Iraq Economic News and Points To Ponder Tuesday Morning 5-19-26

Parliamentary Integrity: Investigations Into The "Theft Of The Century" Revealed That The Value Of Embezzled Funds Has Risen To Approximately 8 Trillion Dinars.

Money and Business   Economy News – Baghdad   The Parliamentary Integrity Committee reported on Tuesday that investigations into the "theft of the century" case revealed that the value of embezzled funds had risen to about 8 trillion dinars.  According to the official newspaper, committee member Talib al-Baydani said that "recovering the looted funds is one of the basic duties undertaken by the Federal Integrity Commission in cooperation with the Parliamentary Integrity Committee," stressing that "the committee is continuing to follow up on this file continuously in order to recover Iraq's funds and hold those involved accountable."

Al-Baydani explained that “part of the stolen funds has already been recovered, while other funds are still outside the country and require legal and diplomatic action to recover them,” indicating that “this file needs high-level support and coordination between regulatory and executive bodies, in addition to cooperation with the Prime Minister’s office, which in turn has emphasized the importance of this file as a national priority.”

He pointed out that “the funds that were seized through illegal means must be returned to the state treasury,” stressing that “recovering them represents a real step towards protecting public funds and restoring the rights of Iraqis, as well as holding all those involved in embezzlement or suspicious deals accountable.”

Al-Baydani explained that “the initial estimates for the ‘Theft of the Century’ case indicated the embezzlement of about two and a half trillion dinars, but the investigations conducted by the Integrity Commission revealed the existence of larger sums, raising the value of the embezzled funds to about eight trillion dinars.”

Regarding Iraqi funds and real estate located outside the country, Al-Baydani called on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to "intensify its efforts, based on international agreements signed with a number of countries, in order to recover the real estate and assets belonging to the former regime."https://www.economy-news.net/content.php?id=69258

The General Authority Of Customs Announces An Increase In Its Revenues To 1.351 Trillion Dinars

Money and Business    The General Authority of Customs announced today, Monday, that customs revenues have increased to 1 trillion and 351 billion dinars.

The Director General of the Customs Authority, Thamer Qasim Dawood, said in a statement that "Customs revenues have increased to 1 trillion and 351 billion dinars as of 5/17/2026." https://www.economy-news.net/content.php?id=69247 

Foreign Governments Are Abandoning US Treasury Bonds, With China At Its Lowest Holding In 18 Years.

Arabic and international   Economy News - Follow-up   Foreign governments significantly reduced their holdings of US Treasury bonds during March, amid geopolitical turmoil in the Middle East that prompted central banks to sell their dollar reserves to defend their local currencies, following a shock in energy markets that led to a sharp decline in exchange rates.

This decline comes at a time when escalating conflict between the United States and Iran has led to a sharp jump in crude oil prices, causing significant pressure on global currencies, particularly in Asia.

China at its lowest level since 2008

Data from the US Treasury Department showed that China's holdings of Treasury bonds fell to $652.3 billion in March, down nearly 6% from February, marking the lowest level since September 2008, according to a report published by the US network CNBC.

Relative calm in US bond sales amid anticipation of a jump in 30-year yields

This trend reflects the continuation of China’s policy of reducing its direct exposure to US debt since its peak in 2013, despite the continuation of what is known as “indirect holdings” through custody centers in other countries.

Japan reduces its holdings of its largest foreign reserve currency

In the same context, Japan, the largest foreign holder of US Treasury bonds, reduced its holdings by about $47 billion to $1.191 trillion.

Overall, total foreign holdings of U.S. debt fell to $9.25 trillion in March, compared with about $9.49 trillion in February.

This decline coincided with widespread turmoil in currency markets, as the conflict in the Middle East and rising oil prices led to a sharp drop in the Japanese yen and several other Asian currencies.

Energy pressures drive selling of dollar assets

The rise in energy prices has forced economies dependent on importing Gulf oil, most notably Japan, to intervene in currency markets, prompting some central banks to sell part of their dollar-denominated assets, including US Treasury bonds.

Frederic Neumann, chief Asia economist at HSBC, said that increased financial volatility since the start of the Gulf War and exchange rate pressures, particularly in Asia, make it natural for central banks' holdings of US bonds to decline.

He added that foreign exchange market interventions to support local currencies led to the sale of part of these holdings, along with the rebalancing of investment portfolios during periods of tension.

Rating losses and pressure on bonds

Treasury bonds came under additional pressure as yields rose, amid inflation fears stemming from the Middle East crisis, prompting investors to demand higher returns in exchange for holding U.S. debt.

Foreign holdings also suffered significant valuation losses, amounting to $142.1 billion in March alone as a result of the decline in long-term bond prices.

In contrast, Britain bucked the general trend, increasing its holdings by about $29.6 billion to reach $926.9 billion.

China's "indirect holdings"

Despite the decline in China’s direct holdings, analysts believe that official figures may not reflect the true extent of Beijing’s exposure to the US market, as it is believed that some of the investments pass through custody centers such as Belgium and Luxembourg.

According to experts, these "indirect holdings" appear relatively stable, with Belgium holding $454 billion and Luxembourg holding approximately $439.4 billion in US Treasury bonds.

Becky Liu, executive director of global research at Fidelity International, said that China’s total holdings of US bonds remain relatively stable, noting that short-term volatility is the main factor behind recent movements.

Japan and political pressures

In Japan, policymakers in Washington are closely watching the possibility that Tokyo might resort to selling more bonds to finance interventions in the currency market to support the yen.

The Bank of Japan had intervened in the foreign exchange markets in late March and early April after the yen fell to politically sensitive levels near 160 yen to the dollar, amid concerns that the current account deficit would worsen as a result of rising energy import costs.

Vikas Birshad, portfolio manager at M&G Investments, said the message from U.S. policymakers is clear: "The preferred option is not to sell Treasury bonds," noting that Washington sees alternatives such as trade deals in critical metals, technology, and defense to ease pressure on foreign reserves. https://www.economy-news.net/content.php?id=69272

Cyprus Plans To Export Natural Gas To Europe Via Egypt By 2028

Arabic and international     Economy News - Follow-up   Cypriot President Nicos Christodoulides announced on Tuesday, ahead of a cabinet meeting, that his country aims to sell its first shipment of natural gas to European markets via Egypt in 2028, according to Bloomberg News.

In a statement issued by the official press office, Christodoulides explained that the Cabinet would today approve the development and production plan for the Kronos gas field, as well as agreements relating to the basic terms of the sale of Cypriot natural gas.

The Cypriot president also indicated that further announcements would be made very soon, in cooperation with ExxonMobil, saying: "Consultations are now at an advanced stage, and we will very soon be in a position to announce the next steps in detail."

He noted that Cyprus and Egypt had previously signed a framework agreement for cooperation in the field of natural gas to link and develop Cypriot offshore fields with Egyptian infrastructure in preparation for liquefying and re-exporting it.

The Italian company Eni also signed a deal with Egypt and Cyprus to develop and export gas discovered in Cypriot waters. https://www.economy-news.net/content.php?id=69273

Al-Zaydi And Amidi Stress The Need For Continued Coordination Between The Four Presidencies To Preserve Stability.

Localities      Economy News – Baghdad   Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi and President Nizar Amidi stressed on Tuesday the need for continued coordination and cooperation between the four presidencies in order to preserve stability.

The Prime Minister’s Media Office stated in a statement received by “Al-Eqtisad News” that “the Prime Minister received President Nizar Amidi, who offered his congratulations on the new government gaining the confidence of the House of Representatives.”

The statement added that "the meeting discussed the overall situation in Iraq, and the importance of supporting the government in implementing its governmental program and development plans in a way that contributes to improving the service and economic situation and meeting the needs of citizens."

He added that "both sides stressed the need for continued coordination and cooperation between the four presidencies, in order to preserve stability and enhance joint efforts to serve the country." https://www.economy-news.net/content.php?id=69271

The Decade That Made Secession Seem Normal

The Decade That Made Secession Seem Normal

Notes From the Field By James Hickman (Simon Black / Sovereign Man)   May 18, 2026

Almost ten years ago to the day, I woke up in my hotel room in Bangkok and flipped on the TV; it was late, late in the evening in the UK, and the BBC News was broadcasting live coverage of the Brexit vote.

As the results slowly trickled in and it became clear that Brexit would prevail, the news anchors could not hide their shock and horror; the idea that British voters would actually choose to leave the European Union was, to them, incomprehensible.

A decade later, things like that which once seemed incomprehensible are now becoming mainstream. Britain is just the tip of the iceberg— it’s happening all across the west.

Earlier this month in Wales, voters elected the ‘Plaid Cymru’ party to its first majority ever; this is the party that has campaigned for decades to secede from the United Kingdom and make Wales independent.

The same dynamic is now playing out in Canada.

A decade under Justin Trudeau-Castro’s policies, which sacrificed the Canadian economy on the twin altars of climate religion and identity politics, has produced a country measurably poorer than the United States across the border.

In 2014 the per-capita GDP gap between Canada and the US was around 24%. Today it has grown to 43%.

And the OECD now projects Canada will rank dead last among developed economies for real GDP per capita growth through 2060.

So, on May 2, organizers in the province of Alberta handed-in over 300,000 signatures, more than 10% of Alberta’s registered voters, demanding a referendum on independence.

People have a breaking point. And when they reach it, they vote with with their ballots... with their wallets... and with their feet.

Take corporate America. For as long as anyone can remember, the standard practice for any serious American company was to incorporate in Delaware. And for more than two centuries, any serious financial firm was based almost entirely on Wall Street.

But in January 2024, the Delaware Court of Chancery rescinded Elon Musk's $56 billion Tesla compensation package— a single ruling that told every public company in America that corporate law could be relitigated on a whim.

Tesla and SpaceX reincorporated in Texas. Coinbase followed them. Dropbox decamped to Nevada. Dell is redomiciling to Texas. One company after another is leaving Delaware for good.

It’s the same with Wall Street.

Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase, was blunt about the changing dynamic in his April shareholder letter: "Individuals vote with their feet. You can already see a fairly large exodus of people and jobs out of some states with high taxes and high expenses."

In his own estimate, JPMorgan now employs 32,000 people in Texas, up from 26,000 a decade ago. Its New York headcount over the same period fell from 30,000 to 24,000.

The IRS migration data tells the same story one household at a time. Between 2019 and 2023, California's cumulative net outflow amounted to $91.4 billion in Adjustable Gross Income; that’s a huge loss of their tax base.

Meanwhile, Florida's cumulative net inflow came to $137 billion.

Hollywood is also instrumental.

One, the audience has voted with its wallets, hence the string of box office bombs. People don't go to the movies to be lectured on social justice. They want to be entertained.

But for the past decade, Hollywood decided audiences needed to hear about racial injustice, gender identity, and climate change instead. Studios have racked up enormous losses as a result.

Second, no one wants to make films in Hollywood anymore because of the insane costs and regulations of doing business in California.

Instead, Atlanta wins because Georgia offers an uncapped 30% tax credit. Plenty of foreign countries offer far more. Plus production companies filming outside of California don’t have to deal with unions, taxes, or political hostility.

Consumers have been delivering the same lesson for years.

Bud Light decided in 2023 that its core demographic was, apparently, trans activists. American beer drinkers knocked the brand from #1 to #3 in the country and stripped more than $1 billion in lost sales out of its parent company.

Gillette tried it during #metoo, with a 2019 ad lecturing its male customers about how to be "the best men they can be." P&G took an $8 billion write-down on the brand the same year.

Personally I have never bought a Gillette product since.

But think about the trend: a decade ago, almost none of this was thinkable.

Brexit was treated as a national psychotic break. A large voting bloc interested in their province seceding from Canada was ludicrous. And why on earth would a serious company leave Delaware, any serious banker leave Wall Street, or any red-blooded American stop buying Bud Light?

And yet it’s all happened.

Frankly it’s a cause for optimism. The people running these institutions are finding out the hard way that everyone has a vote— at the ballot box, with their feet, and with their wallets.

Just imagine what another 10 years of this trend will look like.

 To your freedom,   James Hickman  Co-Founder, Schiff Sovereign LLC

The decade that made secession seem normal | Schiff Sovereign

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economics Updates Monday Evening 5-18-26

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Bitcoin Shockwave Signals How Geopolitics Is Reshaping the Future of Global Finance

Escalating Iran tensions, collapsing crypto prices, and the growing use of stablecoins by sanctioned states are exposing how deeply digital assets are now tied to the emerging multipolar financial system.

 Overview

Bitcoin and the broader cryptocurrency market suffered a sharp selloff after renewed geopolitical tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran triggered fears of military escalation and further disruption in global energy markets. At the same time, new intelligence reports revealed that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has dramatically expanded its use of cryptocurrencies — especially stablecoins — to operate around sanctions and support cross-border trade.

Together, these developments highlight a major shift in global finance. Cryptocurrency is no longer just a speculative asset class. It is increasingly becoming part of geopolitical strategy, sanctions evasion, energy trade, and the broader movement toward a fragmented financial system outside traditional Western banking networks.

Key Developments

1. Bitcoin Drops Sharply as Iran Conflict Escalates

Bitcoin plunged from above $82,000 to nearly $76,000 after reports surfaced that the United States and Israel were considering expanded military operations against Iran.

The selloff erased more than $40 billion in crypto market capitalization within hours as investors fled risk assets amid rising fears of broader conflict in the Middle East.

Oil prices simultaneously surged above $105 per barrel, increasing inflation concerns and strengthening expectations that central banks may keep interest rates elevated longer than expected.

Analysts warned that continued instability around the Strait of Hormuz could trigger even greater volatility across global markets, including crypto.

2. Massive Liquidations Reveal Fragility of Crypto Markets

The market decline triggered a wave of forced liquidations across leveraged crypto positions.

Nearly $700 million in derivative positions were wiped out in 24 hours, including more than $600 million in bullish long trades.

This event demonstrated how tightly connected cryptocurrency markets have become to global macroeconomic and geopolitical developments. Rather than acting as a safe haven, Bitcoin traded more like a high-risk speculative asset during the crisis.

Several analysts now warn that if geopolitical tensions worsen further, Bitcoin could retest support levels near $65,000.

3. Iran Expands Use of Stablecoins and Crypto Infrastructure

While Bitcoin prices were collapsing globally, new research from blockchain intelligence firm Chainalysis revealed that the IRGC now controls a significant share of Iran’s domestic crypto economy.

According to the report, IRGC-linked wallets processed more than $3 billion in crypto activity during 2025, accounting for nearly half of Iran’s crypto transaction volume in late 2025.

More importantly, analysts noted that Iran increasingly favors stablecoins over Bitcoin for trade and sanctions avoidance because stablecoins allow faster settlement and maintain dollar-linked value.

This development is highly significant because it demonstrates how sanctioned nations are building parallel financial systems that operate outside traditional banking structures.

4. Strait of Hormuz Crisis Raises Global Financial Risks

The conflict surrounding the Strait of Hormuz continues to drive uncertainty across global energy and financial markets.

Because nearly one-fifth of global oil and LNG shipments move through the strait, any disruption creates immediate ripple effects across inflation, currencies, shipping costs, and commodity prices.

The combination of rising oil prices, crypto instability, sanctions pressure, and growing adoption of alternative payment rails is accelerating conversations around de-dollarization and financial decentralization worldwide.

Why It Matters

The recent Bitcoin collapse is about far more than cryptocurrency volatility.

It reflects how the global financial system is becoming increasingly tied to geopolitical fragmentation, sanctions warfare, energy security, and digital finance infrastructure.

At the same time, Iran’s expanding use of stablecoins highlights a broader trend where countries facing sanctions are turning to blockchain systems to bypass traditional Western-controlled financial channels.

This shift has major implications for the future role of the US dollar, international banking networks, and the structure of global reserve systems.

Why It Matters to Foreign Currency Holders

For those watching the global reset narrative, this situation demonstrates several important trends:

• Digital assets are becoming geopolitical tools

• Stablecoins may play a future role in cross-border trade systems

• Energy disruptions continue driving inflation and monetary instability

• Confidence in centralized financial systems is weakening

• Alternative settlement mechanisms are expanding globally

The growing overlap between crypto markets, energy trade, and sanctions policy suggests the next phase of global finance may involve a hybrid system combining traditional currencies, commodities, and digital settlement rails.

Implications for the Global Reset

• Pillar 1: Fragmentation of the Dollar-Based System

Iran’s growing use of crypto and stablecoins illustrates how nations are increasingly seeking alternatives to the traditional US dollar banking system.

While the dollar remains dominant globally, parallel financial ecosystems are slowly emerging beneath the surface.

• Pillar 2: Digital Finance and Commodity Control Converge

The Strait of Hormuz crisis demonstrates how energy control, digital finance, and geopolitical power are becoming interconnected.

Future global trade systems may increasingly rely on digital settlement tools tied to commodities, regional blocs, or alternative reserve structures.

Closing Thought

This is no longer simply a crypto story — it is a warning sign that global finance, energy security, and geopolitical conflict are rapidly converging into a new financial era.

Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources

• BeInCrypto — “Bitcoin Gets the Headlines, But Iran’s IRGC Runs on Something Else: Chainalysis”

• Cointelegraph — “Bitcoin Falls to $76K After Trump Says ‘Clock Is Ticking’ for Iran”

~~~~~~~~~~

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U.S. Has Reached ‘Choose Your Poison’ Moment: Save the Dollar or Save Treasuries

U.S. Has Reached ‘Choose Your Poison’ Moment: Save the Dollar or Save Treasuries | Gromen & Makori

Miles Franklin Media:  5-18-2026

Michelle Makori, President & Editor-in-Chief of Miles Franklin Media, sits down with Luke Gromen, Founder & President of FFTT LLC, for a deep-dive into what he believes is becoming an unavoidable monetary breaking point for the United States.

 Gromen warns that the U.S. may soon face a historic “choose your poison” moment: save the dollar or save the Treasury market.

As the Iran conflict, rising oil prices, inflation pressures, and sovereign debt stress converge, he argues policymakers may ultimately be forced to inject liquidity into an inflation spike – weakening the dollar to keep the financial system functioning. In this episode of The Real Story with Michelle Makori:

• Why the U.S. may have to choose between saving the dollar or Treasuries
  

• The Iran war’s impact on inflation, oil, and sovereign debt markets
  

• Why Luke Gromen says “the release valve becomes the dollar”
  

• Gold’s growing role as a neutral reserve asset
  

• Why Gromen believes gold could rise 5X-10X
  

• The possibility of gold being revalued against oil
  

• Why central banks continue aggressively buying gold
  

• Trump’s China negotiations and the future of the dollar system
  

• Bitcoin’s role in the coming monetary reset
  

00:00 – Coming Up

 02:27 – Introduction

06:25 – The Debt Spiral

08:08 – Is the Fed Already Injecting Liquidity?

10:26 – How Governments Will “Save” the Treasury Market

14:22 – The Real Tradeoff: Weak Dollar or Inflation Spike

16:35 – What This Means for Investors and Markets

24:15 – Trump’s China Trip and the Real Power Shift

31:25 – Did the U.S. Miscalculate Iran?

37:46 – “It’s a Giant Mexican Standoff”

40:22 – The Most Likely Endgame for the Iran Conflict

 51:19 – Why the Dollar Still Dominates Global Payments

54:39 – Gold as the New Neutral Reserve Asset

58:08 – China’s Message to America: “Let Gold Rise”

1:05:02 – Trump & Fort Knox

1:09:27 – Is the U.S. Quietly Settling Trade Deficits in Gold?

1:12:25 – Gold Could Reach $15K-$22K This Cycle

1:14:22 – Gromen’s Base Case

1:15:33 – Gold vs. Bitcoin in the New Monetary System

1:20:23 – Why Gromen Prices Everything in Gold

1:23:41 – Portfolio Positioning

1:27:08 – Are We Already Entering a “Crack-Up Boom”?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ukTFn2Ocrk

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economics Updates Monday Afternoon 5-18-26

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Cuba–U.S. Tensions Escalate: Drone Claims, Energy Collapse, and Military Threats Raise Regional Stability Risks

Growing confrontation between Washington and Havana is reviving Cold War-era tensions at a time of rising geopolitical fragmentation and global financial uncertainty

Warnings of military confrontation between Cuba and the United States are intensifying concerns over regional stability, energy disruptions, and the expanding overlap between geopolitics and financial risk.

 OVERVIEW (KEY POINTS)

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel warned today that any United States military action against Cuba would trigger a “bloodbath” with severe consequences for regional peace and stability.

The warning follows reports alleging Cuba acquired more than 300 military drones and discussed possible strikes on U.S. targets including the naval base at Guantánamo Bay and military assets near Florida.

At the same time, Cuba is facing one of its worst economic and energy crises in decades after severe fuel shortages and electricity blackouts intensified across the island following tighter U.S. pressure and energy restrictions.

The developments are drawing international attention because they reflect a broader trend of geopolitical escalation spreading across multiple regions simultaneously — a growing factor impacting global markets, commodity flows, and financial stability.

KEY DEVELOPMENTS

1. Cuba Warns of “Bloodbath” if Military Action Occurs

Tensions sharply escalated following public warnings from Havana.

• President Díaz-Canel stated Cuba poses “no threat” but would defend itself if attacked

• Cuban officials accused Washington of using false pretexts to justify aggression

• Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez cited Cuba’s right to self-defense under international law

2. Drone Allegations Intensify Security Concerns

Reports regarding military drones heightened tensions further.

• Axios reported Cuba allegedly obtained 300+ military drones

• Alleged targets included Guantánamo Bay and U.S. naval assets

• Cuban officials strongly denied aggressive intentions and called the claims politically motivated

3. Cuba’s Energy Crisis Deepens

Economic conditions on the island continue deteriorating rapidly.

• Severe fuel shortages are causing prolonged blackouts

• Electricity availability reportedly dropped to only a few hours daily in some regions

• Cuba blames tighter U.S. sanctions and energy restrictions for worsening conditions

4. Trump Administration Pressure Continues Expanding

Washington’s posture toward Havana has become increasingly aggressive.

• Reports indicate U.S. prosecutors may seek an indictment against former leader Raúl Castro

• Additional sanctions and strategic pressure are being discussed

• U.S.-Cuba relations are now at some of their lowest levels in decades

5. Regional Stability Risks Are Rising

The situation carries broader geopolitical implications.

• Caribbean trade and shipping routes remain strategically important

• Increased military tensions near Florida and Guantánamo raise security concerns

• Analysts warn that even limited escalation could impact regional markets and investor confidence

WHY IT MATTERS

The Cuba situation matters because it reflects the growing intersection between geopolitical confrontation, economic pressure, and financial instability.

The combination of sanctions, energy shortages, and military rhetoric increases uncertainty not only for the Caribbean region but also for broader global markets already dealing with elevated geopolitical risk.

It also demonstrates how economic tools such as sanctions and energy restrictions are increasingly being used alongside military and diplomatic pressure as part of modern geopolitical strategy.

At a time when markets are already sensitive to disruptions involving energy flows, trade routes, and sovereign debt, another major geopolitical flashpoint could further strain investor confidence globally.

WHY IT MATTERS TO FOREIGN CURRENCY HOLDERS

• Geopolitical instability often increases demand for safe-haven assets like gold

• Energy disruptions can fuel inflation and weaken fiat purchasing power

• Regional instability may increase currency volatility across emerging markets

• Sanctions-driven economic fragmentation continues accelerating multipolar trade systems

IMPLICATIONS FOR THE GLOBAL RESET

• Pillar 1: Geopolitical Fragmentation Expands

The rise in U.S.-Cuba tensions reflects a broader pattern of increasing regional confrontation shaping global financial and trade systems.

• Pillar 2: Economic Pressure Becomes a Strategic Weapon

Sanctions, energy blockades, and financial isolation are increasingly central tools in geopolitical competition, influencing global reserve and trade strategies.

*****************************

CONCLUSION

The renewed confrontation between Cuba and the United States represents more than a regional dispute.

It highlights how geopolitical tensions, economic sanctions, and energy instability are becoming deeply interconnected within the evolving global financial landscape.

As nations increasingly rely on economic leverage and strategic pressure rather than traditional diplomacy alone, global markets may face higher volatility and greater fragmentation in the years ahead.

The growing overlap between geopolitics and economics is becoming one of the defining forces behind the emerging global financial reset.

Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources

• Reuters — "Cuba Warns U.S. Military Action Would Cause ‘Bloodbath’ After Drone Report"

• Modern Diplomacy — "Cuba Warns U.S. Military Action Would Trigger ‘Bloodbath’"

~~~~~~~~~~

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Iraq Economic News and Points To Ponder Monday Afternoon 5-18-26

Calls To Expedite The Submission Of The Budget To The House Of Representatives And Warnings Against Delaying Its Approval

Economy News — Baghdad   Member of Parliament Ahlam Al-Kakaei warned of the repercussions of the continued delay in approving the general budget, indicating that the absence of the budget has caused the suspension of many projects and has directly affected the service situation and development plans.

Al-Kaka’i added, in a statement to the official newspaper, that “Parliament extended its holiday due to the issue of forming the government cabinet, before later heading to the legislative holiday, which may lead to further delays in approving the budget if there is no political will to expedite its resolution.”

She stressed that “the continued delay in the budget will affect the launch of new projects and the completion of stalled projects, as well as disrupting the financial obligations of government institutions, stressing the need to expedite the submission of the draft budget to the House of Representatives for discussion and approval.”https://www.economy-news.net/content.php?id=69165

CBI: Iraq Posts About $25 Billion Trade Surplus In 2025

2026-05-18 / Shafaq News- Baghdad   Iraq recorded a trade surplus of approximately $24.686 billion in 2025, driven by exports outpacing imports across all four quarters of the year, according to data released Monday by the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI). 

Total exports reached roughly $90.43 billion against imports of $65.74 billion, based on foreign trade figures calculated on a free-on-board (FOB) basis —a methodology that values goods at the point of loading in the exporting country, excluding shipping and insurance costs. 

Exports declined gradually through the first three quarters before a marginal recovery in the final months of the year. The first quarter led with $24.11 billion, followed by $23.29 billion in the second quarter and $21.41 billion in the third, before edging up to $21.62 billion in the fourth quarter. 

Imports followed a broadly similar downward trajectory. The first quarter recorded $18.16 billion, with the figure falling to $15.99 billion in the second quarter and $16.10 billion in the third, before dropping to $15.49 billion in the fourth —the lowest quarterly import figure of the year. 

The surplus was sustained in every quarter without exception, with exports consistently exceeding imports throughout 2025, the data showed. https://shafaq.com/en/Economy/CBI-Iraq-posts-about-25-billion-trade-surplus-in-2025

US Denies Official Petraeus Role In Baghdad Visit

2026-05-18 / 04:25  Shafaq News- Washington    Former CIA Director Gen. David Petraeus does not hold any position within the US mission in Iraq, a US State Department spokesperson told Shafaq News on Monday, dismissing speculation surrounding his recent visit to Baghdad. 

Petraeus visited the Iraqi capital on Friday and held meetings with senior Iraqi officials, without any official clarification regarding the purpose of the trip or the capacity in which he attended.

 The visit fueled media reports suggesting that Petraeus, who previously commanded US forces during the Iraq war, had been assigned a special mission or was acting as an envoy for US President Donald Trump. Some reports linked the visit to what they described as growing US pressure on the Iraqi government over Iran-aligned armed factions operating in Iraq. 

For Shafaq News, Mostafa Hashem, Washington, DC. 

Read more: Iraq after the regional ceasefire: US bases and unresolved political questions 

https://www.shafaq.com/en/Iraq/US-denies-official-Petraeus-role-in-Baghdad-visit

A Najafi Source: Al-Sadr's Contact With Al-Zaydi Constitutes A "Shock" Within The Coordination Framework Forces, And There Are Fears Of Support For Al-Hanana

  latest news   Monday,   May 18, 2026  Najaf – One News    A source in Najaf revealed that the phone call made by the leader of the Shiite National Movement, Muqtada al-Sadr, to Prime Minister Ali al-Zidi constituted a “shock” within the forces of the Coordination Framework, in light of what he described as growing fears about the repercussions of al-Sadr’s support for al-Zaidi on the balance of political power. 

The source said that al-Sadr’s support for al-Zaydi “will put him in a stronger position against the interventions of some of the cadre leaders”, noting that al-Sadr sees in al-Zaydi “a figure who possesses the necessary determination to correct the course of the political process and save the country”, as he put it. 

 He added that al-Sadr supports the government's approach to combating corruption, and believes that the current stage requires giving the Prime Minister more space to implement real reforms away from political pressures and partisan rivalries. 

The source indicated that the atmosphere of concern within the coordination framework escalated after the contact, amid estimates that any rapprochement between Al-Sadr and Al-Zaydi could redraw political alliances during the next stage.    https://1news-iq.net/مصدر-نجفي-اتصال-الصدربالزيديشكّل-صدم/

An Economic Expert Says Iraq Needs About 7 Trillion Dinars To Cover Operational Expenses This Month.

Baghdad – One News   Nabil Al-Marsoumi, an expert in economic affairs, confirmed that Iraq needs about 7 trillion dinars to cover operational spending during the current month, noting that current oil revenues do not exceed 2 trillion dinars, which is insufficient to secure salaries and the costs of electricity and imported gas.

Al-Marsoumi explained that the budget deficit is likely to worsen starting this May, due to the significant decline in oil revenues resulting from a decrease in Iraqi exports by more than 90%, which led to revenues dropping to about one billion dollars last April.

 He added that the oil revenues achieved last March amounted to about two and a half trillion dinars, while salaries alone require more than 7 trillion dinars, which means there is a large financial gap that threatens to cover basic operating expenses, including the import of gas, electricity, medicine and social welfare.  https://1news-iq.net/خبير-اقتصادي-العراق-بحاجة-إلى-نحو-7-تري/

A Member Of The Parliamentary Finance Committee Told NINA: "The Next Stage Will Be Very Difficult... Economically."

Saturday, May 16, 2026  | Economy   Baghdad / NINA / Member of the Parliamentary Finance Committee, MP Mustafa al-Karawi, affirmed that Iraq is facing a very difficult economic phase, attributing this to the widening budget deficit, low revenues, and the failure to find alternatives to oil to finance the country's economy.

Al-Karawi told the Iraqi National News Agency ( NINA 😞 "Following the economic crisis that occurred in the region due to the Iran-US war and the previous Iraqi government's inability to find solutions for oil exports, the budget deficit and low revenues have widened due to the failure to find alternatives to oil by increasing non-oil revenues."

The Finance Committee member emphasized: "The coming period will be very difficult due to the lack of non-oil funding sources, as non-oil revenues constitute only 10% of total revenues. This will significantly impact the revenue generated and its direct dependence on external regional conditions."

He explained: "The continuation of this situation will greatly affect the provision of services and the implementation of investment projects due to the lack of financial liquidity."

He expressed his hope that the new government would find real solutions to build a strong domestic economy and establish systems to effectively manage non-oil revenues, significantly reducing dependence on oil. /End 8. https://ninanews.com/Website/News/Details?key=1295740

Between An "Army Of Employees" And A Million Graduates... The Iraqi Economy Teeters On The Brink - Urgent

 Baghdad Today – Baghdad   At a time when concerns are rising about the future of the labor market in Iraq, attention is turning to a cumulative economic crisis that is threatening the state’s ability to continue its open government employment policy, amid warnings of a wave of unemployment that could worsen with the increasing number of university graduates in the coming years.

In this context, economist Raad Al-Masoudi warns that government departments are no longer able to absorb more employees within state institutions, stressing that the output of Iraqi universities will approach the one million graduate mark within a few years, a number that exceeds the capacity of the government sector to accommodate.

Al-Masoudi told Baghdad Today on Saturday (May 16, 2026) that the employment policy that expanded after 2003 has, over time, turned into a tool used by some political forces to gain popular support by opening the doors of appointments during election seasons, instead of adopting the criteria of the actual needs of institutions.

He added that the inflated number of employees has created a state of “disguised unemployment” within many government departments, at a time when other ministries and institutions are suffering from a real shortage of specialists, which has led to a clear imbalance in the structure of the state’s administrative apparatus.

He pointed out that the salaries file now consumes the largest part of the operational expenses of the general budget, noting that oil revenues are barely sufficient to cover salaries, given that the Iraqi economy depends almost entirely on crude oil exports.

Al-Masoudi stressed that the current stage requires “deep economic surgery”, starting with rebuilding the private sector and opening the doors to real investment, in addition to supporting the stalled sectors, especially industry and agriculture, in order to create sustainable job opportunities for young people away from temporary government appointments.

He called for the adoption of a comprehensive national strategy to address economic imbalances, warning that continuing the current approach would put the country in front of more serious challenges, especially with regional turmoil and oil market fluctuations, which could affect Iraq’s ability to secure its basic revenues in the future.

After 2003, Iraq witnessed an unprecedented expansion in government employment, as state institutions became the largest refuge for job seekers, in light of the weakness of the private sector and the decline of productive sectors.

With the increasing number of graduates annually and the country's reliance on oil as a primary source of revenue, warnings have begun to escalate about the dangers of continuing this economic model, which consumes most of the state's resources in salaries and operating expenses, while investment and real production remain limited.

https://baghdadtoday.news/299369-.html

Some Iraq News Posted by Tishwash at TNT 5-18-2026

TNT:

Tishwash:  Parliament is moving to avoid a "paralysis" scenario and aims to finalize the oil, gas, and telecommunications laws.

MP Hussein Ali announced on Monday a serious parliamentary determination to avoid a repeat of the scenario that disrupted parliamentary sessions in the previous session. He emphasized that the House of Representatives has successfully completed the reading and passage of 16 laws so far, focusing on strategic legislation related to oil and communications.

Ali told Al-Maalouma, "The House of Representatives is working intensively to activate its legislative role and avoid the obstacles and political gridlock that led to the disruption of sessions in the past." He explained that "Parliament is moving steadily to compensate for previous delays."

He added that "the House has so far managed to complete the reading and proceed with the legal procedures for 16 diverse laws affecting various sectors," noting that "parliamentary focus is currently on resolving contentious laws that have been stalled for years."

Ali continued, "There is a concerted parliamentary effort to pass the postponed oil and gas law, the communications and information technology law, as well as a package of other laws that are of paramount importance in regulating the country's economic resources and infrastructure."  link

***********

Tishwash:  Calls to expedite the submission of the budget to the House of Representatives and warnings against delaying its approval

Member of Parliament Ahlam al-Kaka'i warned of the repercussions of the continued delay in approving the general budget, explaining that its absence has halted numerous projects and directly impacted public services and development plans. In a statement to the official newspaper, al-Kaka'i added that "Parliament extended its recess due to the government formation process before subsequently entering its legislative recess, which could lead to further delays in approving the budget if there is no political will to expedite its resolution."

She emphasized that "the continued delay in the budget will affect the launch of new projects and the completion of stalled projects, in addition to disrupting the financial obligations of government institutions," stressing the need to expedite the submission of the draft budget to Parliament for discussion and approval.  link

***********

Tishwash:  The Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq chairs a meeting with electronic payment companies. 

The Central Bank of Iraq held an expanded meeting at its headquarters in Baghdad, chaired by the Governor, Mr. Ali Mohsen Al-Alaq, and attended by directors of relevant departments within the bank, as well as the authorized managers of licensed electronic payment service providers in Iraq.

The meeting focused on discussing the most prominent challenges and observations related to the operations of these companies, and reviewing mechanisms for developing the services they provide to enhance the efficiency of the financial and banking sector and support the comprehensive digital transformation in the country.

The meeting included a comprehensive review of technical, administrative, and regulatory observations pertaining to the work of electronic payment companies. 

Participants exchanged views on the companies' future plans aimed at improving financial services, with a focus on strengthening compliance and full adherence to the regulations and instructions adopted by the Central Bank. They also discussed upgrading the infrastructure and developing the technical and regulatory systems of payment companies in line with best practices and international standards.

The discussions expanded to include the development of innovative solutions and initiatives aimed at improving the electronic payment environment in Iraq. Participants focused on enhancing the security, efficiency, and reliability of digital financial services to meet citizens' aspirations and support the government's efforts to promote financial inclusion and a smooth transition to a digital economy.

This meeting is part of the Central Bank of Iraq's ongoing efforts to regulate and develop the financial technology sector and ensure the provision of secure and innovative digital services that support financial stability in the country.

Baghdad - (Media Office)
May 17, 2026  link

**************

Tishwash:  Al-Zaidi chairs the first meeting of the Financial Stability Board

Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi chaired the first meeting of the Financial Stability Council on Saturday and issued a series of directives.

A statement from the Prime Minister's Media Office indicated that "al-Zaidi chaired the first meeting of the Financial Stability Council, which was established under the ministerial program, and which included the Minister of Finance and the Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq."

Al-Zaidi emphasized "the importance of achieving financial stability, given its developmental and economic impacts," noting "the necessity of close coordination between the Central Bank and the Ministry of Finance, and the need to make financial decisions that support stability, which will positively impact government development, service, and economic plans."  link

************

Tishwash:  Financial stability is the cornerstone of the government's launch.

In a rapid and remarkable pace, the new government, led by Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi, began outlining its executive actions from the first hours of officially assuming his duties. Only a few hours passed before the first cabinet meeting was held, and a set of directives was issued that reflected the orientations of his government program, before one of its most prominent axes was quickly translated through the establishment of the "Financial Stability Council" as a foundational step in the path of economic reform.

On Saturday, Al-Zaidi chaired the first meeting of the "Financial Stability Council," in the presence of the Minister of Finance and the Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq, as part of an initiative aimed at strengthening coordination between fiscal and monetary policies.

During the meeting, Al-Zaydi stressed the importance of achieving financial stability, emphasizing the need to raise the level of coordination between the Central Bank and the Ministry of Finance, and to make consistent decisions that support general stability, which will positively impact the government’s development, service and economic plans.

In the same context, the new government, on its first official working day after gaining the confidence of Parliament, began to outline its executive and political program, with a clear focus on economic reform, combating corruption, improving services, and activating digital transformation.

The Prime Minister stressed, according to a statement from his media office, that the Ministry of Oil should not be limited to selling crude oil, but should transform into an economic institution with added value through developing the oil industry and increasing production and exports.

In the energy sector, Al-Zaydi directed the Ministry of Electricity to prepare two plans, one urgent to address the current summer crisis, and another long-term plan to develop the electrical grid and infrastructure.

He also instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to prepare working papers to reactivate Iraqi relations with the Arab and international communities, in order to strengthen Iraq’s political and diplomatic presence.

In the health sector, he stressed the need to activate the health insurance law, while calling on the Ministry of Transport to proceed with the "Development Road" project to support the national economy and link Iraq to global trade chains.

The directives included obligating ministers to disclose their financial assets within a week, and not to make structural changes within ministries at the present time.

Al-Zaydi also stressed the importance of enabling the House of Representatives to perform its oversight and legislative role, and of strengthening cooperation with parliamentary committees.

In the fight against corruption, the Prime Minister called for giving this file the highest priority, with full cooperation with the Federal Integrity Commission, and working to recover smuggled funds, stressing the need to keep official institutions away from political and factional rivalries.   link

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economics Updates Monday Morning 5-18-26

Good Morning Dinar Recaps,

G7 Faces Financial Fragmentation as Bond Turmoil and Syria’s Reentry Signal a Changing Global Order

Rising debt pressures, geopolitical instability, and post-conflict economic reintegration are reshaping the structure of global finance

The G7’s latest financial meetings in Paris revealed growing concern over bond market instability, inflation risks, and the increasing overlap between geopolitics and economic governance.

 OVERVIEW (KEY POINTS)

Finance ministers and central bank officials from the G7 gathered in Paris amid mounting concerns over global bond market volatility, inflation pressure, and widening structural economic imbalances.

At the same time, Syria’s participation in closed-door financial discussions marked a significant geopolitical development, signaling a potential shift toward economic reintegration and reconstruction diplomacy after years of isolation.

The meetings highlighted how global finance is becoming increasingly influenced by geopolitical tensions, energy security concerns, and supply chain competition rather than traditional market fundamentals alone.

Together, these developments point toward a broader transition into a more fragmented and politically managed global financial system — a major theme within the evolving global reset landscape.

KEY DEVELOPMENTS

1. G7 Finance Chiefs Address Bond Market Instability

Global sovereign debt markets remain under pressure.

• Bond yields surged across major economies including the U.S., Europe, and Japan

• Investors fear higher energy prices could keep interest rates elevated longer

• Officials expressed concern about fiscal sustainability and debt sensitivity

2. Inflation Risks Linked to Energy Disruptions

Geopolitical instability is feeding market anxiety.

• Ongoing Iran-related tensions continue pressuring global energy markets

• Rising oil and shipping costs threaten to prolong inflation globally

• Central banks may face difficulty easing monetary policy under current conditions

3. Syria Quietly Reenters Global Financial Discussions

A major geopolitical signal emerged in Paris.

• Syria joined a closed-door session with G7 finance officials

• Discussions focused on economic reconstruction and financial reintegration

• The move suggests growing international interest in regional stabilization efforts

4. Critical Minerals and Supply Chains Become Strategic Priorities

Economic security is increasingly tied to industrial policy.

• G7 nations discussed reducing dependence on dominant suppliers like China

• Coordinated investment and procurement strategies are under consideration

• Rare earths and energy-transition minerals are now viewed as strategic financial assets

5. Structural Imbalances Continue to Threaten Stability

Officials warned that deeper economic distortions are growing.

• Consumption and investment patterns remain uneven globally

• Trade and capital flow imbalances continue widening

• Policymakers fear future market corrections if coordination fails

WHY IT MATTERS

The Paris meetings revealed that financial instability is no longer viewed as purely economic — it is increasingly tied to geopolitics, energy security, and strategic competition.

Rising bond yields, inflation fears, and debt pressures are exposing vulnerabilities within highly leveraged economies, particularly as governments continue managing elevated spending levels.

At the same time, Syria’s participation demonstrates how reconstruction and financial reintegration are becoming tools of geopolitical strategy, where access to banking systems and investment flows can shape regional power dynamics.

This reflects a broader transformation in global governance, where economic coordination is increasingly driven by security concerns and supply chain resilience rather than traditional globalization models.

WHY IT MATTERS TO FOREIGN CURRENCY HOLDERS

• Bond market instability could increase global currency volatility

• Persistent inflation may weaken purchasing power across major economies

• Commodity-producing nations could gain strategic leverage

• Reserve diversification into gold and alternative assets may continue accelerating

IMPLICATIONS FOR THE GLOBAL RESET

• Pillar 1: Financial Governance Becomes More Geopolitical

Economic policy is increasingly tied to security strategy, energy access, and geopolitical alignment rather than free-market coordination alone.

• Pillar 2: Reconstruction and Resource Control Reshape Global Influence

Post-conflict recovery, critical minerals, and supply chain control are becoming central pillars in the next phase of global economic competition.

 CONCLUSION

The G7 meetings in Paris underscored how rapidly the financial landscape is changing.

Bond market stress, inflation risks, energy disruptions, and geopolitical realignment are converging into a more fragmented and strategically managed global system.

Meanwhile, Syria’s gradual return to international financial discussions signals that reconstruction and economic normalization are now part of broader geopolitical negotiations among major powers.

The global economy is no longer moving toward deeper integration alone — it is increasingly being reorganized around resilience, strategic influence, and controlled economic blocs.

What emerges next may not resemble the old globalized system, but a new financial order shaped by security, supply chains, and geopolitical leverage.

Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources

• Modern Diplomacy — "G7 Finance Chiefs Confront Bond Market Turmoil and Global Economic Imbalances"

• Modern Diplomacy — "Syria Joins G7 Finance Talks in Paris as Global Powers Signal Shift on Reconstruction"

~~~~~~~~~~ 

 🌱 A Message to Our Currency Holders🌱

If you’ve been holding foreign currency for many years, you were not foolish.

You were not wrong to believe the global financial system would change.

What failed was not your patience — it was the information you were given.

For years, dates, rumors, and personalities replaced facts, structure, and proof. “This week” predictions created cycles of hope and disappointment that were never based on how currencies actually change.

That is not your failure.

Our mission here is different:   • No dates • No rates • No hype • No gurus

Instead, we focus on:

• Verifiable developments • Institutional evidence

• Global financial structure • Where countries actually sit in the process

Currency value changes only come after sovereignty, trade, banking, settlement systems, and fiscal coordination are in place. History and institutions confirm this sequence.

You will see silence. You will see denials. That is not delay — that is discipline.

Protect your identity. Organize your documents.    Verify everything.

Never hand your discernment to anyone who cannot show proof.

You deserve truth — not timelines.

Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News™

~~~~~~~~~~

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Thank you Dinar Recaps

Iraq Economic News and Points To Ponder Monday Morning 5-18-26

The Government Affirms Its Commitment To Restricting Weapons To The State And Keeping Iraq Out Of Regional Conflicts

latest news  Sunday,Baghdad – One News    5/17/2026 The spokesman for the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Sabah al-Nu’man, confirmed that the first strategic pillar in the ministerial program is the strengthening of national security, through a firm commitment to restricting weapons to the state and enforcing the rule of law. 

Al-Nu’man told the Iraqi News Agency that this approach represents a fundamental step towards ending armed manifestations outside the legal framework and securing the internal stability necessary to protect the sovereignty of the state and ensure its security. 

He added that the ministerial program approved a strict regulatory procedure to address the dispersal of resources and prevent overlapping powers, by unifying the security decision and linking all resources and capabilities to the official state system, in order to ensure that all armed formations are subject to the authority of the General Command and the unified security decision. 

Al-Nu’man pointed out that the curriculum adopts a modern vision to enhance operational security, through the development of border monitoring systems according to modern technologies, and linking them to an intelligence effort to combat terrorism and organized crime and dry up its sources of funding. 

He stressed that the right choice for Iraq is to stay away from the axes of regional and international conflict, and not to allow Iraq to be a passage or launching pad for attacks on other countries, or an arena for interference in its internal affairs, in order to protect internal stability from the repercussions of regional crises.  https://1news-iq.net/الحكومة-تؤكد-حصر-السلاح-بيد-الدولة-وإب/

Unannounced Contacts To Integrate Forces That Have Expressed Their Willingness To Lay Down Arms And Engage Politically

latest news  Sunday,  May 17, 2026   Baghdad – One News  The newspaper “Al-Sharq Al-Awsat” indicated that unannounced contacts and talks are currently taking place between political parties close to the government and the American administration, with the aim of reaching understandings that would allow the participation of some forces that have announced their abandonment of their armed wings, while maintaining their presence within the formations of the “Popular Mobilization Forces”. 

In the same context, the sources confirmed that the government intends to quickly begin practical steps to restrict weapons to the hands of the state, including the factions that still declare positions rejecting the American presence, most notably the Kataib Hezbollah and Harakat al-Nujaba, which had previously announced their refusal to disarm according to the government program proposed by al-Zaidi. https://1news-iq.net/الشرق-الأوسط-اتصالات-غير-معلنة-لدمج-قو/

Iraq Requests Financial Support From The International Monetary Fund

An economist revealed a source close to the International Monetary Fund Iraqi officials contacted the fund for financial assistance in the aftermath of the ongoing war in the Middle East.

And it was reported Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper The source said that "initial talks took place last month during the spring meetings of the IMF and the World Bank in Washington He noted that "discussions are ongoing regarding the amount of funding he wants."Iraq and how to structure any loan"According to Reuters

The war that erupted on February 28th sent shockwaves throughout the Middle East, causing widespread damage to infrastructure and economies.

Iraq was particularly hard hit, as the majority of its oil exports, which accounted for almost all of the government's revenue, were halted due to the blockade.Strait of Hormuz Previously, about 20 percent of the world's crude oil supply passed through it.  https://www.alsumaria.tv/news/economy/564072/العراق-يطلب-دعماً-مالياً-من-صندوق-النقد-الدولي

The International Monetary Fund Comments On Reports That Iraq Has Requested Financial Assistance.

Money and Business   Economy News — Baghdad   The International Monetary Fund said it continues to discuss the possibility of providing financial support to countries affected by rising energy and commodity prices due to the war in the Middle East, without confirming reports that Iraq had requested financial assistance.

Reuters quoted the IMF spokeswoman, Julie Kozak, as saying during a press conference that the Fund continues to discuss potential financial assistance for member countries suffering from high energy and commodity costs, but she did not provide details on specific countries, and declined to comment on a report that Iraq had requested financial support.

Kozak added that a number of countries are asking the Fund for support in the area of ​​economic policies and advice on how to respond to economic shocks according to the circumstances of each country.

Media reports had indicated that Iraq had requested financial assistance from the Fund as a result of the repercussions of the war in the Middle East and rising energy prices, at a time when the Fund’s Managing Director, Kristalina Georgieva, had previously indicated that about 12 countries might need financial support ranging between $20 billion and $50 billion.

https://www.economy-news.net/content.php?id=69157

Iraq Is Expected To Achieve A Trade Surplus Of $24 Billion In 2025.

Money and Business    Economy News – Baghdad   Data released by the Central Bank of Iraq on Monday showed that Iraq achieved a trade surplus of approximately $24.686 billion during 2025, driven by a higher value of exports compared to imports.

According to foreign trade data calculated on an FOB basis, total Iraqi exports during the year amounted to approximately $90.427.7 billion, compared to imports of $65.741.7 billion.

She added that exports were distributed as follows: $24.112.3 billion in the first quarter, $23.285.6 billion in the second quarter, $21.414.3 billion in the third quarter, before rising slightly to $21.615.5 billion in the fourth quarter.

In contrast, imports totaled $18.158.6 billion in the first quarter, $15.993.1 billion in the second quarter, and $16.102.0 billion in the third quarter, before declining to $15.488.0 billion in the fourth quarter, according to the data.

The data indicated that Iraqi exports exceeded imports in all quarters of the year, which reinforced the continued recording of a trade surplus.

The data was based on Free On Board, a system that calculates the value of goods when loaded onto the means of transport in the exporting country, without including shipping and insurance costs.https://www.economy-news.net/content.php?id=69218

Gold Prices Remain Stable In Baghdad Markets

Money and Business    Economy News – Baghdad  On Monday, the prices of Iraqi and foreign gold remained stable in the local markets of Baghdad at less than one million dinars per mithqal.

The selling price of one mithqal of 21-karat gold from the Gulf, Turkey, and Europe reached 982,000 dinars in the wholesale markets on Al-Nahr Street in Baghdad, while the buying price reached 978,000 dinars, which are the same prices that were recorded yesterday, Sunday.

One mithqal of 21-karat Iraqi gold was recorded at 952,000 dinars, while the purchase price reached 948,000 dinars.

In goldsmith shops, the selling price of a mithqal of 21-karat Gulf gold ranged between 985,000 dinars and 995,000 dinars, while the selling price of a mithqal of Iraqi gold ranged between 955,000 dinars and 965,000 dinars.

https://www.economy-news.net/content.php?id=69214

Fars News Agency: Tehran has the right to declare its sovereignty over the internet cables in the Strait.

Arabic and international   Economy News - Follow-up   The Iranian news agency Fars reported, in a report titled "A $10 Trillion Treasure at the Bottom of the Strait of Hormuz," that all fiber optic cables at the bottom of the strait will be under absolute Iranian sovereignty.

The report stated that after Iran regained full control of the Strait of Hormuz in execution of its sovereign rights in its territorial waters, a new legal and technical question arises: the extent to which Iran has the legitimacy to impose its sovereignty over the fiber optic cables that pass through the bottom and under the surface of this vital passage.

According to Fars News Agency, the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea grants Iran full sovereignty over the seabed and subsoil within 12 nautical miles of its coast. Given that the Strait of Hormuz is only 21 nautical miles wide, its entire waters, seabed, and airspace fall within the territorial waters of Iran and Oman.

There is not a single centimeter of free water or exclusive economic zone within the Strait of Hormuz. Therefore, Iran's legal team argues that the fixed cables running along the seabed of the Strait of Hormuz do not fall under the concept of "transit passage" for ships and aircraft, but rather constitute permanent use of the seabed subject to Iranian permits and oversight.

According to this interpretation, every kilometer of international internet cables (Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Meta, and others) laid on the seabed of the Strait of Hormuz would require Iranian authorization, becoming subject to technical and security oversight and the payment of sovereign fees, similar to how other countries handle technology infrastructure crossing their territories.

Furthermore, Iranian legal approaches encourage consideration of additional fees for services such as navigational safety, marine environmental protection, and linking foreign maintenance companies with local workers under Iranian sovereignty.

In practical terms, the analysis published by the Fars News Agency in its report entitled: “A $10 Trillion Treasureat the Bottom of the Strait of Hormuz” indicates that Iran, as the coastal state that manages the Strait of Hormuz, can treat the submarine cables as it treats any property that touches its sovereignty, and turn this digital infrastructure into a strategic tool for economic and international negotiation, while emphasizing that any continuation of the operation of these cables requires the approval of the Iranian government and the signing of cooperation and maintenance agreements within the rules of its regulation.

https://www.economy-news.net/content.php?id=69220

MilitiaMan and Crew: IRAQ DINAR UPDATE-A Powerful Window we can see Through! Last 72 hours? Amazing-Convergence!

MilitiaMan and Crew: IRAQ DINAR UPDATE-A Powerful Window we can see Through! Last 72 hours? Amazing-Convergence!

5-17-2026

The Crew:  Samson, PompeyPeter, Petra, Daytrader, Sunkissed, GIGI and Militia Man

No drama. No intrigue. No songs and dances. Just straight, factual news that I read and interpret to the best of my ability after being an avid Dinar investor and insanely obsessed Dinarian for over 15 years.

Follow MM on X == https://x.com/Slashn

Be sure to listen to full video for all the news……..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szmI_E3S-lc

Gold Telegraph: The Golden Tides are Turning

Gold Telegraph: The Golden Tides are Turning

5-17-2026

BREAKING NEWS: THE RESERVE BANK OF INDIA HAS REPATRIATED NEARLY 77% OF ITS GOLD RESERVES BY THE END OF MARCH 2026

Gold continues to head home.

“The central bank has already repatriated a large portion of its gold. This action follows global events that raised concerns about storing sovereign assets abroad…”

Source: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/finance/rbi-accelerates-gold-repatriation-as-global-trust-wanes/articleshow/130641370.cms

Turkish central bank increased its gold reserves by 36.4 tonnes in two weeks. Rebuilding…

The legendary Jeffrey Gundlach is repositioning some of his funds in anticipation of the possibility that the US government could restructure its debt. Some big signals are playing out right now. This debt spiral is a massive problem.

Global debt hits record… $353 trillion. Congratulations.

BREAKING NEWS: HONG KONG IS MOVING TO REVIVE GOLD FUTURES TRADING AS CHINA’S HUNGER FOR PHYSICAL GOLD CONTINUES TO GROW.

Things continue to evolve…

“City aims to broaden gold offerings and expand clearing and storage facilities to seize opportunities in the surging market…”

Source: https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3352800/gold-futures-set-hong-kong-comeback-mainland-chinas-appetite-metal-grows

China’s central bank has now purchased gold for 18 consecutive months. They continue to add. The foundation of the global economy is still being built.

BREAKING NEWS: THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES SAYS HE STILL WANTED TO EXAMINE THE U.S. GOLD RESERVES AT FORT KNOX

Here we go…

Gold Telegraph:  The last time gold reserves in the United States were meaningfully audited? 1953. Judy Shelton says an audit today would be: “Both symbolic… and necessary.” Why? Because trust is breaking. • Americans questioning if the gold is even there • No clarity on whether it’s been encumbered • Zero transparency in a system built on confidence She fully supports  @elonmusk

proposed live video walk-through of Fort Knox.  @judyshel

Watch on X::  https://twitter.com/i/status/2048038828049412580

You can watch the full film, here: https://youtube.com/watch?v=USGjSU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USGjSU5yXh8&t=331s

“He again speculated about the condition of the United States bullion depository…”

Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/zacharyfolk/2026/05/10/trump-still-wants-fort-knox-review-to-see-if-the-gold-is-there/

And suddenly, the world is pay attention to Fort Knox again. End scene.

1971 was not just the end of a monetary system. It was the beginning of a global experiment built entirely on trust. And slowly, nation by nation, the world is searching again for a form of value that exists beyond politics and beyond promises. Why? Look at the world around you.

The dollar once made up more than 72% of global foreign exchange reserves. Now it sits near lows not seen since the 1990s. People act shocked by so-called “unfathomable” ideas being floated, but this is what is needed in historic moments. Change happens.

For the life of me, I will never understand why main stream media refuses to read the Clarity Act. It literally names gold as the commodity backing stablecoins. Something @judyshel and I discussed at length in the recent film. Things are in plain sight; you just have to look.

Here you go: https://congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3633/text

The United States Senate committee has advanced the Clarity Act.

Japan’s government bond yields are at RECORD highs. Just wild. This is quite the movie playing out…

Copper is now nearing its highest level in history. The glue that keeps the world together and moving forward… Everyone on this planet interacts with copper, regardless of whether you know it or not. Big moment.

Source(s):
• https://x.com/GoldTelegraph_/status/2050028685525455230

https://dinarchronicles.com/2026/05/16/gold-telegraph-the-golden-tides-are-turning/

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economics Updates Sunday Afternoon 5-17-26

Good Afternoon Dinar Recaps,

Post-Iran War Middle East: Regional Power Shifts Accelerate the Push Toward a New Global Order

The aftermath of the Iran war is reshaping energy markets, security alliances, nuclear policy, and financial influence across the Middle East and beyond

The 2026 Iran war may prove to be one of the most consequential geopolitical turning points in decades, with effects extending far beyond the battlefield into global finance, trade, and monetary stability.

OVERVIEW (KEY POINTS)

The Middle East is entering a new phase of uncertainty following the Iran war, with governments, investors, and global powers reassessing long-standing assumptions about security, energy flows, and regional stability.

What began as a military confrontation has evolved into a broader strategic realignment involving the United States, China, Israel, Iran, Gulf states, and emerging multipolar blocs.

One of the clearest outcomes is that the traditional regional order has been weakened, particularly regarding confidence in U.S. security guarantees and the stability of Gulf energy infrastructure.

The broader implication for the global financial system is substantial: energy security, reserve diversification, and geopolitical fragmentation are now accelerating simultaneously, increasing pressure on the existing international order.

KEY DEVELOPMENTS

1. Gulf Stability Narrative Has Been Severely Damaged

The war exposed vulnerabilities once considered manageable.

• Gulf energy infrastructure faced repeated strikes and disruptions

• Shipping, food imports, and industrial supply chains were impacted

• Investor confidence in long-term regional stability has weakened

2. China Emerged as a Critical Diplomatic Power

Beijing expanded its influence without direct military involvement.

• China played a growing role in diplomatic coordination with Iran

• Beijing strengthened its position as a key energy and mediation partner

• The conflict reinforced China’s influence in the emerging multipolar system

3. Nuclear Deterrence Calculations Are Changing

The conflict altered strategic thinking across multiple nations.

• Iran’s experience during negotiations may reshape future nuclear policy

• Saudi Arabia and other regional powers may reconsider deterrence strategies

• Global nonproliferation frameworks face increasing strain

4. Energy Markets Face Long-Term Structural Risk

The war highlighted the fragility of critical energy routes.

• Strait of Hormuz disruptions affected global oil and LNG flows

• Gulf states are reconsidering security and export strategies

• Energy markets remain highly vulnerable to future geopolitical escalation

5. U.S.-Middle East Relationships Are Entering a New Phase

Regional alliances are becoming more complex.

• Gulf states increasingly seek diversified strategic partnerships

• Questions are growing around long-term U.S. regional influence

• The Abraham Accords normalization momentum has slowed significantly

WHY IT MATTERS

This matters because the Middle East remains central to the global energy and financial system.

Any long-term instability involving Gulf infrastructure, shipping lanes, or regional alliances directly affects oil prices, inflation, trade flows, and central bank policy worldwide.

The conflict also accelerated broader geopolitical trends already underway, including de-dollarization efforts, reserve diversification, and the rise of competing power centers outside the traditional Western framework.

Markets are increasingly reacting not only to economic data but also to geopolitical fragmentation and strategic competition.

WHY IT MATTERS TO FOREIGN CURRENCY HOLDERS

• Energy disruptions can rapidly weaken importing nations’ currencies

• Gold and commodity-linked reserves may gain greater importance

• Currency volatility could rise during periods of geopolitical stress

• Nations may continue diversifying away from concentrated dollar exposure

IMPLICATIONS FOR THE GLOBAL RESET

• Pillar 1: Multipolar Power Structures Accelerate

The war reinforced the emergence of multiple competing centers of influence, particularly involving China, BRICS nations, and regional energy blocs.

• Pillar 2: Energy Security and Financial Systems Converge

Control over energy routes, LNG infrastructure, and strategic commodities is becoming increasingly tied to reserve strategy, trade settlement, and global monetary influence.

CONCLUSION

The Iran war did not simply reshape regional politics — it exposed deeper structural weaknesses in the global system itself.

Energy security, alliance stability, reserve management, and geopolitical trust are now more interconnected than at any point in recent decades.

While the ceasefire may pause military escalation, the larger transformation is already underway, with nations recalculating how they secure trade, protect reserves, and position themselves in a rapidly changing world order.

The post-Iran war era may ultimately be remembered less for the battles that were fought and more for the global system changes that followed them.

Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources

• Modern Diplomacy — "After the Iran War: Seven Dynamics That Will Define the New Middle East"

• Reuters — "Global Markets Monitor Ongoing Gulf Energy and Security Risks"
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Iraq Economic News and Points To Ponder Sunday Afternoon 5-17-26

The Leader Of The Shiite National Movement, Al-Sadr, Calls For Preserving The Country's Resources And Ensuring A Decent Life For The People By Meeting Their Needs

 latest news  Sunday, May 17, 2026  Baghdad – One News   The leader of the Shia National Movement, Muqtada al-Sadr, made a phone call to Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, congratulating him on the formation of the government and urging him to preserve the country's sovereignty and improve public services.

 Al-Sadr's media office stated that he urged al-Zaidi to stand firmly against corruption, protect the country's resources, and ensure a decent life for the Iraqi people by providing services, meeting their needs, and safeguarding their rights.

 https://1news-iq.net/زعيم-التيار-الوطني-الشيعي-يدعو-إلى-الح/

Al-Mada: Al-Sudani is working with his allies to form a second bloc within the framework supporting the government with approximately 170 seats

  latest news   Sunday,   May 17, 2026   Baghdad – One News    It appears that al-Sudani is trying to establish himself as the new leader within the Shiite community, following the decline of al-Maliki's influence, according to those close to him.

 Sources quoted by Al-Mada newspaper indicate that Al-Sudani is working with his allies to form a second bloc supporting the government, with about 170 seats, but it appears less cohesive so far, and has not settled on a clear political name.

 These developments came after the House of Representatives voted to grant confidence to only 14 ministers out of the 23 portfolios that the government is supposed to be formed from, while the decision on nine ministries was postponed, and the shares of the most prominent wings of the framework were absent from the new government, most notably Asaib Ahl al-Haq, which sources indicate has encountered an American veto, while it is trying to convince Washington to change its position.   https://1news-iq.net/المدى-السوداني-يعمل-مع-حلفائه-على-تشكي/

Iraq Cabinet Posts Distributed Unfairly, Al-Sudani’s Bloc Says

2026-05-17 / Shafaq News- Baghdad   The Reconstruction and Development parliamentary bloc, led by former Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, on Sunday said Iraq’s new cabinet was formed through an unfair distribution of ministerial posts, despite the coalition winning the largest share of seats in the November 2025 elections with 46 lawmakers.

 According to the bloc, “some factions” –without specifying– received positions exceeding their parliamentary and political weight, while Reconstruction and Development did not secure representation matching its electoral standing. Despite its objections, the coalition did not obstruct the government’s formation out of “national responsibility” and concern for state stability.

  Reconstruction and Development Coalition 

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 In an official statement...

The Reconstruction and Development Bloc congratulates the government on its formation and looks forward to it being an extension of the path of reconstruction, development and political stability.

The bloc affirms its commitment to working within the framework of coordination, adhering to the national path, and working with partners for a stable Iraq in which the aspirations of its people are realized.

Below is the text of the bloc's official statement:

Statement issued by:   Parliamentary Reconstruction and Development Bloc

The Reconstruction and Development Parliamentary Bloc congratulates the honorable Iraqi people on the formation of the new government, and looks forward to this government being an extension of the path of reconstruction, development and political stability, and achieving prosperity for our great Iraq.

Since its inception, the bloc has carried a political project based on prioritizing the supreme national interest, and during the government formation negotiations, it stressed the need for ministries to be run by capable and independent professional competencies, far removed from the quota system that burdened previous governments and weakened the performance of state institutions.

However, the outcome of the government formation negotiations revealed a clear imbalance in the distribution of ministerial posts. Some blocs received positions disproportionate to their actual parliamentary and popular weight, while the Reconstruction and Development bloc did not receive representation commensurate with its electoral and political size.

Nevertheless, the bloc did not obstruct the completion of the government formation, driven by its national responsibility and commitment to the stability of the state.

In light of these political factors, the voting session witnessed a clear divergence in the positions of a number of the bloc’s deputies towards some of the government cabinet ministries, a position stemming from respectable political and parliamentary convictions, and reflecting the nature of the responsible assessment of the government scene and its balances.

The bloc also affirms that its respected partners in the National Pact obtained their parliamentary representation in the Ministry of Agriculture, based on their political size of 11 parliamentary seats, in accordance with their political and constitutional convictions.

At the same time, the Reconstruction and Development bloc was keen to preserve the presence and entitlement of its respected partners in the Sumerians Movement, which has 5 parliamentary seats, within the parliamentary and political weight of the Reconstruction and Development bloc.

We express our full respect and appreciation to our aforementioned partners, and we value their great efforts during and after the election phase, and we wish them every success in any decision they make, and in any course of action they see as serving the national interest.

The Reconstruction and Development Bloc, in its commitment to the forces of the Coordination Framework, affirms its steadfast position of continuing within the project of the state and the nation, working and cooperating with the nation's partners for the sake of Iraq and the Iraqis, and consolidating its principles based on prioritizing supreme national interests, in accordance with its enduring motto:

Iraq first… always and forever.

The bloc will remain supportive of every step that promotes stability, reform and development, in a way that preserves the prestige of the state and protects the aspirations of the Iraqi people.

Parliamentary Reconstruction And Development Bloc

Baghdad — May 2026    The bloc added that it had pushed during coalition negotiations for ministries to be managed by “competent and independent” figures rather than through quota-sharing arrangements that had weakened previous governments and state institutions.

 Although the bloc revealed divisions during Thursday’s parliamentary confidence vote, with several lawmakers opposing specific ministries based on “political and parliamentary convictions,” it reaffirmed its commitment to the Shiite Coordination Framework, which holds around 162 seats in Iraq’s 329-member parliament and nominated Ali Al-Zaidi for prime minister.

 Earlier, the National Contract bloc led by Popular Mobilization Forces chief Faleh Al-Fayyadh and the Sumariyoun Movement headed by former Labor Minister Ahmed Al-Asadi announced their withdrawal from the Reconstruction and Development coalition, accusing the alliance of marginalization and exclusion.

However, the bloc said the National Contract alliance received representation through the Agriculture Ministry based on its 11 parliamentary seats, while the five-seat Sumariyoun movement remained represented within Reconstruction and Development’s broader parliamentary coalition.

Parliament approved 14 ministers in Al-Zaidi’s cabinet on Thursday, while votes on nine key portfolios were postponed until after the Islamic holiday Eid Al-Adha following political disputes and US warnings against including armed factions in the new government. 

Read more: Ali Al-Zaidi sworn in as Iraq's prime minister with a program already failed

 https://www.shafaq.com/en/Iraq/Iraq-cabinet-posts-distributed-unfairly-Al-Sudani-s-bloc-says

Former MP Files Conflict-Of-Interest Complaint Against Iraqi PM, Electricity Minister

2026-05-17 Shafaq News- Baghdad    Former Iraqi lawmaker Raed al-Maliki on Sunday filed a formal complaint accusing Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi and Electricity Minister Ali Saadi Wahib of conflicts of interest linked to ongoing business dealings and financial claims involving state institutions.

 The complaint was submitted to the Integrity Commission’s (CoI) Department of Prevention and the Public Prosecution Service, with copies sent to parliament’s Integrity and Legal committees, according to a statement by al-Maliki. He called on the relevant authorities to compel both officials to disclose their financial interests and remove the alleged conflicts.

 According to al-Maliki, Article 20/Second of Iraq’s CoI and Illicit Gains Law No. 30 of 2011, as amended, requires officials in such cases either to relinquish those interests or leave office within 90 days.

 The media offices of the prime minister and the electricity minister offered no official statement regarding the allegations.

 On May 5, Iraq's Federal Supreme Court registered the first legal challenge to the constitutional validity of al-Zaidi's designation as prime minister-designate. The case was also filed by al-Maliki, acting in his capacity as a private citizen and independent political figure.

  د. رائد المالكي / نائب مستقل 

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Today morning, Sunday 17 / 5 We made an official report to the Integrity Authority / the Department of Defense and the Public Prosecution, and we felt all of:

- Representative Integrity Committee

- The Parliamentary Legal Committee

Regarding the conflict of interests of the Prime Minister (Ali Al-Zaidi) and the Minister of Electricity (Ali Saadi Wahib) for having ongoing contracts with the government and ministries and debts against them, which constitutes a conflict of interests prohibited by law.

We asked for legal action to be taken by the Mouma obligation to disclose the interests they have with the government and eliminate the conflict, in accordance with the Integrity and Illegal Profit Authority Act No. 30 of 2011 the rate (20/second), it must: either waive these interests, or resign the position within 90 days.

https://www.shafaq.com/en/Iraq/Former-MP-files-conflict-of-interest-complaint-against-Iraqi-PM-Electricity-Minister

The Minister Of Finance Chairs A Meeting Of Directors General And Emphasizes: The Current Phase Requires Exceptional Action.

 Baghdad Today - Baghdad:   Finance Minister Faleh Sari chaired a meeting of general managers on Sunday (May 17, 2026) and stressed: The current stage requires exceptional work.

The Ministry of Finance stated in a statement received by “Baghdad Today” that “Following the commencement of his duties, the Minister of Finance, Faleh Sari, chaired today an expanded meeting that included the Directors General in the Ministry’s headquarters and its affiliated formations, to discuss the priorities of the next stage and mechanisms to enhance financial and administrative performance.”

The minister stressed, according to the statement, that "the current situation requires exceptional work, highly efficient management, and financial discipline," emphasizing "the importance of unifying efforts and working as a team to confront the current economic and financial challenges."

Sari called for "maximizing public revenues in the ministry's affiliated bodies and departments, in order to contribute to fulfilling the state's financial obligations, in light of the challenges related to energy markets and the decline in the country's oil exports to unprecedented levels."

The minister stressed the need to "adopt clear time limits for completing files," emphasizing that "the current stage requires officials who have the ability to diagnose problems and provide practical solutions, and that the standard for a manager's success or failure will be achievement and taking responsibility." https://baghdadtoday.news/299420-.html