News, Rumors and Opinions Tuesday 5-5-2026

Note: All intel should be considered as "Rumors" until we receive official announcements ...and “Rates and Dates” could change anytime until we get to the banks/redemption centers.

RV Excerpts from the Restored Republic via a GCR Update as of Tues. 5 May 2026

Compiled Tues. 5 May 2026 12:01 am EST by Judy Byington

“All that we are is the result of what we have thought.”   …Buddha

Judy Note: The Old Word of foreign bankers was disappearing as their fiat Federal Reserve US Dollar died – they just hadn’t had the funeral yet – though, Trump had (allegedly) scheduled it for Fri. 15 May 2026.

“Expect a Worldwide financial crash, fiat US Dollar, banks closing, ATMs not working. It’s advised to take money out of your failing bank before the bank freezes your account.

Global Currency Reset:

Mon. 4 April 2026: OFFICIAL! WHITE HAT MILITARY TAKES CONTROL OF GLOBAL MONEY SYSTEM — NESARA ACTIVE, QFS PAYMENTS LIVE, REDEMPTION CENTERS OPEN, TRILLIONS RELEASED … on Telegram

White Hat military forces have (allegedly) seized full operational command of the global financial redemption. They direct the release of trillions in asset-backed funds across 209 nations, dismantling the old fiat debt system and installing the Quantum Financial System as the unbreakable backbone of sovereign economies.

This process strips power from central banks that bled American citizens for generations. The QFS operates on quantum-secured ledgers that reject manipulation, usury, and hidden taxation. Every redemption transaction traces in real time, shielding patriots and everyday workers from the theft that funded endless wars and bureaucratic empires.

President Trump’s team coordinates this with military precision. Secure channels (allegedly) routed the final triggers, bypassing compromised institutions to deliver immediate liquidity to aligned nations.

America’s 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026, (allegedly) marks the public unveiling. Trump prepares a declaration that restores constitutional money and ends the private Federal Reserve’s stranglehold. This date delivers the decisive blow against globalist control and returns economic sovereignty to the people who built this republic.

NESARA (allegedly) activates the framework that cancels illegitimate debt, abolishes the income tax on wages, and returns seized wealth to American families. GESARA extends the same protections worldwide. White Hats have (allegedly) released initial tranches with funds flowing into redemption accounts and sovereign treasuries right now.

The old system collapses under its own weight while the new one stands operational and defended by military assets. Trump’s preparations tie directly into this reset through public events celebrating restored freedom alongside tangible prosperity.

The Deepstate can (allegedly) no longer suppress this transition via controlled media and financial gatekeepers. Military oversight ensures American citizens receive priority protection while the bureaucracy that enriched itself at their expense is starved. This fulfills the America First mandate.

Sovereignty returns to the people. Citizens reclaim control over their labor, land, and future. The global currency reset completes under White Hat direction, and July 4, 2026, will etch this victory into history.

Read full post here:  https://dinarchronicles.com/2026/05/05/restored-republic-via-a-gcr-update-as-of-may-5-2026/

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

Jeff   Things are looking very good.  Most likely during next week to announce the lineup of the ministers and have it ready for a vote as well within two weeks.  If they can get that done, that means they're positioned to possibly revalue the currency in the second half of May.  We've got to watch this movement very closely.

Frank26   [Iraq boots-on-the-ground report]  OMAR:  Alaq is saying, 'I've not said anything about changing the rate, that's all just on social media, it's in the media of Iraq, we still need stability and we're not going to risk the changing of the rate' says Alaq.  FRANK:  If Alaq continues to insist there's no rate changing, then you can take this to the bank, he will be gone very soon.  Mark my words.  OMAR: Alaq has made it clear...They will work with the government but he runs the CBI.  FRANK:  He is delusional...The board of directors are the ones that run the CBI and they answer to the IMF...WB.  They even work with the US. This man is definitely gone.  Remember I told you that. 

Mnt Goat  If al-Zaydi [Iraqi Prime Minister-designate] takes the appropriate steps toward dismantling the PMF, and any terrorist groups operating in Iraq, then parliament passes the Oil and Gas Law (which they already told us is a priority in this new parliament) we could be into some smooth sailing towards the reinstatement process to move ahead.

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

Gold Price Sees Final C-Wave Correction, Final Gift Before $6,000 - Gary Wagner

Daniela Cambone:  5-4-2026

"I believe that gold will challenge $6,000 per ounce sometime by the end of this year. It's got a very decent probability." Veteran technical analyst Gary Wagner breaks down the Elliott Wave pattern signaling one last dip before gold resumes its historic rally.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGJXsh35Ye4

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economics Updates Tuesday Morning 5-5-26

Good Morning Dinar Recaps,

Global Policy Shift Emerges: Central Banks Hold Firm as Inflation Risks Reignite

Sticky inflation and geopolitical pressures are forcing central banks to delay easing, signaling a longer period of tight financial conditions

OVERVIEW (KEY POINTS)

Global monetary policy is entering a new phase as major central banks signal prolonged higher interest rates in response to persistent inflation pressures.

This is happening now due to a combination of rising energy costs, resilient labor markets, and ongoing geopolitical instability, all preventing inflation from cooling as expected.

Key players include the U.S. Federal Reserve, European Central Bank, and other global institutions now aligning around a “higher for longer” stance.

The broader implication is clear: tight financial conditions are becoming structural rather than temporary, increasing pressure across debt markets, currencies, and global growth.

KEY DEVELOPMENTS

1. Central Banks Signal “Higher for Longer”

Policy easing is being delayed.

• Officials indicate interest rates will remain elevated into 2027

• Inflation risks preventing a return to looser monetary conditions

2. Inflation Pressures Persist Globally

Price stability remains elusive.

• Energy and services inflation staying above target levels

• Core inflation proving more stubborn than expected

3. Bond Yields Rise Across Markets

Debt markets are adjusting.

• Government bond yields climbing as expectations shift

• Investors demanding higher returns amid inflation uncertainty

4. Economic Growth Faces Headwinds

Tighter policy is slowing momentum.

• Businesses facing higher borrowing costs

• Investment and expansion plans showing signs of weakening

5. Currency Markets Reflect Policy Divergence

Exchange rates are shifting.

• Stronger currencies linked to higher interest rate environments

• Weaker economies experiencing capital outflows and volatility

WHY IT MATTERS

This development signals a fundamental shift: the era of easy money is not returning anytime soon.

Markets are being forced to adjust to a reality where liquidity remains constrained and borrowing costs stay elevated, impacting everything from housing to global investment flows.

For policymakers, the balancing act has become more difficult—maintaining high rates risks slowing economies, while lowering them too soon could reignite inflation.

At the system level, this reinforces a transition toward tighter, more disciplined financial conditions globally.

WHY IT MATTERS TO FOREIGN CURRENCY HOLDERS

• Higher interest rates influence currency strength globally

• Purchasing power remains under pressure from inflation

• Capital flows shift toward higher-yielding economies

• Increased volatility in emerging market currencies

IMPLICATIONS FOR THE GLOBAL RESET

• Pillar 1: Structural Tightening of Global Liquidity

Sustained high interest rates are reducing excess liquidity, forcing a revaluation of assets, debt, and financial risk.

• Pillar 2: Monetary Policy Realignment

Central banks are transitioning toward a more inflation-focused, less stimulus-driven framework, reshaping global financial stability mechanisms.

CONCLUSION

The shift toward prolonged high interest rates marks a turning point in global monetary policy.

As inflation remains persistent and geopolitical risks continue, central banks are signaling that tight conditions are here to stay.

This is not a temporary adjustment—it reflects a broader transformation in how economies manage growth, inflation, and financial stability.

When liquidity tightens globally, the entire financial system must recalibrate—and that recalibration is now underway.

Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources

• Reuters — "Central banks signal higher rates for longer as inflation persists"

• Reuters — "Bond yields rise as investors reassess rate outlook"

~~~~~~~~~~

🌱 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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Newshound's News Telegram Room Link

RV Facts with Proof Links Link

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Follow the Gold/Silver Rate COMEX

Follow Fast Facts

Seeds of Wisdom Team™Website

Thank you Dinar Recaps

Iraq Economic News and Points To Ponder Tuesday Morning 5-5-26

Iraq Resumes Syria Trade With 3 Shipments Via Rabia Crossing After 13 Years

2026-05-05 Shafaq News- Nineveh/ Hasakah   The first three commercial shipments from Syria entered Iraq through the Rabia border crossing on Tuesday, Iraq’s General Customs Authority said, ending nearly 13 years of near-total closure.

According to the authority, work is continuing to receive additional shipments in the coming period, with procedures aimed at ensuring compliance and preventing violations.

The Rabia crossing, located between Iraq’s Nineveh province and Syria’s Hasakah, had been largely shut due to security conditions and military operations linked to the Syrian conflict and the ISIS period.

Its reopening on April 20, which makes it the third operational land crossing between Iraq and Syria alongside Al-Qaim-Albu Kamal and Al-Waleed-Al-Tanf, comes as Iraq seeks to revive cross-border trade routes and expand overland transport options after Iran and the United States disrupted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, which carries roughly 20% of global oil flows.

The reopening also follows shifts in northeastern Syria after a late-January agreement between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), followed by government visits to crossings in Hasakah to “assess readiness and reopening plans.” https://shafaq.com/en/Economy/Iraq-resumes-Syria-trade-with-3-shipments-via-Rabia-crossing-after-13-years

Iraq Output Tops 4M Bpd As Global Oil Demand Holds Near 105M Bpd

2026-05-05    Shafaq News- Baghdad   Iraq’s oil production exceeds 4 million barrels per day (bpd), placing it among the world’s leading suppliers, as global demand holds steady near 100 to 105 million bpd, according to International Energy Agency (IEA) data released on Tuesday.

Global output is led by the United States, Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Iraq, OPEC’s second-largest producer.

On the consumption side, the United States remains the largest oil consumer at roughly 20.3 million bpd, followed by China at about 16.1 million bpd and India at around 5.2 million bpd. Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Brazil each consume between 3 million and 4 million bpd.

Read more: Iraq’s oil bottleneck: Abundance trapped by dependency

https://shafaq.com/en/Economy/Iraq-output-tops-4M-bpd-as-global-oil-demand-holds-near-105M-bpd

EIA: Iraq Second In OPEC Oil Exports To US In February

2026-05-05 Shafaq News- Baghdad/ Washington   US crude oil imports from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) climbed above 40 million barrels in February, with Iraq emerging as the second-largest supplier among member states, the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) said on Tuesday.

The United States imported 8.680 million barrels of crude from Iraq, OPEC's second-largest producer, placing it behind Saudi Arabia, which led with 14.749 million barrels. Venezuela followed in third place with 8.149 million barrels.

Nigeria supplied 3.893 million barrels, while Libya exported 3.114 million barrels. Kuwait delivered 1.111 million barrels, followed by Algeria with 412,000 barrels, Gabon with 306,000 barrels, and Equatorial Guinea with 258,000 barrels. The United Arab Emirates contributed 177,000 barrels.

No US crude imports were recorded from Congo or Iran over the same period.

https://shafaq.com/en/Economy/EIA-Iraq-second-in-OPEC-oil-exports-to-US-in-February

Dollar Rises In Baghdad And Erbil Markets

2026-05-05 Shafaq News- Baghdad/ Erbil   The US dollar opened Tuesday’s trading higher in Iraq, hovering around 153,000 dinars per 100 dollars.

According to Shafaq News market survey, the dollar traded in Baghdad's Al-Kifah and Al-Harithiya exchanges at 153,100 dinars per 100 dollars, up from the previous session’s 152,500 dinars.

In the Iraqi capital, exchange shops sold the dollar at 153,500 dinars and bought it at 152,500 dinars, while in Erbil, selling prices stood at 153,100 dinars and buying prices at 153,000 dinars.

https://shafaq.com/en/Economy/Dollar-rises-in-Baghdad-and-Erbil-markets-7-8

Gold Prices Climb In Baghdad, Dip In Erbil

2026-05-05 Shafaq News- Baghdad/ Erbil   On Tuesday, gold prices rose in Baghdad to around 980,000 IQD per mithqal for 21-carat gold, while declining in Erbil, according to a market survey by Shafaq News.

Gold prices on Baghdad’s Al-Nahr Street recorded a selling price of 983,000 IQD per mithqal (equivalent to five grams) for 21-carat gold, including Gulf, Turkish, and European varieties, with a buying price of 979,000 IQD, compared to 980,000 IQD on Monday.

The selling price for 21-carat Iraqi gold stood at 953,000 IQD, with a buying price of 949,000 IQD IQD. In jewelry stores, the selling price per mithqal of 21-carat Gulf gold ranged between 985,000 and 995,000 IQD, while Iraqi gold sold for between 955,000 and 965,000 IQD.

In Erbil, gold prices declined, with 22-carat gold sold at 1,027,000 IQD per mithqal, 21-carat gold at 980,000 IQD, and 18-carat gold at 840,000 IQD. https://shafaq.com/en/Economy/Gold-prices-climb-in-Baghdad-dip-in-Erbil-9

Gold Edges Higher After Slump As Oil Limits Rally

2026-05-05 Shafaq News   Gold prices rose on Tuesday ‌from a five-week low hit in the previous session, although gains were limited as elevated crude oil prices kept inflation fears alive and clouded the U.S. interest rate outlook.

Spot gold rose 0.5% to $4,543.87​per ounce by 0757 GMT, after a more than 2% drop on ​Monday. U.S. gold futures for June delivery were up 0.5% at $4,554.10.

"Prices seem ⁠to be digesting a bit after the return of the 'war trade' across markets ​sent gold lower Monday," said Ilya Spivak, head of global macro at Tastylive.

However, gains were ​capped as Treasury "yields and the dollar pushed higher as a rebound in crude oil stoked inflation fears. That weighed against non-interest-bearing and anti-fiat gold," Spivak said.

The dollar rose and Brent crude hovered above $113 ​a barrel as the U.S. and Iran continued to work towards a truce ​while trading blows over the Strait of Hormuz.

The U.S. military said on Monday it destroyed six Iranian small ‌boats ⁠and intercepted Iranian cruise missiles and drones as Tehran sought to thwart a new U.S. naval effort to open shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

A stronger U.S. currency makes dollar-priced metals more expensive for holders of other currencies.

Meanwhile, higher crude oil prices can ​stoke inflation, increasing ​the likelihood of higher ⁠interest rates. While gold is considered an inflation hedge, high interest rates make yield-bearing assets more attractive, weighing on its appeal.

Traders ​have largely priced out U.S. interest rate cuts for this year, ​with markets ⁠now seeing a 37% chance of a hike by March 2027, compared with 27% of a reduction a week earlier.

Investors now await a slew of key U.S. data this ⁠week, including ​job openings, the ADP employment report, and the ​April payrolls report.

Spot silver was up 0.8% at $73.29 per ounce, platinum gained 1.7% to $1,978.77, and palladium rose 1.1% ​to $1,496.25.

(REUTERS) https://shafaq.com/en/Economy/Gold-edges-higher-after-slump-as-oil-limits-rally

THE US$ HAS DIED

THE US$ HAS DIED

GoldSwitzerland  by Von Greyerz: 5-4-2026

What happens when money loses almost all of its value?

Egon looks at the decline of fiat currencies as he shares historical examples of currency collapse.

He breaks down what inflation really means and how purchasing power disappears over time (with an example of housing costs from 1926 vs 2026).

Watch the video to learn how to save your future from the weakening fiat money.

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

FRANK26…5-4-26…..SATURDAY !!!

KTFA

Monday Night Video

FRANK26…5-4-26…..SATURDAY !!!

This video is in Frank’s and his team’s opinion only

Frank’s team is Walkingstick, Eddie and Omar in Iraq and guests

Playback Number: 605-313-5163   PIN: 156996#

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmcE8SR_dPY

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economics Updates Monday Evening 5-4-26

Good Evening Dinar Recaps,

Markets on Edge as Iran Tensions and Oil Disruptions Shake Global Confidence

A prolonged Strait of Hormuz disruption and rising oil prices are fueling volatility and exposing deeper financial system vulnerabilities.

Overview

U.S. stock futures opened mixed as investors weigh geopolitical escalation between the U.S. and Iran against corporate earnings resilience. At the center of the uncertainty is the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil artery, which is driving energy price volatility and increasing inflationary pressure worldwide.

Key Developments

1. Mixed Market Signals Reflect Investor Uncertainty

Futures trading shows a divided market outlook, with:

• Dow futures slightly lower

• S&P 500 marginally higher

• Nasdaq posting modest gains
  ‍ ‍ This split performance highlights a market balancing short-term optimism from earnings with long-term geopolitical risk.

2. Strait of Hormuz Closure Disrupts Global Energy Flows

The ongoing shutdown of this key shipping route is restricting oil supply, pushing prices higher and intensifying global inflation concerns. As one of the world’s most critical energy corridors, any prolonged disruption could slow global economic growth.

3. Corporate Signals Suggest Underlying Caution

Despite some strong earnings, broader signals show hesitation:

• Berkshire Hathaway has been a net seller of stocks for 14 consecutive quarters, indicating valuation concerns

• GameStop shares declined following acquisition news

• eBay surged, reflecting selective investor confidence
   These mixed signals point to a market lacking clear directional conviction.

4. Geopolitical Risk Continues to Dominate Sentiment

Escalating tensions and military warnings in the region, combined with uncertain diplomatic outcomes, are limiting investor risk appetite. Markets are increasingly sensitive to headline-driven volatility tied to geopolitical developments.

Why It Matters

The convergence of energy disruption, geopolitical instability, and cautious capital flows is creating a fragile financial environment. Historically, such conditions can trigger market corrections, policy responses, or broader financial system adjustments.

Why It Matters to Foreign Currency Holders

• Increased potential for currency volatility tied to oil and risk sentiment

• Strengthening of commodity-linked currencies amid rising energy prices

• Continued pressure on global trade stability and capital flows

Implications for the Global Reset

• Pillar 1: Inflation and Monetary Pressure

Rising oil prices may force central banks to maintain tighter monetary policies, even as growth slows, increasing the risk of stagflation-like conditions.

• Pillar 2: Energy and Trade Realignment

Disruptions in key trade routes like the Strait of Hormuz could accelerate regional energy alliances and alternative trade corridors, reshaping global economic dependencies.

Closing Insight

Markets are showing resilience, but the underlying tone is cautious and reactive. The longer the Strait of Hormuz remains disrupted, the greater the risk that temporary volatility evolves into structural financial stress.

This is not just market volatility — it’s energy-driven financial pressure testing the stability of the global system.

Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources

• Modern Diplomacy — "US Stock Futures Mixed as Iran Tensions and Oil Risks Weigh on Market Sentiment"

• Reuters — "Oil prices rise as Strait of Hormuz tensions escalate"

~~~~~~~~~~

Seeds of Wisdom Team RV Currency Facts Youtube and Rumble

Newshound's News Telegram Room Link

RV Facts with Proof Links Link

RV Updates Proof links - Facts Link

Follow the Gold/Silver Rate COMEX

Follow Fast Facts

Seeds of Wisdom Team™Website

Thank you Dinar Recaps

Iraq Economic News and Points To Ponder Monday Evening 5-4-26

USD Slips Against Dinar In Baghdad And Erbil

2026-05-04 Shafaq News- Baghdad/ Erbil   The US dollar opened Monday's trading lower in Iraq, hovering around 152,000 dinars per 100 dollars.

According to Shafaq News market survey, the dollar traded in Baghdad's Al-Kifah and Al-Harithiya exchanges at 152,500 dinars per 100 dollars, down from the previous session's 152,900 dinars.

In the Iraqi capital, exchange shops sold the dollar at 153,000 dinars and bought it at 152,000 dinars, while in Erbil, selling prices stood at 152,450 dinars and buying prices at 152,350 dinars.

https://shafaq.com/en/Economy/USD-slips-against-dinar-in-Baghdad-and-Erbil

Syrian Adviser Questions Economic Recovery Despite $46M Surplus

2026-05-04 Shafaq News- Damascus   Early signs of economic “recovery” in Syria require cautious interpretation and do not necessarily reflect sustainable structural improvement, government economic adviser Ziad Arabsh told Shafaq News on Monday.

After a visit to Damascus under an “intensive engagement” program, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) pointed to improved economic activity, stronger consumption and trade, and a relative rise in consumer and investor confidence in the country. However, Arabsh said these indicators mask deeper weaknesses, citing estimates by the Syrian Center for Policy Research showing real growth did not exceed 0.3%, while per capita GDP declined by 6%.

He described the reported $46 million budget surplus in 2025, the first since 1990, as “fragile,” driven primarily by strict austerity measures rather than productive gains. Customs revenues accounted for about 39% of total income, while wages and salaries made up roughly 41% of spending, reflecting a focus on short-term support over long-term investment.

According to Arabsh, the relative improvement in activity is largely tied to temporary factors, including stronger agricultural output due to rainfall, limited easing of sanctions, and early signs of regional reintegration, though he warned that structural constraints –including weak infrastructure, high production costs, and liquidity shortages– continue to limit any sustainable recovery.

The government, he acknowledged, has made progress in halting deficit financing through the central bank, improving fiscal transparency, and implementing tax and customs reforms, but major challenges remain, particularly in governance and public sector restructuring.

“The reality is growth without development,” Arabsh said, as recovery indicators have not translated into improved living conditions, with poverty levels still high and large segments of the population facing food insecurity.

In the short term, Arabsh predicted that 2026–2027 could see a return to deficits as public spending expands, with oil revenues expected to play a larger role in state income, and over the medium term, recovery will depend on large-scale investment and reconstruction, requiring “hundreds of billions of dollars and the creation of hundreds of thousands of jobs.”

Arabsh concluded that the most likely scenario is a gradual but uneven recovery, warning of widening social gaps unless policies shift toward inclusive and sustainable development.

https://shafaq.com/en/Economy/Syrian-adviser-questions-economic-recovery-despite-46M-surplus

Gold Prices Fall In Baghdad And Erbil

2026-05-04 Shafaq News- Baghdad/ Erbil   Gold prices declined Monday in Baghdad and Erbil markets, hovering below the million-dinar mark, according to a Shafaq News market survey.

On Baghdad's Al-Nahr Street, wholesale markets recorded a selling price of 980,000 IQD per mithqal (equivalent to five grams) for 21-carat Gulf, Turkish, and European gold, with a buying price of 976,000 IQD, down from 996,000 IQD the previous session.

Iraqi 21-carat gold sold at 950,000 IQD per mithqal, with a buying price of 946,000 IQD.

In jewelry stores, 21-carat Gulf gold ranged between 980,000 and 990,000 IQD per mithqal, while Iraqi gold sold between 950,000 and 960,000 IQD.

In Erbil, prices also fell, with 22-carat gold selling at 1.030 million IQD per mithqal, 21-carat at 982,000 IQD, and 18-carat at 842,000 IQD.   https://shafaq.com/en/Economy/Gold-prices-fall-in-Baghdad-and-Erbil-5-8

Kirkuk Oil Exports Hold At 200K Bpd Amid Kurdistan Supply Drop

2026-05-04 Shafaq News- Kirkuk   Iraq continues to export around 200,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil from Kirkuk, despite a decline in supplies from the Kurdistan Region, sources at the North Oil Company told Shafaq News on Monday.

Approximately 30,000 bpd of the total exports has been supplied from the Kurdistan Region, the sources explained, adding that reduced production in the area in recent weeks, due to the suspension of operations by several oil companies, “has affected overall export volumes.”

A resumption of activity by these companies could increase export volumes through Turkiye to between 400,000 and 500,000 bpd.

“To offset part of the shortfall, the North Oil Company has begun transporting crude from southern fields within Kirkuk province, at a rate of about 50,000 bpd,” the sources said, noting that the oil is delivered by tanker trucks to the K1 station before being pumped through the Kirkuk–Kurdistan pipeline.

These measures are part of an operational plan aimed at maintaining stable oil flows and avoiding a sharp decline in exports amid technical and operational challenges affecting some fields. “The reliance on tanker transport is a temporary solution to sustain supplies until halted fields resume operations, and oil companies return to normal activity.”

The Kirkuk–Kurdistan pipeline remains a key export route, used to transport part of the province’s output along with additional volumes supplied from other areas. The current situation requires coordination between the Iraqi government and the Kurdistan Regional Government “to ensure stable production and exports.”

Read more: Iraq’s oil restart tests a fragile federal compact

https://shafaq.com/en/Economy/Kirkuk-oil-exports-hold-at-200K-bpd-amid-Kurdistan-supply-drop

Iranian Toman Approaches 200,000-Per-Dollar Threshold On Hormuz Tensions

2026-05-04 Shafaq News- Tehran   The US dollar traded at around 190,900 tomans in Iran’s open market on Monday (1 toman = 10 rial) nearing the 200,000 threshold amid mounting pressure on the national currency.

Data from exchange monitoring platforms indicated continued upward movement, with traders expecting further gains if political and security tensions persist.

The rise came after US President Donald Trump announced that Washington would begin assisting stranded vessels in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, guiding them out of the waterway under the initiative of “Project Freedom,” warning that any interference would be met with force. Iran, in turn, warned US forces against entering the strait, saying it would respond to any foreign military action it deems a threat.

https://shafaq.com/en/Economy/Iranian-toman-approaches-200-000-per-dollar-threshold-on-Hormuz-tensions

ISX Reports About $4M In Weekly Trading

2026-05-04 Shafaq News- Baghdad   The Iraq Stock Exchange (ISX) recorded more than 6 billion dinars in trading volume last week —roughly $4 million.

According to the recorded data, 3.92 billion shares were traded during the week. The ISX60 index closed at 983.02 points, reflecting a 0.39% decrease from the previous session.

Throughout the week, the exchange executed 5,736 sale and purchase contracts involving listed companies. A total of 67 companies saw their shares traded, while 29 firms recorded no transactions due to unmatched buy and sell orders. Eight companies remain suspended for failing to disclose financial data, out of 104 listed firms.

Non-Iraqi investors purchased 10 million shares worth 34 million dinars (about $22,300) through 25 transactions, while selling 8 million shares valued at 25 million dinars (roughly $16,400) across 48 transactions.

https://shafaq.com/en/Economy/ISX-reports-about-4M-in-weekly-trading

Syria’s New Customs System Disrupts Semalka Imports From Kurdistan

2026-05-04   Shafaq News- Damascus   Imports from Iraqi Kurdistan through the Semalka border crossing in Syria’s Al-Hasakah province declined following the implementation of new procedures by Syria’s General Authority for Border Crossings and Customs, a source at the crossing told Shafaq News on Monday.

Dozens of traders have halted imports via Semalka and shifted to other Syrian crossings with Turkiye and Iraq, the source said, adding that activity has dropped by about half over the past three weeks compared with previous years.

Farhad Youssef, a customs broker, told our agency that the unified customs system imposed by the Syrian government includes strict restrictions on the entry of certain goods, along with extensive documentation requirements, at a time when state institutions in Hasakah are not fully operational.

“The new measures prompted brokers and shipping companies to take collective strike action starting today, halting cargo entry until further notice.”

According to Youssef, a meeting is expected between customs brokers, traders, and crossing authorities to discuss the procedures and seek solutions to facilitate trade with the Region.

Semalka previously operated under a customs system linked to the Autonomous Administration in northeast Syria before being brought under the Syrian government as part of the January 29 agreement between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Damascus, implemented in mid-April.

On April 20, the Al-Yarubiyah–Rabia crossing with Iraq reopened after nearly 13 years of near-total closure due to security conditions and military operations in the region, becoming the third land route between Syria and Iraq following the earlier reopening of Al-Qaim–Al-Bukamal and Al-Waleed–Al-Tanf crossings.

https://shafaq.com/en/Economy/Syria-s-new-customs-system-disrupts-Semalka-imports-from-Kurdistan

Jon Dowling & SG Anon Discuss Latest Financial and Geo Political Updates

Jon Dowling & SG Anon Discuss Latest Financial and Geo Political Updates

5-4-2026

The world stands at a profound inflection point, where the structures that have governed global commerce, diplomacy, and finance for decades are quietly but decisively shifting.

A recent podcast episode featuring returning guest SG ANON offers a comprehensive exploration of these transformations, weaving together threads from the Middle East, Wall Street, Washington, and Beijing into a compelling narrative of systemic change.

What emerges from this wide-ranging conversation is not merely a collection of disconnected events, but rather the outlines of a new global architecture—one that promises to reshape how nations interact, how money moves, and how power is distributed across the world stage.

The conversation opens with a development that might seem peripheral to casual observers but carries enormous significance for the global financial order: the appointment of Ali al-Zaidi as Iraq’s new prime minister.

SG ANON describes this appointment as deeply unsettling, noting al-Zaidi’s documented connections to Iranian proxy networks and entrenched financial corruption. Iraq, despite its vast oil reserves and strategic position in the heart of the Middle East, finds itself increasingly captured by actors whose interests align more closely with Tehran than with the independent, stable future that many had hoped to foster in the post-Sadaam era.

This development takes on heightened importance when viewed through the lens of the global petroleum economy.

The petro dollar system—the arrangement whereby oil is priced and traded in U.S. dollars, with Saudi Arabia serving as the swing producer that anchors the arrangement—has been the foundation of American financial hegemony since the 1970s. When oil flows through dollar-denominated channels, demand for dollars remains robust, allowing the United States to run persistent current account deficits while maintaining its currency’s reserve status. Any erosion of this system carries profound implications for American wealth and power.

The appointment of a leader with strong Iranian ties in Iraq represents more than a bilateral concern. Iran has long sought to undermine the U.S.-led financial architecture, and its proxies throughout the region—including Hezbollah in Lebanon, various factions in Syria, and Houthi forces in Yemen—have consistently worked to disrupt the stability that the petro dollar system requires. Iraq’s drift toward Iran’s sphere of influence thus represents another vector of pressure on an already stressed system, suggesting that the foundations of the post-World War II financial order are experiencing strains from multiple directions simultaneously.

Turning to American domestic finance, the podcast examines the anticipated transition at the Federal Reserve from Jerome Powell to Kevin Warsh.

This leadership change carries enormous weight for markets, as the Fed’s decisions on interest rates influence everything from mortgage payments to cryptocurrency valuations to the cost of capital for businesses of every size. SG ANON expresses cautious optimism about the direction this transition might signal, noting that Warsh has historically been more favorably disposed toward lower interest rates and a stronger commodities sector than his predecessor.

The expectation of rate cuts represents a significant shift in monetary policy philosophy. Under Powell’s leadership, the Fed pursued a relatively tightening stance, concerned about inflationary pressures that had built up during and after the pandemic-era stimulus programs.

 For investors in traditional markets, the prospect of easier monetary conditions brings relief after a extended period of restricted access to cheap capital. For those invested in alternative assets—particularly commodities and cryptocurrencies—the potential for a more accommodating Fed is especially welcome, as these asset classes have historically thrived when the cost of money decreases.

However, SG ANON introduces a note of caution that deserves attention. Even as Powell prepares to step down from the Chairman role, there are indications that he will maintain an advisory position within the institution.

This continued presence raises legitimate questions about whether the hoped-for Pivot toward a new monetary paradigm will face internal resistance from those who benefited from and believed in the previous approach. The Federal Reserve is not merely a technical institution but a political one, and transitions in leadership often reveal the underlying tensions that have accumulated during periods of apparent stability.

One of the most thoughtful moments in the conversation comes when SG ANON reflects on the human dimensions of large-scale systemic transformation. Whether the topic is monetary policy reform, geopolitical realignment, or technological disruption, these changes ultimately depend on individuals making decisions that serve either their narrow self-interest or their conception of the collective good. SG ANON suggests that understanding this dynamic is essential for accurately predicting how transitions will unfold.

The path from the old financial order to whatever emerges next is not automatic or inevitable. It requires people in positions of power to choose the uncertain over the comfortable, to embrace new systems that may threaten their established advantages, and to act on principles that may not immediately serve their personal interests. This is not naive idealism but rather a clear-eyed assessment of how change actually occurs in complex systems. Every major transformation in history—from the shift off the gold standard to the rise of the internet—required champions who could see beyond the immediate calculus of power and profit to embrace a larger vision.

This framework proves particularly relevant when considering the transition to what SG ANON describes as a new financial and digital ecosystem. The conversation points toward developments that go beyond incremental improvements to existing systems, instead suggesting a fundamental reimagining of how financial transactions occur, how value is stored and transferred, and how individuals interact with monetary systems. The emergence of state-level digital transaction systems represents not merely an upgrade to current technology but potentially a reconceptualization of money itself.

Among the most concrete predictions to emerge from the conversation is the suggestion that a new digital banking system in the United States will be operational by June first.

SG ANON presents this development as a decisive break from the centralized financial architecture that has dominated American commerce since the establishment of the Federal Reserve System in 1913. The promised benefits include dramatically enhanced transaction speeds—meaning near-instantaneous transfers regardless of amount or destination—and robust anti-money laundering capabilities that could finally address the persistent gaps that have allowed illicit finance to flow through the traditional banking system.

This new system is positioned not as a replacement for existing banking infrastructure but as an evolution toward something more transparent, more efficient, and less susceptible to the kind of manipulation that has periodically shaken confidence in traditional financial institutions.

The implications for everyday Americans are potentially profound: faster payments, lower fees, greater transparency, and reduced exposure to the kind of systemic risks that required taxpayer-funded bailouts during the 2008 financial crisis.

The conversation draws an explicit connection between this technological development and the long-debated concept of the National Economic Stabilization and Recovery Act, commonly known as NESARA.

This legislation, first proposed in various forms during the 1990s and 2000s, envisioned a comprehensive restructuring of the American financial system, including the elimination of national debt, the reform of banking practices, and the establishment of new frameworks for economic governance. While NESARA in its original form has never been enacted, SG ANON suggests that its core principles are finally being realized through the gradual implementation of complementary reforms, with the new digital banking system representing a crucial piece of the puzzle.

Shifting from financial to diplomatic terrain, the podcast examines the anticipated meeting between President Trump and China’s President Xi Jinping. This summit carries unusual weight given the Multiple flashpoints that define the current Sino-American relationship, and SG ANON suggests that the agenda will inevitably touch on issues that extend far beyond traditional trade disputes.

The disconnection from the petro dollar system looms large over any discussion of future bilateral relations. China’s growing economic footprint, its strategic partnerships with resource-rich nations across the Global South, and its development of alternative financial infrastructure through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative and the BRICS banking arrangements all suggest a world in which the dollar’s dominance is no longer automatic or unquestioned.

How the United States manages this transition—through confrontation, accommodation, or some combination of both—will shape the global economic order for generations.

Taiwan represents perhaps the most acute flashpoint in the relationship. American policy has evolved from strategic ambiguity toward increasingly explicit commitments to the island’s security, while China has escalated both rhetorical pressure and military activity in the Taiwan Strait. The upcoming summit provides an opportunity for both leaders to signal their red lines, to explore whether accommodation remains possible, or to prepare their respective publics for a more confrontational phase in the relationship.

The conversation also addresses the emerging competition for dominance in what might be called the global commons: the maritime domains of the Indo-Pacific, the orbital lanes of space, and the digital infrastructure that increasingly undergirds modern civilization. Control over these domains carries advantages that extend far beyond their immediate military implications, touching on questions of economic productivity, technological leadership, and the ability to set rules and norms for emerging technologies. SG ANON suggests that the summit discussions will inevitably touch on these themes, even if the public framing focuses on more traditional security concerns.

Perhaps most intriguing for domestic American audiences are SG ANON’s predictions regarding the coming wave of judicial actions and public accountability. The suggestion that significant developments in this direction should be expected within the next twelve months aligns with a broader narrative suggesting that various investigative and legal processes, long delayed, are approaching resolution. Without speculating on specific cases or outcomes, SG ANON emphasizes that the pattern of deferred accountability appears to be ending, replaced by a new willingness to pursue legal consequences regardless of the status or position of those involved.

This theme connects to a larger vision of American renewal tied to the nation’s approaching 250th anniversary. The semiquincentennial celebration provides not merely an occasion for patriotic commemoration but an opportunity to reassess founding principles, to confront failures to live up to those principles, and to chart a course toward a more perfect union.

SG ANON suggests that the transformations discussed throughout the podcast—the financial reforms, the diplomatic realignments, the technological innovations—all contribute to this larger project of national reinvention.

The timing is not coincidental. Major transitions in American history have often been catalyzed by anniversary moments, from the centennial celebration of 1876 that helped reunify the nation after Reconstruction to the bicentennial of 1976 that coincided with a period of constitutional reckoning regarding the limits of executive power. The approaching 250th anniversary may serve a similar catalytic function, providing a deadline and a framework for the completion of reforms that have been brewing for years.

What emerges from this wide-ranging conversation is a picture of a world in transition—not gradual, linear change, but rather the kind of discontinuous transformation that occurs when accumulated stresses finally overcome the resistance of established systems.

The petro dollar’s gradual erosion, the Federal Reserve’s philosophical evolution, the emergence of new digital financial infrastructure, the high-stakes diplomacy between rival superpowers, the anticipated reckoning with unaccountable power—these threads, taken together, suggest that we are living through a hinge point in history.

SG ANON’s assessment is ultimately hopeful, grounded in a conviction that the changes underway, however disruptive in the short term, are clearing away the accumulated debris of outdated systems and creating space for something more just, more transparent, and more aligned with human flourishing.

 This is not blind optimism but rather the clear-eyed recognition that the alternative—continuation of the current trajectory—is far worse.

The invitation to viewers is to pay attention, to stay informed, and to participate consciously in the transformations reshaping their world. The full video from Jon Dowling provides additional depth and context for those wishing to explore these themes further. In an era of rapid change and uncertainty, that willingness to witness, to understand, and to engage may be the most important preparation for the future that is rapidly approaching.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3oN_9z0bw0Q

https://dinarchronicles.com/2026/05/04/jon-dowling-latest-financial-and-geopolitical-updates-with-sg-anon-may-2026/

Freedom Fighter: The Iraqi Dinar Revaluation

Freedom Fighter: The Iraqi Dinar Revaluation

5-4-2026

URGENT: Iraqi Dinar | Revaluation

This is not random.

The revaluation of the Iraqi DINAR represents more than a financial event.
It reflects a return to origin… a realignment of value where it all began. ( IRAQ )

From the cradle of civilization to the modern financial system—Iraq is not just another country.
It is the birthplace of humanity… where the first cities, societies, and systems of trade were formed.

The SHEKEL originated in this region.
Structured value began here.

Now watch closely:

The Iraqi DINAR carries that legacy forward as global financial systems begin to shift again.

A restoration of position.
A restoration of significance.

From the birthplace of humanity… to the rebirth of a nation — and the restoration of humanity.

History → Present → Transition

Receipts:

The spiritual RV is first.

Happening now.

Source(s):
• https://x.com/FreedomFight12/status/2050946911847256284

https://dinarchronicles.com/2026/05/04/freedom-fighter-the-iraqi-dinar-revaluation/

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economics Updates Monday Afternoon 5-4-26

Good Afternoon Dinar Recaps,

Hormuz Showdown Escalates: U.S.–Iran Standoff Threatens Global Energy and Trade Stability

Naval operations, rising tensions with China, and a tightening Strait of Hormuz are pushing the global financial system toward heightened risk

OVERVIEW (KEY POINTS)

The U.S.–Iran conflict has entered a more dangerous phase as military threats, naval operations, and geopolitical tensions converge around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy chokepoint.

This escalation is happening now following the U.S. launch of “Project Freedom”, aimed at guiding stranded ships, while Iran warns it will attack any foreign military presence in the strait.

Key players include the United States, Iran, China, and regional allies, all navigating a rapidly evolving situation with direct implications for oil supply and global trade routes.

The broader implication is significant: control over energy flows is becoming a central lever of geopolitical power, increasing systemic stress across global financial markets.

KEY DEVELOPMENTS

1. U.S. Launches “Project Freedom” Naval Operation

The U.S. is taking direct action in the strait.

• Operation designed to escort and guide stranded commercial vessels

• Framed as a humanitarian effort but signals increased military involvement

2. Iran Issues Direct Military Threats

Tensions are escalating rapidly.

• Iran warns it will attack U.S. forces entering the Strait of Hormuz

• Declares foreign interference a violation of ceasefire conditions

3. Strait of Hormuz Effectively Under Iranian Control

A critical global chokepoint is restricted.

• Roughly 20% of global oil and LNG flows impacted

• Shipping disruptions creating global supply uncertainty

4. U.S. Pressures China Over Iran Ties

Geopolitical stakes expand beyond the region.

• U.S. accuses China of financially supporting Iran

• Calls on Beijing to intervene diplomatically and help reopen trade routes

5. Global Energy and Trade Systems Strained

Economic consequences are building.

• Oil prices remain elevated despite intervention efforts

• Shipping delays and rerouting increasing costs across global supply chains

WHY IT MATTERS

This situation highlights a critical reality: energy chokepoints like Hormuz are central to global financial stability.

Markets are reacting to the risk of prolonged disruption, with volatility spreading across energy, shipping, and currency markets.

For policymakers, the escalation complicates efforts to manage inflation and growth, as higher energy costs feed directly into global price pressures.

At the system level, this underscores a deeper shift: geopolitical control over trade routes is increasingly influencing financial outcomes.

WHY IT MATTERS TO FOREIGN CURRENCY HOLDERS

• Oil price spikes weaken import-dependent currencies

• Inflation reduces purchasing power globally

• Safe-haven currencies may strengthen amid uncertainty

• Exchange rate volatility increases with geopolitical risk

IMPLICATIONS FOR THE GLOBAL RESET

• Pillar 1: Energy Control Reshapes Financial Power

Control of key supply routes like Hormuz is becoming a primary driver of economic and monetary influence.

• Pillar 2: Geopolitical Fragmentation Accelerates

Rising tensions between major powers signal a move toward a more divided and multipolar financial system.

CONCLUSION

The escalation in the Strait of Hormuz marks a critical inflection point in the global financial landscape.

As military operations expand and diplomatic tensions rise, the risks extend far beyond the region, impacting energy markets, trade flows, and financial stability.

This is not just a regional conflict—it is a reflection of how geopolitics is reshaping the foundations of global finance.

When energy routes become battlegrounds, the global financial system feels the shockwaves.

Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources

• Al Jazeera — "Iran war: What’s happening on day 66 as Trump announces Hormuz mission?"

• Al Jazeera — "US official says China is ‘funding’ Iran, urges Beijing to help open Hormuz" ‍ ‍

~~~~~~~~~~

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Iraq Economic News and Points To Ponder Monday Afternoon 5-4-26

Iran War: What’s Happening On Day 66 As Trump Announces Hormuz Mission?

EXPLAINER  News   US-Israel war on Iran  Trump orders new Hormuz mission after Iran says it receives US response to its peace proposal   by Al Jazeera Staff and Reuters  Published On 4 May 20 26

United States President Donald Trump has announced a naval mission called Project Freedom to help navigate stranded ships through the Strait of Hormuz, which remains under a de facto Iranian blockade. The operation will start on Monday, the US president says.

Iran took control of the Strait of Hormuz, through which one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies pass, days after the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran on February 28.

Despite Trump’s announcement, oil prices have failed to ease as the international benchmark Brent crude was essentially flat on Monday morning.

In response to Trump, top Iranian lawmaker Ebrahim Azizi said any US interference in the strait would be considered a violation of the ceasefire.

Here is what we know as the conflict enters day 66:

In Iran

• Responding to Trump’s new naval operation, Iran’s military said on Monday: “Any foreign armed force, especially the aggressive US Army, will be attacked if they attempt to approach and enter the Strait of Hormuz.”

• On Sunday, Iran said it received a US response to its latest offer for peace talks after Trump called Tehran’s proposal “unacceptable”.

• Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said on Monday that US allies in the region are aware the US-Israeli war on Iran is not legal but rather a “unilateral step” that goes against international law.

Diplomacy

• Pakistani Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar and his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, have discussed the “regional situation” and “Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic efforts for peace and stability in the region” in a phone call, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on social media..

• After Trump accused NATO allies of not doing enough to support the US in the war on Iran, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said on Monday that European nations have “gotten the message” and are now ensuring that agreements on the use of military bases are being implemented.

• The leaders of Australia and Japan have agreed to step up cooperation on energy and critical minerals as the Iran war disrupts global trade.

In the US

• Talking about his latest mission for the Strait of Hormuz, Trump said the US would start helping to free ships stranded in the Gulf by the US-Israeli war on Iran. Trump gave few details of the plan to aid ships and their crews that have been “locked up” in the vital waterway and are running low on food and other supplies more than two months after the conflict began.

• The unified command of Iran’s armed forces responded by warning US forces to stay out of the strait. Its forces would “respond harshly” to any threat, it added, telling commercial ships and oil tankers to refrain from any movement in the absence of coordination with Iran’s military.

• The US has evacuated 22 crew members held on board an Iranian container vessel to Pakistan and will hand them over to Iranian authorities on Monday, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, calling the move a “confidence-building measure”.

• The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) says the maritime security threat level in the Strait of Hormuz remains critical due to ongoing military operations.

In Lebanon

• Israel has attacked at least eight locations in southern Lebanon. Our colleagues at Al Jazeera Arabic are reporting Israel attacked Debaal, Qana, Srifa and Qalaouiyah as well as Zawtar al-Sharqiya, Toulin, Shehour and Braachit. The attacks came after the Israeli military ordered residents to flee from their homes.

• According to Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA), Israeli forces also dropped flares over Braachit overnight and shelled the outskirts of the towns of Safad El Battikh, Yater, Majdel Selm and Chaitiyeh.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/5/4/iran-war-whats-happening-on-day-66-as-trump-announces-hormuz-mission

KRG Interior Ministry Bans Cryptocurrency Trading, Warns Of Legal Action

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - The Kurdistan Region's Ministry of Interior of the  issued a directive on Sunday prohibiting citizens and commercial entities from engaging in digital currency transactions and electronic financial speculation.

The KRG Interior Ministry said that these activities are legally forbidden, warning that immediate enforcement actions will be taken against violators operating within the region.

The ban formalizes the regional administration's stance against digital assets and speculative trading platforms.

According to the ministry statement, electronic currencies, including stablecoins such as USDT, and the broader "Forex" trading market lack any recognized legal framework or officially licensed companies in the Kurdistan Region and across Iraq.

The ministry emphasized that the decision was coordinated with national regulatory policies and aligns directly with the directives of the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) and the KRG Ministry of Finance.

The regulatory crackdown includes strict enforcement measures.

According to the statement, authorities will begin identifying and closing any headquarters or offices that practice these activities under the guise of legitimate "companies," and individuals responsible will be referred to the judiciary for prosecution.

The KRG Interior Ministry also urged citizens to avoid these transactions to safeguard their savings and called on individuals who have already lost funds to pursue available legal avenues to reclaim their assets.

Regulatory Rationale

The decision to ban cryptocurrency trading is fundamentally rooted in consumer protection and financial security.

The KRG Interior Ministry noted that the absence of an official framework leaves those who engage in digital currency speculation entirely unprotected from market volatility and fraud.

This regional action mirrors long-standing national anxieties regarding digital assets.

According to Kurdistan24 investigations, Iraq's opposition to cryptocurrencies stems from its fears of unregulated digital currencies posing serious risks to both Iraq's financial system and its national security. 

The CBI has consistently cited extreme volatility, the absence of regulatory safeguards, and the potential for criminal exploitation as the primary reasons for maintaining a prohibition on digital assets.

These concerns are amplified by the decentralized nature of the crypto market.

In a report by Al Jazeera journalist Fares al-Khayyam, Mudher Mohammad Saleh, the economic advisor to the Iraqi Prime Minister, emphasized that cryptocurrencies are absolutely prohibited in Iraq because their privacy and decentralization create opportunities for illicit activities. 

According to Al Jazeera, Saleh highlighted that the lack of oversight by a central bank or monetary authority makes these digital currencies a tool for money laundering and a mechanism utilized by dangerous organizations.

Iraq's Broader Policy on Cryptocurrencies

The KRG Interior Ministry's ban is the latest enforcement action within a nearly decade-long national policy in Iraq. 
The the foundation of Iraq's stance dates back to Dec. 2017, when the CBI issued a formal warning prohibiting banks, financial institutions, and currency traders from dealing in cryptocurrencies. 

The CBI warned that traders engaging in crypto transactions would face penalties under the country's Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Law.

The Iraqi banking sector has actively enforced this prohibition.

According to the report by the Trade Bank of Iraq, acting on CBI directives, instructed all banks and payment providers to block the use of electronic cards and digital wallets for speculation or trading in any form of digital currency.

Iraq's national policy is also driven by macroeconomic considerations. 

Al Jazeera reported that Mustafa Hantoosh, a researcher specializing in financial and banking affairs, ruled out the utility of cryptocurrencies for Iraq's economic development. 

According to Al Jazeera, Hantoosh noted that Iraq's economy is structurally dependent on oil exports priced in dollars, and the country does not require decentralized digital currencies to bypass sanctions or facilitate international trade.

Furthermore, Hantoosh warned that introducing cryptocurrencies into the Iraqi market would likely facilitate massive speculation and money laundering rather than foster legitimate economic growth.

While the ban on private cryptocurrencies remains total, the Iraqi government is not entirely opposed to digital finance.

The background report stated that the CBI is actively developing a state-issued central bank digital currency (CBDC), known as the digital dinar. 

This controlled digital currency aims to modernize the national payments system, reduce cash leakage, and combat money laundering while strictly preserving the oversight of the central bank. https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/911806

UAE Expands Financial And Strategic Reforms Amid Regional Tensions And Energy Realignment

Currency swap talks with the U.S., aviation recovery efforts, and a post-OPEC strategy highlight Abu Dhabi’s push to reshape its economic and security posture

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — The United Arab Emirates is simultaneously navigating financial diplomacy, post-conflict economic recovery, and a sweeping restructuring of its energy strategy as it responds to the broader geopolitical and economic consequences of recent regional tensions.

The UAE’s Minister of Foreign Trade, Thani Al Zeyoudi, confirmed on Monday that Abu Dhabi is in ongoing discussions with Washington over a potential currency swap line with the United States, while firmly rejecting suggestions that the move represents a bailout request.

Such arrangements, typically established between central banks, allow for the temporary exchange of currencies—primarily to provide access to U.S. dollar liquidity during periods of market stress—and are widely viewed as precautionary tools to support financial stability rather than emergency aid.

Speaking at the “Make it in the Emirates” conference in Abu Dhabi, Al Zeyoudi said the arrangement remains “under discussion,” stressing that the UAE’s objective is to join an “elite group” of countries with similar financial agreements with the U.S. He denied any financial distress motive behind the request.

Last month, however, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing U.S. officials, that the UAE had sought such a facility as a financial safeguard in the event that regional conflict further strains its economy.

The financial discussions come as the UAE continues to recover from significant disruption to its aviation sector. The Dubai Media Office reported on Monday that passenger traffic at Dubai International Airport fell by 66 percent in March, following regional instability and attacks attributed to Iranian retaliation during the Middle East conflict.

The airport, which is typically the world’s busiest for international travel, handled 2.5 million passengers during the period. Authorities said airspace restrictions and disrupted flight schedules severely constrained operations, though conditions have since begun to stabilize.

“With airspace within the UAE now fully restored, Dubai Airports is moving decisively to scale up operations,” the statement said, noting that recovery efforts are underway to restore flight capacity across regional routes.

Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths described the recent downturn as “unprecedented for any major airport hub,” adding that quarterly traffic still fell 21 percent in early 2026 compared to the previous year.

Alongside financial and aviation pressures, the UAE is also undergoing a major shift in its long-term energy policy. The country’s oil chief confirmed that Abu Dhabi’s recent decision to exit OPEC was part of a broader strategy to future-proof the economy rather than a political move targeting any state or bloc.

Sultan Al Jaber said the withdrawal from OPEC and OPEC+ reflects a sovereign decision aligned with the UAE’s industrial and technological ambitions, aimed at accelerating diversification beyond fossil fuels.

“This move was not done in isolation,” Al Jaber said, describing it as part of a broader national effort to integrate energy, technology, and industrial development.

The UAE had long expressed frustration over production limits imposed by OPEC, particularly as it seeks to expand capacity to five million barrels per day by 2027, significantly above current quotas.

The decision also comes amid shifting regional dynamics and strained relations with Saudi Arabia, the de facto leader of OPEC, following disagreements over energy policy and Middle East conflicts.

Despite the geopolitical implications, officials emphasized that the UAE’s exit was conducted on amicable terms. Energy Minister Suhail Al Mazrouei said the decision was made “on good terms,” underscoring that it serves long-term national economic interests.

Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi is also accelerating investments in defense and domestic security technology. Officials from the Emirati defense conglomerate EDGE Group said the country is increasingly self-reliant in electronic warfare systems, including drone jamming capabilities used during recent attacks.

Faisal Al Bannai, adviser to the UAE president and chairman of EDGE Group, said the country now produces the majority of its defensive jamming systems domestically and aims to achieve full local production of air defense capabilities in the coming years.

As the UAE recalibrates its economic, financial, and security posture, the convergence of external pressures and internal reforms highlights a broader strategy aimed at strengthening resilience while reducing dependence on traditional geopolitical and energy frameworks.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/911994/uae-expands-financial-and-strategic-reforms-amid-regional-tensions-and-energy-realignment