Iraq Economic News and Points To Ponder Monday Evening 2-23-26
President Barzani, US's Barrack Discuss Bilateral Ties And Regional Developments
2026-02-23 / 12:58 Shafaq News- Erbil The Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani on Monday affirmed that the Region will remain a factor of security and stability, stressing the importance of continued dialogue as the path forward. In a statement, the Kurdistan Region Presidency said Barzani received the US Ambassador to Turkiye and Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack, along with his accompanying delegation, in the presence of US Chargé d’Affaires to Iraq Joshua Harris.
The delegation conveyed their appreciation for Barzani’s initiatives aimed at stabilizing the region, easing tensions, and facilitating an agreement between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the statement added, noting that the talks addressed relations between the United States and both Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, as well as the latest developments in Syria and the political landscape in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.
“Brazani highlighted the necessity of resolving issues through peaceful means and upholding peace and stability in the region,” the statement noted.
X Nechirvan Barzani @IKRPresident
I’m pleased to receive @USAMBTurkiye Tom Barrack, accompanied by @USEmbBaghdad CDA Joshua Harris. We had productive discussions on Iraq–U.S. relations, the political process in the country, and recent developments in Syria. I reiterated the Kurdistan Region’s commitment to peace and stability, and we stressed the importance of continued dialogue as the path forward.
Earlier, the US envoy met in Baghdad with caretaker Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein. Hepresented Washington’s perspective on Iraqi government formation, expressing theUS appreciation for the Iraqi government’s step to transfer members of ISIS from detention facilities abroad to prisons inside Iraq. The move, he noted, reflects efforts to reinforce Iraq’s sovereignty and assume its legal responsibilities.
Leader Barzani Urges Mechanism Reflecting Kurdish Will In Choosing Iraq’s President
2026-02-23 Shafaq News- Erbil Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) leader Masoud Barzani called on Monday for the establishment of an appropriate mechanism to determine the presidential candidate in a manner that reflects the will of the Kurdish people.
According to a statement from Barzani’s headquarters, the remarks were made during his meeting with US envoy Tom Barrack, in Erbil, in the presence of Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani.
Barzani stressed that the Coordination Framework, a coalition of predominantly Shiite political forces, would determine the candidate for premiership, underlining the need to prioritize Iraq’s national interests. “The next prime minister should be committed to the constitution, principles of partnership, balance, and compromise,” the statement added.
He reiterated the need for the next Iraqi government to commit to implementing the constitution and the principles of federalism, as well as to enact laws related to unresolved and critical issues for the future of Iraq’s people, including the oil and gas law, Article 140 of the constitution concerning disputed territories, and legislation linked to implementing federal principles within the Iraqi state.
Regarding regional relationships, Barzani added that Iraq should maintain shared interests with all its neighbors, while taking into account the partnership with the United States.
Barrack emphasized that the United States supports Iraq’s sovereignty, underscoring the importance of strong relations and partnership with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. “He commended Brazani’s role in preventing the escalation of war and violence, as well as his efforts to contain recent developments in Syria,” the statement added.
Earlier in the day, the US envoy met in Baghdad with caretaker Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein. He presented Washington’s perspective on Iraqi government formation, expressing the US appreciation for the Iraqi government’s step to transfer members of ISIS from detention facilities abroad to prisons inside Iraq. The move, he noted, reflects efforts to reinforce Iraq’s sovereignty and assume its legal responsibilities.
The Central Bank Of Iraq Warns Against Scams And Fraud Perpetrated Using Various Banknotes - 2/23/2026
The Central Bank of Iraq has detected several scams perpetrated by unscrupulous individuals targeting citizens for financial gain. The bank urges the public to exercise caution and avoid falling victim to these schemes.
In a statement, the bank outlined several common methods used within Iraq, including:
1- Selling a $1,000,000 bill as genuine currency when it is actually a commemorative note no longer in circulation. The highest denomination in circulation is $100.
2- Distributing black paper cut to the same dimensions as a dollar bill, claiming it is genuine $100 bills coated with a black substance. The scammers falsely claim that these bills will be recirculated after the black coating is removed.
3- Distributing banknotes withdrawn from circulation by various countries, which have no monetary value, and exchanging them for Iraqi dinars at inflated prices. These scammers employ various tactics, pretexts, and false claims to deceive their victims.
4- Counterfeit or printed dollar and dinar banknotes bearing the words "model," "invalid," or "null" are being used as children's toys and are being promoted as genuine banknotes. The Central Bank of Iraq confirms that the relevant authorities have been notified to prevent their printing or importation from outside Iraq.
Central Bank of Iraq, Media Office, February 23, 2026 https://cbi.iq/news/view/3136
US Envoy Conveys Washington’s Vision On Iraq Government Formation
2026-02-23 Shafaq News- Baghdad Iraq’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Fuad Hussein, stated on Monday that forming the country’s government is a sovereign Iraqi matter, while noting that Baghdad takes into account the views of its international partners, particularly the United States, as an ally.
His remarks came during a meeting in Baghdad with US envoy Tom Barrack, according to a statement by the Iraqi Foreign Ministry, which said the Barrack presented Washington’s perspective on the issue.
Read more: Al-Maliki pledges global partnerships under Iraqi sovereignty
Hussein cautioned against the outbreak of any war between the United States and Iran, warning of its potential consequences for the wider region. He also reaffirmed Iraq’s support for diplomatic efforts and the upcoming round of negotiations scheduled in Geneva under Omani mediation.
Barrack, for his part, expressed US appreciation for the Iraqi government’s step to transfer members of ISIS from detention facilities abroad to prisons inside Iraq. The move, he noted, reflects efforts to reinforce Iraq’s sovereignty and assume its legal responsibilities. Hussein said Iraq remains in contact with several countries to arrange the repatriation of their nationals implicated in terrorism-related cases, praising the Turkish government’s agreement to receive its citizens among those detainees.
Both sides reiterated their support for the agreement between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), stressing the importance of implementing its provisions.
X وزارة الخارجية العراقية @Iraqimofa
Foreign Minister discusses with the US envoy strengthening security cooperation and developments in the regional situation – Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs https://mofa.gov.iq/2026/61614/
The US Envoy also met Faiq Zidan, head of Iraq’s Supreme Judicial Council, to review legal procedures related to detainees transferred from prisons in Syria to Iraq.
In separate talks with Mohammed Al-Halbousi, leader of the Taqaddum Party, Barrack discussed enhancing economic cooperation and maintaining coordination in counterterrorism efforts, and addressed recent regional developments, developments in Syria, and bilateral cooperation on security and detainee files, with both sides emphasizing support for Syria’s stability.
On Sunday, Barrack met caretaker Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani and described the talks as fruitful. Posting on X, he added that discussions focused on “continued Iraqi goals and objectives to build a sovereign, stable, and prosperous future that aligns with POTUS’s desire and plan for peace and prosperity in the region.”
X Ambassador Tom Barrack @USAMBTurkiye
Fruitful meeting with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani @IraqiPMO discussing continued Iraqi goals and objectives to build a sovereign, stable, and prosperous future that aligns with @POTUS ’s desire and plan for peace and prosperity in the region. The necessity of effective leadership that aligns itself with the policies and practices of further stabilization for Iraq and the Iraqi people is key to our mutual goals.
https://www.shafaq.com/en/Iraq/US-Envoy-conveys-US-vision-on-Iraq-government-formation
Trump Reviews Multi-Tiered Military Offensive On Iran
2026-02-23 Shafaq News- Washington US President Donald Trump is weighing military options against Iran if diplomacy fails, The New York Times reported on Monday, as negotiators prepare for a new round of indirect nuclear talks in Geneva next week.
Citing US officials, the newspaper noted that Trump is considering an initial limited strike to pressure Tehran to abandon its nuclear ambitions, with potential targets including Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) bases, nuclear facilities, and ballistic missile programs. If these measures fail, the outlet reported that a broader campaign could be launched later this year aimed at weakening or toppling the Iranian regime.
Trump’s advisers warned that while an initial strike could send a strong message, doubts remain over whether airstrikes alone can compel Iran to change course. The president is also exploring a settlement that would allow Iran a restricted nuclear enrichment program for research and medical purposes, though it remains unclear whether either side would accept such terms.
Earlier, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi indicated he will likely meet US envoy Steve Witkoff in Geneva next week, pointing out that a “good chance” remains for a diplomatic solution on Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.
Meanwhile, Ebrahim Rezaei, spokesperson for the Iranian National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, described the negotiations as “decisive,” warning they will shape the fate of US troops in the region.
In a post on X, he framed next week’s talks as a “test for Donald Trump,” stressing that failure could trigger confrontation or war between the two nations.
X ابراهیم رضایی @EbrahimRezaei14
Thursday's negotiations are a test for Trump and will determine whether American soldiers will go to hell or return to America.
On February 19, Trump set a 15-day deadline for Iran to reach what he called a “meaningful deal,” warning of potential consequences. Tehran, however, reaffirmed its uranium enrichment rights. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian remarked that “global powers are lining up to force us to bow our heads, but we will not bow.”
Both sides have resumed Omani-mediated talks this month, holding rounds in Muscat and Geneva. Meanwhile, The New York Times, citing satellite imagery and flight data, previously reported that more than 60 US attack aircraft are now stationed at Jordan’s Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, nearly triple the usual number, with at least 68 transport aircraft arriving since February 15.
Read more: Iran–US talks: Diplomatic breakthrough or imminent military confrontation?
https://www.shafaq.com/en/Middle-East/Trump-reviews-multi-tiered-military-offensive-on-Iran