now views his experience as a model of relative stability and executive management capable of dealing with accumulated challenges.
Despite this political and popular weight, a fundamental question strongly presents itself: Why doesn’t the coordinating framework move towards resolving the issue of the premiership by adopting the Sudanese option, in line with the indicators of parliamentary support and popular acceptance, and end the state of political deadlock that has exhausted the country?
The continued postponement and procrastination in making a decision not only reflects a state of hesitation, but may also be interpreted as a disregard for the will of a broad segment of voters, who have expressed, directly or indirectly, their support for stability and continuity, which is what the Sudanese represent at this sensitive stage.
In this context, the importance of adhering to the democratic principle of respecting election results becomes clear, especially given the official statements by some Shiite political forces asserting that the largest parliamentary bloc has the right to nominate the prime minister. This is a constitutional and political principle that should govern any subsequent agreements and should not be subject to interpretation or obstruction.
Granting the right of “veto” to small blocs or using tools of political obstruction to impose conditions that are inconsistent with the real balance of power represents a dangerous precedent that strikes at the heart of the democratic process, turning it from a representative system into an arena of power struggles that does not accurately reflect the popular will.
The Coordination Committee, as a key player in the political landscape, faces a true test regarding its commitment to prioritizing the national interest over narrow factional or partisan considerations. Supporting a widely accepted candidate could be a pivotal step in restoring public confidence in the political process and pave the way for a new era of political and executive stability.
Resolving this issue is not just about naming a prime minister, but about sending a clear message that political forces are capable of respecting the rules of the democratic game, and that they are ready to side with the will of the people, not with the logic of obstruction and polarization.
Ultimately, the question remains open: Will the coordinating framework respond to this challenge and translate its slogans into actions, or will political deadlock remain the most prominent feature of the Iraqi scene in the next stage? link