Iraq Economic News and Points To Ponder Wednesday Morning 7-01-26

Oil Rises As Talks Between Washington And Tehran Stalled, U.S. Inventories Fall

Shafaq News - Baghdad/ Erbil   Oil prices rose on Wednesday, helped by fears of continued supply disruptions in the Middle East after talks between the United States and Iran stalled over a final deal to end the war between them.

Brent crude futures rose 33 cents, or 0.45%, to $73.28 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude rose 34 cents, or 0.49%, to $69.84 a barrel.

The gains also came after data showed U.S. crude oil inventories fell by 6.1 million barrels in the week to June 26, along with declining gasoline inventories, raising supply concerns.

In the political developments, Iran and Qatar announced that Tehran would meet with mediators in Doha instead of holding direct talks with US officials, despite the arrival of US envoy Steve Whitkov and Jared Kushner to the Qatari capital for talks described by Washington as "high-level."

U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance also stressed that the United States will not allow Iran to impose transit fees on passing ships through the Strait of Hormuz, noting that oil flows through the Strait have returned to pre-war levels.  LINK

Gold Fell On Rising US Bond Yields And Rising Interest Rate Expectations

Shafaq News - Baghdad/ Erbil   Gold prices fell on Wednesday after hitting seven-month lows during the previous session, weighed down by higher U.S. Treasury yields and rising expectations of interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve.

The price of gold in spot transactions fell 0.7% to $ 3979.41 an ounce, after falling in the previous session to $ 3942.99 an ounce, the lowest level since last November. U.S. gold futures for August delivery fell 1.1 percent to $3,992.70 an ounce.

Gold recorded its largest quarterly decline since 2013 during the second quarter of 2026, and fell for the fourth consecutive month in June, amid growing inflationary fears and high expectations of tightening US monetary policy.

The U.S. dollar and 10-year U.S. Treasury yields rose, adding to pressure on gold by raising the cost of holding the precious metal for investors holding other currencies.

In the same context, the markets expect the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates in September, while investors are waiting for the release of US employment data for June and non-farm payrolls figures to obtain new indicators on the course of monetary policy.

In other precious metals, spot silver fell 1.4 percent to $57.75 an ounce, platinum fell 0.6 percent to $1,542 an ounce, and palladium fell 0.4 percent to $1,199.34 an ounce.  LINK

After Baghdad. The Head Of Turkish Intelligence Visits Kirkuk And Discusses With The Governor Joint Files

Twilight News – Kirkuk   The governor of Kirkuk, Mehmet Simon Agha, received on Wednesday the head of the Turkish intelligence service Ibrahim Qalan at Kirkuk International Airport, in the first official visit by the Turkish official to the province after the conclusion of his talks in the capital Baghdad.

A local source told "Twilight News" that the head of the Turkish apparatus and his accompanying delegation arrived in the province to hold a series of meetings with the local administration, pointing out that the talks will focus on discussing a number of files of common interest and security and political dimensions between the two sides.

Qalan’s tour of Kirkuk comes hours after high-level meetings he held in Baghdad with senior officials in the federal government, focused on joint security coordination and border and energy files.   LINK

Basra Crude Prices Jump By More Than 3% On The Impact Of The Rise Of Global Oil

Shafaq News - Baghdad Iraqi oil prices rose significantly on Wednesday, in conjunction with the gains made by global energy markets. Basra heavy crude rose to $ 62.98 per barrel, achieving an increase of $2.32, or 3.82%, while Basra's medium crude rose to $65.08 a barrel, a growth of 3.70%.

Globally, U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude prices grew to $69.77 a barrel, up 0.39%, and Brent crude futures rose to $73.21 a barrel, a slight increase of 26 cents.

Regionally, Saudi Arabian light crude jumped 3.00% to $78.87 a barrel, while Qatar’s Al Shaheen crude rose 2.87% to $67.84, and UAE’s DAS crude rose 0.33% to close at $66.89 per barrel.

Unlike this upward trend, the OPEC crude basket fell 3.60% to settle at $77.37 a barrel, while Dubai crude maintained its price stability at $79.52 per barrel.   LINK

The Dollar Opens Wednesday's Trading On A Decline In Baghdad And Erbil

Shafaq News- Baghdad/ Erbil   The exchange rates of the US dollar fell on Wednesday morning in the markets of the Iraqi capital Baghdad and in Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan region, compared to the closure of transactions on Tuesday.

The correspondent of the agency Shafaq News, that the prices of the dollar fell in the stock exchanges of the struggle and Harthiya in Baghdad, to record 155,100 Iraqi dinars for every 100 dollars, after it had recorded on Tuesday 156,000 dinars against 100 dollars.

Our correspondent added that the selling prices in banking shops in the local markets in Baghdad amounted to 155,500 dinars against 100 dollars, while the purchase price recorded 154,500 dinars against 100 dollars.

In Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan region, the dollar prices also fell, with the sale price of 154,850 dinars against 100 dollars, while the purchase price recorded 154,750 dinars against 100 dollars.  LINK

Strict Directives To Subject Government Vehicles To Strict Inspection On External Roads Inside Iraq

Twilight News – Diyala   Security sources said on Wednesday that the competent authorities have received strict directives to stop government vehicles and subject them to a thorough inspection, especially on the main roads and lines linking the central, north and south governorates.

The sources told Shafaq News that these measures have entered into force and include official wheels between the provinces, in order to thwart any attempts to smuggle money or documents, or any other assets that may be linked to files currently under investigation.

This field step comes in conjunction with an escalating anti-corruption campaign launched by the government at dawn last Sunday, and affected officials, deputies and businessmen, which Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi described as the "first phase" of a broader path to recover public money, directing the regulatory bodies to fully mobilize to receive any indicators related to corruption or institutional failure.

In a related context, the Strategic Center for Human Rights warned on Tuesday morning of misleading campaigns aimed at spreading frustration by claiming that anti-corruption efforts will stop or that they will not reach "large heads," considering those attempts an effort to undermine public confidence in the ongoing government and judicial measures.  LINK

80%. Sharp Decline In Iraqi Oil Exports To South Korea

Shafaq News – Baghdad   Data from the Korean National Oil Company (KNOC) showed that South Korea’s imports of Iraqi crude oil fell by 80.1% year-on-year in May.

According to the data, Korean imports of Iraqi oil during the said month amounted to about 2.146 million barrels, recording a sharp decline compared to 10.778 million barrels in the same month of 2025, a decrease of 62.2% compared to April of this year, reflecting a significant decline in the volume of Iraqi supplies to the Korean market.

In terms of the arrangement of crude oil suppliers to South Korea during the month of May, the lead was as follows:

Saudi Arabia: 18.839 million barrels.

United States: 15.020 million barrels.

United Arab Emirates: 13.151 million barrels.

Algeria: 3.644 million barrels.

Qatar: 2.782 million barrels.

Iraq: 2.146 million barrels.

Kazakhstan: 2.082 million barrels.

During the first five months of this year (January to May), South Korea’s total imports of Iraqi oil amounted to 31,992 million barrels, a total decrease of 29.9% compared to the same period last year.

The Korean report attributed the decline to Seoul’s tendency to diversify its energy sources and reduce excessive dependence on Middle Eastern oil amid the turmoil in the region, as it boosted imports from the UAE, Algeria, Canada and Africa through alternative shipping routes that avoid the Strait of Hormuz.

Seoul plans to raise its imports of Canadian crude oil to 16 million barrels this year, while considering increasing it to 20 million barrels per year in the long term.   LINK

MilitiaMan & CREW IRAQ DINAR UPDATE-48-Hour Iraq Reform Surge: Anti-Corruption, Cabinet & US Visit Push

MilitiaMan & CREW IRAQ DINAR UPDATE-48-Hour Iraq Reform Surge: Anti-Corruption, Cabinet & US Visit Push

6-30-2026

The Crew:  Samson, PompeyPeter, Petra, Daytrader, Sunkissed, GIGI and Militia Man

No drama. No intrigue. No songs and dances. Just straight, factual news that I read and interpret to the best of my ability after being an avid Dinar investor and insanely obsessed Dinarian for over 15 years.

Follow MM on X == https://x.com/Slashn

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-M4Y4MGb02w

Iraq Economic News and Points To Ponder Tuesday Evening 6-30-26

Eram News: 42 Iraqi Officials Implicated With The "Revolutionary Guard" In Smuggling Iranian Oil Away From Washington's Sanctions

Baghdad - One News - 6/30/2026   Anti-corruption investigations have extended from Baghdad to Kermanshah, Iran, revealing a file involving more than forty Iraqi officials suspected of involvement with Revolutionary Guard officials in smuggling oil and providing transit routes away from US sanctions.  

An informed source revealed to Eram News that the investigations are no longer limited to bribery, but are now focused on dismantling a cross-border financial and logistical network.  

This prompted Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi to travel quickly to Baghdad in an attempt to contain the repercussions of the case before it escalates into a political and legal crisis between the two countries.  

These developments coincide with the arrest of dozens of Iraqi officials, most notably Deputy Oil Minister Ali Ma'araj al-Bahadli, whom Washington previously accused of facilitating the smuggling of Iranian oil by mixing it with Iraqi oil.

https://1news-iq.net/إرم-نيوز-42-مسؤولاً-عراقياً-تورطوا-مع-حر/

Iraq Announces Shift To Market Economy, Vows Complete Sovereign Monopoly On Force

Mohammed Jangadost   Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Falih Al-Zaidi (right) speaks during an exclusive interview with the pan-Arab daily newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat.

In a comprehensive and wide-ranging interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi laid out a sweeping legislative, military, and economic roadmap intended to fundamentally decouple the country from its post-2003 structural crises.

Al-Zaidi announced an upcoming "National Sovereignty Conference" slated for the end of this year, which will codify the state's exclusive monopoly on violence. Concurrently, he signaled a hard economic break from Iraq's socialist past, declaring an end to International Monetary Fund (IMF) borrowing and a push to revise the country's OPEC oil production quotas.

Dismantling the 'State Within a State'

Addressing the critical security bottleneck that has long plagued Iraqi sovereign independence, Prime Minister Al-Zaidi confirmed that the government has begun actively collecting stockpiles of heavy and medium weaponry from prominent paramilitary factions. Forces including Saraya al-Salam, Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq, and Kata'ib Imam Ali have already begun surrendering various arms assets to official state mechanisms.

"Resistance is a necessity, not a profession," Al-Zaidi stated, adding that the historical pretext for autonomous paramilitary operations has expired. "The government will no longer tolerate or accept the existence of a state within a state."

The Prime Minister emphasized that the true operational challenge goes beyond physical disarmament; it requires completely severing the command-and-control loops between political factions and individual fighters. To formalize this, the year-end National Sovereignty Conference will establish a strict legal framework banning all weapons outside of official state security apparatuses.

Addressing regional security concerns, Al-Zaidi stated that investigative committees have found no evidence linking recent cross-border attacks on Gulf states to Iraqi territory. He noted that commanders have been given strict directives to preemptively neutralize any unauthorized attempt to launch strikes from within Iraq.

                 [ National Sovereignty Conference ]

[ Paramilitary Disarmament ]                       [ Regional Security ]

• Sever command loops between factions & fighters  • Absolute ban on cross-border strikes

• Surrender of heavy arms to state apparatus       • Guarantee neutrality to Gulf neighbors

Institutional Anti-Corruption and Tech-Driven Clawbacks

Characterizing systemic graft as an existential threat to the Iraqi state rather than a mere administrative hurdle, Al-Zaidi described the emergence of a "deviant ideological system" fueled by competitive public looting.

To counter this, the Prime Minister has instructed the Ministry of Finance to open dedicated accounts designed strictly for the repatriation of stolen national capital. In an unprecedented move aimed at restoring public trust, Al-Zaidi announced that he will forgo his official state salary, refuse all diplomatic or corporate gifts, and has barred himself and his cabinet from running for a subsequent term or forming a political party.

Economic Shock Therapy: Moving to a Market Economy

On the economic front, Al-Zaidi outlined a profound philosophical transition away from decades of state-dominated, socialist-era economic frameworks, many of which stem from the outdated legal remnants of the dissolved Revolutionary Command Council.

Economic Metric / Initiative‍ ‍Strategic Action / Current Status

IMF Relations Complete exit; Iraq will no longer enter sovereign borrowing programs.

Liquidity & USD Shipments Fully resolved; cash liquidity issues have been stabilized via recent capital shipments.

Energy & Development Fund Newly established; open to public subscription and direct sovereign wealth investment from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar.

The Prime Minister also targeted international energy policies, stating that Iraq’s current OPEC crude export quota fails to account for its massive population size, historical conflicts, or the immense financial toll the nation incurred while combating ISIS. Baghdad will seek a revised, equitable distribution mechanism within OPEC that accurately reflects its domestic economic realities.

Strategic Autonomy in Foreign Policy

Following an official state visit to Washington, the Prime Minister confirmed an upcoming diplomatic tour to Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Iran, cementing an independent foreign policy that rejects external mandates.

Commenting on relations with the United States, Al-Zaidi noted that while the White House envoy presented no political demands, discussions successfully focused on sweeping away the dense bureaucratic hurdles that had previously frozen the operations of several major American corporations within Iraq. The streamlined regulatory landscape is part of a broader effort to invite Western, European, and Gulf Arab investment funds into the country's newly formed Energy and Development Fund.

"Nothing comes before Iraq for us," Al-Zaidi concluded. "It is in our people's interest to build an outstanding, transparent relationship with the international community based on mutual respect and shared economic development."    Iraq Announces Shift to Market Economy, Vows Complete Sovereign Monopoly on Force https://channel8.com/english/news/60725

Al-Kadhimi Opens The File On The “Billion-Dollar Project That Never Became A Stadium”... Saudi Arabia Offered A Major Gift After The Basra Match, But The Dispute Between Eastern And Western Baghdad Turned The Project Into A Lost Opportunity

Baghdad - One News - 6/30/2026   In one of the most detailed accounts of the course of Iraqi-Saudi relations, former Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi revealed, during his talk about the period in which he was head of the National Intelligence Service, that the idea of holding the historic match between Iraq and Saudi Arabia in Basra was not just a sports initiative, but came within a political and security track aimed at rebuilding trust between Baghdad and Riyadh after years of estrangement.  

According to Al-Kadhimi, he personally presented the idea to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during meetings held during the government of former Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, based on his conviction that sports are capable of breaking the political deadlock and bringing people closer together.  

Al-Kadhimi recounts that the match turned into a remarkable popular message, after the Basra International Stadium was filled with about 60,000 spectators, while tens of thousands remained outside its walls, amid chants from the fans: “Where are you, Green Team? Why are you late?” He considered that moment to have embodied the Iraqis’ thirst for their Arab depth.

He adds that the echoes of the match prompted the Saudi Crown Prince to contact him, informing him that King Salman would be making a call to then-Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, and that the Kingdom had decided to present a gift to Iraq in the form of funding the construction of a new sports stadium worth one billion dollars.

But the surprise, according to Al-Kadhimi, is that the project was not hindered by the Saudi side, but rather by internal Iraqi disputes over the location of the stadium; one group insisted on building it in eastern Baghdad, while others insisted on building it in the west, so the initiative ended up being canceled before it saw the light of day.

According to Al-Kadhimi, this narrative represents one of the most prominent accounts linking diplomacy and sports. It offers a new explanation for the failure of a major investment and sports project that could have been a pivotal moment in developing sports infrastructure in Iraq, and it also highlights the impact of internal divisions in disrupting strategic projects.  

https://1news-iq.net/الكاظمي-يفتح-ملف-المليار-الذي-لم-يصب/

Parliament Speaker Al-Halbousi Affirms That The Judiciary Will Resolve Corruption Cases And That No Member Of Parliament WillHave Immunity If Legal Charges Are Proven Against Them In The Future

Baghdad - One News - 6/30/2026   Parliament Speaker Hebat al-Halbousi confirmed in an interview with Al Arabiya that lifting the immunity of MPs under investigation does not mean they are guilty of corruption, and that the judiciary has the final say in confirming or denying the charges.  

He explained that the arrests of those accused of corruption were carried out simultaneously due to the sensitivity of the operation, and that no clashes occurred between the raiding forces and the security personnel protecting the accused MPs.  

Al-Halbousi explained in press statements that the MPs included in Operation Dawn of the Greater Charge against those accused of corruption will appear before the judiciary, and that legal procedures will include everyone and there is no immunity for the corrupt, stressing at the same time that there is an agreement between the government and the political blocs to restrict weapons to the hands of the state, and there will be no weapons outside the framework of the state by the thirty of September.  

https://1news-iq.net/الحلبوسي-يؤكد-أن-القضاء-يحسم-قضايا-الف/

GCC Secretary General Visits Baghdad To Discuss Regional Developments And Halt Attacks By Factions On Gulf States

Baghdad - One News - 6/29/2026   A government source reported that the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Jassim Mohammed Al-Badawi, will arrive in Baghdad on Tuesday afternoon for an official visit to discuss regional developments with Iraqi officials.  

The source said that Al-Badawi's talks in Baghdad will address the Gulf states' declaration of support for Iraq in various fields, in addition to discussing security and political issues related to regional escalation.  

He added that the meetings will emphasize the need to keep Iraq out of the war zone and to prevent the use of Iraqi territory to launch any attack on the Gulf states, as happened in the past, as part of efforts to stabilize the region and prevent the conflict from escalating.   https://1news-iq.net/الأمين-العام-لمجلس-التعاون-يزور-بغداد/

The Next Banking Crisis? What Stablecoins Mean For Your Money | Frank Trotter

The Next Banking Crisis? What Stablecoins Mean For Your Money | Frank Trotter

Liberty of Finance:  6-29-2026

Frank Trotter, co-founder of Battle Bank and the first online bank, explains how stablecoins could transform banking, payments, and the U.S. Treasury market over the coming years.

He also discusses banking system risks, FDIC insurance, commercial real estate exposure, and what individuals can do to better protect their savings.

Finally, Frank shares why he believes stablecoins are here to stay, while warning that privacy, security, and financial stability will remain important concerns as adoption grows.

The discussion opened with a candid assessment of the current state of major banks. Trotter highlighted several areas of concern, including notably low capital reserves, a broad yet sometimes shallow exposure to numerous loan sectors, and persistent liquidity issues that have surfaced during recent economic challenges.

For individual savers, his advice was clear and practical: prioritize asset safety by optimizing FDIC insurance coverage across accounts and conducting thorough research on financial institutions. He even suggested leveraging emerging AI tools to assist in this diligent research process.

Shifting focus to the digital frontier, Trotter eloquently described stablecoins as the natural next step in payment technology. He emphasized their significant advantages, such as enhanced speed, robust security, and the potential for reduced transaction costs, benefits that resonate with both individual users and large corporate treasuries.

However, he also pointed out certain limitations within recent U.S. legislation, such as the Genius Act, specifically noting the ban on paying interest on stablecoin deposits. This regulatory constraint, he suggested, could hinder stablecoins’ ability to compete effectively with traditional banking products.

 Another critical consideration raised was privacy; digital transactions inherently involve a degree of data exposure to governmental and corporate entities, a trade-off each user must carefully weigh.

The conversation then broadened to explore the systemic motivation behind stablecoins. Trotter explained that they could serve to increase demand for U.S. Treasury securities, offering a potential financing solution for the government amidst rising deficits.

 While stablecoins might provide a modest boost to Treasury demand, he cautioned that they alone cannot fully offset declining foreign purchases. The discussion also naturally gravitated toward precious metals, with Trotter highlighting the strong desire for tokenized gold or other metals stablecoins. These innovative financial tools, while currently facing regulatory restrictions in the U.S., hold significant appeal for those seeking diversification and robust wealth preservation strategies.

Finally, Trotter unveiled Battle Bank’s forward-thinking approach to banking. He detailed their innovative offerings designed to empower individuals, including high-interest checking accounts, streamlined precious metals transactions, foreign currency deposits, and retirement accounts that embrace alternative investment options.

With a substantial waiting list, Battle Bank is actively expanding its capacity to allow faster onboarding, driven by a commitment to exceptional customer service in a digitally-focused banking era. The interview concluded with a balanced perspective, expressing cautious optimism for the future adoption of stablecoins and the banking industry’s capacity to skillfully navigate the upcoming monetary challenges.

INTERVIEW TIMELINE:

0:00 Intro

8:40 FDIC insurance

10:30 Stablecoins & the future of banking

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f81FoTpChno

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economics Updates Tuesday Afternoon 6-30-26

BlackRock, Coinbase, Ripple & Mastercard Launch Open Standard OUSD Stablecoin Initiative

Major financial and crypto firms are partnering to introduce a new open-governance U.S. dollar stablecoin designed to lower costs, expand adoption, and reshape digital payments.

Overview

• BlackRock, Coinbase, Ripple, Mastercard, and other financial firms have joined forces to launch the Open Standard OUSD stablecoin later this year.

• The initiative introduces collaborative governance, allowing participating firms to share reserve earnings while eliminating minting and redemption fees.

• The project aims to accelerate global stablecoin adoption by creating a more open, business-friendly payment infrastructure.

Key Developments

1. Major Financial Leaders Unite Behind OUSD

A coalition including BlackRock, Coinbase, Ripple, Mastercard, and several additional financial institutions announced the creation of the Open Standard (OUSD) stablecoin.

Unlike many existing stablecoins, OUSD is designed as an open governance platform, giving participating organizations a direct role in managing the ecosystem.

2. Zero-Cost Minting and Redemption

One of the project's most significant features is the elimination of fees and artificial volume limits for minting and redeeming OUSD.

Developers say removing these barriers should make the stablecoin more attractive for businesses handling large transaction volumes.

3. Reserve Earnings Shared Among Partners

Rather than concentrating reserve income with a single issuer, participating organizations will receive the earnings generated from reserve assets, minus a modest operational management fee.

Supporters believe this creates stronger incentives for collaboration while encouraging broader institutional participation.

4. Collaborative Governance Model

The Open Standard board will include participating partners who will collectively oversee major decisions regarding the stablecoin's future development.

Developers say this governance model provides greater transparency and reduces dependence on a single company controlling the ecosystem.

5. Launch Planned on Multiple Blockchain Networks

OUSD is expected to launch later this year on several Layer-1 blockchains, including Solana and Tempo.

Solana has already confirmed that OUSD will launch natively on its network, highlighting decentralized governance and fee-free issuance.

Why It Matters

Stablecoins are rapidly becoming one of the fastest-growing segments of digital finance. By bringing together traditional financial institutions and leading blockchain companies, the OUSD initiative seeks to create a more efficient payment infrastructure that lowers costs while expanding institutional participation in tokenized finance.

If widely adopted, the project could accelerate the use of stablecoins in global payments, settlement, treasury management, and digital commerce.

Why It Matters to Foreign Currency Holders

The continued expansion of regulated stablecoins demonstrates how digital dollar infrastructure is becoming increasingly integrated into global finance. While this does not directly affect foreign currency revaluations, it highlights the growing modernization of payment systems that could eventually support faster international settlements and greater financial interoperability.

Implications for the Global Reset

• Pillar 1 – Debt

The expansion of stablecoin infrastructure may improve payment efficiency and lower transaction costs, supporting more modern financial systems and reducing settlement friction.

• Pillar 2 – Trade

Digital dollar settlement could accelerate cross-border commerce by enabling faster, lower-cost international payments for businesses worldwide.

• Pillar 3 – Assets

Institutional participation by major asset managers and financial firms reflects growing acceptance of tokenized financial assets and blockchain-based settlement systems.

• Pillar 4 – Technology

The OUSD initiative highlights continued investment in blockchain infrastructure, tokenization, decentralized governance, and programmable digital payments.

• Pillar 5 – Energy

Although not directly focused on energy markets, more efficient digital payment systems can support global trade networks that finance energy transactions and commodity markets.

Looking Ahead

The success of OUSD will largely depend on business adoption, regulatory developments, and participation from additional financial institutions. If the open-governance model proves successful, it could encourage broader collaboration between traditional finance and the digital asset industry while accelerating the evolution of tokenized payment systems.

This is not just about launching another stablecoin—it reflects the accelerating transformation of global finance as traditional institutions and blockchain networks work together to build the next generation of digital payment infrastructure.

Seeds of Wisdom Team

Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources

• Open Standard – Introducing Open USD

• CoinGape – BlackRock, Coinbase, Ripple, Mastercard Team Up To Launch Open Standard OUSD Stablecoin

~~~~~~~~~~

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Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economics Updates Tuesday Morning 6-30-26

US-Iran Peace Prospects Face Uncertainty as Qatar Diplomacy Continues

Conflicting signals from Washington and Tehran raise new questions about whether a temporary ceasefire can evolve into a lasting peace agreement.

Overview

• Diplomatic uncertainty surrounds planned meetings in Qatar, with conflicting reports about whether direct U.S.-Iran negotiations will occur.

• The fragile ceasefire remains under pressure following recent military exchanges despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.

• Global markets continue watching developments closely because of their impact on oil supplies, the Strait of Hormuz, and regional stability.

Key Developments

1. Conflicting Diplomatic Signals

Senior U.S. officials are expected in Doha, while Iranian representatives have also traveled to Qatar. However, Iranian officials insist that no direct negotiations are scheduled, creating uncertainty over whether meaningful peace talks will actually occur.

2. Ceasefire Faces Continued Pressure

Although both governments publicly support diplomacy, recent missile and drone incidents demonstrate how quickly military tensions can threaten the interim agreement. Analysts say confidence-building measures remain limited, making the ceasefire vulnerable to future escalation.

3. Strait of Hormuz Remains a Central Issue

The Strait of Hormuz continues to dominate negotiations because it carries roughly one-fifth of the world's seaborne oil trade. Discussions continue over maritime security and navigation as shipping companies seek greater certainty after months of disruption.

4. Nuclear Negotiations Still Represent the Biggest Challenge

While reducing military tensions remains the immediate priority, Iran's nuclear program remains the largest obstacle to any comprehensive peace agreement. Future negotiations are expected to focus heavily on inspection arrangements and long-term compliance mechanisms.

5. Regional Stability Depends on Broader Agreements

The negotiations extend well beyond U.S.-Iran relations. Conflicts involving Israel, Hezbollah, and Lebanon remain closely linked, meaning progress on one front could influence stability across the broader Middle East.

6. Markets Respond Cautiously

Financial markets have welcomed reduced military activity, with oil prices easing as traders anticipate more stable Gulf energy exports. However, investors remain cautious because any breakdown in diplomacy could quickly reverse those gains.

Why It Matters

The current diplomatic effort represents an important opportunity to reduce one of the world's most significant geopolitical risks. A durable agreement would strengthen energy security, stabilize international shipping routes, and reduce volatility across global commodity and financial markets.

Why It Matters to Foreign Currency Holders

Foreign currency holders should continue monitoring these negotiations because geopolitical stability directly influences global financial markets, inflation, energy prices, and central bank policy. A sustained reduction in Middle East tensions could support greater market confidence, while renewed conflict could strengthen demand for safe-haven assets and delay broader financial reforms.

Implications for the Global Reset

1. Pillar 1 – Debt

Lower energy prices could help reduce inflationary pressures, easing borrowing costs for governments, businesses, and consumers while improving fiscal stability.

• Pillar 2 – Trade

A secure Strait of Hormuz supports uninterrupted global shipping, strengthens international supply chains, and promotes more stable global trade flows.

• Pillar 3 – Assets

Reduced geopolitical risk may shift investor demand away from traditional safe-haven assets such as gold while improving confidence across equity and currency markets.

• Pillar 4 – Technology

Greater regional stability supports continued investment in digital infrastructure, AI development, cybersecurity, and cross-border financial technologies.

• Pillar 5 – Energy

A lasting peace agreement would strengthen the reliability of global oil and LNG supplies while encouraging long-term investment in diversified energy infrastructure.

Future Outlook

The coming weeks will determine whether diplomatic engagement in Qatar develops into substantive negotiations or remains limited to technical discussions. Maintaining the ceasefire while addressing difficult issues—including Iran's nuclear program and long-term Gulf security—will be essential for any lasting agreement.

Even if direct negotiations remain limited in the short term, continued diplomatic engagement could reduce the risk of renewed conflict and help normalize shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. However, unresolved political differences and broader regional conflicts suggest that achieving a comprehensive peace agreement will likely remain a gradual and uncertain process.

This is not just about diplomacy—it reflects the broader restructuring of global security, energy markets, and international trade, with lasting implications for financial stability and the evolving global economic order. 

Seeds of Wisdom Team

Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources

• Reuters: U.S.-Iran diplomacy and Qatar peace talks
  

• Modern Diplomacy: US Iran deal prospects clouded by uncertainty over Qatar diplomacy

~~~~~~~~~~

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The World's Gold Is Quietly Leaving London and New York

The World's Gold Is Quietly Leaving London and New York

Notes From the Field By James Hickman (Simon Black Sovereign Man} June 29, 2026

In December 1916, with German and Austro-Hungarian armies closing in on Bucharest, the Romanian government made a decision that must have felt entirely sensible at the time.

Romania had gambled its way into the Great War a few months earlier, sending its army across the Carpathian Mountains to grab Austro-Hungarian Transylvania, believing that Germany and Austria-Hungary were too exhausted to stop them.

But Romania’s gamble fell apart in weeks. German and Austro-Hungarian were exhausted. But not so exhausted to allow Romania to waltz across the border and grab territory uncontested.

The Central Powers quickly reacted, beat the Romanian army all the way back to Bucharest, and then converged on the capital. The King of Romania and his court fled the country just before it fell.

Just before surrendering, however, Romania’s Prime Minister Ion Brătianu made a bold decision to seal up the country’s gold reserves. He ordered more than 90 tonnes of gold to be loaded in over 1,700 crates onto seventeen railcars, and had it shipped to the one ally Romania was certain it could trust: Russia.

The arrangement made sense on paper. Tsar Nicholas II was Romania's wartime partner, and an overland route to ship the national gold reserves to Moscow seemed far safer than risking German submarines on the sea route to London.

Fortunately the crates arrived safely; Russian officials locked the gold securely inside the Kremlin and provided a written guarantee that the gold remained Romanian property.

But the Russian Revolution broke out only months later. The Bolsheviks seized power, arrested the Tsar, and eventually murdered him and his family. In January 1918, Leon Trotsky severed ties with Romania and declared its gold "untouchable for the Romanian oligarchy."

It’s been more than a century, and Romania is still asking for its gold back from Russia. The gold is worth ab

ut $12 billion today and has never been returned.

For most of human history, a king kept his gold where he could see it. It sat behind his own walls, in his own keep, guarded by his own men. The idea of loading your treasure onto a ship and sending it to a rival capital for safekeeping would have struck any medieval monarch as total insanity.

The King of France did not store his gold in London. You did not hand a rival your treasury to seize the moment relations soured.

What changed first was London. By the nineteenth century, Britain ruled an empire that spanned the globe. Its navy went unchallenged. And the British pound was redeemable for gold.

The City of London sat at the center of world finance and ran the deepest gold market on earth.

For foreign governments, keeping gold in the Bank of England's vaults was not a surrender but an upgrade. The metal was safer behind Britain's guns than behind its own, and given the advances of British finance, the gold could be sold, lent, or borrowed against in an afternoon.

The gravity of financial power shifted to New York a century later as Nazi forces conquered Europe. Allowing your national gold reserves to be confiscated by Hitler became a much greater risk than shipping everything to America.

So country after country scrambled to move their gold before German tanks crossed the border.

America was the safest vault on earth: a nation with an ocean on either side, an economy the war had only strengthened, and a bright future ahead of it.

After the war, the 1944 Bretton Woods agreement pinned the dollar to gold— and pegged every global currency to the US dollar. And from then on New York (and London to a lesser degree) were the obvious places for foreign governments to hold their gold reserves.

A country could settle international debts without moving a single ounce, just by having a clerk slide its bars from one stack to another within the same vault.

The arrangement held for eighty years because the US remained the most powerful, most trusted government in the world. But now that trust is vanishing quickly.

According to a recent report published by the World Gold Council, the number of foreign central banks storing gold in New York or London slipped 17% and 11% respectively. And that’s just in a single year.

And the number of central banks bringing their gold home (or at least moving it to neutral third-party vaults) nearly tripled. Gold, for the most part, is going home.

They’re also buying more of it, with central bank gold purchases running at roughly double the historic rate for the third year in a row.

To fund those purchases, central banks are selling US Treasuries... or letting them mature without reinvesting.

Over the past year, gold passed both US Treasuries and the euro to become the single largest reserve asset on earth. And for the first time since 1996, central banks now hold more gold than US Treasuries.

Central banks almost never sell gold. On the rare occasion that some country does sell, it’s usually because they’re in a genuine crisis (like Turkey selling gold to defend a collapsing currency).

Or, as was the case with the British government in the late 1990s, they’re the dumbest people alive.

Absent that kind of emergency or stupidity, governments and central banks “hodl” their gold.

Bottom line, these countries are not shipping their gold out of London and New York to sell it. Just the opposite. It is proof they intend to hold the metal for a very long time, and that they are willing to give up using it as a financial instrument.

None of this is about the gold price on any given morning.

Over the last few weeks, gold slipped below $4,000 an ounce for the first time since November.

Since last fall, as retail investors entered the market driving the price of gold sharply higher, we warned that a pullback like this was likely.

But we also said that nothing about the thesis was changing. The US was still spending far beyond its means and weaponizing the dollar. Washington was still dysfunctional— full of AOCs and Elizabeth Warrens. Therefore global central banks were continuing to diversify their reserves.

We’re not fanatical about gold. But it’s clear that the long-term catalysts to drive prices higher are not going away anytime soon.

The world is more fractured than it was even a few years ago, and dollar dominance is slipping.

So what does everyone own instead? China is pushing for international use of its yuan... and you can see a flicker of it in the payments data. But it is not a real alternative.

The one asset every central bank on earth can hold without worrying who controls it is gold. Plus they all have confidence that gold will still have strategic value 5, 10, 20+ years from now.

That’s why these central banks view $4,000 gold as a reasonable entry point to accumulate more, and they likely will not miss the chance to do so.
‍ ‍

To your freedom, James Hickman Co-Founder, Schiff Sovereign LLC

P.S. The same opportunity is open to everyone else. As gold sold off, so did shares in the companies that dig it out of the ground. Even at gold's all-time highs, many of these producers traded at low multiples while selling their gold for far more than their projections ever assumed.

Their costs stayed roughly fixed, so margins exploded, and some have started paying dividends or raised the ones they had. At $4,000 gold they are still enormously profitable, yet fickle investors are dumping them as if the gold story is over.

It is not. Nothing has changed about why central banks buy, and so far they have moved only a small share of their reserves into gold.

If you want to learn more about these gold companies, and other real assets we research in our newsletter, Strategic Assets, click here.

To Read More: https://www.schiffsovereign.com/trends/the-worlds-gold-is-quietly-leaving-london-and-new-york-155400/?inf_contact_key=80dbbfe6cd39804f3d942a5713aa9851474bcb8265eb7d459c005c83dec0347a

Tues. AM Iraq News Posted by Tishwash at TNT 6-30-2026

TNT:

Tishwash:  A politician reveals that the arrest of Al-Sudani and Al-Halbousi has been postponed until the next round of arrests.

The director of the Iraqi Media Center in Washington 

Nizar Haider, revealed on Monday that the arrest warrants for the head of the Progress Alliance, Mohammed al-Halbousi, and former Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani remain in effect and will be executed within the next few days on charges related to corruption and money laundering. 

Haider told Al-Maalomah News Agency that "the Integrity Commission will execute arrest warrants within the next few days against former Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and the head of the Progress Alliance, Mohammed al-Halbousi, for their involvement in stealing huge sums of money and transferring them to foreign banks, in addition to possessing a fortune equivalent to the budgets of some countries." 

He added that "the US Federal Reserve has placed al-Sudani and al-Halbousi at the top of its list of most wanted individuals for their involvement in corruption cases during their tenure in leadership positions in the central government," clarifying that "the arrest of al-Sudani and al-Halbousi has been postponed until the coming days, and what has been rumored about political settlements to cancel the arrest warrants is baseless."

He added that "Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi's office, in coordination with the Counter-Terrorism Service, will pursue those involved in stealing huge sums of money from the country's treasury in hard currency and imprison them to recover the stolen funds."   link

Tishwash:  Al-Zaydi directs the opening of a special account to collect funds "looted" from public property in Iraq

 Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh al- Zaidi has instructed the Minister of Finance to open a special bank account – not for savings, but to recover millions of dollars looted from public assets . This is the first practical step to recover stolen funds through legal proceedings against officials
implicated

in the “ Dawn ” campaign . The Prime Minister ’s legal advisor , Munir Haddad , told Rudaw Media Network : “ Those accused of stealing public funds and plundering the Iraqi state in recent years will be tried and punished according to the Iraqi Penal Code and other relevant laws pertaining to money laundering and crimes against public funds .

The judiciary and the government will not be satisfied with merely recovering the funds ; the government is determined to combat corruption and eradicate corrupt individuals , showing no favoritism to anyone , regardless of their position.”

The scope of arrests in the “Dawn” campaign has widened, and some of the accused officials fled before security forces arrived , but the search for them continues . Badr Alliance MP Noor Adel told Rudaw Media Network : " Unfortunately, today, the highest legislative authority , when you become an MP, makes you subject to questioning , accusation , and..."

Extortion and other such practices— let them clean up all the institutions . We agree that they should start with us first, and God willing , it will reach its end, God willing , there will be a solution, and God willing , the people will see the light.”

The Iraqi government officially announced that the operation would continue, emphasizing that no foreign forces other than Iraqi forces were participating . Operation Dawn is not just a military name ; it is a true test of the rule of law in Iraq, and Iraqis hope that these reforms will target the “ big fish” who operate behind the scenes and not just the “ small fry .”  link

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Tishwash:  To combat waste and corruption: The Law for the Protection of Currency Issuance in Iraq

 According to official statements issued by the Central Bank of Iraq, the total volume of Iraqi currency in circulation is 100 trillion dinars. Based on relevant statements and analyses, 70% of this currency is not circulating within the national banking sector (both public and private) and is hoarded by individuals and companies for various purposes.

The presence of cash outside the banking system has numerous negative consequences and risks for the economy. Holding cash is different from saving and hoarding money; its presence in such quantities reduces the money supply and creates an impression of illicit activity.

It also exposes its holders to various risks, including theft, assault, and damage. Furthermore, the existence of unused cash creates an incentive to convert it into other forms, some of which are detrimental. Some resort to converting dinars into foreign currencies, most notably the dollar, which puts undue pressure on demand and leads to higher exchange rates in the parallel market. Others use it for real estate purposes, such as land and buildings, creating high demand and price imbalances.

Cash can also... It is diverted to stagnant and economically unproductive uses such as gold, diamonds, and the acquisition of expensive items like watches and accessories. This encourages the illegal trade of bringing in these goods through outlets outside the authority of the state, which already exist.

The hoarding of cash is not always due to weaknesses in the banking sector. It may stem from a reluctance to disclose the source of the funds deposited. Those who hoard cash can certainly be divided into categories.

The first consists of public and private sector employees with surplus income who haven't found suitable ways to invest it.

The second comprises business owners and investors across various sectors who receive high revenues and profits and prefer to keep all or part of their earnings in cash, believing it to be the safest and most flexible method of investment.

The third category is largely made up of tax evaders who don't want to disclose their wealth and are waiting for an opportunity to convert it into concealed assets. The most dangerous category consists of corrupt individuals, thieves, and those with ill-gotten gains who fear exposure due to the suspicions and questions that such figures raise.

Finally, there is a category of people who cannot publicly disclose their financial dealings because the source of their funds is unknown. Illicit trade in prohibited substances such as drugs and weapons increases the hoarding of money whenever there are pressures, restrictions, or fears to convert it into funds through investments or deposit it outside the country. It is certain that the crises that befell the banks of neighboring countries are related to the increase in hoarding of money within the country.

The issue of hoarding cash is not hidden from any official body. The Central Bank is the one that announces the decrease in the percentage of uncirculated currency issued from time to time. The case of (A.J.), which is expected to be a gateway to revealing corruption, is what stirred people's feelings about the subject, especially after showing scenes and pictures that reveal the hiding of billions in miserable ways and the burning of millions of dollars.

 According to leaks and expectations, there are trillions hidden in various ways in places chosen by cash hoarders. This is a serious and important matter, especially when a percentage of the currency issued is unused or in the possession of thieves and corrupt people, with the possibility of it being damaged when the refuge is burning, burying, or other reactions. All of these things happened and are happening because the authority responsible for currency did not find the appropriate methods to attract and bring that money into local circulation.

Current instructions impose restrictions on the amount that a traveler can take out not exceeding $10,000, with the prohibition of taking out the dinar commission outside of official transfers.

We believe it has become essential for legislative and executive bodies to adopt a draft law (or amend an existing law) accompanied by regulations and instructions aimed at protecting the issuance of currency, without infringing upon personal freedoms and property rights guaranteed by the constitution and laws. This can be achieved through several means and tools.

The first of which is: setting a maximum limit for cash holdings, whereby any natural or legal person is prohibited from holding liquid cash exceeding 100 million dinars or the equivalent of 50,000 US dollars in foreign currencies outside the banking system. Any amount exceeding this must be deposited within six months of the law's enactment.

The second is: restricting transactions to banks and subjecting all sales, purchases, and transfers of goods and services exceeding 10 million dinars to payment through banking channels (check, transfer, card, electronic wallet), making cash payments a violation with penalties.

The third is: activating the "From Where Did You Get This?" law, requiring every depositor with an amount exceeding 50 million dinars to disclose the source of funds, and obligating banks to audit and report any suspected money laundering.

Fourth: Criminalizing the destruction and concealment of currency. Destroying, burning, burying, or concealing the national currency is considered a violation of sovereignty and a crime of economic sabotage, punishable by imprisonment for 5-10 years plus a fine many times the amount.

Fifth: Tax clearance for valuable goods. Purchasing, importing, and trading any commodity or possession exceeding 50 million dinars in value (real estate, car, gold, watches, precious items) requires submitting a tax clearance certificate and payment exclusively through the banking system.

Sixth: Bank transparency. The Central Bank shall require government and private banks to adopt transparent windows for transfer and deposit operations, similar to the dollar sale window, and to publish a weekly report on the volume of major deposits and withdrawals. Seventh: Granting a reward of 5% of the seized amount to anyone who reports illegal cash outside the regulations, with a guarantee of legal immunity for the informant and confidentiality of information. link

Tishwash:  Al-Zaydi: I will not receive a salary and I will not accept a gift... and the employees' salaries are guaranteed.

 Prime Minister Ali Al-Zidi confirmed on Monday that the salaries of state employees are secure and regular, while renewing his pledge not to receive a salary or accept any gift, and announced proceeding with the establishment of an energy and development fund.

Al-Zaydi said in a press statement followed by Al-Furat News that “the salaries of state employees are secured and regular, and we are very keen on this point,” indicating that “the size of the debt at the beginning of the government’s work amounted to about 208 trillion dinars, while the budget depends on oil by 93%, compared to 7% non-oil revenues.”

He added: “I will not receive a salary, nor will I accept a gift, even if it is a necktie, and my hands will not touch public money,” stressing that “the government will direct the Minister of Finance to open a special account to recover Iraq’s money from those who were involved with it, and we will take a different stance with anyone who refuses to return it.”

He pointed out that "the National Sovereignty Conference will be announced at the end of this year, and will enshrine the monopoly of power in the hands of the state and its agencies only," noting that "the government will not run for another term and will not establish a political party, nor will it allow any dictates from outside the borders, neither from the East nor from the West."

Al-Zaidi explained that "his next visits after Washington will be to Türkiye, Iran and Saudi Arabia, in addition to receiving invitations to visit France, Britain and Germany."

On the economic front, Al-Zaydi announced the establishment of the “Energy and Development Fund” with contributions from the Central Bank of Iraq, which will be offered for public subscription. He indicated that the government will extend an invitation to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, in addition to American and European banks, to contribute to the fund, which will focus on financing development, industry, agriculture, and other sectors.  link

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

Tishwash:  From markets to screens: How has e-commerce changed Iraqis' consumer habits?

 E-commerce expert Mohammed Salman Al-Amiri confirmed on Monday (June 29, 2026) that Iraq is witnessing a rapid shift in consumption patterns, driven by digital developments and the spread of communication and e-commerce applications, which has changed consumer behavior and methods of purchasing and payment in recent years.

Al-Amiri told Baghdad Today that the great development in digital technologies and the emergence of dozens of electronic applications have provided unprecedented flexibility in communication and exchange of services, which has directly affected the daily lives of Iraqi families, especially in shopping methods and meeting needs.

Online shopping and delivery services are leading the way.

He explained that a large segment of citizens now rely on purchasing their needs through social media platforms and electronic applications, especially in the areas of food, clothing and household appliances, in conjunction with the continuous expansion of delivery services that have become an essential part of commercial activity inside and outside cities.

He added that "delivery" services are no longer limited to residential neighborhoods or city centers, but have expanded to include the transport of goods and orders between governorates through companies and digital platforms that connect stores with consumers directly, noting that the rates of reliance on this type of shopping are recording annual growth ranging between 10 and 25%.

Ready-made meals top consumer priorities

Al-Amiri explained that the demand is no longer focused on traditional goods only, but has increasingly extended to ready-made meals and food, which have become a daily choice for a large number of families, especially families where both spouses work or employees face time constraints.

Continued growth despite the challenges

He pointed out that the digital transformation also included payment methods, with the increasing use of bank cards and electronic financial services, compared to a relative decline in reliance on cash among a segment of citizens, despite the continuation of some concerns related to the security of electronic payments and the previous experiences of some users.

He stressed that market indicators show the continued expansion of e-commerce and digital financial services in the coming years, with expectations of an increase in the number of users who will rely on bank cards and electronic wallets as a primary means of purchasing, saving, and conducting daily transactions.

Over the past decade, Iraq has witnessed a remarkable expansion in the use of the internet and smartphones, which has contributed to the growth of e-commerce, delivery services, and digital payment.

Experts believe that this transformation is reshaping Iraqi consumer behavior and creating new economic opportunities, but it requires developing the digital infrastructure and enhancing confidence in the electronic payment system.  link

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economics Updates Monday Night 6-29-26

Supreme Court Ruling Raises New Questions About Federal Reserve Independence

Two U.S. Supreme Court decisions have preserved the Federal Reserve's independence for now, but legal experts warn that the central bank's protection from political influence now rests on a razor-thin majority that could shift with a future Court.

Overview

• The Supreme Court preserved the Federal Reserve's independence in a narrow 5-4 ruling while broadly expanding presidential authority over most independent federal agencies.

• Legal scholars warn that the Fed's constitutional protections now depend on a single Supreme Court vote.

• The decision introduces new long-term uncertainty for monetary policy, financial markets, and investor confidence.

1. Two Supreme Court Decisions Reshape the Debate

The U.S. Supreme Court issued two significant rulings that together redefine the legal landscape for independent federal agencies.

In a 6-3 decision, the Court ruled that presidents have broader authority to remove leaders of most independent agencies without having to demonstrate cause. However, in a separate 5-4 ruling, the Court carved out an exception for the Federal Reserve, recognizing its unique role in safeguarding monetary stability and insulating it from direct political pressure.

As a result, Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook remains in office, and the Fed's current governance structure remains intact.

2. Why the Margin Matters

According to Harvard Law Professor Noah Feldman, the concern is not the immediate outcome but the narrow margin supporting the Fed's independence.

Because the decision was decided 5-4, a single change in the Court's composition could allow a future challenge to overturn the precedent. Feldman argues that an institution responsible for guiding the world's largest economy should not rely on such a narrow constitutional safeguard.

3. Markets May Watch Future Legal Challenges Closely

The Federal Reserve's credibility depends heavily on its ability to make monetary policy decisions free from political influence.

Although the Court reaffirmed the Fed's special status, investors now face greater uncertainty over how future administrations—or future Supreme Courts—might revisit the issue.

Financial markets generally value central bank independence because it promotes confidence in long-term inflation management, interest rate policy, and overall economic stability.

4. Broader Implications for Financial Markets

The ruling extends beyond constitutional law.

A weaker perception of Federal Reserve independence could influence bond markets, currency valuations, equity markets, and digital assets, all of which respond to expectations surrounding monetary policy.

For cryptocurrency markets, increased uncertainty surrounding Federal Reserve governance may contribute to heightened volatility as investors reassess macroeconomic risks.

Why It Matters

Central bank independence has long been viewed as a cornerstone of financial stability. Even without immediate policy changes, uncertainty surrounding the Federal Reserve's legal protections may influence investor confidence and shape expectations for future monetary policy decisions.

Why It Matters to Foreign Currency Holders

Foreign exchange markets are highly sensitive to Federal Reserve policy. Any future uncertainty regarding the Fed's independence could affect interest rate expectations, U.S. dollar strength, global capital flows, and the broader monetary environment closely watched by foreign currency holders.

Implications for the Global Reset

• Pillar 1 – Debt

The Federal Reserve plays a central role in managing interest rates, inflation, and government borrowing costs. Questions surrounding its independence could influence debt markets and global monetary stability.

• Pillar 2 – Assets

Investor confidence in central bank independence affects capital allocation across stocks, bonds, precious metals, and digital assets as markets respond to changing perceptions of monetary policy credibility.

Closing Thoughts

While the Supreme Court preserved the Federal Reserve's independence for now, the narrow margin of the ruling ensures the debate is far from settled. Future changes in the Court's composition—or new legal challenges—could once again test the constitutional protections surrounding one of the world's most influential financial institutions.

This is not just about one Supreme Court ruling—it reflects the ongoing balance between political authority, central bank independence, and confidence in the global financial system.

Seeds of Wisdom Team

Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources

• Crypto Briefing — Supreme Court Faces Instability Over Federal Reserve Independence, Says Feldman

• Reuters — U.S. Legal News and Federal Reserve Coverage
  

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More Iraq News Posted by Clare at KTFA 6-29-2026

KTFA:

Clare:  Special forces deployed inside the Green Zone and reports of senior officials being arrested

6/27/2026

A security source reported on Sunday that special security forces were deployed inside the Green Zone in central Baghdad, coinciding with news of arrests targeting senior political officials and security personnel involved in corruption cases.

The source told Shafaq News Agency that special forces were deployed around a number of sensitive headquarters inside the Green Zone, with security measures being tightened at some entrances and roads leading to them.

He added that the security deployment coincided with information about arrests carried out according to judicial orders, targeting figures, officials and security personnel whose names appeared in files related to corruption and abuse of power.   LINK

Most of them are MPs (Ministers of Parliament) ... State media reveals the names of those arrested on corruption charges

6/28/2026

 The Iraqi News Agency revealed on Sunday the names of the politicians and officials arrested on corruption charges as part of the campaign that began at dawn today.

The official Iraqi news agency reported that "the number of detainees on corruption charges has reached 47, including officials and members of parliament."

The names of the detainees were presented, and they are: the head of the Azm Alliance, Member of Parliament Muthanna al-Samarrai, Member of Parliament Ziyad al-Janabi, Member of Parliament Bahaa al-Nouri, Member of Parliament Muhammad al-Karbouli, Member of Parliament Alia Nassif, Member of Parliament Muhammad Jamil al-Mayahi, Member of Parliament Hassan al-Khafaji, Member of Parliament Abdul Rahman al-Luwaizi.

Also: Member of Parliament Mudhar Al-Karawi, Member of Parliament Hind Al-Abbasi, Member of Parliament Muhammad Farman Al-Jubouri, Member of Parliament Bushra Al-Qaisi, former Member of Parliament Muhammad Al-Sayhoud, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Oil for Distribution Affairs Ali Ma’araj and Ibrahim Al-Sumaida’i.

The Federal Integrity Commission announced a short while ago that it has begun taking decisive measures to implement the judicial arrest warrants issued against a number of those accused of misappropriating public funds .

The commission confirmed in a statement received by Shafaq News Agency that this achievement was the result of the combined and integrated efforts of the three authorities – the judicial, executive, and legislative branches – with the commission’s efforts, which led directly to the implementation of those orders, as a result of diligent and continuous follow-up, auditing, and monitoring operations by the aforementioned entities .

The commission stressed that all its actions are carried out strictly in accordance with the provisions of the law and under its umbrella, noting that it derives its strength and determination from the absolute popular support and the authority of the law, and the unlimited support and continuous backing from the President of the Supreme Judicial Council, the Prime Minister and the Speaker of Parliament .

An informed source revealed to Shafaq News Agency earlier on Sunday the details of the largest anti-corruption operation in the country, which has so far resulted in the arrest of 43 officials and politicians, and will be completed in a second phase targeting "first-class " figures.

According to the source, the operation that was launched is considered the first part, and the total number of detainees in it reached 43 people, some of whom were released .

It is reported that security forces in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, began on Sunday morning to close the entrances to the fortified Green Zone (which includes the parliament building, government headquarters and diplomatic missions), coinciding with a large-scale raid and search campaign that targeted the homes of MPs, politicians and businessmen .

These unprecedented and stringent measures come in conjunction with frequent reports of an expanded list of prosecutions targeting senior officials, security personnel, and businessmen on charges of illicit enrichment and squandering of public funds.  LINK

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

Clare:  (WAA) exclusively publishes the names of the arrested MPs and officials following Al-Jumaili's confessions

6/28/2026

The Iraqi News Agency (INA) exclusively published today, Sunday, the names of those accused in corruption cases who were arrested, including members of parliament and officials, based on the confessions of the Deputy Minister of Oil, Adnan al-Jumaili.

High-ranking sources told the Iraqi News Agency (INA) that "those arrested are:

- Muthanna al-Samarrai, head of the Azm Alliance and member of parliament, is accused of corruption.

Member of Parliament Ziad al-Janabi accused of corruption

Member of Parliament Bahaa al-Nouri on corruption charges

Member of Parliament Mohammed al-Karbouli on corruption charges

Member of Parliament Alia Nassif faces corruption charges

Member of Parliament Mohammed Jamil Al-Mayahi accused of corruption

Member of Parliament Hassan al-Khafaji accused of corruption

Member of Parliament Abdul Rahman Al-Luwaizi on corruption charges

Member of Parliament Mudhar Al-Karawi on corruption charges

Member of Parliament Hind Al-Abbasi accused of corruption

Member of Parliament Mohammed Farman al-Jubouri on corruption charges

Member of Parliament Bushra al-Qaisi accused of corruption

Former Member of Parliament Mohammed Al-Sayhoud on corruption charges

-Ali Ma'araj, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Oil for Distribution Affairs, is accused of corruption.

Ibrahim Al-Sumaidaie on corruption charges

LINK

Clare:  With the participation of a delegation from the Kurdistan Regional Government, the Ministerial Council for Economy held a meeting in Baghdad.

6/28/2026 Erbil (Kurdistan 24) -

The Federal Ministerial Council for Economy will hold a high-level meeting in Baghdad on Monday, June 29, 2026, with the participation of an official delegation from the Kurdistan Regional Government, to resolve joint economic and customs issues.

Kurdistan 24 quoted an informed source as saying that the meeting will focus mainly on putting the final touches on the agreement concluded between Erbil and Baghdad regarding the implementation of the ASYCUDA global system for automating and modernizing customs.

The source explained that the talks will resolve four outstanding technical points that still require final agreement between the two governments. These points include the mechanism for collecting and distributing customs duties and revenues, the controls for granting customs exemptions, the strategy for protecting local products from imported goods, as well as agreeing on the formation of a joint field committee to inspect and evaluate unofficial border crossings.

This anticipated meeting comes as a complementary step to the recent understandings between the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Kurdistan Region delegation present in Baghdad, to unify financial and customs policy and ensure the smooth flow of mutual dues.   LINK

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

Clare:  Erbil, Baghdad Near Final ASYCUDA Customs Accord

6/28/2026 ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - 

In a critical bid to modernize Iraq's fractured border management and streamline billions of dollars in cross-border commerce, a senior delegation from the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has arrived in Baghdad. The officials are scheduled to participate in a pivotal meeting of the Iraqi Ministerial Council for Economy on Monday, aiming to finalize the implementation of the ASYCUDA automated customs platform.

Developed by the United Nations and utilized globally, the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) represents one of the most sophisticated institutional reforms in international customs administration.

By digitizing tariffs, standardizing logistical procedures, and eliminating vast swaths of bureaucratic paperwork, the platform is designed to increase transparency, curb border corruption, and maximize state revenue collection.

The political weight of the KRG delegation arriving Sunday evening underscores the strategic importance of the impending talks.

Led by Minister of Finance and Economy Awat Janab Noori, the negotiating team features top regional executives, including Omed Sabah, President of the Diwan of the Council of Ministers, and Dr. Amanj Rahim, Secretary of the Council of Ministers.

They are accompanied by senior administrative and security figures: Dr. Abdulhakim Khusraw, Head of the Department of Coordination and Follow-up; Ministry of Interior Advisor Dr. Sami Jalal; Director General of Customs Kamal Raouf; and Assistant Director General Jawhar Mahmoud.

According to an informed source who spoke to Kurdistan24, Erbil and Baghdad have already signed a foundational memorandum of understanding regarding the ASYCUDA rollout.

Yet, the transition from paper agreement to functional digital reality hinges on resolving four lingering policy disputes during Monday's session.

First, negotiators must reach a consensus on the distribution of customs and tax revenues generated at the borders.

Second, they must agree on a unified, transparent framework for commercial customs exemptions. 

Third, the governments must establish firm, mutual mechanisms to protect domestic agricultural and industrial products from unregulated foreign dumping.

Finally, the council is tasked with approving the creation of a joint federal-regional committee explicitly mandated to inspect unofficial border crossings, a long-standing source of revenue leakage for both capitals.

For years, fragmented customs policies have complicated fiscal relations between Erbil and Baghdad, creating administrative bottlenecks and fostering mutual distrust over revenue sharing.

A fully implemented ASYCUDA system would effectively bridge this divide by providing a single, real-time digital window into the nation's trade flows, ensuring equitable financial oversight.

Reaching an agreement on these final four hurdles would mark a watershed moment in economic integration between the federal government and the Kurdistan Region.

According to Kurdistan24 sources, should Monday's negotiations succeed, the ASYCUDA accord will be fully ratified and move immediately into its active implementation phase.

For regional businesses, international investors, and public finances, the modernization of these procedures promises a newly predictable, transparent, and seamlessly coordinated Iraqi market. LINK

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economics Updates Monday Afternoon 6-29-26

Housing Affordability Bill Heads to Trump as Congress Clears Major Bipartisan Reform

House Speaker Mike Johnson confirmed the bipartisan housing affordability bill will be delivered to President Donald Trump on Monday, reviving momentum for one of the most significant U.S. housing reform packages in decades.

Overview

• House Speaker Mike Johnson announced the housing bill will be sent to President Trump on Monday after a brief delay.

• The legislation passed both the House and Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support and aims to expand housing supply while lowering costs.

• The bill reflects growing efforts to address America's housing affordability crisis through regulatory reform, increased construction, and limits on institutional home purchases.

Key Developments

1. Johnson Confirms Bill Will Be Delivered

Speaker Mike Johnson said the House will formally transmit the bipartisan housing affordability legislation to President Donald Trump on Monday.

The bill's delivery follows several days of uncertainty after President Trump postponed a planned signing ceremony while encouraging Congress to advance separate election-related legislation. Despite the delay, Johnson emphasized that the housing package remains a top legislative priority.

2. What the Housing Bill Does

Known as the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, the legislation seeks to improve housing affordability through several reforms, including:

• Expanding the nation's housing supply.

• Reducing regulatory barriers that slow residential construction.

• Encouraging affordable housing development.

• Limiting large institutional investors from acquiring additional single-family homes.

• Modernizing federal housing and community development programs.

3. Why Housing Remains a National Priority

Housing affordability has become one of the nation's largest economic concerns as elevated mortgage rates, limited inventory, and rising construction costs continue to pressure homebuyers.

Lawmakers from both parties have argued that increasing supply while reducing unnecessary regulations could help improve affordability over the long term, although many economists caution that meaningful improvements will likely take time.

4. What Happens Next

Once delivered to the White House, President Trump can sign the legislation into law, allow it to become law without a signature under constitutional procedures, or veto it.

Because the measure received overwhelming bipartisan support in both chambers, it represents one of the most broadly supported pieces of domestic legislation passed during the current Congress.

Why It Matters

Housing affordability affects economic growth, household wealth, inflation, and consumer confidence. Expanding housing supply could improve access to homeownership while supporting construction activity and long-term economic stability.

Why It Matters to Foreign Currency Holders

A healthier U.S. housing market supports broader economic stability, influencing interest rates, capital flows, and confidence in the U.S. dollar. Improvements in housing supply and affordability may also reduce inflationary pressures that affect global monetary policy.

Implications for the Global Reset

• Pillar 1 – Debt

Greater housing affordability may ease financial pressure on households while improving long-term economic resilience and reducing borrowing stress.

• Pillar 2 – Trade

Expanded residential construction increases demand across manufacturing, building materials, transportation, and supply chains, supporting broader economic activity.

Closing Thoughts

The bipartisan housing legislation represents one of the most significant federal housing initiatives in years and reflects growing recognition that expanding supply is essential to improving affordability. While the bill alone is unlikely to solve America's housing shortage, it establishes a framework for reducing regulatory barriers and encouraging new development.

This is not just about housing—it reflects broader efforts to strengthen the U.S. economy by improving affordability, expanding investment, and modernizing critical domestic infrastructure.

Seeds of Wisdom Team

Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources

• Reuters — Housing bill will be sent to Trump on Monday, U.S. House speaker says
  
  
  

• Reuters — House speaker to send housing bill to White House following meeting with Trump

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