Iraq Economic News and Points To Ponder Thursday Afternoon 6-16-26

United Nations: The Iraqi Government Is Adopting Economic Reforms Based On Digitalization And Combating Corruption.

Money and Business   Economy News – Baghdad   The UN Assistant Secretary-General and Regional Director of the United Nations Development Programme for Arab States, Abdullah Al-Dardari, announced on Wednesday the details of bilateral talks with Prime Minister Ali Al-Zidi, stressing that the government is adopting economic reforms based on digitalization and combating corruption.

Al-Dardari told the Iraqi News Agency, as reported by "Al-Eqtisad News": "Prime Minister Ali Al-Zidi presented, during our meeting with him, a vision for addressing the Iraqi economy, where he spoke about economic institutions operating according to a real economic model, and combating corruption to revive the Iraqi economy."

He continued: "The Prime Minister also spoke about automating and digitizing the Iraqi economy and Iraqi public institutions, and developing the financial system to attract and mobilize financial resources, especially Arab and foreign private investment, to work in Iraq."

He pointed out that "local development was discussed, including in Sinjar district, to achieve economic and social stability for its residents, in addition to achieving economic stability in the liberated areas that have been reconstructed, as these areas are facing an economic crisis due to the absence of effective economic activity and the failure to establish companies and economic entities."

He added: “The meeting with the Prime Minister also resulted in a discussion of the Southern Fund to improve the situation in the southern regions, which have recorded the highest unemployment rates.”

He added, “The Prime Minister focused on the transformation and transition towards a competitive economy, while ensuring social protection for groups that may be affected by this transformation, and we are ready to work on this issue.” He pointed out that “the meeting also discussed supporting the Development Fund, which needs a law and expertise to support it in becoming a mechanism for mobilizing private financial resources towards well-studied and calculated investment projects.”

He explained that "the United Nations Development Programme specializes in implementing loans effectively, quickly, transparently, free from corruption, and with reliable global procedures."

The Minister Of Finance Orders The Disbursement Of Dues To Contractors In 5 Governorates

Money and Business    Economy News – Baghdad   Finance Minister Faleh al-Sari ordered on Wednesday the disbursement of dues to contractors in the governorates of Basra, Diwaniyah, Najaf, Babylon and Maysan, as part of the first batch of financial dues.

The head of the Iraqi and Arab Contractors Union, Ali Fakher Al-Sanafi, said in a statement seen by “Al-Eqtisad News” that “adopting a mechanism for disbursement in the form of successive and regular installments contributes to settling the issue of dues gradually, and enhances the stability of the work of contracting companies in various governorates.”

He added that "the Minister of Finance's directive came during the meeting that brought them together today," indicating that "releasing these dues represents an important step in the process of addressing the outstanding financial dues of contractors."

It is worth noting that the head of the Iraqi and Arab Contractors Union confirmed at the beginning of this month that Prime Minister Ali Falih al-Zaidi promised to disburse one trillion dinars of the contractors’ outstanding dues as a first payment.

https://www.economy-news.net/content.php?id=70357

Finance Minister: Unifying Customs Systems With The Region Is A Strategic Step To Maximize Revenues

Money and Business  Economy News – Baghdad  Finance Minister Faleh Sari confirmed on Thursday that unifying customs systems with the region is a strategic step to maximize revenues.

A statement from the Ministry of Finance, received by “Al-Eqtisad News”, stated that “Minister of Finance Faleh Sari affirmed that unifying customs systems and procedures between the federal government and the Kurdistan Region represents a strategic step in the path of economic reform, due to the positive effects it achieves in maximizing non-oil revenues, tightening control over the movement of goods, reducing cases of evasion, as well as enhancing transparency and unifying data and procedures in accordance with international standards.”

The statement added that "the minister's assurances came in conjunction with a joint meeting held by the General Authority of Customs with the Kurdistan Region Customs Authority in the capital, Baghdad, today, in the presence of relevant sectoral bodies, to discuss mechanisms for implementing the ASYCUDA World system in the customs centers affiliated with the region."

The statement continued, “The meeting witnessed a discussion of the technical and administrative aspects of the system currently adopted in the ports affiliated with the federal government, and a review of the results achieved in the field of digital transformation, simplifying procedures and enhancing electronic monitoring, in addition to discussing ways to unify procedures and data between the two sides.”

The statement continued, “A joint protocol was signed that included a set of recommendations and executive procedures related to the application of the system in the customs centers affiliated with the Kurdistan Region, to be submitted to the Ministerial Council for Economy to complete the necessary procedural steps.”

He pointed out that "this meeting comes within the framework of the ongoing efforts made by the General Authority of Customs within the framework of the comprehensive digital transformation project, and in line with the vision of the Federal Ministry of Finance aimed at modernizing customs work, enhancing electronic control, and supporting the national economy."

https://www.economy-news.net/content.php?id=70405

The Minister Of Industry Emphasizes The Importance Of Strengthening Cooperation With International Companies And Benefiting From Their Expertise

Money and Business   Economy News – Baghdad  Minister of Industry and Minerals, Mohammed Nouri, stressed on Thursday the importance of strengthening cooperation with international companies and benefiting from their expertise.

The media office of the Minister of Industry and Minerals stated in a statement received by "Economy News" that "Nouri received the Italian Ambassador to Iraq, Nicolo Fontana, to discuss bilateral relations and ways to enhance joint cooperation in the industrial and investment fields."

According to the statement, the minister stressed "the importance of strengthening cooperation with international companies and benefiting from their expertise in developing the industrial sector," noting "the work on preparing an integrated investment map that includes many promising opportunities in various industrial fields."

For his part, the Italian ambassador affirmed his country's interest in strengthening industrial and investment cooperation with Iraq in the coming period, expressing the desire of Italian companies to enter the Iraqi market and participate in important industrial projects. https://www.economy-news.net/content.php?id=70399

Iraq Development Fund: 34 Key Points That Must Be Met Before Implementing The Baghdad Metro

Money and Business    Economy News — Baghdad  The Iraq Development Fund has set 34 points for study before launching the Baghdad Metro project, indicating that these points are necessary and essential before moving to the implementation phase.

The Fund’s Executive Director, Mohammed Al-Najjar, told the official newspaper: “The project was launched early, before the required studies were completed, and its so-called roadmap must be redrafted,” noting that “the Fund found 34 points that should have been studied before launching or announcing it.”

He added that "these points included population studies, transport lines and other axes that were not ready," noting that the project was viewed "engineeringly" and not "strategically".

Al-Najjar expressed his hope that "the current government will adopt the Fund's report and the points that must be properly met, and relaunch the project in a manner befitting such projects in the world."

The Fund’s Executive Director stressed that “the project cannot be started until 1 to 18 months after these points are completed, as it is a project that can change the movement of the population and the nature of business and open up different horizons in Iraq.”

For her part, Mona Al-Muhammadawi, a member of the Transportation, Communications and E-Governance Committee in the House of Representatives, considered the “Baghdad Metro” project a strategic solution to the traffic congestion crisis.

Al-Muhammadi added to Al-Sabah that “the success of the project requires a clear vision, stable funding and serious implementation procedures,” noting that “the citizen today is not waiting for the announcement of new projects as much as he is waiting to see the announced projects enter into actual implementation.”

The committee affirmed its support for moving forward with this vital project, stressing the need to adhere to timelines and maintain full transparency in all stages of contracting and implementation, to ensure the desired benefit is achieved for citizens.

https://www.economy-news.net/content.php?id=70389

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economics Updates Thursday Afternoon 6-18-26

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Japan’s New Security Strategy Draws Strong Opposition From China

Tokyo's proposed military expansion marks a historic shift from its post-war defense policy, raising tensions over Taiwan, regional security, and the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific.

 Overview

• Japan is moving toward its most significant defense policy overhaul since World War II, proposing expanded military capabilities and increased defense spending.

• China has strongly condemned the proposed security reforms, arguing they threaten regional stability and interfere with Beijing's interests regarding Taiwan.

• The dispute reflects the growing strategic competition between China, Japan, and the United States, with major implications for security, trade, and geopolitical alliances across Asia.

Key Developments

1. Japan Plans Historic Defense Expansion

Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party approved a draft proposal to revise the country's National Security Strategy, National Defense Strategy, and Defense Force Enhancement Plan.

The proposed changes would allow Japan to expand long-range strike capabilities, increase missile development, ease restrictions on defense exports, and raise military spending to approximately 2% of GDP, representing a major departure from decades of post-war military restraint.

2. China Rejects the Security Shift

China's Foreign Ministry condemned the proposal, describing Japan's military expansion as a return to militarization that threatens peace and regional stability.

Beijing warned that increased Japanese military activity near Taiwan, including missile deployments on islands close to the Taiwan Strait, crosses what China considers its core national security interests.

3. Taiwan Remains the Central Flashpoint

Japan has increasingly emphasized that stability in the Taiwan Strait is directly linked to its own national security.

China, however, continues to insist that Taiwan remains an internal matter and has warned that any foreign military involvement could carry serious consequences.

Why It Matters

Japan's evolving defense policy reflects the rapidly changing security environment in the Indo-Pacific. Rising tensions surrounding Taiwan, expanding military modernization, and growing strategic competition between major powers are reshaping regional alliances and defense planning.

The developments also demonstrate how national security concerns are increasingly influencing economic policy, technology investment, supply chain resilience, and international diplomacy throughout Asia.

Why It Matters to Foreign Currency Holders

For those following the Global Financial Reset, geopolitical developments in the Indo-Pacific are becoming increasingly important because they influence global trade routes, financial markets, investment flows, and reserve currency stability.

Escalating regional tensions could increase demand for safe-haven assets, accelerate defense spending, disrupt semiconductor supply chains, and encourage nations to strengthen regional economic partnerships. These trends may contribute to longer-term shifts in capital allocation and the evolving structure of the global financial system.

Implications for the Global Reset

• Pillar 1 : Trade

The Taiwan Strait remains one of the world's most important commercial shipping corridors. Any increase in regional tensions could affect global trade, semiconductor production, and international supply chains.

• Pillar 2 : Technology

Competition over advanced technology, semiconductor manufacturing, and defense innovation continues to drive strategic investment and reshape economic alliances throughout the Indo-Pacific region.

Looking Ahead

Japan is expected to continue strengthening its defense capabilities while expanding security cooperation with allies including the United States, Australia, the Philippines, and NATO partners.

China is likely to respond with additional military modernization, diplomatic protests, and increased activity around Taiwan as both sides seek to reinforce their strategic positions. The evolving security environment will remain one of the most significant geopolitical factors influencing global markets and international stability in the years ahead.

This is not simply a regional defense issue—it reflects the broader competition shaping the future balance of economic and geopolitical power.

Seeds of Wisdom Team

Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources

• Reuters — "Japan expands defense strategy amid rising regional security concerns"

• Modern Diplomacy — "Japan's New Security Strategy: China's Response, Taiwan, and U.S. Influence"

~~~~~~~~~~

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Iraq Economic News and Points To Ponder Late Wednesday Evening 6-17-26

MP: Washington Is Using The Dollar To Blackmail Iraq

16 Jun 13:12  The Information Agency / Baghdad –  MP Abbas Qusay asserted on Tuesday that the United States is using the dollar as a tool for financial pressure and blackmail against Iraq, indicating that this is reflected in the country's economic policies.  

Qusay told the Information Agency, "The United States is using the dollar to financially blackmail Iraq and is imposing its influence on all financial transactions and transfers."

 He added that "American interference in Iraqi financial policy is one of the main reasons behind the disruption of the economy and the slowdown of some economic measures within the country."

He pointed out that "the Iraqi economy needs to strengthen its financial independence and reduce its reliance on instruments that give external parties the ability to influence national economic decisions."

He emphasized that "the continuation of this approach negatively impacts economic stability and development in Iraq."

https://almaalomah.me/news/135782/economy/نائب:-واشنطن-تستخدم-الدولار-لابتزاز-العراق

Sources To Alwan News: Two Shipments Of US Dollars In Cash Arrive In Baghdad Coinciding With Tom Barrack's Visit To Iraq

latest news 2026 Baghdad - One News - 6/17/2026  Informed Iraqi sources told Alwan News that two shipments of cash dollars arrived in the capital, Baghdad, coinciding with the visit of the US Special Envoy to Iraq and Syria, Tom Barrack. 

According to the sources, the incoming funds will support the stability of the exchange market and maintain the value of the Iraqi dinar, as well as enhance import operations and finance foreign trade. 

This step comes in light of Iraqi-American talks related to financial and economic files, in addition to energy and arms files, amid a government trend to avoid any pressures or sanctions that may affect the local market. 

https://1news-iq.net/مصادر-لوان-نيوز-وصول-دفعتين-من-الدولار/

Financial Expert: Expectations Of A Dinar Devaluation Are Driving Increased Demand For The Dollar And Fueling Speculation.

Shafaq News – Baghdad  Financial expert and former Director General of the Central Bank of Iraq, Mahmoud Dagher, revealed on Wednesday that expectations of a reduction in the value of the Iraqi dinar in light of the economic situation and existing debts are driving an increase in demand for the dollar and a rise in its price in the local market.

Dagher added, in an interview with Shafaq News Agency, that statements and leaks related to the work of the Central Bank or the possibility of changing the exchange rate contribute to strengthening waves of speculation, noting that the market usually enters a cycle of anticipation that pushes towards strengthening dollar holdings among various economic actors, which is directly reflected in prices.

He explained that such expectations often lead to a collective behavior among individuals and companies towards converting savings into foreign currency, which increases the demand for it in the free market.

The local markets witnessed a rise in the exchange rate of the dollar against the Iraqi dinar during the past few days; as it recorded on Wednesday in the Al-Kifah exchange 156,000 dinars for every 100 dollars, while the official rate adopted by the Central Bank is 132,000 dinars. https://www.shafaq.com/ar/اقتصـاد/خبير-مالي-توقعات-خفض-قيمة-الدينار-تدفع-لزيادة-الطلب-على-الدولار-وتغذي-المضاربات

The Central Bank Of Iraq Denies A Forged Document Regarding A Change In The Exchange Rate.

economy   The Central Bank of Iraq on Wednesday categorically denied reports circulating about an intention to amend the exchange rate of the Iraqi dinar.

The bank warned in a statement, “against dealing with misleading news, revealing that it had detected a forged document circulating that claims a request was submitted from the Prime Minister’s office to the Finance Committee in the House of Representatives to change the exchange rate to (1600) dinars per dollar.” 

The bank called on the media and citizens to "be accurate and rely on news and information from official and exclusive sources issued by the Central Bank of Iraq. https://www.alsumaria.tv/news/economy/567320/المركزي-العراقي-ينفي-كتاباً-مزوراً-حول-تغيير-سعر-الصرف

Al-Arab: Al-Zaidi Is In A Complicated Situation Between Factions Entrenched In The State, Supported By Iran, And An American Administration That Wants To Dismantle Them

latest news  Baghdad - One News - 6/17/2026   The London-based Al-Arab newspaper reported that Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zubaidi finds himself in a very complicated position between Iranian-backed armed groups on one hand, and the US administration led by Donald Trump on the other, amid escalating pressure related to the issue of armed factions loyal to Tehran.

 The newspaper pointed out that the challenges facing al-Zaidi go beyond simply being described as difficult, as Iran’s allies in Iraq do not want an independent prime minister who responds to American demands, at a time when Washington seems determined to reduce Iranian influence and deal firmly with the factions linked to Tehran.

 She added that al-Zaidi faces a delicate equation, as his failure to strike a balance between the two sides could lead to him losing the internal political support he needs to ensure the stability of his government, or losing the American support that greeted the new government with cautious welcome.

https://1news-iq.net/العرب-الزيدي-في-وضع-مُعقد-بين-فصائل-متو/

The central bank's foreign reserves declined by more than 1.7 trillion dinars in one week.

The Central Bank of Iraq revealed on Wednesday a decline in its foreign reserves during the second quarter of this year.

A statement from the bank, received by Al-Maalomah News Agency, indicated that “reserves reached approximately 118.947 trillion dinars on May 28, compared to 120.675 trillion dinars on May 21, a decrease of 1.728 trillion dinars, or 1.43%, indicating a continued downward trend during May.

” The statement added, “Reserves continued their decline on a monthly basis, recording approximately 127.152 trillion dinars in April, after standing at 130.443 trillion dinars in March, reflecting a gradual decrease in total reserve assets during the period from March to the end of May.”

It also noted that "the value of gold included in official reserves reached approximately 32.973 trillion dinars, representing one of the most important hedging elements within the foreign reserves structure."

https://almaalomah-me.translate.goog/news/135890/economy/تراجع-الاحتياطي-الاجنبي-في-البنك-المركزي-بأكثر-من-17-تريليون?_x_tr_sl=ar&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc

Al-Halbousi and the Private Sector Development Council discuss encouraging local, foreign investment

Iraqi News Agency  INA - BAGHDAD - June 17th, 2026   Speaker of Parliament Haybat al-Halbousi met with a delegation from the Private Sector Development Council on Wednesday to discuss the state of the private sector in Iraq and the legislation needed to encourage local and foreign investment in the country.

 Al-Halbousi received a delegation from the Private Sector Development Council headed by Abdullah Saleh al-Jubouri, according to the Speaker's media office statement received by the Iraqi News Agency - INA.

During the meeting, the current state of the private sector in Iraq was discussed, along with the most prominent challenges and obstacles facing the business environment and ways to address them, in order to contribute to strengthening economic activity.

The meeting addressed “the necessary legislation that contributes to strengthening the role of the private sector and encouraging local and foreign investment, and the importance of refining this legislation by utilizing the proposals and opinions of specialists and experts, so that it is passed in a way that meets the requirements of economic development and supports the business environment in Iraq."  

https://ina.iq/en/politics/49674-al-halbousi-and-the-private-sector-development-council-discuss-encouraging-local-and-foreign-investment.html

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economics Updates Thursday Morning 6-18-26

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Kim Yo Jong Rejects G7 Denuclearization Call, Declares North Korea’s Nuclear Status Permanent

Pyongyang dismisses G7 demands, reinforces its nuclear doctrine, and signals a long-term shift toward deterrence rather than disarmament.

 Overview

• North Korea has firmly rejected the G7's renewed call for complete denuclearization, declaring its nuclear weapons status to be permanent and irreversible.

• Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, stated that demands to abandon the country's nuclear arsenal violate North Korea's sovereignty and constitution.

• The announcement further diminishes hopes for future denuclearization talks and reinforces a security environment increasingly based on deterrence rather than diplomacy.

Key Developments

1. North Korea Declares Nuclear Status "Irreversible"

Kim Yo Jong dismissed the G7's statement calling for North Korea's denuclearization, asserting that the country's nuclear capabilities are now a permanent component of its national defense strategy.

Pyongyang maintains that its nuclear arsenal is essential for protecting the country from perceived threats posed by the United States and its regional allies.

2. G7 Reaffirms Commitment to Denuclearization

The statement follows the recent G7 Summit, where leaders once again urged North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs while expressing concern over continued missile launches and cyber activities.

Despite years of sanctions and diplomatic efforts, North Korea has continued expanding its strategic weapons capabilities.

3. Diplomatic Prospects Continue to Fade

By publicly declaring that denuclearization is no longer open for negotiation, North Korea is shifting the conversation away from eliminating its nuclear arsenal and toward managing long-term strategic deterrence.

Analysts believe future diplomacy, if it occurs, will likely focus on risk reduction, crisis management, and arms control, rather than complete disarmament.

Why It Matters

North Korea's position reflects a significant shift in the international security landscape. The growing acceptance within Pyongyang that nuclear weapons are a permanent element of national policy makes diplomatic breakthroughs increasingly difficult and raises the likelihood of continued regional military competition.

The continued impasse also places additional pressure on the United States, South Korea, Japan, and the United Nations as they seek to maintain stability while enforcing non-proliferation agreements.

 Why It Matters to Foreign Currency Holders

For those following the Global Financial Reset, ongoing geopolitical tensions remain an important factor influencing currency markets, safe-haven investments, defense spending, and global capital flows.

Periods of heightened international uncertainty often strengthen demand for traditional reserve assets such as the U.S. dollar and gold while encouraging governments to increase military expenditures and strategic investment. These developments can indirectly affect inflation expectations, sovereign debt, and long-term monetary policy decisions that currency holders closely monitor.

Implications for the Global Reset

• Pillar 1 : Assets

Persistent geopolitical instability continues to support demand for gold, strategic commodities, and other safe-haven assets during periods of global uncertainty.

• Pillar 2 : Trade

Long-term security tensions in Northeast Asia could influence regional investment, supply chains, technology development, and defense-related trade as nations strengthen strategic partnerships.

Looking Ahead

North Korea is expected to continue developing its nuclear and missile capabilities while maintaining that its nuclear status is non-negotiable. The G7 and regional allies are likely to respond through continued sanctions, military cooperation, and enhanced missile defense initiatives.

Although diplomatic engagement remains possible, future discussions are increasingly expected to focus on managing tensions rather than achieving complete denuclearization. This evolving reality reinforces the emergence of a more complex and multipolar global security environment.

This is not just a regional security issue—it reflects the broader geopolitical realignment shaping the future global order.

Seeds of Wisdom Team

Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources

• Reuters — "North Korea rejects G7 call for denuclearization, says nuclear status is irreversible"

• Modern Diplomacy — "Kim Yo Jong Rejects G7 Denuclearisation Call, Defends North Korea Nuclear Status"

~~~~~~~~~~

 🌱 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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Final signing at the White House... Al-Zaidi to launch a "second Iraq" in mid-July

TNT:

Tishwash:  Final signing at the White House... Al-Zaidi to launch a "second Iraq" in mid-July

Barak's plan: Baghdad as the heart of a "new Middle East"

Ali al-Zaidi is close to setting a political precedent that could make him one of the fastest Iraqi prime ministers to reach the White House after assuming office.

His anticipated visit to Washington in mid-July is not seen as a mere protocol visit, but rather as an attempt to inaugurate a new phase in the relationship between Baghdad and Washington, more than two decades after the 2003 regime change in Iraq.

Political assessments suggest that the visit represents an opportunity to restructure the relationship between the two countries on different foundations, transcending the legacy of past years and opening the door to broader cooperation on energy, economic, and security issues.

However, according to observers, this path will not be without obstacles, given the continued influence of Iran and armed factions in the Iraqi landscape.

The Iraqi government announced last Monday that al-Zaidi would visit Washington in mid-July at the invitation of US President Donald Trump, shortly after US envoy Tom Barrack's visit to Baghdad, which was accompanied by leaks that sparked widespread interest regarding issues of weapons, corruption, and the future relationship between the two sides.

Academic and political analystMohammed Naanaa believes that Tom Barrack's meeting with al-Zaidi was a crucial step in preparing for the anticipated visit.

Naanaa told Al-Mada that the details of the visit were discussed during the meeting, including the issues mentioned in the Prime Minister's office statement. These issues pertain to the complete disarmament of Iraqis, the consolidation of all armed groups under the command of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, the expansion of the American presence in Iraq, particularly for companies operating in the southern oil fields, and the granting of significant licenses to Starlink.

He added that these indicators, in his opinion, reflect an Iraqi alignment with the American vision for the future of the relationship between the two countries. He considers al-Zaidi's visit to be pivotal and the culmination of a series of contacts, dialogues, and reciprocal visits led by Barrack and the US Chargé d'Affaires in Baghdad, leading to what he describes as "the final signing of the new relationship between the two sides."

But Naanaa believes this path will not be without its challenges. He argues that any stability Tehran achieves will prompt it to revitalize its influence within Iraq, and that armed factions may return to exert greater pressure on the power structure, either directly or through their political representatives in parliament and the government.

The researcher emphasizes that Iraq should consider what it stands to gain from this burgeoning relationship, which is expected to culminate in the White House meeting on July 15. He stresses the importance of securing clear American support in three key sectors: banking, energy, and defense. According to Naanaa, Baghdad needs American assistance in acquiring air defense systems to protect the country, and support that will help liberalize the Iraqi monetary system, reduce exchange rate volatility, and mitigate the impact of the parallel dollar on citizens' livelihoods.

 Furthermore, assistance is needed to resolve the gas import crisis for electricity generation through alternative solutions, including floating power platforms. The issues of weapons and sovereignty were also discussed. During their recent meeting in Baghdad, al-Zaidi and Barak emphasized the importance of building a strong and mutually beneficial Iraqi-American partnership.

According to the official statement, the two sides discussed a shared vision for building a "brighter, terrorism-free" future, implementing plans for complete disarmament, dissolving all armed groups and formations operating outside the authority of the state, and ensuring that weapons are solely in the hands of the state and that full sovereignty is established.

They also stressed the need to keep Iraq out of regional conflicts and prevent its territory from being used by any party to threaten security and stability in the region, emphasizing the urgent need to fully achieve these goals.

Iraq at the heart of a new Middle East.

Former diplomat Ghazi Faisal, however, views the visit from a broader perspective that transcends the bilateral relationship between Baghdad and Washington.He tells Al-Mada that the new American initiative, which emerged after Tom Barrack was assigned the Iraq portfolio, is based on major strategic projects, including strengthening coordination and economic integration between Iraq and Syria, ultimately aiming to build a nucleus of regional cooperation that may later include Cairo, Amman, and Beirut, in addition to Baghdad and Damascus.

Faisal believes the region is facing a new phase, especially after what he calls the "historic agreement" to resolve long-standing crises with Iran dating back to 1979. He considers this agreement a precursor to a new Middle East map based on development rather than wars and conflicts.

He adds that Iraq is at the heart of these transformations, and that al-Zaidi's visit could be a starting point for the country's transition from the security, political, and economic chaos that has accompanied the post-2003 era to building a truly democratic state.

He emphasizes that the visit could lay the foundation for deeper economic and investment relations, because, as he describes it, investment is what creates jobs and stimulates the economy, while currently, about 75% of the budget goes to salaries at the expense of development and investment.

Faisal also expects the United States to support Iraq's efforts to combat corruption within ministries, banks, and companies, and to pursue networks involved in smuggling and money laundering.

He points out that the environment created by armed factions and financial corruption in recent years has driven companies and investors to leave Iraq or freeze their projects, which necessitates providing new security and political guarantees to restore confidence in the Iraqi economy.

The visit  he concludes, represents an opportunity to review the mistakes made by Washington and Iraqi political parties over the past two decades, and to move Iraq from a failing and declining state to a more stable one, better able to integrate into its regional environment. According to political sources who spoke to Al-Mada, Tom Barrack only arrived in Baghdad after Washington received initial positive signals regarding several demands it had previously conveyed to the Iraqi government.

The sources describe Barrack's visit as pivotal in the course of Iraqi-American relations, considering it the foundation for a new phase, distinct from the period following 2003, based on clear commitments and mutual interests. The most prominent American demands, according to these sources, include the disarmament of all armed factions without exception, preventing their participation in the government, and completing the integration of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) into official security institutions after removing leaders affiliated with armed factions.

The sources indicate that these issues are still under discussion and have not yet been definitively resolved.

The American demands also include closing more than ten banks accused of smuggling dollars and involvement in money laundering, restructuring other financial institutions, expanding anti-corruption measures, and opening the door to broad American and Gulf investments.

According to sources, Washington links the success of these measures to the influx of major investments that Baghdad needs in the energy, infrastructure, and services sectors. If these conditions are not met, Barak informed Iraqi officials, according to the same sources, that "all options are open," and that the United States will act in accordance with its interests.

Compared to his predecessors, if the visit takes place as scheduled, al-Zaidi will be one of the fastest Iraqi prime ministers to reach the White House.

Only Nouri al-Maliki rivals him in this regard, having visited Washington four times during two terms, with his first visit coming just two months after assuming the premiership. In contrast, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani waited about 17 months before meeting former US President Joe Biden, amid American reservations and internal complications.

For his part, Ahmed al-Yassiri, an Iraqi political analyst residing in Australia, believes that focusing on the speed or timing of the visit does not reflect its true importance.

He tells Al-Mada that al-Zaidi did not request the visit, but rather received an invitation from the US administration. Therefore, linking its significance to the time elapsed since his assumption of office is inaccurate.

He adds that the visit's true importance lies in providing the Iraqi political system with American backing during a sensitive regional period, and in restructuring the relationship between Baghdad and Washington amidst the ongoing transformations in the region, particularly concerning the Iranian issue and the redrawing of security and political alliances.

Al-Yassiri, who also heads the Arab-Australian Center for Strategic Studies, believes the visit will also exert internal pressure on the Iraqi government to present a realistic program regarding investment and the entry of American companies, in addition to ensuring the continued flow of Iraqi funds and preventing the country from being exposed to the risks of US sanctions.

He emphasizes that these issues will shape the features of the next phase, regardless of al-Zaidi's ability to achieve quick results or immediate breakthroughs.

Political support or practical results?

Munqith Dagher, Middle East and North Africa director and a member of the board of directors of Gallup International, views the visit as more of a message of political support than an exceptional event.

He tells Al-Mada that the visit carries a ceremonial dimension for al-Zaidi and represents an American attempt to demonstrate its support for the Iraqi Prime Minister, especially since Washington—in his estimation—played a key role in his rise to power through Tom Barrack.

Dagher believes the timing might have been better had it been delayed slightly, but he acknowledges that American motives dictated the visit's timing. He adds that it wouldn't be a negative development if al-Zaidi succeeds in using the opportunity to raise important Iraqi issues and secure greater American support on vital matters.

He concludes by saying that the true measure of the visit will depend on its actual outcomes: will it remain within the realm of protocol and political messaging, or will it become a starting point for genuine progress on the outstanding issues between Baghdad and Washington?  link

Iraq Economic News and Points To Ponder Wednesday Afternoon 6-17-26

Iraq's Basrah Crude Falls Over 3%

2026-06-17 Shafaq News- Basrah   Iraq's two Basrah crude grades fell more than 3% on Wednesday, widening the discount against Arab producer benchmarks and pushing Basrah Heavy toward the $50 threshold.

Basrah Heavy dropped $2.05, or 3.83%, to $51.45 per barrel, while Basrah Medium declined $2.05, or 3.69%, to $53.55 per barrel.

Saudi Arab Light traded at $85.28 per barrel, Kuwait Export Crude at $94.84, the UAE's Murban at $71.81, and Qatar Land at $75.81, leaving both Basrah grades at least $18 below the cheapest Arab benchmark in Wednesday's session.

Brent crude fell to $78.71 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) declined to $75.71 per barrel.

https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/Iraq-s-Basrah-crude-falls-over-3

Oil Prices Dip Post US-Iran Pact

2026-06-17 Shafaq News   Oil prices inched lower on Wednesday, extending the previous session's declines as investors assessed the U.S.-Iran peace deal, though uncertainty over the full resumption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz limited further falls.

Brent crude futures dipped 16 cents, or 0.2%, to $78.80 a barrel by 0340 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate fell 25 cents, or 0.3%, to $75.80 a barrel.

Both benchmarks fell about 5% for a second straight session on Tuesday to stand at three-month lows, on hopes that a U.S.-Iran deal would allow oil flows through the Strait.

"Markets are broadly stripping out the embedded geopolitical risk premium in oil prices," said Priyanka Sachdeva, senior market analyst at ⁠Phillip Nova.

"That said, the path toward normalisation remains far from straightforward. While political agreements may be progressing, physical tanker traffic through the Strait has yet to fully recover."

The deal would provide for the United States to lift its blockade of Iran's ports, while Tehran would allow oil tanker traffic through the Strait, effectively blocked since U.S. and Israel strikes on February 28.

"Oil markets retreated on expectations the Strait of Hormuz would reopen following the peace agreement, but traders held off further selling pending details," said Hiroyuki Kikukawa, chief strategist of Nissan Securities Investment.

Before the closure, about a fifth of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas supplies flowed through the Strait.

Details of the interim peace deal began ⁠to emerge on Tuesday, with President Donald Trump saying it would rule out a nuclear weapon for Tehran and a U.S. official saying it would allow Iran to sell oil upon signing.

The memorandum of understanding, not yet public, extends by another 60 days a tenuous ceasefire agreed in April, so as to allow room for talks toward a permanent truce.

Still, industry officials say a full return to pre-war production and refining levels ⁠is likely to take weeks, months or even years.

Israel has distanced itself from both the April ceasefire and the latest U.S.-Iran pact, fuelling uncertainty about whether it will hold.

Israeli drone strikes targeted three vehicles in southern Lebanon on Tuesday, killing at least four and wounding others, Lebanon's National News ⁠Agency said, prompting a rare public rebuke from Trump.

China's crude oil throughput fell 9.1% in May on the year to its lowest in almost four years, data showed, also signalling that refiners were starting to draw on stockpiles amid the Iran war.

The American Petroleum ⁠Institute report showed U.S. crude stocks fell 8.3 million barrels in the week ended June 12, the sources said.

It exceeded expectations for a draw of 4.6 million barrels, with official numbers due from the Energy Information Administration at 10:30 a.m. ET (1430 GMT) on Wednesday.

(Reuters)     https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/Oil-prices-dip-post-US-Iran-pact

Foreign Reserves In Iraq Shrink By $1.1B In One Week

2026-06-17   Shafaq News- Baghdad   Iraq's foreign reserves fell 1.43% during the final week of May, extending their decline in the second quarter of 2026, according to data released by the Central Bank of Iraq.

Holdings stood at 118.947 trillion Iraqi dinars ($76.25B) on May 28, down 1.728 trillion dinars ($1.11B) from 120.675 trillion dinars ($77.36B) a week earlier. The figures also showed a broader monthly decline, with reserves reaching 127.152 trillion dinars ($81.51B) in April compared with 130.443 trillion dinars ($83.62B) in March.

Gold remained one of the main components of the country’s official reserves, with assets valued at 32.973 trillion dinars ($21.14B).   https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/Foreign-reserves-in-Iraq-shrink-by-1-1B-in-one-week

USD/IQD Inches Higher At The Closure

2026-06-17 Shafaq News- Baghdad/ Erbil    The US dollar closed Wednesday’s trading higher in Iraq, hovering around 156,200 dinars per 100 dollars.

According to Shafaq News market survey, the dollar traded in Baghdad's Al-Kifah and Al-Harithiya exchanges at 156,250 dinars per 100 dollars, up from the morning session’s 156,000 dinars.

In the Iraqi capital, exchange shops sold the dollar at 156,750 dinars and bought it at 155,750 dinars, while in Erbil, selling prices stood at 155,700 dinars and buying prices at 155,650 dinars.

The former Director General of the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI), Mahmoud Dagher, told Shafaq News on Wednesday that expectations of a potential devaluation of the Iraqi dinar amid economic pressures and existing debt obligations are contributing to higher demand for the US dollar and pushing up its exchange rate in the local market.

“Statements and leaks related to the Central Bank's policies or possible changes to the exchange rate often fuel speculation in the market.”

Dagher explained that such reports typically create uncertainty and encourage economic actors to increase their holdings of US dollars, placing additional pressure on the local currency and affecting market prices. “Expectations of a weaker dinar frequently trigger a broader shift among individuals and businesses toward converting savings into foreign currency.”   https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/USD-IQD-inches-higher-at-the-closure

Gold Prices Trend Upward In Baghdad And Erbil

2026-06-17 Shafaq News- Baghdad/ Erbil   On Wednesday, gold prices hovered around 950,000 IQD per mithqal in Baghdad and Erbil markets, according to a survey by Shafaq News Agency.

Gold prices on Baghdad's Al-Nahr Street recorded a selling price of 948,000 IQD per mithqal (equivalent to five grams) for 21-carat gold, including Gulf, Turkish, and European varieties, with a buying price of 944,000 IQD. The same gold had sold for 943,000 IQD on Tuesday.

The selling price for 21-carat Iraqi gold stood at 918,000 IQD, while the buying price reached 914,000 IQD.

In jewelry stores, the selling price per mithqal of 21-carat Gulf gold ranged between 950,000 and 960,000 IQD, while Iraqi gold sold for between 920,000 and 930,000 IQD.

In Erbil, 22-carat gold was sold at 997,000 IQD per mithqal, 21-carat gold at 951,000 IQD, and 18-carat gold at 815,000 IQD. https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/Gold-prices-trend-upward-in-Baghdad-and-Erbil

IEA Projects 8M Bpd Supply Surge By 2027

2026-06-17 Shafaq News- Paris   The International Energy Agency (IEA) said on Wednesday that the global oil market is expected to gradually recover from the disruption caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, while warning of a significant supply surplus in 2027.

In its monthly oil market report, the Paris-based agency said the temporary agreement between the United States and Iran, which includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz and lifting US restrictions on Iranian ports, would help restore Gulf oil flows.

International Energy Agency – On X  LINK

https://x.com/IEA/status/2067172578368553310?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E2067172578368553310%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fshafaq.com%2Fen%2FEconomy%2FIEA-projects-8M-bpd-supply-surge-by-2027

The IEA estimated that the recent conflict disrupted more than 14 million barrels per day (bpd) of Middle Eastern oil production, adding that Iranian exports are expected to fully resume once US restrictions are lifted.

The agency's preliminary outlook for 2027 projects global oil supply growth of around 8 million bpd, far outpacing expected demand growth of less than 2 million bpd.

According to the report, oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz began to recover in early June, driven by an increase in ship-to-ship transfers in the Gulf of Oman, lifting total Middle East supplies to around 12 million bpd from 9.6 million bpd in May.   https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/IEA-projects-8M-bpd-supply-surge-by-2027

Hamas Reports Progress In Talks On Gaza Ceasefire Second Phase

2026-06-17 Shafaq News- Gaza   The discussions with mediators and representatives of the Peace Council had produced broad agreements and significant progress toward completing the implementation of the Gaza ceasefire agreement and moving to its second phase, Hamas stated on Wednesday.

The group’s spokesperson Hazem Qassem said the talks addressed several key issues, including the entry of the National Committee into the Gaza Strip, the deployment of international forces, and the issue of Palestinian weapons.

“The discussions approached the weapons issue through a logical framework acceptable to all parties,” he added, clarifying that Hamas continues to hold meetings with mediators and Peace Council representatives, including Nikolay Mladenov, to finalize discussions and establish a framework for implementing the ceasefire agreement.

Qassem stressed that Hamas was demonstrating “flexibility and positivity” in addressing the various issues under discussion, to reach agreements that prioritize the interests of Palestinians in Gaza. He also said the movement's objectives include ending the “genocide” in Gaza, facilitating the delivery of humanitarian assistance, and beginning reconstruction efforts.

On Sunday, Hamas announced that it had submitted the response of Palestinian factions to a roadmap proposed by Mladenov, while reiterating its demand for a full Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.

Mladenov presented a 15-point roadmap on May 21 to implement a Gaza plan proposed by US President Donald Trump. The roadmap outlines mechanisms related to Gaza’s future, including reconstruction, disarmament, Israeli withdrawal, the role of an international stabilization force, and the rebuilding of the police apparatus.

The proposal also calls for the implementation of measures promised at the start of the ceasefire, including humanitarian aid, fuel deliveries, border crossings, and shelter provisions, as well as commitments contained in the Sharm El-Sheikh understandings, before advancing to the next stage.

Trump unveiled a 20-point plan on September 29, 2025, aimed at ending the war in Gaza. The proposal includes the release of Israeli hostages, the disarmament of Hamas, a phased Israeli withdrawal, the formation of a technocratic government, and the deployment of an international stabilization force.

The first phase of the plan entered into force on October 10, 2025. Hamas says it has fulfilled its obligations under the agreement, while accusing Israel of violations and of delaying the transition to the second phase.

Read more: Gaza Ceasefire - Phase 1: What we know so far

https://www.shafaq.com/en/Middle-East/Hamas-reports-progress-in-talks-on-Gaza-ceasefire-second-phase

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economics Updates Wednesday Evening 6-17-26

Good Evening Dinar Recaps,

The Firm’s Q &A Saturday Night Call 

WHEN:  📅 Saturday Night

6:00 PM Pacific

8:00 PM Central

9:00 PM Eastern

WHERE:  The Firm Q &A Room on Telegram,  LINK

Previous Calls:  Listen Here

🐸 Leap Into The Fun! 🐸

Got a question?

Got a topic?

Got something that has you scratching your head?

Jump into the Firm Q&A Room and let's talk about it! LINK

Every week we explore topics, share ideas, chase a few rabbit holes, and occasionally test RJax's timer skills.

Bring your questions for the Saturday Night Call and help shape the discussion.

You never know where the conversation will go once Jester gets curious, Skyedancer sees a connection, and Q3 starts answering.

So leap in, join the fun, and let's learn together!

🐸 Questions Welcome

🎙 Saturday Night Call

💬 Q&A Room Open All Week

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The Dollar’s REPLACEMENT is Being Launched (It’s Closer Than You Think)

The Dollar’s REPLACEMENT is Being Launched (It’s Closer Than You Think)

Taylor Kenny:  6-16-2026

China and Saudi Arabia's mBridge payment system could challenge dollar dominance and accelerate the shift toward a new global monetary order.

The global financial system is currently undergoing a transformative period that could redefine how nations conduct trade and manage reserves.

 At the heart of this transition is “Project mbridge,” a collaborative initiative involving China, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Thailand, and Hong Kong. This digital currency payment network is designed to facilitate cross-border transactions using Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), effectively creating a sophisticated alternative to the traditional, dollar-centric SWIFT messaging system.

For decades, the U.S. dollar has maintained its status as the world’s primary reserve currency, bolstered significantly by the petrodollar agreement.

However, recent economic shifts—including persistent inflation and rising geopolitical tensions—have prompted many nations to seek greater financial sovereignty.

By moving toward alternative infrastructures, these countries aim to insulate themselves from the potential weaponization of the global financial system and reduce their reliance on a single currency for international trade.

A significant development in this narrative is Saudi Arabia’s increasing engagement with the mbridge project. As the Kingdom explores the possibility of pricing oil trade in currencies other than the dollar, or even physical gold, the historical influence of the petrodollar appears to be evolving.

This shift is fueling what some analysts describe as an “alternative financial systems arms race,” where nations are rapidly building independent payment networks to secure their economic interests.

The geopolitical stakes are clearly high, highlighted by the fact that even major international institutions have had to navigate complex pressures regarding their involvement in these new digital frameworks.

While the emergence of these systems offers potential improvements in transaction speed and global inclusivity, it also brings up complex questions regarding the future of privacy and government oversight.

As countries experiment with CBDCs, there are growing debates about the balance between digital efficiency and individual autonomy. Furthermore, critics point out that while a total collapse of the dollar is not necessarily imminent, the ongoing trend toward de-dollarization and the strengthening of gold reserves suggests a fundamental change in the global financial order is underway.

As we look toward the future, the rise of digital infrastructure and the renewed interest in tangible assets reflect a broader desire for stability.

Many experts suggest that during times of economic uncertainty and currency fluctuations, individuals might consider diversifying their personal holdings by exploring physical precious metals like gold and silver. These assets have historically served as a hedge against systemic risk and inflationary pressures.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 The Dollar’s Biggest Threat Yet

00:58 Why Dollar Dominance Matters

 03:49 Project MBridge: China, Saudi Arabia & CBDCs

 04:19 SWIFT, CIPS & the Financial Arms Race

07:39 The Petrodollar Is Being Chipped Away

08:36 Saudi Arabia, China, Oil & Gold Settlement

13:16 CBDCs and “Absolute Control”

16:09 Central Banks Choose Gold Over Treasuries

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7GrOzzbXXI

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economics Updates Wednesday Afternoon 6-17-26

Good Afternoon Dinar Recaps,

G7 Launches Critical Minerals Alliance to Reduce Dependence on China

New partnership aims to strengthen supply chains, boost strategic resource security, and reshape global trade as nations reduce reliance on Chinese critical minerals.

 Overview

• G7 leaders have agreed to create a coordinated critical minerals alliance to reduce dependence on China for rare earth elements and other strategic resources.

• The initiative focuses on strengthening supply chains for industries including defense, semiconductors, electric vehicles, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy.

• The alliance signals a broader shift toward economic security, with governments treating critical minerals as strategic national assets rather than ordinary commodities.

Key Developments

1. G7 Sets New Diversification Targets

The Group of Seven announced plans to reduce dependence on any single supplier of rare earths and permanent magnets to below 60% by 2030, with a longer-term goal of reducing that figure to 50% as quickly as practical.

The first phase will prioritize lithium and nickel, with additional strategic minerals expected to be added over time.

2. New Monitoring Platform Will Track Supply Risks

The alliance will establish a coordination platform to improve information sharing, identify potential shortages, and respond more quickly to supply disruptions.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) will assist by providing market analysis and early warning reports to help governments anticipate risks before they impact manufacturing and global trade.

3. Major Investment Push Across the Supply Chain

G7 nations also committed to encouraging investment across the full supply chain—from mining and refining to processing, manufacturing, and recycling.

Nearly 200 critical mineral projects have already been announced during 2026, representing tens of billions of dollars in planned investment designed to build more resilient supply networks.

Why It Matters

Critical minerals have become one of the most important strategic resources in the global economy. They are essential for advanced defense systems, semiconductor manufacturing, electric vehicles, renewable energy infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and modern communications technology.

By reducing dependence on China, G7 nations hope to strengthen economic resilience, protect key industries from geopolitical disruptions, and improve long-term supply chain security.

 Why It Matters to Foreign Currency Holders

For those watching the Global Financial Reset, this development reflects a continuing shift toward economic blocs built around strategic resources instead of simply financial markets.

As countries invest heavily in domestic production, regional partnerships, and secure supply chains, global trade patterns may continue moving away from decades of globalization. These changes could influence commodity pricing, industrial competitiveness, capital flows, and eventually the long-term role of reserve currencies as nations increasingly prioritize resource security alongside monetary stability.

Implications for the Global Reset

• Pillar 1: Assets

Critical minerals are becoming strategic reserve assets, much like gold and energy reserves, as governments compete for long-term control of essential resources.

• Pillar 2 : Trade

The alliance highlights the ongoing restructuring of global supply chains, with trusted trading partners becoming increasingly important as nations seek to reduce geopolitical risk.

Looking Ahead

The success of this initiative will depend on whether G7 countries can transform policy commitments into operational mining, processing, and manufacturing capacity over the coming years.

If successful, the alliance could significantly reduce China's dominance in critical minerals while accelerating the emergence of new regional trade networks and strategic investment partnerships. These developments are likely to play an increasingly important role in the evolving global economic landscape.

This is not just about mining—it is about who controls the building blocks of tomorrow's global economy.

Seeds of Wisdom Team

Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources

• Reuters — "G7 launches critical minerals alliance to reduce dependence on China"

• Modern Diplomacy — "G7 Launches Critical Minerals Alliance to Reduce Dependence on China"

~~~~~~~~~~

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Wed. Iraq News Posted by Tishwash at TNT 6-17-2026

TNT:

Tishwash:  The government announces the purpose of al-Zaidi's visit to Washington

 Government spokesman Haider Al-Aboudi confirmed on Tuesday that Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi's visit to Washington aims to strengthen the Iraqi-American partnership, noting that economic, trade and investment issues will be at the forefront of the visit's agenda.

Al-Aboudi said in a press statement: “The Prime Minister, Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi, will pay an official visit to Washington in mid-July with the aim of establishing the necessary momentum to strengthen the Iraqi-American partnership and elevate it to an effective level within the framework of the strategic relationship between the two countries, in accordance with the principle of common interests of the two friendly peoples.”

He added, “Based on the priorities of the Iraqi government and its ministerial program, which has gained the confidence of the House of Representatives, economic, trade and investment files will be at the forefront of the axes of the anticipated visit as the cornerstone of the path of bilateral cooperation,” noting that “the government seeks to expand the horizons of strategic partnership with international companies and stimulate the investment environment in a way that contributes to achieving direct benefits for the Iraqi economy and enhances internal stability.”

Al-Aboudi continued, “Within the framework of this stability, which is based on economic foundations and flexible management of the variables of the current stage, the Iraqi government is proceeding with addressing the issue of unregulated weapons and working to restrict their possession and use to the state and its competent institutions, as they are constitutionally authorized to make the sovereign decision in this field.”

Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi received in his office the US President’s Special Envoy, Tom Barrack, and discussed with him the Iraqi government’s shared commitment to establishing a strong and mutually beneficial US-Iraqi partnership capable of fulfilling the aspirations of Iraqis for a future of sovereignty, security and prosperity, and providing tangible benefits to both the Iraqi and American peoples. link

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

Tishwash:  Ending the "militias" and the relationship between Erbil and Baghdad are on the table for Masoud Barzani and Tom Barrack

Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani discussed with US President’s Special Envoy for Iraq and Syria, Tom Barak, on Tuesday, ways to enhance stability in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. While Barak stressed the need for Baghdad to restrict weapons to the state and end the influence of “militias,” Barzani pointed to the importance of the federal government’s commitment to the principles of partnership, balance, and consensus within the framework of the constitution.

A statement from Barzani’s headquarters, received by Shafaq News Agency, stated that Masoud Barzani received Ambassador Tom Barrack at the Salahaddin resort. During the meeting, Barrack emphasized that Iraq and the region need stability, and that the Kurdistan Region plays an important and essential role in the present and future, while expressing his admiration for the development and progress witnessed in the Kurdistan Region, describing it as exemplary.

For his part, Barzani stressed that the Kurdistan Region has always been a stabilizing factor, and that it supports dialogue and diplomatic solutions to all of Iraq’s and the region’s problems, noting that the Kurdistan Region has never been part of the problems, but has always been unfairly harmed by the consequences of wars and conflicts in the region. 

Barzani also stressed the need for the Middle East to move towards a stable situation that brings prosperity to the region's inhabitants.

In another part of the meeting, the importance of joint work and coordination between the Kurdistan Region and the new Iraqi government was highlighted. 

The US envoy spoke about the need for stability in the Iraqi political system and the protection of the state’s role in controlling unofficial armed forces, reiterating his country’s support for the Iraqi federal prime minister in the process of restricting weapons to the state and ending the influence of militias, as stated in the statement.

Regarding the new Iraqi government, Barzani affirmed his support for Prime Minister Ali al-Zubaidi, stressing the need for everyone to learn from the mistakes of the past and to work on the basis of the principles of partnership, balance, and consensus, and within the framework of the constitution.  

In another part of the meeting, views were exchanged on the situation in the region and its equations, and the two sides agreed to work together according to common priorities to enhance the stability of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, and to build a long-term strategic friendship in economic aspects and to encourage investment.  link

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

Tishwash:  The fluctuation in the dollar's exchange rate is linked to the mechanisms of the central bank and has no relation to political agreements.

A currency exchanger in Erbil markets revealed that the main reason behind the recent rise in the dollar exchange rate is due to the scarcity of hard currency offered in the markets, denying that the matter has any connection to political understandings or agreements.

Money exchanger Mam Sayed explained in an exclusive statement to Kurdistan 24 on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, that the decline in the amount of dollars offered by the Central Bank of Iraq has directly impacted prices. He pointed out that the scarcity of foreign currency in the markets is linked to the Central Bank's sales mechanism in Baghdad. He also noted the existence of unconfirmed rumors about the Central Bank's intention to adjust the official exchange rate to 142,000 dinars per 100 dollars, which has contributed to increased volatility and instability in the parallel market.

Regarding the role of Erbil markets in price movements, Mam Sayed stressed that "this situation is not related to Erbil markets, but rather the procedures followed in Baghdad are the main cause of the current state of confusion."

Regarding price levels, Al-Sarraf explained that the trading of the past 24 hours witnessed sharp fluctuations; as the exchange rate yesterday morning reached 154,000 dinars per 100 dollars, while the price currently ranges between 155,700 and 156,000 dinars.

He also revealed that commercial activity and market demand are currently concentrated almost entirely on the Iranian Toman, while trading in other currencies such as the Euro, the British Pound, and the Chinese Yuan has witnessed a significant decline and near-total stagnation.

The money changer pointed out the difficulty of predicting the course of exchange rates in the coming days, given the continued scarcity of dollars and the uncertainty regarding the duration of this situation.

For his part, Mazhar Muhammad Salih, the Iraqi Prime Minister's economic advisor, had previously told Kurdistan 24 that the current financial difficulties are directly linked to regional tensions and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. He explained that approximately 85% of Iraq's oil was exported daily through this strait, meaning that the disruption of this vital waterway has severely limited the government's financial capabilities.

Ali al-Zidi’s advisor denied rumors that spoke of a government intention to reduce the value of the local currency, stressing: “The Iraqi government has no plans at the moment to raise the exchange rate of the dollar, but rather all efforts are focused on finding alternative mechanisms and overcoming the current financial crisis.”

The clarifications from Mazhar Muhammad Salih come in response to what local media outlets have been reporting in recent days regarding the federal government's intention to raise the exchange rate of the dollar against the dinar to confront the current economic and financial challenges.  link

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

Tishwash:  Speculation and Scarcity Drive Iraqi Dinar Lower as Baghdad Rejects Devaluation Fears

While the closure of the Strait of Hormuz chokes oil revenue, currency markets in Erbil and Baghdad grapple with a dollar shortage and a wave of disruptive rumors.

In the bustling corridors of Erbil's currency bazaar, the rhythmic exchange of notes has taken on a frantic pace as the U.S. dollar climbs sharply against the Iraqi dinar. On Tuesday, the local market was defined by a volatile mix of genuine scarcity and a feverish wave of speculation, leaving traders and citizens alike struggling to find firm footing in an increasingly unstable financial landscape.

The immediate source of the tremor appears to be a sudden tightening of dollar liquidity originating in Baghdad. Mam Sayid, a prominent currency exchanger in Erbil's bazaar, told Kurdistan24 on Tuesday that the primary driver behind the dollar's surge is a physical shortage of the currency.

While the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) continues to sell dollars, Sayid noted that the pace is depleting national reserves at a concerning rate.

The resulting anxiety is manifesting in sharp price fluctuations.

According to Sayid's 24-hour market update, the exchange rate moved from approximately 154,000 IQD per $100 on Monday morning to as high as 156,000 IQD by Tuesday.

This rapid depreciation has been further fueled by a persistent rumor that the Central Bank intends to raise the official exchange rate to 142,000 IQD, a move that would effectively codify a devaluation of the national currency.

Sayid was emphatic that the disruption is a product of policy uncertainty in the capital rather than local conditions in the Kurdistan Region.

The fiscal squeeze is undeniable, and its roots are deeply anchored in the region's geopolitical volatility. Iraq's financial health is inextricably tied to its oil exports, and the recent conflict has dealt a staggering blow to the state's revenue streams.

Mazhar Mohammed Salih, a senior economic advisor to Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, recently provided Kurdistan24 with a stark assessment of the crisis.

He explained that the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the maritime chokepoint through which 85 percent of Iraq's oil once flowed daily, has severely restricted the government's financial capacity.

However, Salih moved decisively to quell the market's worst fears. In an interview with Kurdistan24, he categorically denied reports that the government plans to officially devalue the dinar to offset the revenue shortfall.

"At this stage, the Iraqi government has no plans to raise the value of the dollar," Salih stated, characterizing reports of an impending hike as baseless.

He noted that the administration is instead aggressively pursuing alternative economic mechanisms to navigate the current fiscal crunch without resorting to a policy-led increase in exchange rates.

Despite these official reassurances, the psychology of the bazaar often moves faster than the directives from the Prime Minister's office.

In a highly dollarized economy like Iraq's, rumors of a pending rate change often become self-fulfilling prophecies. 

Traders, anticipating a more expensive dollar tomorrow, hoard their current holdings today, thereby strangling supply and driving prices up in a classic speculative loop.

The shift in market demand also reflects broader regional alignments. Mam Sayid revealed that while the dollar dominates the conversation, demand among traders has become concentrated on the Iranian toman.

Meanwhile, traditional trading in other major international currencies, such as the euro, the British pound, and the Chinese yuan, has effectively stalled. This stagnation in non-dollar trading highlights the unique, almost singular importance of the U.S. currency to Iraq's domestic stability and its ability to pay for essential imports.

The implications for the average Iraqi are significant.

A rising dollar translates directly into higher costs for imported goods, from basic foodstuffs to electronics and medicine, eroding the purchasing power of families already strained by the wider regional conflict. 

For the al-Zaidi government, the challenge is twofold: they must manage a genuine liquidity crisis born of suppressed oil exports while simultaneously conducting a war of words against the rumors that threaten to unanchor the currency.

As the markets wait for a definitive sign of stability, predicting the dinar's trajectory remains a difficult task for even the most seasoned observers.

For Mam Sayid and his fellow traders in Erbil, the immediate future is a waiting game. Until the underlying scarcity is resolved and the "142,000" rumor is fully exorcised from the public consciousness, the Iraqi dinar will likely remain at the mercy of the prevailing winds blowing from Baghdad and the volatile waters of the Gulf.  link

Iraq Economic News and Points To Ponder Late Tuesday Evening 6-16-26

Oil Prices Fall On Uncertainty Over Hormuz Reopening

2026-06-16   Shafaq News   Oil prices extended ​losses on Tuesday, as markets weighed prospects for resumption of supply through the key Strait of Hormuz against ‌shaky physical market drivers and a lack of details from a preliminary deal to end the Iran war.

By 0436 GMT, Brent crude futures fell 25 cents, or 0.3%, to $82.92 a barrel and U.S. West Texas Intermediate inched down 9 cents, or 0.1%, to $80.66 a barrel.

On Monday, oil prices fell nearly 5% ​to their lowest close since March 4, after U.S. President Donald Trump said a memorandum of understanding was signed ​to end the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran, though full details have not been made public.

The hostilities led to ⁠the closure of the Strait of Hormuz that typically carried one-fifth of the world's oil supply before the conflict.

Some analysts expect ​a resumption of supply soon via the Strait, with other factors weighing down physical market prices.

"From here, it likely takes several weeks ​for tanker flow to be restored," Morgan Stanley analysts said in a client note.

"We see 50% of production back by September, and 80% by December, slightly faster than before."

A broad range of indicators had signaled weakness in physical oil markets in recent weeks, they added.

"High U.S. exports and low China imports ​are the key drivers (and) in the short term (i.e. next weeks) they do not seem to come to an end just yet."

China's ​crude imports slumped 29% in May to their lowest in eight years, extending a dramatic decline for the world's importer, with its liftings of Saudi Arabia ‌crude ⁠expected to also fall in July.

Early indications are that the U.S.-Iran deal would reopen the blockaded Strait of Hormuz and extend a ceasefire for 60 days, allowing negotiators to tackle difficult issues such as the future of Iran's nuclear programme.

On Monday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called the U.S.-Iran pact an "important step" toward stopping the fighting but cautioned a final agreement for a lasting truce "has yet to take shape".

But ​with full details yet to ​emerge and a permanent truce ⁠still to be reached, overall price weakness is limited.

Suvro Sarkar, the head of DBS Bank's energy research, said the deal's first phase, encompassing the Geneva signing of an extension of the 60-day ceasefire, ​was easy, would buy time and kick the "nuclear can" down the road.

But the second phase, to ​be watched most ⁠closely by markets for its physical impact, is the phased reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the wind-down of the US naval blockade on Iranian ports and vessels, he added.

"Anything other than a clean simultaneous unlock will mean renewed volatility in oil prices," Sarkar said. "Given ⁠the trust ​deficit so far, it will be interesting to see how this plays out ​over the next couple of weeks."

On Monday, a senior Iranian official said Iran would freeze its nuclear activity until a final agreement, and refrain from further uranium enrichment ​or expansion of nuclear facilities.

Reuters    https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/Oil-prices-fall-on-uncertainty-over-Hormuz-reopening

Iraq's Petroleum Product Exports Fall 16% In Q1 2026

2026-06-16 Shafaq News- Baghdad   Iraq's petroleum product exports totaled 2.35 million tonnes in the first quarter of 2026, down nearly 16% from 2.80 million tonnes during the same period last year, according to data released on Tuesday by the State Oil Marketing Organization (SOMO).

The exports consisted of 2.12 million tonnes of fuel oil and 234,503 tonnes of naphtha, while no sulfur exports were recorded during the January-March period.

Iraq, OPEC's second-largest oil producer, relies on crude oil exports for about 90% of federal revenue. According to government accounts through April, oil revenues reached 26.121 trillion Iraqi dinars (about $17B), accounting for 84% of the country's total income of 31.163 trillion dinars (about $20B) during the first four months of 2026.

https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/Iraq-s-petroleum-product-exports-fall-16-in-Q1-2026

Iraqi Crude Among Top Losers On US-Iran Deal Hopes

2026-06-16 Shafaq News- Basrah   Iraq's Basrah crude posted sharp losses on Tuesday, ranking among the steepest decliners in global oil markets as optimism over a preliminary US-Iran agreement pressured prices.

Basrah Heavy dropped $4.64, or 7.98%, to $53.50 per barrel, while Basrah Medium fell by the same amount, losing 7.70% to settle at $55.60 per barrel.

Globally, Brent crude eased 0.31% to $82.92 per barrel, and US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) slipped 0.11% to $80.66 per barrel.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) basket declined 6.52% to $91.68 per barrel. Omani crude on the Dubai Energy Exchange also fell 7% to $81.91 per barrel, as wait-and-see sentiment spread across regional markets.    https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/Iraqi-crude-among-top-losers-on-US-Iran-deal-hopes

Two Tankers Receive 4M Barrels Of Iraqi Crude At Basra Ports

2026-06-16 Shafaq News- Basra   Two oil tankers, a Greek and an Emirati tanker, are currently being loaded with a combined four million barrels of Iraqi crude at southern ports in Basra as part of the resumption of crude oil exports, an Iraqi ports source told Shafaq News on Tuesday.

This development follows the preliminary understanding between Iran and the United States announced on Sunday, which led to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to maritime traffic after intermittent disruptions linked to the conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.

Hormuz, the strategic maritime corridor, has been largely shut since February 28 following the US–Israel war on Iran, disrupting energy flows and prompting Gulf producers, including Iraq, which routes roughly 95% of its oil exports through the waterway, to scale back shipments.

https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/Two-tankers-receive-4-million-barrels-of-Iraqi-crude-at-Basra-ports

Turkiye Rejects Extending Kirkuk-Ceyhan Oil Pipeline Agreement

2026-06-16 Shafaq News- Ankara   Ankara refuses to extend the existing Kirkuk-Ceyhan oil pipeline agreement under current conditions, Reuters reported on Tuesday, citing a senior Turkish official.

Iraq requested at least a one-year extension to allow more time for negotiations on a replacement deal.

Ali Nizar, head of Iraq’s State Organization for Marketing of Oil (SOMO), said Iraq has exported about 12 million barrels of crude oil through its southern ports since the beginning of June.

The current Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline agreement is due to expire on July 27, ending a framework that has regulated oil exports between Iraq and Turkiye for decades. Both sides continue to discuss a draft agreement that would govern export operations through the route in the coming period.

https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/Turkiye-rejects-extending-Kirkuk-Ceyhan-oil-pipeline-agreement

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economics Updates Wednesday Morning 6-17-26

Good Morning Dinar Recaps,

Europe's Gas Market Survives Hormuz Shock, but Long-Term Demand Decline Looms

The recent Strait of Hormuz disruption tested Europe's energy resilience, but the greater challenge may be adapting to a future of declining natural gas demand.

 Overview

• Europe successfully weathered the Strait of Hormuz disruption by diversifying liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports and relying on expanded energy infrastructure.

• Although the U.S.-Iran peace framework is expected to restore shipping, lingering production losses in Qatar and global LNG competition could affect supply for years.

• Analysts now believe Europe's biggest energy challenge is no longer supply security—but steadily declining demand driven by electrification and decarbonization.

Key Developments

1. Europe Withstood a Major Global LNG Supply Shock

The temporary closure of the Strait of Hormuz disrupted nearly 20% of global LNG trade, causing European natural gas prices to surge by approximately 31% and increasing the European Union's collective gas bill by nearly 48%. Despite these pressures, Europe avoided widespread shortages by increasing LNG imports from the United States, Algeria, and Nigeria while relying on expanded storage and pipeline networks.

2. Diversified Energy Infrastructure Prevented a Crisis

Years of investment in LNG import terminals, cross-border pipelines, storage facilities, and interconnectors allowed natural gas supplies to move efficiently throughout Europe. New regasification terminals across the Baltic, Adriatic, and Aegean regions further strengthened Europe's ability to respond to supply disruptions.

3. Long-Term Demand Decline May Become the Bigger Story

While supply security has improved, researchers project that European natural gas demand could decline between 30% and nearly 50% by 2040, depending on energy prices and climate policies. Electrification, renewable energy expansion, improved efficiency, and decarbonization efforts are expected to steadily reduce gas consumption across power generation, industry, and residential heating.

Why It Matters

The Hormuz crisis demonstrated that Europe's energy system is significantly more resilient than during previous supply shocks, including the aftermath of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Diversified supply sources and stronger infrastructure have reduced the risk of widespread shortages during geopolitical disruptions.

However, Europe's energy debate is evolving. Instead of asking whether enough gas is available, policymakers are increasingly focused on whether natural gas will remain economically competitive as renewable energy, battery storage, nuclear power, and electrification continue expanding.

 Why It Matters to Foreign Currency Holders

Energy remains one of the largest drivers of global inflation, monetary policy, and economic growth. Greater stability in Europe's gas market could ease inflationary pressures and influence future interest-rate decisions by major central banks.

For those following the Global Financial Reset, this transition reflects the ongoing restructuring of global energy systems. As nations diversify supply chains and modernize infrastructure, energy security continues to play a central role in shaping currencies, trade, and long-term investment flows.

Implications for the Global Reset

• Pillar 1: Energy

The Hormuz crisis confirmed that energy diversification and resilient infrastructure are becoming essential pillars of national and economic security. Countries continue investing in multiple supply sources to reduce dependence on any single region.

• Pillar 2: Trade

Europe's increasing reliance on U.S. LNG while gradually reducing Russian energy imports illustrates the continued realignment of global trade relationships and strategic energy partnerships.

Looking Ahead

Several developments will determine Europe's long-term energy outlook:

• Normalization of LNG shipments through the Strait of Hormuz

• Recovery of Qatar's LNG production capacity

• Growth in U.S. LNG exports to Europe

• Future competition from Asian LNG buyers

• Continued expansion of renewable energy and electrification

• European policies aimed at reducing fossil fuel consumption

While Europe's ability to withstand supply disruptions has improved dramatically, the next major challenge may be managing a gradual decline in natural gas demand rather than responding to future shortages.

This is not just an energy story—it's global finance restructuring before our eyes.

Seeds of Wisdom Team

Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources

• Modern Diplomacy — "Europe Gas Market Survives Hormuz Shock but Long-Term Demand Decline Looms"

• Reuters — Coverage of European energy markets, LNG trade, and the Strait of Hormuz disruption.

~~~~~~~~~~

 🌱 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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MilitiaMan & CREW IRAQ DINAR UPDATE-"Hush-Major Convergences-Cabinet, ASYCUDA, Iran Deal & Iraqi Skies Reopen"

MilitiaMan & CREW IRAQ DINAR UPDATE-"Hush-Major Convergences-Cabinet, ASYCUDA, Iran Deal & Iraqi Skies Reopen"

6-16-2026

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.

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOH2NDb-PRA