Thursday, June 19, 2025
IRAQ NEWS HEADLINES : Foreign Investment Hesitation
IRAQ NEWS HEADLINES
Foreign Investment Hesitation
While Iraq has vast potential in energy, construction, and agriculture, ongoing political instability, corruption, and regional conflict (especially Iran-Israel tensions) continue to scare off international investors.
Some Gulf countries and China remain active in select Iraqi infrastructure and energy projects.
TIDBIT FROM KAPERONI
Kaperoni
Article: "Iraq is among the top 10 countries in the world in terms of natural resources."
I pointed this out several years ago. This is why Iraq could never significantly RV their currency overnight.
Such an event would bankrupt them since their entire net worth of natural resources is only $16 trillion dollars.
This is why the only way the dinar can go up in value is gradually over time so that they can reduce the money supply (remove zeros) from trillions to billions.
IRAQ NEWS HEADLINES : Inflation and Unemployment
IRAQ NEWS HEADLINES
Inflation and Unemployment
Inflation remains moderate but persistent, mainly due to the rising cost of imported goods and housing.
Unemployment is high, especially among young people, with many Iraqis relying on government jobs or informal work.
Iraq’s Current Position in the Iran-Israel Conflict
Iraq’s Current Position in the Iran-Israel Conflict
As of now, Iraq is trying to maintain a neutral and balanced position in the conflict between Iran and Israel. However, the situation is complex due to several factors:
Political Neutrality (Officially):
The Iraqi government has not taken an official side in the Iran-Israel conflict. It publicly calls for de-escalation, regional peace, and avoidance of further military action.Influence of Iranian-Backed Militias:
Several powerful militias operating in Iraq, such as Kataib Hezbollah and the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), are aligned with Iran and strongly oppose Israel and the United States. These groups have launched attacks on U.S. bases in Iraq and Syria, which complicates Iraq’s internal security and neutrality.Internal Divisions :
Iraq’s population and political class are divided. Some factions support Iran due to religious and political ties, while others seek closer relations with the West and prefer staying out of regional conflicts.Strategic Balancing:
Iraq is under pressure to balance its relationships with both Iran (its powerful neighbor and economic partner) and the U.S. (a major military and economic supporter). This makes Iraq cautious in its public stance.Fear of Escalation:
Iraq does not want to be dragged into a broader regional war. Iraqi leaders are concerned that their territory could be used by militias or foreign powers in ways that could provoke retaliation from Israel or the U.S.
Conclusion:
Iraq’s official position is one of non-alignment and diplomacy, but its territory is being used by Iran-aligned groups, which could unintentionally involve Iraq in the conflict. The government is walking a fine line, trying to avoid becoming a battleground or proxy in the Iran-Israel tensions.
IRAQ NEWS HEADLINES: Budget Delays and Political Tensions
IRAQ NEWS HEADLINES
Budget Delays and Political Tensions
Iraq has delayed the approval of its 2025 federal budget, largely due to political disagreements between Baghdad and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).
Disputes over oil revenue sharing and autonomy remain unresolved.
Budget uncertainty affects public projects and government salaries.
FIREFLY: THE future for Iraq is digital
Frank26
[Iraq boots-on-the-ground report]
FIREFLY:They're telling us on the Asraflak website that the future for Iraq is digital.
They say if we help them accomplish the digitalization of our country, bring in our three zeros, that would allow security and stability for our monetary reform.
FRANK: They're not pulling any punches. Digitalization is now? ...I don't know. It's troubling to a degree and it's exciting to another degree.
IRAQ NEWS HEADLINES : Currency Reform Still in Progress
IRAQ NEWS HEADLINES
Currency Reform Still in Progress
Iraq’s government is pushing ahead with banking and financial reforms under pressure from international advisors and investors.
Talks about currency redenomination or revaluation of the Iraqi Dinar (IQD) continue, but no official change has occurred yet.
The Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) is working to modernize the banking sector, increase digital transactions, and reduce corruption.
How the Iran-Israel War Could Affect Iraq and the Iraqi Dinar
How the Iran-Israel War Could Affect Iraq and the Iraqi Dinar
The ongoing or potential conflict between Iran and Israel could have serious implications for Iraq, especially in terms of its political stability, economy, and the value of its currency — the Iraqi Dinar (IQD).
Regional Instability:
Iraq is geographically and politically caught between Iran and other U.S.-backed allies in the region. A war involving Iran could spill over into Iraq, either directly through militia activity or indirectly by disrupting borders and trade routes.Iranian Influence in Iraq:
Iran has historically exerted strong influence over certain factions within Iraq, including militias and parts of the government. If Iran becomes deeply engaged in war, it could destabilize Iraq internally, especially if pro-Iranian groups take sides or act independently.Investor Confidence:
Investors tend to avoid countries near war zones or those politically aligned with a warring nation. This reduces foreign investment in Iraq, which is crucial for economic growth and currency stability. Low investor confidence can weaken the Iraqi Dinar.Delays in Economic Reforms :
Iraq has been working on economic reforms, including banking modernization and currency revaluation. Conflict in the region could delay or derail these plans, as security and politics take priority.Oil Market Volatility:
Iraq depends heavily on oil exports. A war in the Middle East could raise oil prices globally, which might benefit Iraq in the short term. However, if Iraqi oil infrastructure is threatened or export routes are blocked, it could damage the economy instead.Pressure from International Powers:
If the war escalates, Iraq may come under pressure from both the West and Iran to take sides or allow military movements through its territory. This could lead to sanctions or internal unrest, affecting the economy and the value of the Dinar.
Conclusion:
The Iran-Israel conflict increases uncertainty for Iraq. While there might be short-term benefits if oil prices rise, the long-term risks — including instability, loss of investor trust, and delays in economic reform — could weaken Iraq’s economy and negatively impact the Iraqi Dinar.
IRAQ NEWS HEADLINES : Oil Revenues Remain Strong
IRAQ NEWS HEADLINES
Oil Revenues Remain Strong
Iraq continues to benefit from high global oil prices, especially amid tensions in the Middle East.
Oil exports account for over 90% of government revenue, so Iraq’s economy is heavily influenced by global energy markets.
In May 2025, Iraq exported over 3.5 million barrels per day, mainly to China, India, and Europe.
TIDBIT FROM WALKINGSTICK
Walkingstick
The problem used to be Iran. We got security and stability.
The 8th floor [the US Treasury's permanent office in the CBI building] is really controlling them. The problem now is the dinar mattresses.
The ESX and the ISX when they go live they're going to be with the new exchange rate. I believe they're jumping the gun and getting involved because it's no secret...
You're talking about a whole stock exchange that wants to join the Iraqi stock exchange.
..It shows that Abu Dhabi knows about the monetary reform of the Iraqi dinar because everyone IMO knows a new exchange rate for the Iraqi dinar is coming.
There is no more BS...lies...guessing...exaggerations ...questions. It is the truth of the monetary reform that is reflected in this relationship that we're seeing with the stock markets. It is a powerful indicator IMO of a new exchange rate.
Iran-Israel war hits wallets: stranded Iraqis pay the price to get home
Shafaq News/ The ongoing war between Israel and Iran has thrown regional air travel into disarray, stranding thousands of passengers and forcing Iraqis to return home by land—only to face chaos, inflated transport fees, and a lack of government oversight.
Since the escalation began on Friday, Iraq suspended its airspace as a security precaution, leading to widespread flight cancellations and diversions. While southern airspace was later reopened for limited daytime flights through Basra International Airport, many Iraqi travelers—especially pilgrims—remained trapped in Iran, Turkiye, and Lebanon. With air routes disrupted, land crossings became the only option home, but the journey proved anything but smooth.
Returnees arriving at Iraq’s borders encountered soaring transport costs and unregulated conditions. Um Tabarak, a mother of three from Baghdad, said she was shocked after returning from Turkiye when a driver demanded $150 to take her home. “There was no system, no oversight—just exploitation and a complete disregard for our humanity,” she told Shafaq News.
Um Hassan from Karbala noted that she paid $300 for a taxi from Qom to the Mehran border crossing—triple the usual fare. “I had gone for medical treatment, spent everything I had, and barely made it back,” she shared with our agency. “I had no choice.”
Abu Mustafa from Najaf recounted being stuck in Mashhad in Iran after falling victim to a flight scam. “I lost all my money and couldn’t leave until some strangers helped me return.”
The crisis reached Lebanon as well. In Beirut, dozens of stranded Iraqis staged a protest outside the Iraqi embassy, denouncing what they called a failure to organize their return. Eyewitnesses reported to our agency that Lebanese police intervened to defuse tensions, though no injuries were reported.
Calls for government intervention have grown louder. Struggling Iraqis are urging the Ministry of Transport and the Border Crossings Authority to step in, organize affordable transport, enforce price regulations, and deploy inspection teams to prevent further abuse.
The Ministry of Transport, however, denied any irregularities. It confirmed that land transportation was operating “smoothly” and that necessary services were being provided in coordination with the Authority.
Ahmad al-Moussawi, Director of the General Company for Private Transport, told Shafaq News that he and senior officials are stationed at the Zurbatiyah crossing under direct instructions from Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. “We’re monitoring transport operations, overseeing the return of foreign pilgrims, and penalizing violations of pricing rules,” he said.
Still, al-Moussawi acknowledged that the ministry holds no authority inside Iranian territory or at the Ibrahim al-Khalil crossing, which falls under the Kurdistan Regional Government.
TIDBIT FROM SANDY INGRAM
Sandy Ingram
Any perception that Iraq is siding with one party over the other could draw the country into the geopolitical crossfire.
In short the Israel-Iran conflict could lead to oil price surges that temporarily boost Iraq's revenues but it may also increase regional insecurity, hesitation in investment and operational risks in Iraq's vital oil sector...
Iraqi expert warns: Hormuz closure would paralyze Gulf
Shafaq News/ The closure of the Strait of Hormuz would bring the Gulf region to a standstill and throw global energy markets into chaos, Iraqi economist Hilal al-Taan warned on Tuesday.
Al-Taan explained to Shafaq News that any move to shut the strait would restrict maritime traffic, halt oil exports, and raise shipping and insurance costs. “It would paralyze the Gulf and impact the entire world,” he cautioned, noting that major ports like Jebel Ali in the UAE would be directly affected.
He stressed that oil-dependent economies like Iraq, Kuwait, and Bahrain would suffer severe financial consequences, as the shipping lane is a vital artery for their exports.
The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway between Iran and Oman, is one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints. Roughly 18 to 19 million barrels of oil, condensates, and fuel—about one-fifth of global consumption—pass through it daily, along with nearly 11 billion cubic feet of liquefied natural gas.
The warning follows statements by Iranian lawmaker Brigadier General Esmail Kowsari, who confirmed that Tehran is seriously considering closing the maritime corridor in response to Israeli airstrikes. “We are studying the matter carefully and will act decisively if necessary.”
EXCERPTS FROM MARKZ: We have seen some interesting pairings that point towards a much increased value
EXCERPTS FROM MARKZ: We have seen some interesting pairings that point towards a much increased value
Member: Mark do you think bonds going quiet right before the Iran situation is a coincidence??
MZ: Right now everything has gone quiet so I believe its coming from the Treasury level….or the Sovereign level…….They could have gone quiet for 2-3 reasons. The most likely reason is to cloud the timing….or because we are close.
Member: anything on CMKX?
MZ: Nothing new yet….but not for lack of trying.
Member: Rumor has it that Iraqi dinar is at 6.24 on coinbase? do you concur ? thanks!
MZ: I do not concur. But we have seen some interesting pairings that point towards a much increased value. But we can’t do anything with it yet. We will keep watching it.
Iraq faces growing economic strain due to Israel-Iran conflict
Shafaq News/ Iraq’s economy is already showing signs of strain as the Israel-Iran conflict enters its sixth day, despite the country’s non-involvement in the fighting, a leading economic expert told Shafaq News on Wednesday.
Dr. Nawar al-Saadi, a professor of international economics, told Shafaq News that Iraq’s geographic location, heavy reliance on oil, and integration into a sensitive regional network leave it vulnerable to the fallout of the escalating hostilities.
“So far, we’re seeing three immediate economic consequences,” al-Saadi explained. “First, the Iraqi dinar is weakening as the dollar exchange rate rises. This reflects fears that the conflict could spread, affecting oil exports or state revenues, which in turn fuels inflation through higher import costs.”
The second impact, he said, is market stagnation. “Uncertainty is freezing investment and commercial activity. Wars interrupt economic planning and scare off capital, especially when Iraq is seen as part of a high-risk geopolitical zone.”
According to al-Saadi, the increase in food prices is another impact, “Concerns over supply chain disruptions have already prompted speculative behavior and hoarding among traders. This poses a direct threat to Iraq’s food security, which is already fragile due to high import dependence.”
The professor warned that if the conflict intensifies or persists, the consequences could become “far more severe.”
“Iraq’s oil exports rely almost entirely on the Gulf, particularly the Strait of Hormuz. If that route is disrupted, even briefly, Iraq could lose billions in revenue and plunge into a financial crisis its oil-dependent budget cannot withstand.”
Al-Saadi also highlighted the risk of domestic instability, pointing out that the longer the war drags on, the greater the chance that regional power struggles will spill into Iraq. “If foreign interests or US assets are targeted, or southern cities become flashpoints, it could erode what’s left of Iraq’s economic stability.”
TIDBIT FROM MILITIAMAN
Militia Man
Article quote: "...representatives called...to ban cash payments within the government institutions...This means 80% of paper money will be transferred to cards...
These steps should be implemented increasingly to move cash out of homes and pockets and into banks. "
They're trying to and have been for quite a long time reducing the cash in circulation which is a good thing.
IBBC appoints new Baghdad Office Manager
Ali Mashkour joins IBBC from member company MHD International. He is Iraqi British and has been based in Baghdad for the past ten years, working in projects across infrastructure, security, transport and government sectors, managing multi-disciplinary teams and engaging senior stakeholders across both public and private sectors.
In his new role, Ali will work in the Baghdad and Erbil offices, supporting members and the organisation's overall objectives and with our Honorary Member Representative Mohammed Alsaadi and our Honorary Representative for Kurdistan and the South of Iraq, Dr Ali Jawad.
Christophe Michels, MD of IBBC said:
"We are pleased to welcome Ali Mashkour to our team, knowing he has to fill the sad gap that Muhanad Khattab left when he died last month, we have every expectation Ali will bring us new energy and insights to the role, which is of increasing importance to IBBC as our Iraqi membership rapidly grows and are holding more events and conferences in the country."
Ali can be contacted at ali.mashkour@webuildiraq.org
EXCERPTS FROM MARKZ: The Iran rial is going to be in the first basket
EXCERPTS FROM MARKZ: The Iran rial is going to be in the first basket
Member: Mark, would you happen to have any updates on the Iranian rial?
MZ: No- But my gut feeling is the Iran rial is going to be in the first basket. They are in the same economic area as Iraq. They share oil fields. Ideally the Iranian currency will be close to what the Iraqi currency is going to be.
Member: Mark what currencies do you think will be in the first basket
Member: old list-
1. US
2. UK
3. Kuwait
4. Canada
5. Mexico
6. Russia
7. China
8. Venezuela
9. Iranian Rial
10. IRAQ
11. Indonesia Rupiah
12. Malaysia
13. Vietnamese
14. Brazil
15. Saudi Arabia
16. Qatar
17. United Arab Emirates
18. Turkey
19. Afghanistan possibly
20. India
21. Libya
22. Japan
23. Zimbabwe
Iraqi Minister Warns of $200-300 Oil
Iraq's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Fuad Hussein (pictured), has cautioned that the continuation of Israeli and Iranian military operations may lead to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which could result in the loss of up to five million barrels per day of oil exports from the Gulf and Iraq.
He warned that this could drive oil prices to $200-300 per barrel, exacerbating the global inflation crisis and negatively impacting both producing and importing countries, including Iraq.
The Minister made his comments during a phone call with Germany's Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Johann Wadephul.
(Source: MoFA)
Economist: Targeting Oil Facilities Could Raise The Price Of A Barrel To $130
Economist: Targeting Oil Facilities Could Raise The Price Of A Barrel To $130.
Today 12:18 Information / Baghdad.. International economics professor Nawar Al-Saadi warned on Tuesday that an escalation in military tensions between Iran and the Zionist entity, with the exchange of strikes shifting from limited scope to direct targeting of vital infrastructure, could push the world toward one of the most serious economic crises in decades.
Al-Saadi told Al-Maalouma News Agency that "the targeting of a gas platform by the Zionist entity and Iran's response by bombing a refinery in Haifa represent a dangerous indicator of the potential outbreak of a strategic assets war in which energy facilities, including oil and gas, become key targets in the conflict."
He added that "global energy security will be the first to pay the price," noting that "the Strait of Hormuz, over which Iran has geographic control, passes more than 25% of global oil exports."
He explained that "any actual threat to this vital waterway, whether through closure, bombing, or naval mines, would cause a market shock that could send oil prices to nearly $130 per barrel if navigation were partially disrupted."
He explained that "this price jump will put significant pressure on the economies of importing countries, particularly in Asia and Europe, and will push toward a new global inflationary wave
that could weaken purchasing power and lead to an economic slowdown that could reach the point of recession if the conflict continues."
He pointed out that "the repercussions of the escalation will impact global supply chains,
particularly in the transportation and heavy industry sectors, due to rising fuel and logistics costs,
which threatens a shortage of basic commodities and a decline in global production."
He stressed that "the Gulf states will not be immune from the impact, despite their relative distance from the geography of the confrontation," noting that their energy facilities remain vulnerable to potential missile or electronic attacks, which would deepen the supply crisis.
As for Iraq, he noted, "The impact will be twofold.
While it may benefit in the short term from higher oil prices,
it could face a real problem if the Strait of Hormuz is closed or export routes are disrupted,
particularly given the Ceyhan pipeline's closure and its current reliance on the Gulf as the sole conduit for its oil exports."
He concluded by saying, "The transformation of the conflict into a full-scale war on energy infrastructure will not remain confined to its security or political scope, but may cause a global economic shock deeper than that caused by the Ukraine war, with the potential to redraw the map of alliances and centers of economic influence in the world." End 25/S
https://almaalomah.me/news/101672/economy/اقتصادي:-استهداف-منشآت-النفط-قد-يرفع-سعر-البرميل-إلى-130-دول
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