Oil Markets SNAP This Week If War Continues | Rick Rule

Oil Markets SNAP This Week If War Continues | Rick Rule

Liberty and Finance:  5-24-2026

Legendary investor Rick Rule warns that the oil market may be at a critical turning point, saying that if the conflict driving supply fears is resolved within the next week, crude prices could crash from panic highs back toward $65 to $70.

 He explains why today’s elevated oil prices are being driven by anticipated scarcity and why a sudden peace deal could trigger a violent selloff across the entire energy sector.

Rule also lays out his long term bullish case for gold, arguing that exploding sovereign debt, persistent currency debasement, and central bank buying continue to support a major secular bull market in precious metals.

In this wide ranging interview with Dunagun Kaiser, he discusses inflation, the deterioration of the U.S. dollar, undervalued natural resource assets, and why investors may have a very limited window left to position themselves before the next major market repricing.

 Plus, Rule shares rapid fire answers on oil stocks, commodities, currencies, gold miners, and what he believes could define the next decade for investors.

INTERVIEW TIMELINE:

0:00 Intro

2:00 Gold update

18:42 Coal

19:08 Oil

21:30 Peace or war

27:00 Currencies

35:00 Rule Symposium

44:30 Battle Bank

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JT0f_x0260U

Jon Dowling: Latest Wealth Transfer News from Insider Banker Mr. B, May 2026

Jon Dowling: Latest Wealth Transfer News from Insider Banker Mr. B, May 2026

5-23-2026

In a recent and highly detailed podcast episode hosted by Jon Dowling, viewers were treated to a comprehensive economic analysis featuring Mr. B, a seasoned financial professional with nearly three decades of experience at Charles Schwab.

In what was framed as a milestone final appearance, Mr. B shared a deep dive into the current state of the global markets, focusing specifically on the primary role he believes silver will play in the coming years.

His analysis suggests that silver is currently an undervalued asset, supported by over 30 distinct factors that range from its essential industrial applications to its historical status as a store of value.

One of the most compelling segments of the discussion centered on the supply-and-demand mechanics currently driving the silver market. Mr. B highlighted that silver is becoming increasingly scarce due to ongoing mining deficits and rising industrial demand, particularly within emerging technologies and the global transition toward green energy.

This scarcity is being further amplified by geopolitical shifts, specifically the silver policies in China and the massive consumption rates seen in India. Furthermore, the discussion touched upon the growing interest from institutional investors, such as pension funds and central banks, which adds a new layer of demand that could potentially influence long-term price stability and market dynamics.

Beyond precious metals, the conversation provided a rigorous outlook on the broader stock and housing markets. Mr. B presented a timeline for what he describes as a market “meltup,” where indices like the S&P 500, the Dow Jones, the NASDAQ, and the Russell could reach record highs before facing a significant correction.

 According to his projections, this cycle of expansion and subsequent adjustment may occur within a relatively short window of the next few months. He also noted that the housing market is already showing signs of a correction, fueled by larger economic pressures such as debt bubbles and the ongoing effects of inflation.

The episode also explored the legislative and structural changes that could redefine the financial system.

A significant portion of the dialogue was dedicated to the “Clarity Act” and its potential to allow retirement accounts to hold a more diverse range of assets, including precious metals and digital assets.

Mr. B connected these regulatory shifts to a broader global economic trend: a potential move away from traditional fiat systems toward a monetary standard backed by physical assets like gold and silver.

This transition is seen as a response to currency debasement and a desire for more transparent financial frameworks.

Concluding on a note of calculated preparedness, the discussion emphasized the importance of personal financial awareness and the strategic acquisition of physical assets. Mr. B’s final insights serve as a call for investors to look beyond short-term market fluctuations and consider the long-term structural changes occurring in the global economy.

 For those looking to understand the intersection of industrial demand, geopolitical policy, and market cycles, this episode offers a wealth of professional perspectives on how to navigate an era of significant financial transition.

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

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economics Updates Sunday Afternoon 5-24-26

Good Afternoon Dinar Recaps,

China Expands Influence Through Iran Peace Push and Multipolar Strategy

Beijing uses Pakistan mediation, energy diplomacy, and BRICS expansion to position itself as a central power in the emerging global order.

Overview

China is playing an increasingly influential role in efforts to reduce tensions between the United States and Iran, largely through coordination with Pakistan and broader diplomatic initiatives aimed at stabilizing the Middle East. Beijing’s strategy extends beyond regional peace efforts and reflects a larger push toward a multipolar global system designed to reduce dependence on Western-led financial and political structures.

The growing involvement of China in Gulf diplomacy highlights how global power dynamics are shifting. As Washington struggles to manage simultaneous geopolitical crises, Beijing is leveraging economic influence, energy dependence, and strategic partnerships to strengthen its role as a long-term counterweight to U.S. dominance.

Key Developments

1. China and Pakistan Coordinate Diplomatic Mediation

China is actively supporting Pakistan’s mediation efforts between Washington and Tehran, helping facilitate negotiations focused on ending military escalation and securing maritime trade routes.

The proposed Five-Point Peace Initiative reportedly includes:

• An immediate ceasefire

• Restoration of shipping security in the Strait of Hormuz

• Direct U.S.-Iran negotiations

• Protection of global energy flows

• Long-term regional stabilization mechanisms

Pakistan continues acting as the primary intermediary while China provides economic and diplomatic leverage behind the scenes.

2. Strait of Hormuz Stability Becomes Central Priority

As the world’s largest oil importer, China has a direct economic interest in preventing disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Roughly one-fifth of global oil and LNG shipments traditionally move through the waterway.

Beijing’s diplomacy is heavily focused on preventing escalation that could destabilize energy markets, increase inflation, and damage major Belt and Road Initiative trade corridors.

3. China Uses Economic Influence Over Iran

China’s long-term energy partnerships with Iran — including major oil purchases and a 25-year cooperation agreement — give Beijing significant influence over Tehran’s strategic calculations.

Reports suggest China is encouraging Iran to show flexibility on nuclear negotiations in exchange for broader security guarantees and economic stability.

4. Multipolar Financial System Gains Momentum

The broader strategic objective behind China’s diplomacy appears tied to building a multipolar international system less dependent on the U.S. dollar and Western-controlled institutions.

China continues strengthening:

• BRICS economic integration

• Alternative payment systems

• Global South alliances

• Non-Western trade frameworks

• Parallel financial and infrastructure networks

Iran’s BRICS membership further strengthens Beijing’s efforts to reshape global economic governance.

Why It Matters

China’s growing role in Middle East diplomacy reflects a major geopolitical transition. Beijing is no longer acting solely as an economic power but increasingly positioning itself as a global diplomatic and strategic actor capable of influencing conflict resolution and energy security.

The situation also highlights how economic power, trade infrastructure, and financial influence are becoming as important as military strength in determining global leadership.

Why It Matters to Foreign Currency Holders

For global financial reset observers and currency holders, China’s actions reinforce several accelerating trends:

• Reduced dependence on dollar-based systems

• Expansion of BRICS financial coordination

• Growth of alternative trade settlement mechanisms

• Increasing geopolitical influence of the Global South

• Rising fragmentation of the global economic order

The long-term implications could reshape international trade, reserve currency structures, and global energy settlement systems over the next decade.

Implications for the Global Reset

• Pillar 1: Multipolar Diplomacy Replaces Western Dominance

China’s coordination with Pakistan demonstrates how non-Western powers are increasingly shaping global crisis management independently of traditional U.S.-led frameworks.

• Pillar 2: Energy Security Drives Geopolitical Realignment

Control over shipping lanes and energy stability is becoming central to the future balance of economic power. Nations capable of stabilizing strategic trade corridors may gain increasing influence over global financial systems.

• Pillar 3: BRICS Expansion Continues Accelerating

China’s diplomacy aligns closely with broader BRICS efforts to develop alternative trade, payment, and financial structures designed to reduce vulnerability to Western sanctions and monetary pressure.

This is no longer simply a regional negotiation — it is part of a broader global transition toward a more fragmented, multipolar financial and geopolitical system.

Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources

• Modern Diplomacy — “Why China Matters in Trump’s Iran and Pakistan Negotiations”

• Reuters — “China and Pakistan expand diplomatic coordination amid Iran negotiations”

~~~~~~~~~~

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Iraq Economic News and Points To Ponder Sunday Afternoon 5-24-26

Iraq Is Part Of A $700 Million International Cable Project Linking The Gulf To Europe.

Money and Business   Economy News – Baghdad   A report issued by S&P Global Market Intelligence revealed that Iraq will be part of the international cable project "WorldLink", which aims to create a new digital corridor linking the Gulf region to Europe via Iraqi territory, as part of a global expansion wave in submarine cable and data transmission projects.

The report stated that the project, costing approximately $700 million, is privately funded and involves an Emirati-Iraqi consortium comprising Tech 964 Holding, DIL Technology, and Breeze Investments. The cable is planned to originate in Abu Dhabi, extend through Iraq to Turkey, and include branches connecting Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait.

He added that the project was designed to be neutral for telecommunications companies and targets international telecommunications companies and AI-based applications, as well as providing an alternative route to the traditional congested corridors, thus reducing the risk of disruptions and enhancing the flexibility of data traffic between Asia and Europe.

According to the report, the cable's design capacity will be around 900 terabytes per second, with a target of reducing response time to less than 100 milliseconds, which supports cloud computing services, data centers, and advanced digital applications.

He noted that the project's implementation period is up to five years, expecting that the cable's passage through Iraq will contribute to strengthening its position as a regional hub for data transmission and attracting new investments in the digital infrastructure and communications sector.

The report noted that the Worldlink project is part of a global trend to diversify international cable routes and reduce reliance on traditionalbottlenecks, while geopolitical developments in the region, including tensions related to the Strait of Hormuz, may affect the project's timeline. https://www.economy-news.net/content.php?id=69427

The Retirement Authority Announces The Completion Of Procedures To Raise Retirees' Salaries For The Month Of June.

Money and Business   Economy News – Baghdad   The General Retirement Authority announced today, Sunday, the completion of procedures to raise retirees' salaries.

The Deputy Head of the Authority, Hossam Abdul Sattar, stated in a statement to the official agency that "the General Retirement Authority completed today the procedures for raising the salaries of retirees for the month of June in coordination with the Ministry of Finance, Accounting Department, and submitted them to the banks, to complete the disbursement procedures."

Abdul Sattar called on "retirees who receive text messages to check the payment outlets to receive their retirement salaries gradually." https://www.economy-news.net/content.php?id=69482

Years Later, Babylon Lays The Foundation Stone For The "Nationality" Bridge In The Center Of Hilla.

Money and Business    Economy News – Baghdad    The local government in Babylon announced on Sunday the laying of the foundation stone for the “Nationality” bridge project in the center of Hilla, while confirming that the project will represent an important step to address traffic congestion within the city center.

Babil Governor Ali Turki said, "Today, the province is laying the foundation stone for a new landmark in Babil, after many years in which the city lacked similar projects, even though Hilla practically relies on only one internal bridge."

He added that “the Nationality Bridge is one of the important projects to alleviate traffic congestion, as it will contribute to reducing the pressure on the Bab Al-Awal area, in addition to being a tourist landmark due to its location on the Hilla Corniche, as well as linking the two sides of the city, the right and left sides of Hilla, which provides a direct service to citizens and facilitates movement within the city center.”

For his part, the Director of Roads and Bridges in Babylon, Engineer Hussein Sreisah, said, “The project is one of the projects that the people of Hilla have been waiting for for years, because the city relies mainly on the Bab Al-Hussein Bridge, which experiences frequent traffic jams.”

He explained that “the bridge will connect the Al-Jazair neighborhood to the Hilla Corniche, and will be integrated with 100th Street and 60th Street near the amusement park, within the road network that the governorate is working to develop,” indicating that “the road will have four lanes with integrated service facilities, and it is expected to contribute to reducing traffic congestion in Bab Al-Hussein by more than 70 percent.”

He indicated that "the actual commencement of the project will be immediately after the Eid holiday, with work to complete it before the contractual period."

For his part, the head of the Babil Provincial Council, Asaad Al-Muslawi, said that “laying the foundation stone for this project represents an important start to addressing the traffic crisis within the city center of Hilla.”

He added that "there is a proposal to change the name of the project to (Martyrs' Bridge) in honor of the sacrifices of the sons of the province," stressing that "the bridge will have a major role in facilitating movement between areas of the city, and reducing traffic congestion, especially for those coming from the direction of Baghdad or from the rest of the provinces."

Al-Muslawi added that "the local government is proceeding with the implementation of a package of service projects after the Eid holiday, including opening and developing streets 60, 80 and 100, with the aim of improving traffic flow and relieving pressure on the city center of Hilla, which will positively affect the daily lives of citizens."

https://www.economy-news.net/content.php?id=69469

With $95.7 Billion, Five Technology Companies Account For Nearly Half Of South Korea's Exports.

Money and Business     Economy News - Follow-up   The top five South Korean companies, including Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, accounted for about 44% of South Korea’s total exports in the first quarter, amid rising global demand for memory chips amid the artificial intelligence boom.

According to data released Sunday by the Ministry of Data and Statistics, the top 5 companies' exports amounted to $95.7 billion, or 43.5% of the country's total exports of $219.9 billion, during the period from January to March.

The share of the top 5 companies jumped by 14.8 percentage points compared to 28.7% in the same period of 2025, reflecting South Korea's increasing reliance on major technology companies for exports, according to Yonhap News Agency.

Iran's economy and war: A memorandum proposes ending the war on Iran and lifting sanctions on its oil.

The data showed that the top 5 companies saw their exports increase by $50 billion year-on-year in the first quarter, representing 82.8% of the country's total export growth during that period.

Experts said South Korea's recent export gains were driven by an artificial intelligence boom, not an overall recovery in the global economy, noting that the inequality could deepen further in the future.

Kim Kwang-seok, head of the economic research department at the Korea Institute of Economics and Industry, said, "The global economy is only thriving within the value chain of the artificial intelligence industry."

He added: "While major Korean companies seek to seize opportunities within the AI ​​value chain, companies operating in traditional industries face challenges." https://www.economy-news.net/content.php?id=69468

US Officials: Iran Has Agreed In Principle To 95% Of The Agreement.

Arabic and international   Fox News reported Sunday evening that Iran had "agreed in principle" to the framework agreement, but that the agreement would not be signed today or tomorrow, according to what it quoted from American officials.

Officials stated that "Tehran has agreed in principle to the framework, and we have completed 95% of it and are negotiating the wording," noting that "Washington will not sign an agreement today or tomorrow with Iran, and that President Donald Trump is inclined to give them several days to complete it."

Earlier this evening, Trump said that "if he makes a deal with Iran, it will be a good and sound deal," arguing that "the deal made by former President Barack Obama gave Tehran huge sums of cash and a clear and open path to a nuclear weapon."

Trump added, via the Truth Social platform, that "the potential agreement with Iran is completely different from Obama's agreement, but no one has seen it or knows what it is... because it is still being negotiated."

The US president urged people not to listen to what he called "losers who criticize the agreement but know nothing about

https://www.economy-news.net/content.php?id=69507

Iraq News Posted by Tishwash at TNT 5-24-2026

TNT:

Tishwash:  Al-Fayez: There is complete agreement to finalize Al-Zidi's cabinet after Eid in an emergency session.

The head of the parliamentary Design Alliance bloc and leader of the coordination framework, Amer Al-Fayez, revealed a complete agreement to finalize the appointment of the Ministers of Defense, Interior and the rest of the ministries that are run by acting ministers after the Eid al-Adha holiday.

Al-Fayez told Al-Furat News Agency: “There is a complete agreement to name the ministers after Eid; however, the House of Representatives will enter its legislative holiday after Eid, which necessitates holding an emergency session with a full quorum to name the ministers.”

He added, "If the session does not convene due to most MPs traveling or performing the Hajj pilgrimage, this matter will be resolved after the end of the legislative recess."

Al-Fayez added that "the management of the two ministries by an acting minister does not affect their essential work, as they are managed by the Prime Minister himself, with the support of advanced staff capable of managing the files until the ministers are officially appointed."  link

Tishwash:  Oil: Talks with foreign companies are ongoing to resume work in the fields.

 The Ministry of Oil announced on Saturday that discussions are ongoing with foreign companies to resume operations in oil fields, confirming that oil exports via the Turkish port of Ceyhan are imminent.

Ministry spokesman Sahib Bazoun stated, according to the official news agency, that "Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is very interested in generating revenue for the Iraqi state, and Oil Minister Basim Mohammed Khudair has established operational mechanisms and future projects for the ministry, most importantly the project to maximize revenue through oil exports by activating export terminals and reaching agreements with the parties involved in disputes over Iraqi oil exports."

He noted that "most of the foreign companies operating under the licensing rounds have withdrawn, and some fields have ceased operations, but the oil sector has maintained its oil reserves and fields, and we have no significant problems with the fields or exports." He explained that "discussions are underway with the foreign companies operating to resume work."

He affirmed that "oil exports via the Turkish port of Ceyhan will begin in the coming days, and the ministry is prepared for export operations."Prime Minister Ali Falih al-Zaidi visited the Ministry of Oil last Wednesday and chaired a meeting with senior ministry officials.

According to a statement from the Prime Minister's Media Office, the Prime Minister listened to a briefing presented by the Minister of Oil on the progress of the ministry's projects, particularly those related to addressing the crisis caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the resulting halt in oil exports . The briefing also reviewed ongoing associated gas projects and the main challenges hindering their implementation.

The meeting addressed the issue of oil exports and finding diverse export outlets, the mechanism for implementing Cabinet decisions in this regard, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' procedures for following up on agreements concluded with several neighboring countries for overland oil exports.

Earlier, Oil Minister Basim Mohammed Khudair affirmed that the ministry's priorities for the coming period include increasing production capacity, resolving the issue of flared gas, and developing the oil sector's infrastructure. He noted that the current circumstances are difficult due to the war in the region and the resulting closure of the southern export route, indicating that Iraq exported only 10 million barrels through the Strait of Hormuz last April because of the war.  link

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

Tishwash: Why did the central bank governor fail to reassure the markets? Temporary painkillers for a weary body.

The Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq is once again offering a “dose of anesthesia” in an attempt to calm the panicked markets, but it has come across as fragile, ineffective, and lacking any real economic diagnosis of the suffocating crisis.

Markets are not run by intentions and catchy words, and here is a breakdown of these statements that hide real disasters:

 The game of reserves and salaries... (secured) but for how long?

The reserves are in danger: To say that the dollar reserves are “secured” is a smokescreen. The problem is not the current figure, but the alarming rate at which they are being depleted, and the fragile state’s ability to replenish them in light of fluctuating oil prices and the frenzied domestic demand for hard currency.

Salaries: A Sustainability Crisis, Not a Cash Crisis: The phrase “salaries are guaranteed” is a short-term anesthetic. Guaranteed for a month? For six months? In a country entirely dependent on oil, borrowing, and bank liquidity, the problem isn't immediate payment, but the complete absence of any financial sustainability for the future.

  Changing the exchange rate... doesn't happen by intentions!

The governor's denial of any intention to change the exchange rate is economically meaningless. Markets are unforgiving, and the exchange rate is not determined by government promises, but rather by the pressure of the budget deficit, declining oil revenues, and the rampant black market. Denial does not address the root causes; it merely postpones the inevitable explosion.

 A stab in the back of monetary independence!

The governor's talk of involving the central bank in budget preparation is a major blunder. Transforming the central bank into a "partner" in budget drafting simply means destroying its monetary independence and turning it into a mere financial tool and ATM in the hands of the executive branch—a precedent the governor should never have proposed.

 Dollar smuggling: A protocol denial and an incomplete admission

Escaping reality: Describing talk of dollar smuggling as “inaccurate” is a gross understatement. Even if traditional smuggling were to cease, the leakage of dollars through inflated import invoices, front companies, and fictitious demand continues unabated. Markets need rigorous oversight mechanisms, not mere platitudes.

A structural deficit, not just a number: Acknowledging the fiscal deficit is a good but incomplete step. The deficit is not merely a number in a budget; it is the product of a failed rentier model: inflated operating spending, a paralyzed private sector, and a suicidal reliance on oil without any structural reform.

Summary:

The central bank governor's statements might succeed in calming the markets for a few hours in the media, but they are economically unsound. They focus on false reassurance instead of transparency, and deny risks instead of addressing them with real measures.

In short: Economic rules don't favor anyone, and hiding the symptoms won't cure the disease. link

Tishwash:   Government advisor: The Prime Minister has outlined a firm vision for building the future of public finances.

The Prime Minister’s Advisor for Financial Affairs, Mazhar Muhammad Salih, confirmed on Saturday that Prime Minister Ali Falih al-Zaidi has drawn up a firm vision for building the future of public finances. While he pointed out that the features of the Iraq Vision Plan aim to raise non-oil revenues to 45% of the budget, he noted at the same time that the lesson learned from the Strait of Hormuz shock imposes the adoption of economic diversification as a basic condition.

Saleh told the Iraqi News Agency (INA): "Prime Minister Ali al-Zubaidi outlined a firm vision for building the future of public finance in Iraq during the historic meeting with the Iraqi financial authority, held on May 23, 2026, based on a fundamental principle: announcing an alternative path for public finance and Iraqi fiscal policy."

He added that “diversifying public revenues and breaking dependence on a single resource, namely crude oil, and ending our country’s economy’s connection to the geopolitical risks of the energy market, is an approach that should be abandoned once and for all,” explaining that “the profound lesson learned from the Strait of Hormuz shock brings us back to the necessity of redrawing the maps of the future, by adopting economic diversification as a necessary condition that precedes financial diversification as a condition of sufficiency.”

He pointed out that “redesigning Iraq’s vision for the period 2020–2025 should be based on the principle of economic diversification, based on a genuine partnership between the state and the productive private sector, and launching a suitable climate for the activities of a productive social market economy,” explaining that “the features of the plan should indicate in its objectives raising the contribution of non-oil revenues to the general budget from its current levels, which are less than 10% due to weak economic diversification, to about 45% as an initial indicative stage.”

He added that "achieving this percentage in diversifying budget resources requires a fundamental shift in the philosophy of public finance, from merely distributing resources to operating and producing them, through establishing a strong link with the market economy based on institutions, efficiency and production."

He concluded by saying: “The future Iraq will be efficient in diversifying budget resources and efficient in diversifying sources of GDP, in line with the national strategy for developing market forces and the private sector.”

Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi visited the Ministry of Finance on Saturday and directed that a comprehensive vision be developed.

The Prime Minister's Media Office stated in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA) that "Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi visited the Ministry of Finance as part of his follow-up on the work of ministries and their executive, service and economic programs," noting that "Al-Zaidi chaired a meeting of the ministry's senior staff and listened to reports concerning the ministry's work in all its departments, where he stressed that Iraq is going through a sensitive financial and economic situation imposed by regional and international developments and their repercussions on the global economy."

Al-Zaydi explained, according to the statement, that “these changes have affected Iraq’s export capacity and oil revenues,” clarifying that “90% of the budget depends on oil revenues, and work must be done to expand the non-oil economy, adopt alternatives that support diversification, and it is necessary to be frank with citizens about the financial challenges, without exaggeration or embellishment.”

The Prime Minister said: “We want the Ministry of Finance to draw up the financial policy for Iraq, and we are preparing the Iraq 2035 plan. The Ministry must have a clear vision, and the budget must be a roadmap for the future.” He explained that “the budget must maximize its resources, and we cannot continue to rely on oil alone. Iraq is a meeting point for the world, and we must invest in its geographical location to enhance its revenues.”

Al-Zaydi pointed out that “employees’ salaries must be released on time, so that there is no message of concern to the people, as well as the salaries of the social protection network. We have directed that a payment be prepared for the farmers’ dues, and the dues of contractors and investors, and their rights must not be delayed to ensure the continuation of work,” noting that “there is a concept that the state is the one that manages the economy, but we want the economy to manage the state, and if the change in concepts is achieved, we will not have to change the people.”

He continued, "The state is not just about budgets and allocations, but rather it seeks to achieve a high GDP, as there are governing and operational expenses that do not reflect positively on development. Therefore, we seek to change traditional financial concepts."

He added, "We do not want to replicate yesterday's experiences. The state's role is regulation and oversight, and we support the private sector, as it is the one that will drive development. It is our duty to look after the poor, but we must not continue to operate with a socialist mentality in the economy."

The Prime Minister explained, “We have directed the preparation of a report on the customs situation in terms of revenues during the last six months, especially for materials with high customs duties. We have also noticed that materials with high customs duties are being replaced with cheaper materials through devious means, and automation will put an end to this manipulation.”

 He pointed out that “we have 5,000 doctors contracted with the Ministry of Health, and we have directed that their situations be resolved. We have also circulated a directive not to place pictures of the Prime Minister and ministers in all departments and institutions. We want people to see our work, not our pictures.”  link

News, Rumors and Opinions Sunday 5-24-2026

KTFA:

Clare:  Parliamentary Oil Committee: Passing the oil and gas law is our priority

5/21/2026Economy News – Baghdad

The Oil, Gas and Natural Resources Committee affirmed that one of its priorities is to pass the Oil and Gas Law, which regulates the fair distribution of oil wealth

Committee member Mohammed Al-Fartousi told the official newspaper, as reported by "Al-Eqtisad News," that "one of the committee's priorities in this session is to pass the oil and gas law that regulates the fair distribution of oil wealth," explaining that "this law is considered one of the important laws, especially since Iraq depends on oil for 90 percent of its revenues, so it is not logical that there is no law that regulates the relationship between the federal government and the region, and regulates this wealth, as well as regulating the sale process and the connection of oil to the central government."

He added that "the committee is determined during this session to finalize the oil and gas law, and will consult with all parties as well as legal authorities to issue a draft law that ensures no party is wronged," stressing that "the committee is serious about passing this law."

Al-Fartousi pointed out that "the delay in resuming oil exports via the Ceyhan-Fishkhabur pipeline is due to technical reasons only," noting that "the next government's program must include coordination with the region regarding oil exports and its fields, and all of this is related to the oil and gas law."

He added that "the committee will not start from scratch, but will rely on the previous draft and existing understandings to move towards legislating the law during the next stage."  LINK

Jackie:  IMHO - Most Powerful Statement in this entire article: “he added that the committee will NOT start from scratch, but will rely on the previous draft and existing understandings to move towards legislating the law during the next stage.”  Most powerful comment made!  Tremendous Progress, even greater speed here!  IMHO

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Clare:  Al-Alaq: Dollar reserves are secured and transfers are under control

5/21/2026

Baghdad: Hussein Thaghab 

The Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq, Ali Al-Alaq, stressed that the bank’s involvement in preparing the federal budget is an “inevitable necessity” to achieve integration between fiscal and monetary policies, noting that this coordination contributes to preventing economic gaps and enhancing financial and monetary stability in the long term.

 Al-Alaq explained in an interview with Al-Sabah that the Central Bank possesses accurate indicators and readings related to cash liquidity, foreign reserves, and money supply levels, which makes it a key entity in shaping the state’s general economic policy, in addition to the fiscal policy undertaken by the government and the Ministry of Finance.

He explained that the lack of coordination between the two sides could lead to economic imbalances that affect monetary stability, the exchange rate and inflation levels, stressing that integration between the two institutions contributes to building a more realistic budget and the ability to cope with economic changes.

The Central Bank Governor pointed out the importance of the federal budget including clear economic and development goals, explaining that the bank had previously called for the adoption of a “program budget” instead of traditional formulas, in order to ensure increased spending efficiency and tangible economic results, but this proposal has not yet been implemented.

On the other hand, Al-Alaq affirmed that the Central Bank continues its efforts to support economic stability through managing foreign reserves and controlling liquidity levels, thereby enhancing the confidence of local markets and investors in the Iraqi economy. (Oil revenues)

He said that Iraqi oil revenues are deposited directly in dollars into the Ministry of Finance's account at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, explaining that they are transferred to the Central Bank of Iraq's account within 24 hours. A balance is then maintained in the Central Bank's account to meet the country's needs, and the Central Bank manages these reserves by investing them in bonds, gold, and banks. 

Other ways to generate profits.

 exchange rate

Ali Al-Alaq denied the existence of any governmental or monetary intention to change the exchange rate of the Iraqi dinar against the US dollar, stressing that the current monetary policy focuses on maintaining financial and monetary stability in the country and enhancing confidence in the national economy.

Al-Alaq explained that the Central Bank continues to follow procedures aimed at supporting market stability and controlling liquidity and inflation levels, in order to ensure the stability of the exchange rate and protect the economic environment from financial fluctuations.

Regarding the issue of salaries, Al-Alaq reassured citizens that salaries are “secured for the foreseeable future,” stressing that there are no concerns about the state’s ability to meet its financial obligations, despite the economic challenges facing the country.

He pointed out that Iraq has the potential to overcome the current economic conditions, through a package of financial measures and economic reforms that are being worked on, noting that monetary stability is one of the most prominent factors supporting the national economy and maintaining the confidence of local markets and investors.

The Central Bank Governor stressed the important role that the Financial Stability Board can play in preparing the federal budget, which contributes to achieving a positive economic impact and enhancing coordination between fiscal and monetary policies to ensure the sustainability of economic stability during 

The next stage.

 external borrowing

Regarding external borrowing, Al-Alaq explained that the need for external borrowing arises when the state’s local resources and savings are unable to finance the requirements of economic development, or to cover the financial deficit resulting from a decrease in revenues (such as the decline in oil prices), noting that the International Monetary Fund imposes conditions and structural reforms in exchange for granting loans.

Regarding the budget deficit, Dr. Al-Alaq emphasized that it was previously a numerical deficit, with the budget ending without a real deficit. However, the situation has changed, and there is now an actual deficit. He warned that the danger of this deficit stems from the fact that it is not a temporary issue but rather reflects a structural and chronic flaw in the economic system, meaning that state revenues... 

Limited to the oil sector.

 He pointed out that government spending in Iraq is not flexible but fixed and governing, such as salaries, wages, and essential obligations like food and medicine, noting that flexibility comes at the expense of the investment budget, and this affects the country’s economy.

Al-Alaq pointed out that in countries with deep financial markets, there is a possibility of covering the deficit through bonds and loans. However, in Iraq, we need to possess this depth. He reiterated that internal debts are concentrated in government banks and the central bank, and this requires a financial market with effective tools, as the lending capacity of government banks has reached its limit. 

To high limits.

parallel market

The Central Bank Governor stressed the importance of converting expenditures into productivity and expanding its base in the country, adding that Iraq is a rich country with great wealth in its various regions.

Al-Alaq, who denied that the Central Bank had a problem in covering the market’s need for dollars, explained that all transfer operations are monitored by the Central Bank, stressing that talk of dollar smuggling is incorrect and that the price in the parallel market is normal in comparison to what is offered in the market.

He stated that Iraq has long-term solutions and can receive major investments, urging the need to regulate the issue of tax collection in all parts of the state and make it beneficial to the federal budget.  LINK

Courtesy of Dinar Guru:  https://www.dinarguru.com/

Reset Intelligence  Iraq is not devaluing the IQD or reducing its citizens' purchasing power.  What they are building says the exact opposite.

Frank26  There is a paradigm shift that is occurring inside of Iraq because of the dynamics of the monetary reform that will lead to the explosion of the economic reform... 

Stephen  We are simply waiting and speculating and trying to figure out when is the revaluation of the Iraqi dinar going to happen?  What is the rate going to come out at?  Is it going to be 50 cents, 10 cents, a dollar, $3.70? It's sometimes fun to speculate...2026, I think there's a high probability and strong argument we could make for it happening this year...I believe the most optimal month for the dinar revaluation is going to be in August... 

Militia Man The diversification that Iraq has attained over the last three years under Al-Sudani has been amazing and set the stage.  They couldn't do this all overnight.  They had to have things in place...

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

Jon Dowling Weekly Wrap Up & Latest Financial Updates

5-22-2026

Excerpt: Domestically, the United States is poised for a period of legislative activity and financial transformation.

Congress is anticipating the passage of several important bills, including key legislation related to intelligence oversight, housing, and regulatory clarity, all within the coming weeks.

These legislative actions are reportedly part of a broader timeline leading up to significant public announcements later in the summer.

 In parallel, the financial sector is on the cusp of major innovation, with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) expected to approve the tokenization of corporate assets, a move that could unlock substantial value within blockchain-based systems.

These developments are supported by upcoming changes to the banking system and the integration of digital currencies into mainstream finance, marking a significant evolution towards a more digitized financial future under new leadership at the Federal Reserve.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqVcG0W6o9c

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economics Updates Sunday Morning 5-24-26

Good Morning Dinar Recaps,

Iran Rejects Compromise as High-Stakes U.S. Talks Threaten Energy Stability

Tehran signals resistance as Pakistan mediation efforts continue amid rising fears over Hormuz disruptions, energy shocks, and broader geopolitical fragmentation.

Overview

Iran has hardened its negotiating position in ongoing indirect talks with the United States, with Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf declaring that Tehran will not compromise on what it considers its sovereign rights. The remarks came during meetings in Tehran with Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir, whose government continues acting as a quiet intermediary between Washington and Tehran.

The developments arrive at a critical moment for global markets. Continued instability surrounding the Strait of Hormuz — one of the world’s most important energy corridors — is fueling concerns over oil supply disruptions, inflation pressures, and broader financial instability. The negotiations are increasingly viewed not only as a regional security issue, but as a major factor shaping the evolving global economic order.

Key Developments

1. Iran Signals Hardline Position in Negotiations

Qalibaf warned that the United States remains “untrustworthy” in negotiations and insisted Iran would continue defending its national interests through both diplomacy and military preparedness. Iranian officials reportedly shared a detailed 14-point negotiation framework during discussions with Pakistani mediators.

The comments suggest Tehran is unwilling to make rapid concessions on critical issues such as uranium enrichment, regional influence, or military capabilities despite mounting economic pressure.

2. Pakistan Expands Its Role as Regional Mediator

Pakistan continues positioning itself as one of the few countries maintaining active communication with both Washington and Tehran. General Asim Munir met not only with Qalibaf, but also with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi during the diplomatic visit.

Islamabad’s growing involvement highlights the increasing role of regional middle powers in managing geopolitical crises as traditional global alliances become more fragmented.

3. Strait of Hormuz Remains Central Flashpoint

Shipping disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz continue impacting global energy markets. The narrow waterway previously handled roughly one-fifth of global oil and LNG shipments, making any instability there a direct threat to international trade and inflation control efforts.

Markets remain highly sensitive to any indication that negotiations could either stabilize or further destabilize Gulf shipping routes.

4. Global Financial Risks Continue Rising

Although U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged some progress in negotiations, significant disagreements remain unresolved. Investors continue monitoring the situation closely as energy volatility contributes to inflation fears, rising shipping costs, and uncertainty across global markets.

The longer tensions persist, the greater the risk of broader economic spillover effects impacting currencies, bond markets, and international trade flows.

Why It Matters

The ongoing U.S.-Iran confrontation is becoming increasingly tied to broader discussions surrounding the future of global financial stability and geopolitical power shifts. Energy security, shipping access, sanctions policy, and strategic resource control are now directly influencing international monetary systems and global market confidence.

The crisis also reflects the growing transition toward a more fragmented multipolar environment, where regional powers and alternative diplomatic channels are playing larger roles in managing conflicts once dominated by Western-led institutions.

Why It Matters to Foreign Currency Holders

For foreign currency investors and global reset observers, prolonged instability in the Gulf could accelerate several major trends already underway:

• Increased pressure on fiat currencies through inflation and energy shocks

• Growing diversification away from U.S.-centric systems

• Greater volatility in commodity-linked currencies

• Rising interest in alternative payment systems and strategic reserves

• Expanded geopolitical influence for BRICS-aligned nations and regional mediators

As energy corridors become politicized, financial systems tied heavily to global trade flows may experience increasing stress and realignment pressures.

Implications for the Global Reset

• Pillar 1: Energy Security Reshapes Financial Power

Control over strategic trade routes such as the Strait of Hormuz is becoming deeply connected to currency stability, inflation management, and sovereign debt conditions. Nations that secure stable energy access may gain increasing influence over future trade and settlement systems.

• Pillar 2: Multipolar Diplomacy Accelerates

Pakistan’s role in mediation reflects the rise of alternative diplomatic actors outside traditional Western power structures. This trend aligns with the broader movement toward a more decentralized geopolitical and financial order.

This is not just a regional conflict — it is a growing stress test for the future balance of global finance, energy security, and geopolitical influence.

Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources

• Modern Diplomacy — “Iran: Qalibaf Says It Will Not Compromise in Talks With US”

• Reuters — “Pakistan continues mediation efforts between Iran and United States amid Gulf tensions”

~~~~~~~~~~

🌱A Message to Our Currency Holders🌱

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

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

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

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

That is not your failure.

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

Instead, we focus on:

• Verifiable developments • Institutional evidence

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

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

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

Protect your identity. Organize your documents.    Verify everything.

Never hand your discernment to anyone who cannot show proof.

You deserve truth — not timelines.

Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News™

~~~~~~~~~~

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Thank you Dinar Recaps

Iraq Economic News and Points To Ponder Sunday Morning 5-23-26

Central Bank Governor: Banking reform is receiving direct attention from the Prime Minister

Baghdad – WAA   The Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq, Ali Al-Alaq, confirmed on Tuesday that there is no intention to reduce the exchange rate of the dinar against the dollar. While denying the existence of any American embargo on Iraqi funds, he indicated that the banking reform file is receiving direct attention from Prime Minister Ali Al-Zubaidi.

Al-Alaq told a number of journalists, as reported by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), that “there is no intention to reduce the exchange rate of the dinar against the dollar, and we will help the government overcome the repercussions of any potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz by discounting treasury bonds and securing salaries,” noting that “the cash reserves are currently being invested in several countries, and there is no American embargo on Iraqi funds.”

He added that "the US Treasury and the Federal Reserve praise the role of the central bank," noting that "the central bank provides dollars to travelers and traders at the official rate."

He explained that "most banks have reached the stage of merger or liquidation, and only one or two banks remain that are unable to continue," stressing that "the banking reform file is receiving direct attention from the Prime Minister, and there is an expected meeting in the coming days with the Federal Reserve and the US Treasury Department."

He confirmed that he "directly oversees the banking reforms file, and the banks concerned and the consulting firm have made significant progress in implementing the reform requirements," noting that "a meeting is expected in the coming days that will bring together Oliver Wyman and the Central Bank of Iraq with the US Federal Reserve and the US Treasury Department."

He added: “The meeting will pave the way for the transition to dealing in other foreign currencies for banks that have completed all the required requirements and procedures,” noting that “there is no truth to what is being said about the Central Bank obstructing banking reforms, and our interest lies in the return of the deprived banks to activity as quickly as possible.”

He concluded by saying: "The media has a major role, and the international community is watching with interest what is being said by parliamentarians, analysts, and local media."    https://ina.iq/ar/economie/263703-.html

Ali al-Alaq: Central Bank Participation in Budget Drafting Is Essential

The Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) stressed the need for stronger coordination between fiscal and monetary policy, stating that the bank’s involvement in budget preparation helps prevent an economic gap.

Coordination Between Fiscal and Monetary Policy

CBI Governor Ali al-Alaq said that the participation of the Central Bank in drafting the state budget is essential to ensure complementarity between fiscal and monetary policies.

He noted that such coordination helps prevent economic disparities and strengthens long-term fiscal and monetary stability.

Role of the Central Bank in Economic Policy

Al-Alaq explained that the Central Bank has detailed indicators and data on cash flow, foreign reserves, and money supply levels. Therefore, it must play a key role in shaping the country’s overall economic policy alongside the fiscal policies implemented by the government and the Ministry of Finance.

He also emphasized that a lack of coordination directly affects prices and inflation levels.

Toward a More Balanced Budget Framework

Al-Alaq stated that coordination between the two institutions would lead to a more realistic and balanced budget capable of responding to economic changes.

These remarks come as the Iraqi government has yet to prepare the 2026 budget, with indications that a budget law for this year is unlikely.

Al-Zaidi Emphasizes Economic Reforms and Stability Initiatives

In his first official address after becoming prime minister, Ali Faleh al-Zaidi underlined that one of the “top priorities” for his government is initiating a comprehensive economic and financial reform program.

He highlighted the program aims at "building a strong, diversified, and sustainable national economy that does not rely on a single resource.”

Al-Zaidi also chaired a meeting of the Financial Stability Council earlier this week with the CBI governor and the minister of finance, during which he underscored the importance of making financial decisions that support stability in a way that positively impacts the government’s development, service, and economic plans. https://channel8.com/english/news/58421

Political Consensus Paves The Way For The Passage Of The Oil And Gas Law.

 2026/05/19    Baghdad: Jinan Al-Asadi    The Iraqi Parliament is preparing to introduce the draft oil and gas law in the coming period, amid indications of a political consensus among most blocs to pass it. MP Adel al-Mahalawi, from the Progress Bloc, told Al-Sabah newspaper that the law will be presented to Parliament soon after political understandings are reached.

He explained that Prime Minister Ali al-Zubaidi has expressed his willingness to cooperate in finalizing legislation with an economic dimension. He clarified that the law is considered one of the most anticipated pieces of legislation, as it regulates the relationship between the federal government and the oil-producing provinces and contributes to supporting the budget and boosting revenues.

Al-Mahalawi added that some technical and political disagreements still exist, but they are resolvable through national consensus. He also noted Parliament's intention to introduce a set of service and economic laws in the coming period in coordination with the government.  https://alsabaah.iq/132587-.html

Lebanese News: US General Petraeus's Visit To Baghdad Brings Back Memories Of The "Sunni Awakening" Project

Baghdad - One News   5/23/2026   Sunni Awakening project that became associated with his name after 2007.

 According to the Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar, the visit coincided with political changes that accompanied the formation of the new government, most notably the exclusion of factional forces from the first ministerial batch, in addition to growing talk within political circles about unannounced understandings between Baghdad and Washington regarding the Popular Mobilization Forces and the restructuring of the security landscape in Iraq.

 Iraqi political sources indicate that Petraeus discussed during his meetings with government officials and security leaders American visions for reorganizing the Iraqi security establishment, within a vision that considers the continuation of the current form of the Popular Mobilization Forces to be an obstacle to the stability of Iraq and its regional relations.https://1news-iq.net/الاخبار-اللبنانية-زيارة-الجنرال-الأم/

Masrour Barzani And Ali Al-Zaidi Hold A Bilateral Meeting In Baghdad

Latest News  Baghdad - One News     5/23/2026    Meanwhile, the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, Masrour Barzani , and the Prime Minister of the Federal Government, Ali al-Zaidi , held a bilateral meeting at the Government Palace in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad .

 The Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region arrived in Baghdad on Saturday afternoon, leading a high-level government delegation, for a two-day visit. 

During his visit, Masrour Barzani is scheduled to hold a series of meetings with the Federal Prime Minister al-Zaidi, the Speaker of Parliament, and the Head of the Supreme Judicial Council, along with a number of senior officials and leaders of political forces. 

The talks will address the latest developments and updates on the Iraqi and regional scenes, as well as discuss contentious issues and outstanding files between the Kurdistan Region and the Federal Government, in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution and in a manner that guarantees the rights of all components of the country.

https://1news-iq.net/مسرور-بارزاني-وعلي-الزيدي-يعقدان-اجتم/

Iraqi And Kurdish Premiers Seek Agreement On Longstanding Disputes

026-05-23 / 05:18   Shafaq News- Baghdad/ Erbil   Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi and Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Saturday launched talks in Baghdad focused on oil exports, border crossings, customs procedures, and revenue-sharing arrangements between Baghdad and Erbil.

 During the discussions, which also addressed implementation of the UN-developed ASYCUDA customs platform and coordination over oil companies operating in the Kurdistan Region, Al-Zaidi stated that his government was seeking to resolve outstanding issues “according to the law and constitution,” adding that Baghdad aimed to reach an agreement serving “the interests of the country and its people.”  مكتب الاعلامي لرئيس الوزراء العراقي

pdooeStrns2gfl06ch55g9g61998uc2260lt11t92g04hl0i2t1a6ugiu83m ·

Prime Minister Ali Falah Al-Zaidi Emphasizes The Government's Keenness To Cooperate With The Regional Government To Resolve Technical Issues

Today Saturday, the Prime Minister, Mr. Ali Falah Al-Zaidi, the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, Mr. Masrour Barzani, and his accompanying delegation.

 During the meeting, the research of the situation in the country, discussion of technical issues related to border port files, implementation of Asikoda system and oil companies operating in the region was emphasized, the opportunity for high coordination and cooperation between the federal government and the regional government, to manage technical issues and to lower obstacles to them in accordance with law and constitution.

 His majesty emphasized the diligence to solve all issues, in line with the vision of the government that aims to serve citizens with different components, demonstrating that everyone is partners in this country, and that its goal is to reach an agreement that fulfills the interests of the country and serve its people.

 On his part, Mr. President of the Iraqi Kurdistan Region Government renewed his congratulations to Mr. Al-Zaidi, on the occasion of his confidence in the House of Representatives and the formation of the new government, and expressed his support of the regional government for the ministerial cabinet, he also stressed the importance of radical resolving all technical issues in accordance with the Constitution.

•••••

Media office of the Prime Minister   23- MAY-2026

Barzani, meanwhile, stressed the importance of resolving disputes under the constitution while respecting the Kurdistan Region’s federal status.

His two-day visit to the capital will also include meetings with Iraqi Parliament Speaker Haibet Al-Halbousi, Supreme Judicial Council President Faiq Ziidan, and senior political leaders, marking one of the first major engagements between Baghdad and Erbil since Al-Zaidi’s government gained confidence on May 14.

https://www.facebook.com/watch/masrourbarzani/

 In March, Baghdad and Erbil reached an agreement to resume Kurdish crude exports through the Iraq-Turkiye pipeline following nearly two years of disruption, with exports resuming at around 170,000 barrels per day.

 Despite the agreement, negotiations have continued over payment mechanisms, revenue-sharing arrangements, and guarantees demanded by foreign oil companies operating in the Region, including members of the Association of the Petroleum Industry of Kurdistan (APIKUR).

 The strategic importance of northern export routes has also increased following months of disruption to maritime shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran closed and the United States blockaded during their conflict.

Read more: Iraq's oil lifeline is blocked: Here is why the crisis runs deeper than Hormuz

 Baghdad And Erbil Also Remain Divided Over Federal Budget Transfers And Salary Payments To Kurdistan Region Public Employees.

 Earlier this year, the Kurdistan Regional Government’s Ministry of Finance and Economy said Baghdad had transferred only about 41% of the Kurdistan Region’s financial entitlements over the previous three years despite agreements on oil and non-oil revenue sharing, while the federal Finance Ministry argued that salary transfers depend on the Kurdistan Regional Government complying with revenue-sharing obligations under Iraq’s federal budget law.

Read more: Into 2026, Baghdad and Erbil face the same disputes—with higher stakes

https://shafaq.com/en/Iraq/Iraqi-and-Kurdish-premiers-seek-agreement-on-longstanding-disputes

Ali Al-Zaidi's Incomplete Cabinet Faces Iraqi Armed Factions Test

2026-05-22 / 02:12   Shafaq News   Iraq’s new Prime Minister, Ali al-Zaidi, entered office under the shadow of an incomplete parliamentary mandate after the Iraqi parliament approved only 14 cabinet ministers, leaving nine key sovereign and service portfolios unresolved, including the ministries of Interior, Defense, and Planning.

 The delay has not been viewed as a routine political dispute over appointments. Instead, it reflects deeper tensions tied to the restructuring of Iraq’s post-2003 political order and the future role of armed Shiite factions within the state apparatus.

 Vacant ministries encompass some of Iraq’s most critical institutions, overseeing security, administration, and economic planning. The Interior and Defense portfolios, in particular, remain highly contentious because they are directly tied to the issue of weapons control and the influence of armed factions, a file that lies at the heart of both Baghdad’s relationship with Washington and rivalries within the Shiite political camp.

Amid a highly sensitive regional and international climate, Baghdad faces increasing US pressure alongside escalating competition among factions within the Coordination Framework. At the same time, Iraqi political forces are attempting to craft a governing arrangement capable of containing external demands without upsetting the country’s fragile internal equilibrium.

Read more: Iraq’s armed factions, state authority, and the battle over disarmament

Armed Factions and the Post-2003 Order

 One of the most significant transformations in Iraq since 2003 has been the evolution of armed factions from military actors into influential political stakeholders with direct leverage over state institutions. Many of these groups expanded their influence during the war against ISIS and now maintain substantial parliamentary, political, and economic power that major Iraqi parties can no longer ignore.

 Political researcher Ramadan Al-Badran told Shafaq News that the issue of armed factions is simultaneously a domestic Iraqi crisis and part of a broader regional confrontation. “The factions’ relationship with Iran makes them part of the wider tension between Tehran and Washington,” Al-Badran said, arguing that the post-2003 political system, particularly during the governments of former Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki between 2006 and 2014, “effectively legitimized the presence of these groups by presenting them as defenders of Iraq’s political order.”

 He questioned the current calls to limit factional influence, asking why parallel military formations were established outside the traditional army structure in the first place and why they are now being asked to retreat after years of participating in protecting the state.

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

A Consensus Prime Minister

 Observers interviewed by Shafaq News said Al-Zaidi’s selection was less the result of political dominance within the Coordination Framework than a compromise among competing Shiite forces seeking a figure capable of managing internal rivalries.

 Haitham Hadi Numan, Professor of Political Science at the University of Exeter, noted that Al-Zaidi emerged as a consensus candidate acceptable to the major factions inside the alliance, and the forces within the Coordination Framework now possess relatively balanced influence that prevents any single party from dominating. “Therefore, they chose a figure who can be politically managed.”

According to Numan, confrontation with armed factions “remains unlikely” in the current phase. Instead, Iraq’s ruling forces appear more inclined toward the “legal institutionalization” of these groups within state structures.

Read more: The Shiite Coordination Framework: Can govern Iraq, but cannot agree on a primeminister

Factions Push Back

Pillar One of al-Zaidi’s program commits the government to consolidating all weapons under exclusive state authority, meaning no armed group outside the formal military and security structure should operate independently. In most countries, this would be an unremarkable statement, but in Iraq, it is the central unresolved dilemma of the post-2003 political order.

 Signs of resistance quickly emerged. Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba rejected suggestions that the government’s pledge to limit weapons to state authority applies to what it called “resistance weapons.”

 The group’s Executive Council chief, Nazem Al-Saadi, stressed that the term “uncontrolled weapons” referred only to illegal arms that create “chaos,” insisting that it did not include weapons held by fighters who “defended Iraq, its holy sites, and its people during the most difficult circumstances.”

 At the same time, new fractures appear to be emerging within the Coordination Framework itself.

 A well-informed source revealed to Shafaq News that five influential Shiite leaders are holding advanced discussions to establish a new parliamentary alliance that could significantly reshape Iraq’s ruling coalition landscape.

 The figures involved include Nouri Al-Maliki, leader of the State of Law Coalition; Hadi Al-Ameri, leader of the Badr Organization and head of the Fatah Alliance; Faleh Al-Fayyad; Humam Hamoudi; and Ahmed al-Asadi.

 According to the source, the proposed bloc could include between 75 and 100 lawmakers, potentially making it one of the largest organized opposition forces in parliament despite originating from within the Shiite political establishment itself.

 If formed, the alliance would signal not only dissatisfaction with Al-Zaidi’s government arrangements but also deeper competition over the future leadership of the Coordination Framework and the distribution of influence inside the Shiite camp.

Washington Pressure and Baghdad’s Balancing Act

 In recent months, Washington has intensified sanctions targeting individuals linked to armed factions while repeatedly stressing that restricting weapons to state control remains a prerequisite for deeper bilateral cooperation with Baghdad.

Iraqi political sources have also spoken of an undeclared American veto against the participation of armed factions in government institutions.

 The US Department of State has indicated that its relationship with the new Iraqi government will be judged “by actions, not words,” placing Baghdad in a difficult position. The Iraqi government must preserve the cohesion of its internal alliances while simultaneously avoiding confrontation with Washington, whose support remains critical for Iraq’s economic stability, security cooperation, and international relations.

Read more: Ali al-Zaidi named Iraq's prime minister: Easy nomination, harder road ahead

Iraq’s Unresolved State Dilemma

 According to analysts, the troubled birth of Al-Zaidi’s government underscores a structural crisis that extends far beyond cabinet formation or ministerial quotas.

 At its core, the conflict concerns the nature of the Iraqi state itself: the limits of armed faction influence, the future of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), and Baghdad’s relationship with competing regional and international powers.

 Caught between American pressure, Iranian calculations, and the internal balance of the Coordination Framework, the new prime minister faces a defining challenge: either engineer a new political settlement capable of reorganizing the relationship between the state and armed factions or enter another prolonged phase of political paralysis.

 One notable indicator of the current compromise is the absence of any explicit commitment in the government program regarding the future of the PMF or its weapons. That omission raises a central question now dominating Iraq’s political debate: can the PMF become the foundation for a broader political settlement between the state and the factions, or has the issue already moved beyond the limits of purely Iraqi solutions?

Read more: Iraq's new political equation: Armed groups' gains put pressure on US

https://shafaq.com/en/Report/Iraq-s-Ali-Al-Zaidi-incomplete-government-faces-power-struggle-under-armed-factions-crisis

URGENT: CBI Announcement and Nuclear Drone Attack Updates

URGENT: CBI Announcement and Nuclear Drone Attack Updates

Edu Matrix:  5-22-2026

 Iraq’s Central Bank Governor has issued a serious warning about Iraq’s growing financial crisis, calling the country’s budget deficit “real and chronic.”

 In this important report, Sandy Ingram explains what the Central Bank of Iraq is saying about declining oil revenues, rising government debt, IMF loan concerns, and the future stability of the Iraqi dinar (IQD).

This verified report discusses Iraq’s dependence on oil income, the dangers of excessive domestic borrowing, and why Iraq may eventually need foreign financial assistance tied to IMF economic reforms.

The CBI Governor also addressed rumors surrounding the Iraqi dinar exchange rate and stated that the Central Bank remains focused on maintaining monetary stability.

 This video also covers:

• Iraq’s sharp drop in oil revenues

• International concerns involving Iran-backed militants

 • Missile and drone tensions impacting the Middle East

 • Why the UAE incident has the region on edge

• Iraq’s remaining funds held in the U.S. Federal Reserve

• New financial cooperation involving Iraq, Germany, Switzerland, and the UK

• Growing pressure for disarmament inside Iraq

• The geopolitical risks now being discussed internationally and at the United Nations

This channel provides verified news and analysis related to Iraq, the IQD, global finance, BRICS developments, Middle East tensions, and international economics.

Watch until the end for the international reports that are making governments across the Middle East extremely nervous.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7dArvSKUxs

Ross: IQD RV was Never Possible Until the Strait of Hormuz was Dealt with

Ross: IQD RV was Never Possible Until the Strait of Hormuz was Dealt with

5-23-2026

Iraqi Dinar Revaluation was NEVER Possible Until the Strait of Hormuz Was Dealt With!

Imagine holding the Dinar for 23 years thinking it could revalue any day.

What if it actually did?

You’d have cashed out years ago, retired on a beach with a margarita… but what if the Strait closed after your exchange?

Iraq’s oil exports via Hormuz collapsed 89% in April alone — slashing 90% of government revenue.

You do the math.

What oil revenue would be backing that newly revalued Dinar?

Exactly. Nothing.

And that’s precisely why you’ve waited this long.

Nothing could have sustained the new value.

Iraq’s diversification away from oil revenues will not be solved anytime soon.

The fact that the Strait of Hormuz is closed right now should have you feeling electric about your investment — resolving this is literally the #1 prerequisite to a revaluation.

Iraq isn’t poor. It’s an oil superpower.

5th-largest proven reserves on Earth (147 billion barrels).

Lowest production costs globally.

Still HOLDing $100B in foreign reserves at the CBI.

The Iran War just exposed the old petrodollar/export trap in the most brutal way possible.

Emergency World Bank/IMF loans?

Rapid-response cash. Minimal conditions. Letter of Intent only.

A bridge to pay salaries and keep subsidies alive.

But it piles on more debt in a broken fiat loop.

Iraq can’t keep borrowing forever when its real wealth (oil in the ground + reserves) is massive (but trapped).

The key to the revaluation is unlocking the wealth.

This crisis is the justification for the clean break:

IQD revaluation to actual asset-backed levels — not the artificial low rate tied to the old model.

So how does the choke point finally get dealt with?
Military: Iran’s ability to close the strait is being neutralized
Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline to Turkey ramping fast (250k+ bpd)
Basra-Haditha pipeline under construction (2.25M bpd goal)
Basra-Aqaba pipeline to Jordan/Red Sea now on the fast track
Grand Faw Port + Development Road as the ultimate bypass

The foundation is already being built:
New PM + 100-day corruption cleanup governance reset
CBI/Fed & Treasury alignment institutional green light
Railways, energy diversification, HCL progress…. real economic base
“Delete the zeros” project still active …..technical runway laid

Old central-bank debt system cracks under shock sovereign oil wealth backs a new, righteous dinar.

Just like the Fed dying and the US shifting to asset-backed Victory Notes.

XRP pours gasoline on the fire unlocking the $27T trapped globally in nostro/vostro balances.

Iraq’s $100B in foreign reserves suddenly level up to $200–400B in currency strength firepower.

This provides the CBI with the monetary sovereignty to defend a stronger Dinar without the old handcuffs.

Forcing diversification of oil export routes while piling on more debt is the accelerant.

Debt digs the old fiat system even deeper — making the whole broken loop completely unsustainable and forcing the clean break.

The only logical exit from the collapsing debt trap.

I know how you feel… worn out. Beat up. Defeated.

Bills. BS. Life.

But you should really… REALLY be far more bullish than you are or think you are.

This is the Global Currency Reset unfolding right in front of us.

Don’t let ever increasing tolerance for amazing news discount the progress happening right before your eyes on a daily basis.

We are almost there.

Source(s):
• https://x.com/Ross_ptm/status/2058082087102787915

https://dinarchronicles.com/2026/05/23/ross-iqd-rv-was-never-possible-until-the-strait-of-hormuz-was-dealt-with/

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economics Updates Saturday Afternoon 5-23-26

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Iran Conflict Reshapes China-U.S. Rivalry as Global Power Balance Begins to Shift

The prolonged Iran-U.S. confrontation is increasingly being viewed as a geopolitical turning point that may accelerate the transition toward a more multipolar global order.

Overview

What began as a regional confrontation between the United States and Iran is now evolving into a much larger strategic test with global implications for the balance of power between Washington and Beijing.

According to growing geopolitical analysis, the Iran conflict has exposed vulnerabilities in U.S. military deterrence, economic resilience, and alliance management while simultaneously creating strategic opportunities for China to expand its influence across global markets and diplomatic networks.

Chinese leadership is reportedly studying the crisis closely as a real-time example of how prolonged geopolitical attrition can weaken even the world’s most powerful military and financial system.

Key Developments

1. Iran’s Resistance Challenges Traditional U.S. Deterrence

The conflict has increasingly highlighted the limits of overwhelming military superiority in modern geopolitical warfare.

Rather than achieving rapid strategic surrender through sanctions and military pressure, the United States now faces a prolonged war of attrition involving shipping disruptions, energy instability, rising inflation pressures, and mounting operational costs.

Iran’s asymmetric strategy — particularly involving the Strait of Hormuz — demonstrated that smaller powers can impose significant economic and political strain without defeating a superior military force outright.

2. China Sees Strategic Overextension in Washington

Chinese analysts reportedly view the Iran crisis as evidence that the United States may be struggling to manage multiple global confrontations simultaneously.

As Washington diverts military resources and diplomatic focus toward the Middle East, Beijing gains additional room to maneuver in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly regarding Taiwan and the South China Sea.

The situation has intensified concerns inside the Pentagon regarding missile stockpiles, air defense systems, and the long-term sustainability of simultaneous geopolitical crises.

3. Economic Pressures Are Weakening Global Confidence

The ongoing conflict has contributed to energy market instability, shipping disruptions, inflation fears, and growing concerns over global supply chains.

China has continued maintaining selective economic ties with Iran despite sanctions pressure, while positioning itself as a more stable and patient economic power compared to what Beijing portrays as increasingly reactive American leadership.

Analysts note that prolonged instability could further accelerate de-dollarization efforts and deepen interest in alternative trade and financial systems.

4. The Crisis Is Reinforcing a Multipolar Global Order

One of the most significant outcomes may be the gradual erosion of confidence in America’s ability to maintain uncontested global leadership.

China increasingly presents itself as a long-term strategic actor focused on economic development, infrastructure, and stability, while portraying U.S. policy as overly dependent on military coercion.

The longer the conflict continues, the more the world may move toward a fragmented international system where power is distributed among several competing centers rather than dominated by a single superpower.

Why It Matters

The Iran conflict is no longer simply a Middle Eastern security issue. It has become part of the broader global struggle involving military power, economic influence, energy security, and financial dominance.

For the first time in decades, a prolonged regional confrontation is visibly testing the durability of U.S. global leadership while simultaneously strengthening China’s strategic position without Beijing directly engaging in military conflict.

The crisis also demonstrates how modern geopolitical competition increasingly revolves around economic endurance, supply chain resilience, and long-term attrition rather than quick battlefield victories.

Why It Matters to Foreign Currency Holders

For foreign currency holders and global reset observers, the situation reinforces growing uncertainty surrounding the future structure of the international monetary and geopolitical system.

Persistent energy instability, inflationary pressure, rising sovereign debt concerns, and declining confidence in traditional global leadership structures may continue accelerating diversification away from a purely U.S.-centered financial order.

China’s expanding economic influence, combined with broader de-dollarization initiatives among BRICS and emerging economies, points toward a future where multiple financial and geopolitical power centers coexist.

Implications for the Global Reset

• Pillar 1: Wars of Attrition Are Replacing Traditional Power Projection

Modern conflicts increasingly focus on economic endurance, energy disruption, financial strain, and political exhaustion rather than direct military conquest alone.

The Iran conflict demonstrates how prolonged instability can gradually weaken larger powers over time.

• Pillar 2: Multipolar Financial and Geopolitical Systems Are Accelerating

As global confidence fragments, nations are increasingly building parallel economic structures, regional alliances, and alternative payment systems outside traditional Western institutions.

China is leveraging these shifts to expand long-term influence without needing immediate military dominance.

Seeds of Wisdom Team View

The Iran-U.S. confrontation may ultimately be remembered less for the military conflict itself and more for how it exposed deeper structural weaknesses within the existing global order.

China appears to understand that the future contest for global leadership may not depend on defeating America militarily, but rather on patiently outlasting Washington economically, politically, and strategically while global confidence gradually shifts.

The conflict is increasingly becoming a geopolitical laboratory for the next phase of great-power competition — one driven by endurance, economic leverage, supply chains, and financial systems instead of purely conventional warfare.

This is no longer simply a regional war — it is a stress test for the future architecture of global power.

Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources

• Modern Diplomacy — "From Deterrence to Attrition: The Message Iran’s Resistance Sent to the China-U.S. Rivalry"

• Reuters — "China studies impact of Middle East conflict on U.S. military posture and global trade stability"

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