What Just Happened in Iraq is Massive

What Just Happened in Iraq is Massive

Dinar For Dummies:  5-9-2026

In a recent update from the channel Dinar For Dummies, the host shares critical breaking news regarding the latest U.S. Treasury actions in the Middle East.

The U.S. government has officially imposed significant sanctions on Iraq’s deputy oil minister, a move that signals a tightening grip on illicit financial flows within the region.

According to the report, these sanctions were triggered by findings that Iraqi oil revenues were being funneled to external interests, effectively bypassing international protocols and fueling regional instability. For those following the economic trajectory of Iraq, this development is being viewed as a pivotal step in restoring the nation’s financial integrity.

The host, who has been a dedicated investor in the Iraqi dinar since 2011, explains that these maneuvers are part of a broader, more aggressive strategy by the U.S. administration to “cleanse” the Iraqi financial system.

By targeting high-ranking officials and removing “bad actors” who have long exploited Iraq’s vast natural resources, the U.S. aims to eliminate the influence of external proxies that have hindered Iraq’s progress. T

he consensus among many analysts is that Iraq cannot achieve full economic sovereignty—or a successful revaluation of its currency—until its systems are transparent and free from systemic corruption.

According to the video, top U.S. officials, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and representatives from the State Department, have taken a firm stance against these illicit oil-smuggling operations. The host highlights how these operations often involve masking foreign crude oil as Iraqi products to evade sanctions.

 By dismantling these networks, the U.S. is helping to ensure that Iraq’s wealth stays within its borders to benefit its own citizens and infrastructure. This crackdown is being heralded as a major turning point, potentially clearing the path for the long-awaited revaluation (RV) that would increase the dinar’s purchasing power on the global stage.

Beyond the sanctions, there is a growing sense of optimism regarding Iraq’s internal leadership. The host points to the newly designated Iraqi prime minister and the formation of a cabinet that appears more aligned with international standards and U.S. economic interests.

This alignment is seen as a crucial component of Iraq’s reform agenda, as it fosters an environment where international investment can flourish. When a government prioritizes transparency and the rule of law, the foundations for a stronger, more valuable currency are firmly established.

For the community of dinar investors, the host offers a message of patience and resilience. While the journey has been long and the emotional toll of waiting is undeniable, these recent developments are presented as tangible evidence of progress happening behind the scenes.

The host emphasizes that the removal of corrupt influences is not just a political necessity, but a financial one. As Iraq continues to reclaim its economic sovereignty and stabilize its internal systems, the groundwork for a future rise in the dinar’s value becomes increasingly solid.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1iMz9HfH8xc

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economics Updates Saturday Afternoon 5-9-26

Good Afternoon Dinar Recaps, 

Dollar Pressure Intensifies: BRICS Expansion, Energy Fragmentation, and Gold Demand Accelerate Global Financial Realignment

New developments in energy markets, reserve diversification, and alternative payment systems are deepening the shift toward a multipolar financial structure

Rising geopolitical tensions, weakening confidence in traditional reserve systems, and expanding BRICS coordination are increasing pressure on the post-World War II financial order.

OVERVIEW (KEY POINTS)

Global financial markets are entering another period of uncertainty as de-dollarization efforts, reserve diversification, and energy fragmentation continue accelerating across major emerging economies.

Today’s developments highlight how countries within BRICS and the broader Global South are increasingly building systems designed to reduce exposure to the US dollar and Western-controlled financial infrastructure.

At the same time, instability in energy markets — particularly around the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf supply chains — is reinforcing the push toward alternative trade arrangements backed by gold, local currencies, and regional settlement systems.

The broader implication is becoming clearer: the world economy is gradually moving away from a single dominant financial center toward a more fragmented and multipolar structure.

KEY DEVELOPMENTS

1. BRICS Payment System Discussions Continue Expanding

Momentum behind non-dollar settlement systems is growing.

• India is expected to continue advancing proposals for a cross-border BRICS payment infrastructure

• Member nations increasingly favor local currency trade and digital settlement systems

• Alternative payment rails could gradually reduce dependence on SWIFT and dollar clearing systems

2. Central Banks Continue Shifting Toward Gold

Reserve diversification remains a major trend.

• Central banks are steadily increasing gold accumulation

• Nations increasingly view physical gold as protection against sanctions and reserve-access risks

• Gold’s role as a neutral reserve asset continues expanding globally

3. Energy Fragmentation Reshapes Global Trade

Energy markets remain under pressure from geopolitical instability.

• Gulf shipping disruptions and Hormuz tensions continue affecting trade flows

• Oil and LNG markets are becoming increasingly regionalized

• Energy-producing nations are exploring settlement mechanisms outside traditional dollar channels

4. Petrodollar System Faces Growing Long-Term Challenges

Several structural trends are weakening the traditional system.

• Countries are increasingly questioning long-term dependence on dollar-denominated energy trade

• Green energy investment and regional currency agreements are slowly reducing exclusive dollar demand

• Reserve diversification is becoming a permanent strategic policy for many governments

5. Financial Stability Risks Continue Expanding

Global institutions are warning about broader systemic vulnerabilities.

• IMF officials recently warned about rising cyber and AI-driven financial threats

• Debt expansion, inflation pressure, and geopolitical fragmentation continue increasing systemic stress

• Markets remain highly sensitive to energy and currency disruptions

WHY IT MATTERS

These developments matter because the global financial system depends heavily on confidence, liquidity, and stable reserve relationships.

As countries diversify reserves and develop alternative settlement systems, the dominance of traditional financial channels may gradually weaken over time.

The shift does not necessarily mean an immediate collapse of the dollar system. However, it does point toward a future where multiple financial blocs compete simultaneously for influence over trade, reserves, and energy settlement.

This transition could produce higher volatility in currencies, commodities, and sovereign debt markets as global capital flows adjust to the changing structure.

WHY IT MATTERS TO FOREIGN CURRENCY HOLDERS

• Reserve diversification could weaken long-term dollar demand growth

• Gold-backed and commodity-linked assets may gain importance

• Currency volatility could increase during geopolitical disruptions

• Countries holding large dollar reserves may continue reducing exposure gradually

IMPLICATIONS FOR THE GLOBAL RESET

• Pillar 1: Multipolar Trade Infrastructure Expands

Alternative payment systems, regional currency agreements, and gold accumulation are slowly creating parallel financial channels outside traditional Western systems.

• Pillar 2: Energy and Finance Become More Interconnected

Control over energy routes, LNG infrastructure, and commodity settlement mechanisms is increasingly influencing monetary policy and reserve strategy worldwide.

CONCLUSION

The financial system is entering a phase where structural shifts are becoming harder to ignore.

Reserve diversification, energy fragmentation, and BRICS-led financial experimentation are no longer isolated developments — they are converging into a broader transformation of global economic power.

While the dollar remains dominant today, the foundation supporting that dominance is being tested by geopolitical competition, alternative payment systems, and changing reserve strategies.

The next phase of the global economy may not be defined by a single financial center, but by competing systems operating side by side.

Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources

• Reuters — "IMF Warns of Rising Financial Stability Risks From AI Cyber Threats"

• American Hartford Gold — "BRICS Moves to Bypass the Dollar"

~~~~~~~~~~

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Newshound's News Telegram Room Link

RV Facts with Proof Links Link

RV Updates Proof links - Facts Link

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Follow Fast Facts

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Thank you Dinar Recaps

Iraq Economic News and Points To Ponder Saturday Afternoon 5-9-26

Oil Prices Claw Back Losses Following US-Iran Air Strikes

2026-05-09 Shafaq News     Brent crude futures jumped as much as 3% on Saturday, a day after the U.S. and Iran traded air strikes, but pared gains as traders hoped for a longer pause in the fighting that has shut shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

Brent crude futures settled at $101.29 a barrel, up $1.23 or 1.23%, after rising as much as 3% during the session. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures finished at $95.42 a barrel, up 61 cents, or 0.64%.

Both contracts were settled with weekly declines of more than 6%.

"We're treading water here, rightfully so," said John Kilduff, partner with Again Capital. "We're on the cusp of a breakthrough in negotiations or we're on the cusp of a renewal ⁠of the fighting. We've been here a lot."

"There is a sense in the market that there is going to be an agreement and we'll get the next phase which would be 30 days to hammer out an agreement (between Iran and the U.S.)," Kilduff said.

Throughout the day, traders felt like they had been swatted back and forth like a tennis ball.

"We're still playing the headline-o-rama game," said Phil Flynn, senior analyst with Price Futures Group. "Ship movement in the Persian Gulf is going about as well as can be expected. We're kind of working around the edges."

U.S. and Iranian forces clashed in the Gulf, and the UAE came under renewed attack as Washington awaited a response from Tehran to its proposal to end the conflict, which began with joint U.S.-Israeli airstrikes across ⁠Iran on February 28.

U.S. President Donald Trump later on Thursday told reporters the ceasefire was still in effect and sought to play down the exchange.

However, on Friday, Trump renewed an ultimatum demanding Iran give up its nuclear ambitions.

"How quickly can supply be returned from Gulf states, what will the state of inventories be as we approach peak gasoline season, and what sanctions would look like post-settlement are all worthy of thought. But none ⁠can be addressed until there is a long-term solution to hostilities," said PVM Oil Associates analyst John Evans.

"The U.S. administration continues to oversell the prospects of a thaw, and an optimism-biased market buys into it," said Vandana Hari, founder of oil market analysis firm Vanda Insights.

"Curiously, each time, ⁠the rebound is gradual and incomplete, making the head fakes at least somewhat effective."

Meanwhile, the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission is investigating oil price trades totalling $7 billion placed shortly ahead of key Iran war-related announcements by Trump, Reuters reported on Thursday.

Most involved short ⁠positions, or bets on prices falling, placed on the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) and Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) and were placed shortly before Trump statements announcing attack delays, the ceasefire or other changes to Iran policy that led to a decline in oil markets.   (REUTERS)

https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/Oil-prices-claw-back-losses-following-US-Iran-air-strikes

Basrah Crude Ends Week Lower

2026-05-09 Shafaq News- Basrah   Iraq’s Basrah crude grades posted a weekly loss of more than 10% last week.

Basrah Heavy edged down by $1.35 in the latest trading session to $110.53 per barrel, recording a weekly decline of $11.20, or 10.13%. Basrah Medium also fell by $1.35 to $112.63 per barrel, posting a weekly loss of $11.20, or 9.94%.

Brent crude futures settled $1.23 higher, or 1.23%, at $101.29 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) ended at $95.42 a barrel, up 61 cents, or 0.64%.   Both contracts were settled with weekly declines of more than 6%.

https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/Basrah-crude-ends-week-lower-8

High Production Costs Stifle Syrian Export Revival In Iraq

2026-05-09 Shafaq News- Damascus/ Baghdad   Syrian exporters are facing growing pressure in Iraq’s market, with trade volumes still far below the $2.3 billion in Syrian exports recorded before the 2011 war, as cheaper foreign products continue to expand their presence in the country.

Mohammad Orfali, head of the Investment and Real Estate Development Committee at the Damascus Chamber of Commerce, told Shafaq News on Friday that the decline in exports to Iraq to rising production, shipping, and energy costs inside Syria.

“The Iraqi market remains one of the most important destinations for Syrian products,” he remarked, noting that Syrian goods once accounted for a much larger share of Iraqi imports, particularly in food products, textiles, and pharmaceuticals.

Although the reopening of border crossings between Syria and Iraq has helped revive part of the trade flow, Orfali called for broader economic cooperation and stronger coordination between Damascus and Baghdad through trade delegations, as well as the chambers of commerce, industry, and agriculture.

“The improvement of logistics infrastructure, easing financial transfers, and streamlining customs procedures could further increase trade exchange between the two countries,” he continued, maintaining that Syrian products still enjoy the trust and preference of Iraqi consumers.

To strengthen the competitiveness of Syrian exports, Orfali urged Damascus to remove customs duties on raw materials used in manufacturing, a step he believes could reduce production costs and reinforce the position of Syrian goods in foreign markets, particularly Iraq.

He concluded that Baghdad remains among the most promising destinations for Syrian exports because of its proximity, lower transportation costs compared with distant markets, similar consumer tastes, and the longstanding economic and social ties between the Syrian and Iraqi peoples.

According to Iraq’s Ministry of Finance, trade between Iraq and Syria reached about $5 billion before the 2011 conflict. It then fell sharply during the war years to below $1 billion, as border closures, security disruptions, and the contraction of Syrian industrial output weighed on cross-border commerce. In recent years, however, trade has shown signs of recovery, with estimates for 2024 and 2025 placing the value of bilateral exchanges at around $2 billion.

https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/High-production-costs-stifle-Syrian-export-revival-in-Iraq

Hormuz Tensions Cut Iraq Ship Fuel Sales By More Than Half

2026-05-09 Shafaq News- Baghdad   Fuel supply operations for ships at Iraqi ports fell sharply in April as uncertainty surrounding navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and the regional war continued to disrupt shipping routes.

In a statement, Vinayak Kharmale, head of operations at Sea Crown Marine Services, noted that Iraq’s marine fuel sales dropped to around 7,000 metric tons in April from 15,000 metric tons in March, marking a decline of roughly 53%.

Kharmale explained that the slowdown was not driven by weak demand, but by difficulties in vessel movement and voyage planning amid continued security concerns in regional waters.

Shipping companies remain cautious about navigation routes after refueling, leading many operators to suspend activities pending greater stability in maritime traffic, he added.

Average prices for 0.5% low-sulfur marine fuel at Basra port also declined in April to $999.28 per metric ton, down $42.03 from the previous month.

The downturn coincided with weaker bunker fuel demand across Middle Eastern ports, particularly Fujairah and Dubai, as slower traffic through Hormuz pushed part of the demand toward ports in Africa, India, and Sri Lanka.

https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/Hormuz-tensions-cut-Iraq-ship-fuel-sales-by-more-than-half

Dollar Edges Up In Baghdad, Steady In Erbil

2026-05-09 Shafaq News- Baghdad/ Erbil   The US dollar opened Saturday's trading slightly higher in Baghdad and stable in Erbil, 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 153,150 dinars per 100 dollars, up from the previous session's 153,000 dinars.

In the Iraqi capital, exchange shops sold the dollar at 153,500 dinars and bought it at 152,500 dinars.

In Erbil, selling prices stood at 152,950 dinars and buying prices at 152,850 dinars.

https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/Dollar-edges-up-in-Baghdad-steady-in-Erbil

Gold Prices Slip In Baghdad And Erbil

2026-05-09 Shafaq News- Baghdad/ Erbil   Gold prices fell Saturday in Baghdad and Erbil markets, hovering around the million-dinar mark, according to a Shafaq News market survey.

On Baghdad's Al-Nahr Street, wholesale markets recorded a selling price of 1.014 million IQD per mithqal (equivalent to five grams) for 21-carat Gulf, Turkish, and European gold, with a buying price of 1.010 million IQD, down from 1.017 million IQD the previous session.

Iraqi 21-carat gold sold at 984,000 IQD per mithqal, with a buying price of 980,000 IQD.

In jewelry stores, 21-carat Gulf gold ranged between 1.015 million and 1.025 million IQD per mithqal, while Iraqi gold sold between 985,000 and 990,000 IQD.

In Erbil, prices also declined, with 22-carat gold selling at 1.054 million IQD per mithqal, 21-carat at 1.006 million IQD, and 18-carat at 861,000 IQD. https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/Gold-prices-slip-in-Baghda

More “Iraq News” Posted by Tishwash at TNT 5-9-2026

TNT:

Tishwash: Trump: What happened in Iraq is "very good" and I'm happy with the prime minister-designate.

 US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that recent developments in Iraq were “very good,” expressing his satisfaction with the selection of the Iraqi prime minister-designate, in a further sign of Washington’s support for the new Iraqi leadership.

Trump said in a press statement followed by “Iraq Observer”, “What happened in Iraq is very good and I am happy with the prime minister-designate”, adding: “We are supposed to receive a response from Iran tonight.”

Trump had invited Iraqi Prime Minister-designate al-Zaidi to visit Washington following the formation of the new government, stressing the US administration’s desire to strengthen bilateral relations and security and economic cooperation between the two countries.

The US president also stressed his country's support for the formation of an Iraqi government capable of building a better future for Iraq, free from terrorism.  link

Tishwash:  Hussein Arab: The cabinet approval session will be held on Monday with a government missing two ministers.

MP Hussein Arab confirmed today, Thursday (May 7, 2026), that the session to pass the ministerial cabinet will be held on Monday, with the government being presented with only two ministers missing.

Arab explained in a statement to “Baghdad Today” that “Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zidi intends to present his cabinet formation next Sunday, along with his government program, in preparation for requesting a vote of confidence from Parliament,” indicating that “the latest date for the vote will be Monday.”

He added that “Al-Zaydi has great freedom in choosing candidates for ministries, as he asked some blocs to submit more than one name for each portfolio so that he could choose one of them, while he asked other blocs that have specific ministries to submit one candidate to be approved, provided that he is from the same bloc.”

He pointed out that "the prime minister-designate may ask the Democratic Party to nominate a specific name for one of the ministries because he believes that this person will succeed in managing it, and the same applies to other ministries."

Arab explained that “Al-Zidi’s cabinet is primarily economic, and aims to improve the service and economic situation in the country,” revealing that “a number of competent ministers in the current government will have their confidence renewed within Al-Zidi’s government, due to his conviction that their performance was outstanding in the past period.”

He added that "the next stage requires greater support for the person in charge in order to achieve success," stressing that "the country is going through a sensitive stage that requires concerted efforts to overcome the challenges."

Political consultations are continuing in Baghdad regarding the formation of the new government headed by Prime Minister-designate Ali al-Zaidi, amid anticipation of the confidence vote session in Parliament, and the accompanying discussions about the distribution of ministerial portfolios and the nature of the expected cabinet, which is expected to have an economic character to address the accumulated challenges in the service and financial files.   link

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

Tishwash:  The Central Bank continues to strengthen the stability of the dinar and the sustainability of the cash dollar.

The Prime Minister’s financial advisor, Mazhar Muhammad Salih, confirmed on Friday that the stability of the exchange rate is part of the Central Bank’s monetary policy, noting that there are ongoing measures to enhance the stability of the dinar, control liquidity, and ensure the sustainability of cash dollar supplies .

Saleh said, in a statement to the official agency followed by Al-Sa’a Network, that “the exchange rate policy and the monetary system are among the exclusive jurisdictions of the monetary authority, according to the Central Bank of Iraq Law No. (56) of 2004, which granted the Central Bank legal independence in formulating and implementing its monetary policies, while subjecting it to accountability before the House of Representatives based on Article (103) of the Constitution of the Republic of Iraq .”

He added that "the Central Bank of Iraq adopts a fixed official exchange rate policy as a nominal anchor to achieve general price stability in the long term, maintain monetary balance, and reduce inflationary expectations ."

He pointed out that “despite the independence of monetary policy, the management of the exchange rate is not done in isolation from coordination with the executive authority under the constitution, especially coordination with public finance in implementing fiscal policy, as the official rate is, in part, a contractual rate between monetary and fiscal policies .”

He pointed out that “the Central Bank informed the Ministry of Finance, late last year, that the exchange rate adopted for the purposes of preparing the draft federal budget law for 2026 would be around (1300) dinars per dollar, which reflects the continued adherence to the fixed official rate adopted since February 2023 until today, and is an important indicator of stability for the market and its expectations .”

Regarding the parallel exchange market, Saleh explained that “adopting financing foreign trade through official channels and at a fixed exchange rate has contributed to achieving important results in reducing the impact of black market fluctuations on price stability, most notably that the official market contributes to absorbing more than 90% of the real demand for the dollar, reducing demand in the parallel market to marginal limits, enhancing monetary balance, and improving control over liquidity levels by controlling their levels .”

He stressed that “stabilizing the parallel market is not achieved only through increasing the injection of cash dollars for travelers and others, which represents a percentage between 5% and 10% of the total demand for foreign currency, but rather through an integrated package of continuous measures, including effective management of cash liquidity through intervention in the exchange market, controlling and regulating official demand channels for foreign currency, enhancing confidence in institutions and monetary policies, as well as developing the internal commercial and financial infrastructure .”

He pointed out that "the sustainability of supplying cash dollars remains a key factor in stabilizing the parallel market and the noise that accompanies it, in accordance with well-thought-out supply plans that meet the needs of the local market, while adhering to national and international institutional compliance standards related to the use of foreign currency, and combating money laundering and the financing of illegal activities  link

Tishwash:  Financial savings are out of control... warnings of the fragility of the economic system

Economic concerns have been raised regarding the management of the Central Bank's financial reserves, amid assurances that they are not subject to direct use except through borrowing.

Economic and oil expert Duraid Al-Anzi confirmed on Friday that Iraq is going through a major and suffocating crisis as a result of the failure to take measures related to the establishment of a sovereign wealth fund and financial savings.

Al-Anzi said that “Iraq is going through a major and suffocating crisis, as Iraq has not taken measures to establish a sovereign wealth fund and savings.”

He added that “the central bank’s savings are outside of financial and economic control, and can only be accessed through borrowing.”

He pointed out that “oil is essential, as Iraq has produced at least $17 trillion from oil sales over the past years.”

He explained that “the continuation of the current situation of restricting oil exports leads to deterioration,” expressing his fear that “there might be an idea to mortgage Iraqi oil.”

Al-Anzi stressed that “the country’s economic situation is very dangerous and needs to be monitored.”  link

News, Rumors and Opinions Saturday 5-9-2026

Stephanie Starr: Clarity Act Officially Placed on Senate Banking Committee Calendar

5-9-2026

BREAKING: Clarity Act Movement

The Digital Asset Market Clarity Act has OFFICIALLY been placed on the Senate Banking Committee calendar for MARKUP.

May 14, 2026
10:30 AM

Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee

The committee will meet in Executive Session to consider:
“H.R. 3633, the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act of 2025.”

This is HUGE.

For months the market has been waiting for:
Official bill text
The 48-hour review window
Confirmation of markup scheduling

Now it’s REAL!!

This moves crypto regulation from speculation into formal legislative action.

If advanced out of committee, the path toward broader Senate movement becomes significantly more serious. Markets don’t wait for final signatures… They price in probability, momentum, and institutional certainty.

XRP. XLM. XDC. Tokenization. Stablecoins. Institutional rails.

The regulatory chessboard is moving.

Source(s):
• https://x.com/StephanieStarrC/status/2052915738730512415

https://dinarchronicles.com/2026/05/09/stephanie-starr-clarity-act-officially-placed-on-senate-banking-committee-calendar/

**********

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

Jeff  The news just keeps getting better and better going into next week.  Next week looks amazing - all the way to possibly having a formed government by...Saturday of next weekend the 16th...the rate change is extremely close to happening.

Stephen I believe we're probably in a 3 to 6 month window.  I still believe a few things have to happen before the dinar does revalue...It's a fluid situation...

Frank26 The last three weeks, all the information...it's been so explosive.  It's like a rocket taking off.  The problem is it comes back down in a parachute.  It comes back slowly.  The rocket has already been launched.  What we're doing is we're simply waiting for all the pieces to come together. 

Iraqi Dinar News: The 'Real Math' Behind the IQD Currency Revalue

5-9-2026

In this video, Sandy Ingram breaks down the real math behind the Iraqi Dinar currency RV and explains why moving from .00076 to just 10 U.S. cents is a much bigger financial jump than many investors realize.

Using verifiable global currency statistics, exchange rate comparisons, and real-world economic examples, this video explores what would actually need to happen for the IQD to increase in value over time.

If you have ever wondered how the decimal point works in currency investing, this video explains the math in a simple and understandable way. Sandy shares the research behind the numbers, the challenges facing the Iraqi Dinar, and why long-term economic growth, banking reform, oil revenue, and global financial integration all matter. This is not hype. This is a realistic look at the IQD currency RV using facts, research, and economic logic.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrlJChrTpB8

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economics Updates Saturday Morning 5-9-26

Good Afternoon Dinar Recaps,

Global Energy Order Shifts: Gulf Gas Rigidity and OPEC Fractures Reshape Financial Power

Structural constraints in Gulf energy markets and weakening OPEC cohesion are accelerating changes across global trade, currencies, and economic alliances

The global energy system is entering a more rigid and fragmented phase, where supply constraints, geopolitical tensions, and irreversible infrastructure decisions are redefining financial stability.

OVERVIEW (KEY POINTS)

Major changes are emerging across global energy markets as the Gulf region faces growing structural constraints in gas production, exports, and internal consumption, while cracks deepen inside OPEC itself.

This shift is happening now because the traditional flexibility once underpinning oil and gas markets is disappearing. Infrastructure limitations, geopolitical tensions, and rising domestic demand are creating a more rigid and less adaptable global energy system.

Key players include Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Iran, Qatar, the United States, and OPEC nations, all navigating a changing environment where energy policy increasingly overlaps with geopolitical and financial strategy.

The broader implication is significant: global energy fragmentation is becoming a major driver of inflation, trade realignment, and monetary instability within the emerging multipolar financial system.

KEY DEVELOPMENTS

1. OPEC’s Internal Balance Faces Growing Pressure

The traditional structure inside OPEC is weakening.

• UAE increasingly pursuing independent energy ambitions

• Saudi Arabia managing OPEC without its strongest spare-capacity partner

• Internal coordination becoming more difficult and fragmented

2. Global Gas Markets Grow More Rigid

Flexibility in LNG supply is shrinking.

• U.S. export expansion constrained by pipeline bottlenecks and domestic demand

• Qatar facing delays tied to infrastructure repairs and supply-chain strain

3. Gulf States Face Structural Energy Constraints

Domestic pressures are reshaping policy.

• Saudi Arabia and Iran consuming most gas production internally

• UAE transitioning toward a regional energy hub model

• Kuwait remaining structurally dependent on LNG imports

4. Hormuz and Regional Tensions Deepen Market Anxiety

Geopolitical risks remain central.

• Strait of Hormuz disruptions continue impacting global energy confidence

• Gulf coordination increasingly tied to security and shipping stability

5. Energy Infrastructure Decisions Become Permanent

The system is locking into long-term pathways.

• LNG terminals, pipelines, and hydrogen projects creating irreversible commitments

• Markets no longer behaving with short-cycle flexibility

WHY IT MATTERS

This development matters because energy markets sit at the center of the global financial system. When supply flexibility disappears, inflation risks become harder to control and more persistent.

The emerging rigidity in gas and oil infrastructure also reduces the ability of markets to absorb shocks quickly, increasing the likelihood of longer-lasting economic disruptions.

For policymakers, the combination of energy fragmentation and geopolitical tension complicates monetary policy, trade planning, and economic forecasting.

At the system level, this signals a transition from a highly globalized energy market toward a more regionalized and strategically controlled framework.

WHY IT MATTERS TO FOREIGN CURRENCY HOLDERS

• Energy-importing currencies face greater inflation pressure

• Commodity-linked currencies may gain strategic importance

• Exchange rate volatility likely to increase during supply disruptions

• Gold and energy-backed trade settlements may continue expanding

IMPLICATIONS FOR THE GLOBAL RESET

• Pillar 1: Energy Fragmentation Reshapes Global Trade

Regional energy blocs are becoming more important as countries seek secure supply chains and reduced exposure to geopolitical shocks.

• Pillar 2: Multipolar Financial Architecture Expands

As energy alliances evolve, nations are increasingly building parallel systems for trade, reserves, and settlement outside traditional Western dominance.

CONCLUSION

The global energy system is no longer operating with the flexibility that defined previous decades.

Instead, infrastructure rigidity, geopolitical competition, and strategic resource control are creating a more constrained and fragmented environment with direct consequences for global finance.

The shift now underway is larger than oil or gas markets alone—it reflects a broader transformation in how economic power is organized and projected worldwide.

When energy systems lose flexibility, the global financial system becomes far more vulnerable to structural change.

Seeds of Wisdom Team
Newshounds News™ Exclusive

Sources

• Modern Diplomacy — "Rigid Margins, Rising Pressures: The New Gulf Gas Order"

• Why OPEC’s Foundational Conditions No Longer Hold for the UAE

~~~~~~~~~~

🌱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™

~~~~~~~~~~

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 Saturday Morning 5-9-26

Iraq Is The Second Largest Importer Of Jordanian Industries, With A Value Of 309 Million Dinars.

Money and Business   Economy News – Baghdad   Iraq came in second place as the most prominent countries importing Jordanian industrial exports during the first third of 2026.

Data showed that the Chamber’s total exports amounted to approximately 2.476 billion dinars during the period mentioned, achieving a growth rate of 9.2% compared to the same period in 2025.

India came in first place as the largest importer of Jordanian exports with a value of 336 million dinars, while Iraq came in second with a value of 309 million dinars, recording a growth rate of 1.6% compared to last year.

The United States came in third with a value of 288 million dinars, despite a decline of 28%, followed by Saudi Arabia in fourth place with a value of 284 million dinars and a growth rate of 3.8%. https://www.economy-news.net/content.php?id=68851

Significant Progress Has Been Made In The Nasiriyah International Airport Project; The Main Runway Is Now 100% Complete.

Money and Business   Economy News – Baghdad   The Nasiriyah International Airport project is witnessing remarkable progress in most work sites, with many sections reaching near-final completion rates, within the stages of implementing the airport's infrastructure and services.

The representative of the Resident Engineer’s Department, Engineer Hadi Nayef, told the official agency that “the Nasiriyah Airport project consists of three main sections. The first includes external roads with a length of 25 kilometers, the second includes service buildings for passengers and infrastructure with a number of 26 buildings, while the third section includes the main runway with a length of 3400 meters with the taxiway.”

PIC

He added that "the main runway has been fully completed at 100% in terms of paving, lighting and inspection works," explaining that "the arrivals building has an area of ​​22,000 square meters and includes modern systems, including a cooling system and an early fire detection system, in addition to AI-powered cameras capable of detecting fires and forgotten bags and directing the concerned authorities to their locations."

He pointed out that "the infrastructure works have reached a completion rate of 98% and include rain, sewage, lighting and electricity networks," noting that "work is continuing on the implementation of internal roads linking the buildings with a length of up to 5.5 kilometers according to the highest approved technical specifications."

For her part, the representative of the Quality Department, Engineer Malath Malik, explained that "the Quality Department is responsible for preparing daily reports on site inspection work in coordination with the consulting firm, as well as monitoring the materials entering the project."

She emphasized that "the materials used are subject to a series of internationally approved tests in two stages, starting with test reports issued by the manufacturers, and then, after entering Iraq, they are subject to inspections and tests under the supervision of the consulting body before approval for their use on site." https://www.economy-news.net/content.php?id=68843

Iraq Will Export 600,000 Tons Of Dates During 2025

Money and Business   Economy News – Baghdad    The Ministry of Agriculture confirmed on Friday that date exports exceeded 600,000 tons in 2025.    The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Mahdi Suhr Al-Jubouri, said that “the palm and date sector in Iraq is one of the important agricultural sectors economically, due to its competitive advantages in global markets,” noting that “the Zahdi variety is the most abundant in production and has the highest quantities of dates exported abroad, in addition to other varieties of dates, which exceed 600 varieties of dates locally.”

 He added that "the Zahdi variety is the first variety for many date processing industries in Iraq, such as the production of date syrup, sweets and date paste, which constitute added economic value," indicating that "the palm and date sector in Iraq has witnessed great interest from the Ministry of Agriculture and other sectoral bodies, especially after the introduction of tissue culture techniques, and also the continuation of ground and aerial control to combat Dubas insects and the red weevil."

Sahar continued, “As a result of this interest and expansion in orchard cultivation using modern irrigation and drip irrigation methods, which resulted in an increase in the number of palm trees to more than 22 million, exports in 2025 rose to 600,000 tons of dates, in addition to the export of more than 100,000 tons of date paste, which together provide hard currency for the country and an internal source for orchard owners.” https://www.economy-news.net/content.php?id=68836

Baghdad Municipality: Al-Hussein Bridge Will Be Completed Within 375 Days And To High Standards.

Money and Business  Economy News – Baghdad     The Baghdad Municipality announced on Friday the commencement of construction work on the Al-Hussein neighborhood overpass, aimed at addressing traffic congestion. It confirmed that the overpass will be completed within 375 days and to high standards.

Baghdad Municipality spokesman Uday Al-Jundail said that "the executive work for the construction of the Al-Hussein neighborhood overpass has begun as part of the Baghdad Municipality's plans to address traffic congestion and alleviate bottlenecks in vital areas of the capital, including important intersections on the Salah Al-Din Expressway," indicating that "the project will contribute significantly to ending traffic jams and achieving high traffic flow after its completion."

PIC

He added that "the project's implementation period is 375 days, with the possibility of completing it before the specified period according to the work rates, the planned program, and sound specifications."

He pointed out that "the implementing company is one of the reputable local companies, and has similar projects in a number of governorates," stressing that "the work is proceeding according to the plans set to complete the project as quickly as required."https://www.economy-news.net/content.php?id=68811

Iraq Under Pressure In The Strait Of Hormuz: Huge Oil Losses And Unprecedented Discounts To Save Exports

Economy News – Baghdad   Iraq is facing one of the most serious economic challenges in its modern history since the outbreak of the regional war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the maritime outlet through which the vast majority of its oil exports pass.

PIC

The country, whose economy depends almost entirely on oil revenues, has found itself facing a sharp decline in exports, prompting SOMO (State Oil Marketing Organization) to adopt an exceptional pricing policy that includes significant discounts to attract buyers and encourage the continued flow of Iraqi oil to global markets.

Gulf Exports Collapse

According to data reported by Bloomberg, Iraqi oil sales have fallen by more than 80% in the past two months, as many tankers have been unable to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, which has become a high-risk area due to military escalation.

In a clear indication of the scale of the crisis, only two tankers loaded oil from the port of Basra during April, compared to 12 tankers in March, even though the port has an operational capacity of about 80 tankers per month under normal circumstances.

Iraqi oil exports also fell in March by about 97% compared to the previous month, averaging only 99,000 barrels per day, according to ship tracking data.

Standard Discounts To Attract Buyers

In an attempt to reduce the effects of the crisis, SOMO introduced unprecedented price reductions on Basra Medium crude, reaching $33.40 per barrel during the first ten days of May 2026, before dropping to $26 for the rest of the month, while the discount on Basra Heavy crude reached about $30 per barrel.

The company bases its pricing of Basra Medium crude on the average prices of Dubai and Oman crudes for shipments to Asia, and on Argus high-sulfur crude for shipments to the Americas.

Last April, Iraq raised the official selling price of Basra Medium crude to Asia to a premium of $17.30 above the average price of Oman and Dubai crudes, compared to a premium of only $0.30 in the previous April. It also set a premium of $10.30 above Argus crude for shipments to the Americas.

“The Port Is Up For Sale”: A Mechanism To Overcome Risks

SOMO General Manager Ali Nizar Al-Shatri explained that the company resorted to adopting the “port-off sale” method, meaning that the company’s responsibility ends as soon as the oil is loaded onto the tanker, while the buyer bears the costs of maritime transport, insurance and transit risks.

Al-Shatri confirmed that “SOMO” did not actually change the officially announced price premiums, but the difference in the method of sale and the discounting of transportation and insurance costs is what gives buyers the possibility of obtaining oil at lower prices.

He explained that this method is currently limited to Basra oil due to the risks of sailing in the Strait of Hormuz, while Kirkuk crude maintains its price premium because it is exported via the Turkish port of Ceyhan on the Mediterranean Sea, far from the maritime threats in the Gulf.

Billions Of Dollars In Losses

Energy expert Kovand Sherwani described the repercussions of the crisis as a “huge economic blow,” stressing that Iraq has lost daily exports estimated at about 3.3 million barrels of crude oil, which used to generate revenues of no less than $260 million per day.

Shirwani told Al-Eqtisad News that the total revenue losses during one month may approach $7 billion, with the possibility of the figure rising as a result of the rise in global oil prices following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

He explained that the discounts offered by SOMO aim to encourage companies and traders to buy Iraqi oil and bear the risks of transportation, adding that some companies that have good relations with the Iranian side may be able to pass through the oil shipments and make large profits from the price differences.

He pointed out that Iraq faces a structural problem in the absence of a large national fleet of oil tankers, as the majority of exports depended on chartered tankers or direct sales in Iraqi ports.

Limited Alternatives And Narrow Options

Although Iraq continues to export some of its oil via the pipeline to Türkiye, the quantities remain limited compared to the usual export capacity via the Gulf.

Shirwani explained that the Ceyhan port pipeline currently transports only about 250,000 barrels per day, which is equivalent to about 7% of Iraq’s previous total exports.

Observers confirm that Iraq currently lacks genuine strategic alternatives to bypass the Strait of Hormuz, making it one of the countries most affected by any security disturbance in the Gulf.

Discounts Are Not A Global First

For his part, economist Nabil Al-Marsoumi explained that the current price reductions are temporary measures pertaining to May 2026, and aim to maintain a minimum flow of oil exports.

Al-Marsoumi pointed out that the policy of discounts is not new in global energy markets, as Iran, Russia and Venezuela have previously used it to mitigate the impact of sanctions or restrictions that have hindered their oil from reaching global markets.

He added that Iraq was forced to offer discounts of up to $33.4 per barrel on Basra Medium crude to buyers with long-term contracts, especially those using tankers that have to cross the Strait of Hormuz, in order to offset the high transport and insurance risks.

A Crisis That Reveals The Fragility Of The Export Structure

The current crisis reveals the extent of Iraq’s almost complete dependence on a single sea outlet for oil exports, in the absence of an alternative network of pipelines or a national maritime transport fleet.

Experts believe that a prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz could put unprecedented pressure on Iraqi finances, especially given the general budget's heavy reliance on oil revenues.

While SOMO is trying to maintain the presence of Iraqi oil in global markets through discounts and trade facilities, the future of exports remains dependent on developments in the security situation in the Gulf, and the extent to which Baghdad can find alternative export outlets that reduce its vulnerability to the Strait of Hormuz.

العراق تحت ضغط هرمز.. خسائر نفطية ضخمة وخصومات غير مسبوقة لإنقاذ الصادرات

Battle of the Coral Sea May 4-8, 1942

Battle of the Coral Sea May 4-8, 1942

Jenny Ashcraft May 4, 2026

In May 1942, the Coral Sea north of Australia became the stage for a new type of warfare. For the first time in history, two navies clashed in a major fleet action where the participating ships never saw or fired upon each other. Instead, the battle was fought entirely in the clouds with all offensive action carried out by carrier-based aircraft. 

Following Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, the Imperial Japanese Navy’s advance in the Pacific seemed unstoppable. They achieved sweeping victories across the Pacific, seizing territory until they controlled most of the western Pacific basin. The offensive threatened Australia and Allied supply lines. To defend their position in the South Pacific, the Japanese set their sights on Port Moresby, New Guinea, and Tulagi, in the Solomon Islands.

American codebreakers, however, intercepted their plans, and the Navy sent two carrier task forces, centered on the USS Lexington and the USS Yorktown. They were joined by a combined Australian/American cruiser force.

On May 3 – 4, Japan successfully invaded Tulagi, but a surprise attack by the Yorktown inflicted damage to several Japanese warships. Over the next two days, both fleets searched for each other in the vast expanse of the Coral Sea.

The battle began in earnest on May 7 when American pilots spotted and sank the Japanese carrier Shoho. The Japanese spotted and attacked the USS Sims and the USS Neosho. The following day, May 8, American planes swarmed the Shokaku, leaving it severely damaged.

Japanese dive bombers and torpedo planes eventually zeroed in on the American fleet, launching a devastating aerial assault. While the USS Yorktown sustained a direct hit, her crew kept her operational. The USS Lexington fared far worse. Though she initially survived the strikes, a series of catastrophic internal explosions rocked the ship. Some 2,700 sailors and Marines evacuated the ship before she was scuttled. By the end of the engagement, the human cost was stark: the Allies suffered 543 casualties, while Japanese losses were nearly double, totaling 1,074.

An explosion on board USS Lexington blows an aircraft over her side, May 8, 1942.

In 2018, a research team located the Lexington roughly two miles below the surface of the Coral Sea.  

Ultimately, the Battle of the Coral Sea served as a strategic turning point. By checking the Japanese advance, it began the shift from an Allied defensive to an offensive posture. The battle also impacted the upcoming Battle of Midway, because Japan was forced to leave two of its carriers out of the fight.

If you would like to learn more about the Battle of the Coral Sea, search Fold3 today.

To Continue and Read More: May 4-8, 1942: Battle of the Coral Sea - Fold3 HQ

FRANK26…..5-8-26….WHITE PAPERS

KTFA

Friday Night Video

FRANK26…..5-8-26….WHITE PAPERS

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=YBP2OMwxH04

New Clarity Act is Trojan Horse for Dollar as Global Reserve Currency

New Clarity Act is Trojan Horse for Dollar as Global Reserve Currency

Heresy Financial:  5-6-2026

On May 1st, a significant legislative development unfolded in the U.S. Congress: the Clarity Act. This bill, focused on regulating stablecoins and cryptocurrencies, initially drew attention for reportedly banning interest payments on stablecoins.

While some might have anticipated a negative market reaction, the reality was quite different, with companies like Circle even seeing stock surges. This suggests the Clarity Act is more than just another piece of crypto regulation—it’s a deeper strategic maneuver with profound implications for the U.S. dollar and global finance.

To truly understand the Act’s potential, we need to look back at history. The original Bretton Woods agreement, forged after World War II, established the U.S. dollar as the world’s reserve currency, backed by gold. However, by the early 1970s, the U.S. had issued more dollars than its gold reserves, leading to the end of the gold standard in 1971.

To maintain the dollar’s global dominance, the U.S. subsequently partnered with Saudi Arabia in 1974 to create the petrodollar system. This arrangement mandated that oil sales be priced in dollars and encouraged Saudi Arabia to reinvest those dollars into U.S. treasuries, thus ensuring continuous global demand for the dollar.

Fast forward to today, the dollar faces renewed pressures amid significant money supply expansion and inflation. In this new landscape, stablecoins are emerging as a strategic tool.

The Clarity Act’s regulatory framework for stablecoins appears to be shaping them into instruments that, while presented as private entities, could function similarly to central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) under indirect oversight from the Treasury. This approach allows the U.S. government to maintain and potentially extend its influence over global financial flows without the direct public and political resistance that a fully government-issued CBDC might provoke.

The distinction between a traditional digital money system, a CBDC, and regulated stablecoins is crucial. Currently, digital money primarily operates on multiple private ledgers managed by banks, with the Federal Reserve acting as a central clearinghouse.

A CBDC, conversely, would consolidate these into one centralized ledger controlled by the central bank, enabling very precise control over monetary policy. This could involve variable interest rates on holdings, transaction-specific incentives or disincentives, and comprehensive monitoring—features that naturally raise discussions about privacy and economic freedom.

Under the Clarity Act, stablecoins like USDC are anticipated to be allowed to offer “rewards” for activities such as trading or holding duration, differentiating them from traditional interest payments typically offered by banks.

This clever compromise makes stablecoins attractive to users while preserving the banks’ traditional role in passive interest generation. Crucially, increased global adoption of these regulated stablecoins would channel purchasing power into U.S. treasuries. This mechanism could significantly help address the ongoing demand for government debt, especially as yields continue to fluctuate.

Around the world, many nations are exploring or even piloting CBDCs, yet public apprehension remains widespread. In this context, stablecoins regulated under a framework like the Clarity Act offer a more politically palatable alternative. They operate within the existing cryptocurrency ecosystem but under government regulation, creating a powerful mechanism for maintaining dollar hegemony. This allows the U.S. Treasury to subtly yet strategically influence global economic behavior and safeguard the dollar’s prominent position.

In essence, the Clarity Act and the strategic development of regulated stablecoins represent a sophisticated geopolitical and economic strategy. It’s an effort to secure the dollar’s future as the world’s dominant currency in an increasingly digital era.

By combining enhanced regulatory oversight with innovative financial instruments, this approach aims to sustain the dollar’s crucial global role amidst evolving economic realities

TIMECODES

00:00 The Stablecoin Bill Is a Trojan Horse

00:53 This Is a Bretton Woods 3.0 Moment

01:03 How the Dollar Became the World's Money in 1944

02:09 The Run on the Bank That Ended Gold

02:47 The Petrodollar Deal That Saved the Dollar

04:30 Why 50 Years Later We're Repeating History

04:53 What This New Stablecoin Agreement Actually Does

05:17 The Dollar Is Already Digital. You Just Don't See It.

05:50 How Banks Actually Move Money Between Each Other

06:42 What a Central Bank Digital Currency Really Is

07:01 The Dystopia Hidden in "Fine Tuned" Monetary Policy

08:08 Negative Interest on Money You Hold Too Long

08:32 Rewards and Punishments for What You Buy

10:40 The One Thing You Can't Escape About a CBDC

11:23 Why a CBDC Won't Be Implemented All at Once

11:42 Stablecoins Are CBDCs Without the Backlash

12:48 The Compromise: Rewards Tied to Activity, Not Holdings

13:45 Every Government Wants a CBDC. Citizens Don't.

14:25 Why Stablecoins Get the Power Without the Politics

15:42 The Global Funnel Into U.S. Treasuries

16:31 The Treasury Yield Crisis Hidden Behind All of This

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEBV24H0PSY

Economic Fury Targets Iraqi Oil Official, Iran-Backed Terrorist Militias in Iraq

KTFA:

Clare:  Press Releases

Economic Fury Targets Iraqi Oil Official, Iran-Backed Terrorist Militias in Iraq

 May 7, 2026   WASHINGTON—

Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) increased economic pressure on Iran and its proxy militias in Iraq by designating individuals and businesses exploiting Iraq’s oil sector and undermining the country’s security. 

This action includes Ali Maarij Al-Bahadly,Iraq’s Deputy Minister of Oil, who abuses his position to facilitate the diversion of oil to be sold for the benefit of the Iranian regime and its proxy militias in Iraq.  OFAC is also designating three senior leaders of Iran-aligned terrorist militias Kata’ib Sayyid Al-Shuhada and Asa’ib Ahl Al-Haq. 

The United States will continue to hold these groups and other Iran-aligned terrorist militias in Iraq, such as Kata’ib Hizballah, accountable for their attacks against U.S. personnel and civilians, diplomatic facilities, and businesses across Iraq, which the groups conduct without regard for Iraq’s sovereignty or democratic process.   

“Like a rogue gang, the Iranian regime is pillaging resources that rightfully belong to the Iraqi people,” said Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent. “Treasury will not stand idly by as Iran's military exploits Iraqi oil to fund terrorism against the United States and our partners.” 

OFAC is taking today’s actions pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13902, which targets key sectors of Iran’s economy, including Iran’s petroleum sector, and E.O. 13224, as amended, which targets terrorist groups, their supporters, and those who aid acts of terrorism.  Asa’ib Ahl Al-Haq was designated as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) pursuant to 

E.O. 13224, as amended, and as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) in 2020.  Kata’ib Sayyid Al-Shuhada was designated as an SDGT pursuant to E.O. 13224, as amended, in 2023 and as an FTO in 2025. 

ECONOMIC FURY Delivers MAXIMUM PRESSURE ON IRAN 

The Treasury Department is maintaining maximum pressure on Iran and targeting the regime’s ability to generate, move, and repatriate funds.  Treasury is aggressively advancing Economic Fury and has disrupted billions in projected oil revenue, taken actions that have led to the freezing of  nearly half a billion dollars in regime-linked cryptocurrency, and cracked down on Tehran’s shadow banking networks. 

Treasury remains ready to take economic action against Iran’s defense industrial base so that Iran cannot reconstitute its production capacity and project power outside its borders.  Treasury is also prepared to take action against any foreign company supporting illicit Iranian commerce, including airlines, and, as necessary, may impose secondary sanctions on foreign financial institutions that facilitate Iran’s activities—including those connected to the People’s Republic of China’s independent “teapot” oil refineries.

Any person or vessel facilitating the illicit trade of oil or other commodities, through covert trade or financial channels, risks exposure to U.S. sanctions. Treasury will vigorously target both traditional sanctions evasion schemes and the exploitation of digital assets while continuing to freeze funds stolen from the Iranian people. 

Through the blockade, the Trump Administration is directly targeting the regime’s primary revenue stream, and any person or vessel facilitating the illicit flow of oil or other products risks exposure to U.S. sanctions. 

CORRUPTION IN IRAQ’S MINISTRY OF OIL

OFAC today designated Iraq’s Deputy Minister of Oil, Ali Maarij Al-Bahadly (Maarij), who has been instrumental in facilitating the diversion of Iraqi oil products to benefit known Iran-affiliated oil smuggler Salim Ahmed Said (Said) as well as Iran-backed terrorist militia Asa’ib Ahl Al-Haq (AAH). 

For years, Maarij has used his official positions—first as the head of the Iraqi parliament’s oil and gas committee, and then within the Iraq Ministry of Oil—to enrich Said, AAH, and by extension, Iran.

OFAC designated Said in June 2025 for running a network of companies selling Iranian oil falsely declared as Iraqi oil to avoid sanctions, including designated VS Oil Terminal FZE (VS Oil).  Integral to this operation was Said’s ability to obtain favored access to Iraqi oil and procure forged documentation from Iraqi government officials, legitimizing illicit oil.  To that end, Said was responsible for bribing complicit officials in the Iraqi government, as well as reportedly installing Maarij in his official position. 

Since 2018, Maarij has held multiple positions in Iraq’s Ministry of Oil, including head of the licensing and contracts office, Deputy Minister, and acting Minister of Oil.  In his official capacities, Maarij enabled Said to illicitly procure oil products by granting exportation rights to Said’s companies.  Maarij authorized trucking several million dollars’ worth of oil per day from the Qayarah oil field to VS Oil in Khor Zubayr for export. VS Oil oversaw the mixing of Iranian oil with Iraqi oil before being shipped to market.  Maarij is also responsible for falsifying documentation on the provenance of oil for Said’s network, enabling it to be smuggled to market disguised as purely Iraqi oil.

Ali Maarij Al-Bahadly is being designated pursuant to E.O. 13902 for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of, Salim Ahmed Said.

IRAQI Militia Exploiting ResourcES

Mustafa Hashim Lazim Al-Behadili (Al-Behadili), also known as Sayyid Awn, is a leader and economic official for AAH.  Following the U.S. withdrawal from Iraq in 2011, Al-Behadili played an important role in developing an oil trucking and security unit, allowing AAH to become a dominant actor in the Iraqi metals industry, as well as enabling AAH’s entrance into fuel oil theft, which focused on stolen or subsidized oil. 

Working directly with U.S.-designated AAH senior leader Laith Al-Khazali, Al-Behadili controlled oil smuggling financing and oversaw mineral industry activities for AAH.  In southern Iraq, Al-Behadili managed oil smuggling operations and AAH projects, using businesses, projects, and government contracts as a front for AAH financial activity. 

As part of his activities on behalf of AAH, Al-Behadili was also complicit in dealing directly with Iran and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF), a U.S.-designated terrorist organization.  In his capacity as AAH Economic Committee member, Al-Behadili was involved in negotiating contracts to ship oil from Iran and coordinating with the IRGC-QF on shipping AAH’s oil.

Mustafa Hashim Lazim Al-Behadili is being designated pursuant to E.O. 13224, as amended, for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of, Asa’ib Ahl Al-Haq.

Al-Behadili owns or controls four Iraqi companies that operate in the oil sector—Gulf Energy Oil Services Limited, Gulf General Contracting Limited, Iraq International Energy for the Import and Sale for Petroleum Products Limited, and Gulf Energy for General Transport and Marine Services and Real Estate Consultancy LLC—all of which are being designated pursuant to E.O. 13224, as amended, for being owned, controlled, or directed by, or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Mustafa Hashim Lazim Al-Behadili.

Iran-BACKED TERRORIST MILITIA OFFICIALS

Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada (KSS) is an Iran-aligned terrorist militia that has planned and executed numerous attacks against U.S. personnel in Iraq and Syria.  Ahmed Khudair Maksus Maksus is the former KSS Deputy Secretary General under U.S.-designated Secretary General Hashim Finyan Rahim al-Saraji. 

Mohammed Issa Kadhim al-Shuwaili (Al-Shuwaili), operating under the alias Abu Maryam, is a senior KSS official.  Since at least 2025, Al-Shuwaili has collaborated directly with Hizballah illicit finance team members, including Ali Qasir, on the purchase and delivery of weapons into Iraq.  Al-Shuwaili also arranged the payment of millions of dollars to Hizballah to facilitate the purchase of weapons, and coordinated logistics related to the transfer and delivery of the weapons with Hizballah associates.

Ahmed Khudair Maksus Maksus is being designated pursuant to E.O. 13224, as amended, for being owned, controlled, or directed by, or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada.  Mohammed Issa Kadhim al-Shuwaili is being designated pursuant to E.O. 13224, as amended, for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of, Ali Qasir, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 13224, as amended. 

SANCTIONS IMPLICATIONS

As a result of today’s action, all property and interests in property of the designated or blocked persons described above that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC.  In addition, any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked.  Unless authorized by OFAC, or exempt, OFAC’s regulations generally prohibit all transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of blocked persons. 

Violations of U.S. sanctions may result in the imposition of civil or criminal penalties on U.S. and foreign persons.  OFAC may impose civil penalties for sanctions violations on a strict liability basis.  OFAC’s Economic Sanctions Enforcement Guidelines provide more information regarding OFAC’s enforcement of U.S. economic sanctions. 

In addition, financial institutions and other persons may risk exposure to sanctions for engaging in certain transactions or activities involving designated or otherwise blocked persons.  

The prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any designated or blocked person, or the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person. 

Non-U.S. persons are also prohibited from causing or conspiring to cause U.S. persons to wittingly or unwittingly violate U.S. sanctions, as well as engaging in conduct that evades U.S. sanctions.  Individuals located in the U.S. or abroad who provide information about sanctions violations to Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) whistleblower incentive program may be eligible for awards if the information they provide leads to a successful enforcement action that results in monetary penalties exceeding $1,000,000.  FinCEN is currently accepting whistleblower tips.

Furthermore, engaging in certain transactions involving the persons designated today may risk the imposition of secondary sanctions on participating foreign financial institutions.  OFAC can prohibit or impose strict conditions on opening or maintaining, in the United States, a correspondent account or a payable-through account of a foreign financial institution that knowingly conducts or facilitates any significant transaction on behalf of a person who is designated pursuant to the relevant authority.

The power and integrity of OFAC sanctions derive not only from OFAC’s ability to designate and add persons to the SDN List, but also from its willingness to remove persons from the SDN List consistent with the law.  The ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behavior. 

https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sb0492