IMF Expects Severe Contraction In Iraq’s Economy In 2026

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projected on Thursday that Iraq’s economy will be the most hit by oil and transportation disruptions in the Middle East and Central Asia in 2026.

The IMF also predicted a robust economic rebound in 2027, when energy market conditions improve and commerce resume, local news outlet Shafaq News reported.

Al-Mustaqilla Reveals: 3 Key Issues In Al-Zaidi's Visit To Washington

July 8, 2026Last updated: July 8, 2026   Al-Mustaqilla - As attention turns to Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zubaidi's visit to Washington on July 15, information obtained by Al-Mustaqilla reveals that the economic agenda will be at the forefront of the talks, with an American focus on financial files related to Iran, while the file of combating corruption is absent from the visit's agenda.

According to an informed source, the talks will focus on three main axes,

Government Advisor: No Change In The Dinar Exchange Rate Against The Dollar

Published on: July 9, 2026 at 12:19 AM Baghdad / Al-Mada  - The financial advisor to the Iraqi Prime Minister, Mazhar Muhammad Salih, denied the existence of any plan or program by the Iraqi government to change the exchange rate of the dinar against the dollar, stressing that this matter has not been discussed in any way.

Salih said yesterday, Wednesday, in a press statement, that "the issue of the currency's value has not been discussed in any way," in response to rumors circulating about the possibility of changing the official exchange rate of the dinar against the dollar.

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Fed Minutes Reveal Deep Policy Divide as Middle East Tensions Add New Inflation Risks 

Newly released Federal Reserve meeting minutes show policymakers are increasingly divided over the path of interest rates, while renewed Middle East tensions and rising oil prices add fresh uncertainty to the global economic outlook.

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Trump Ends Iran Ceasefire Framework as Markets Brace for Oil Shock 

Renewed tensions in the Middle East are rippling through global markets after President Donald Trump declared the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding "over," sending oil prices higher and increasing concerns about inflation, monetary policy, and global growth.

Oil Prices Pressure Iraq’s Foreign Reserves, Experts Warn

2026-07-07 19:36    Shafaq News- Baghdad   Iraq's foreign currency reserves have fallen 12 percent in two years and remain at risk of further decline if oil prices drop below $60 per barrel, according to experts who spoke to Shafaq News on Tuesday. The reserves stood at $97.8 billion in late April 2026, down from $111.7 billion at the end of 2023, driven by the government's heavy dependence on oil revenues rather than diversified income streams.

Political science professor Najm Abdul Tarish warned that if oil prices remain between $55 and $60 per barrel, while government spending stays elevated, Iraq's foreign reserves could come under pressure.

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Trump Orders Halt to U.S. Trade With Spain at NATO Summit 

Growing tensions over NATO defense spending and Spain's position during the Iran conflict have escalated into a major trade dispute, raising new questions about alliance unity and transatlantic economic relations.

Iraq Is Moving Towards Balancing Programs With US Support And In Coordination With The World Bank.

Money and Business    Economy News – Baghdad    Finance Minister Faleh Sari discussed on Wednesday with the US Chargé d'Affaires to Iraq, Joshua Harris, prospects for economic cooperation between Baghdad and Washington and ways to strengthen the partnership with US financial institutions, while both sides affirmed their support for the path of economic and financial reforms.

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US-Iran Ceasefire Tested as Drone Attacks Hit Ships in the Strait of Hormuz

Renewed attacks on commercial vessels have heightened tensions in the Gulf, threatening fragile peace efforts and raising new concerns over global energy security and maritime trade.

The Strait Of Hormuz Has Reopened — Why That Might Be A Problem For The Oil Market: Chart Of The Day

Jake Conley   Yahoo Finance

As the war has wound down and the US and Iran continue ongoing negotiations, ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has begun to pick up, sending increasing amounts of oil to the global market that has been starved for it.

That might be a problem for the oil market, according to JPMorgan commodity strategists, led by head of commodities research Natasha Kaneva.

Oil Prices Rise On Demand Watch

2026-07-07 01:18     Shafaq News   Oil prices edged higher on Tuesday, though gains were capped as traders ‌looked beyond easing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and turned their attention to supply increases and demand prospects.

Brent crude futures gained 38 cents, or 0.5%, to $72.37 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude rose 30 cents, or 0.4%, to $68.85 a barrel as of 0350 GMT, after settling down at ​around pre-Iran war levels on Monday.