“Tidbits From TNT” Thursday 2-19-2026
TNT:
Tishwash: Kujer: Iraq's gold and currency reserves are "good" and ensure economic stability
MP Jamal Kojar confirmed that the fluctuation of gold prices towards an upward trend does not directly affect the government's economic and financial situation, noting that the impact falls directly on citizens.
Kujer told Al-Furat News Agency that the speculation carried out by traders who deal in gold directly affects the individual, indicating that the Iraqi bank's gold reserves are positive and can contribute to supporting economic stability.
He added that "the bank's foreign currency reserves are very good, which puts the country's financial situation in safe hands from fluctuations."
Gold prices in Iraq have witnessed a significant increase over the past several months, particularly since the beginning of 2026, driven by a global surge that pushed the precious metal above one million dinars per mithqal in local markets. Despite some recent slight declines due to momentary fluctuations, the overall trend remains one of sustained upward movement, fueled by global and local economic and geopolitical factors.
According to economic experts, the main reasons for the rise are due to several factors, including global ones, where the rise is mainly due to increased demand for gold as a safe haven in light of economic uncertainty and global geopolitical tensions.
The continued strengthening of gold reserves by central banks, including the Central Bank of Iraq, as Iraq has repeatedly increased its holdings to support the stability of the national currency, in addition to the contribution of the weakness of the US dollar and expectations of interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve, has increased the global attractiveness of gold, which has been directly reflected in the Iraqi market.
Locally, gold prices have been affected by the rising cost of living and the fluctuating exchange rate of the dollar against the dinar, which has prompted citizens to acquire gold as a financial hedge. link
****************
Tishwash: Washington vows to use "all available tools" to curb Iran's destabilizing activities in Iraq.
The acting US ambassador to Iraq, Joshua Harris, vowed Wednesday evening to use "all available tools" to counter Iran's activities that threaten Iraq's stability, while stressing that Iraqi leaders are working to develop a political framework capable of putting the country's interests first.
The US Embassy stated in a statement on the “X” platform, which was followed by Shafaq News Agency, that Chargé d’Affaires Harris consulted with leaders in the Kurdistan Region to promote common interests in preserving Iraq’s sovereignty, enhancing regional stability, and strengthening economic ties.
He reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to supporting a fully sovereign, stable, and prosperous Iraq, as well as to establishing a strong and sustainable American partnership with the Kurdistan Region, which will bring tangible benefits to both Americans and Iraqis.
Regarding the ongoing deliberations on forming a government in Iraq, Harris stressed "the readiness of the United States to use the full range of tools at its disposal to counter Iran's destabilizing activities in Iraq, while Iraqi leaders work to develop a fully independent political framework capable of putting Iraq's interests first."
Earlier today, the US State Department confirmed that the United States' position remains "firm and unwavering" regarding the nomination of State of Law Coalition leader Nouri al-Maliki for the Iraqi premiership, hinting at "tough" diplomatic measures if this option is pursued.
The American position came in an official response from the State Department to a question posed by a Shafaq News Agency correspondent in Washington, in which he inquired whether there was a change in the traditional American "veto" against Maliki, and the extent to which the news was true about a "time limit" granted by the American administration to withdraw his candidacy from the race.
The US State Department spokesman conveyed the current administration's position to our correspondent, saying: "President Trump has spoken clearly; the selection of Nouri al-Maliki as the next prime minister of Iraq will force the US government to reassess the relationship between the United States and Iraq."
Regarding questions about the deadline and the change in position, the response implicitly indicated that the American standards had not changed, describing the selection of Maliki as "a negative outcome for the Iraqi people."
The “coordination framework,” which includes ruling Shiite political forces in Iraq, is witnessing a division over the nomination of Maliki for the next government, amid American warnings of the repercussions of his selection. This has prompted forces within the coalition to try to persuade him to withdraw in order to preserve the unity of the framework, while Maliki insists on his nomination and believes that reversing it should be done by an official decision from the coalition.
The escalating American pressure on Iraq comes as a translation of President Donald Trump’s explicit threats, which included criticism of the previous course taken by Maliki when he assumed the premiership for eight years. link
Tishwash: Axios: There is a 90% chance that the United States will attack Iran
Iran has been given two weeks to hold talks between the United States and Iran.
After the Geneva talks failed to resolve deep differences and Washington's red lines, US military preparations in the region have reached a dangerous level, Axios website reported Wednesday, February 18,
According to the report, the US military, dubbed the "Trump Armada," now includes two aircraft carriers, 12 warships, hundreds of aircraft and several air defense systems.
In the past 24 hours alone, 50 new F-35, F-22 and F-16 fighter jets have arrived in the area.
"The president is getting frustrated. Although some people around him are warning him of war, I think we will see 90 percent military action in the next few weeks," one Trump adviser told Axios.
Washington has given Tehran two weeks to submit a new and detailed proposal, otherwise the military option will be implemented, the report said.
The Israeli government is preparing a war scenario within days, aimed not only at Iran's nuclear program, but also at "overthrowing the Tehran regime," Axios reported.
The news comes amid the possibility of war between the United States and Iran, especially if the two rounds of talks fail. link
***************
Mot: .. Yeppers -- fer Sure!!!!
