US Chargé d'Affaires: The United States emphasizes the need for immediate action to dismantle "militias" in Iraq
The US Embassy in Baghdad stated that the United States will continue to clearly emphasize the need for immediate action to dismantle militias in Iraq.
In a post on its X platform, the embassy said that Chargé d'Affaires Joshua Harris met with Ammar al-Hakim, leader of the Hikma Movement, to discuss shared interests in protecting Iraqi sovereignty, defeating terrorism, enhancing regional security, and strengthening economic ties that benefit both Americans and Iraqis.
Harris reiterated that "the inclusion of Iranian-backed terrorist militias in the Iraqi government, in any capacity, is incompatible with a strong US-Iraqi partnership."
He added that "the United States will continue to clearly emphasize the need for immediate action to dismantle terrorist militias that serve foreign agendas and threaten Iraq's sovereignty, stability, and economy." link
Jeff confirms that Iraq’s current official exchange rate remains at 1310 IQD per USD on the Central Bank website, calling recent claims about a 1300-based 2026 budget misleading while emphasizing that Iraq’s own actions make a future rate change unavoidable.
Jeff’s Iraq Monetary Reality Check
In a space often filled with speculation and confusion, Jeff delivers a grounded and direct clarification regarding Iraq’s exchange rate, the 2026 budget, and recent commentary circulating within the dinar community.
His message is clear: not everything being said is accurate—and context matters.
The Truth About the 2026 Budget and the 1300 Rate
Jeff addressed claims suggesting Iraq’s 2026 budget would be calculated using a 1300 IQD per USD exchange rate, stating plainly:
“They said the 2026 budget would be calculated off of currency valued at 1310 per US dollar.”
They said the 2026 budget would be calculated off of currency valued at 1310 per US dollar...Thursday's comments are misleading garbage...The rate right now on the central banks' website live...is still at 1310. They are misleading you guys. There isn't a '26 budget coming forward at 1300.
It's not happening...Based on Iraq's actions they have to change the rate. They absolutely have to change the rate based on their actions alone...You can't trust everything out of Iraq. Sometimes you have to dive in deeper...
An economic observatory reveals the Central Bank of Iraq's conditions for banks to trade in currencies other than the dollar.
An economic observatory announced the new conditions set by the Central Bank of Iraq for banks wishing to trade foreign currencies other than the dollar, such as the European "Euro" and the Chinese "Yuan," noting that among these conditions is that "the bank's capital must be 300 billion Iraqi dinars."
The Eco Iraq Observatory explained in a press statement on Saturday, January 10, 2026, that “the Central Bank circulated a document entitled (Guidelines and Models for Assessing Minimum Requirements) for banks prohibited from dealing in dollars and wishing to work in other foreign currencies such as the European Euro, the Chinese Yuan, the UAE Dirham, and others, indicating that “this document is part of the banking sector reform program implemented by the Central Bank.”
The observatory noted that “the document included conditions, most notably that the bank’s capital be 300 billion dinars with a plan to reach 400 billion dinars by the end of 2028,” as well as “the bank having sufficient and regular liquidity to cover its obligations and the obligations of customers, in accordance with international banking regulations (LCR and NSFR).”
"The document emphasized the disclosure of the bank's ownership, i.e., providing a complete and approved list of shareholders, with full disclosure of related parties," according to the statement.
The Economic Affairs Observatory “Eco Iraq” had previously revealed that 35 out of 72 banks operating in Iraq were subject to US sanctions, either due to sanctions by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), i.e., the bank being placed on an international blacklist and its financial transactions being paralyzed or its dollar transactions being stopped, or as a “temporary regulatory measure” and not a penalty, to force the bank to comply with transparency. link
According to MarkZ, regional bankers are reportedly working from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. until January 16th to complete the RV process, while growing chatter from Iraq suggests the CBI may be preparing to raise the dinar’s value.
MarkZ RV Intelligence Update
Via PDK
Momentum continues to build across the financial landscape as MarkZ shares encouraging updates pointing to increased banking activity, extended working hours, and rising optimism tied to the long-anticipated RV process.
While patience remains necessary, confirmations are steadily increasing from multiple directions.
Regional Banker Report: Extended Hours Until January 16th
A compelling comment shared with MarkZ revealed the following:
“My friend spoke to his region’s banker and it was said they are working from 6am to 10pm until January 16th to get this RV done. Banker was VERY optimistic!”
This type of operational schedule is highly unusual for standard banking procedures and strongly suggests that extraordinary financial processes may be underway behind the scenes.
Extended hours often indicate:
System updates and reconciliations
Compliance and settlement preparations
Anticipation of a significant financial event
MarkZ Reaction: Confirmations Are Increasing
MarkZ responded with cautious optimism:
“Wooo… Lots of people out there are getting more confirmations from their banks. It’s not everyone… but it’s happening more and more.”
He emphasized that although progress may feel slow, movement is undeniable:
“We just need to hang on. Things are happening… just not as fast as any of us want.”
This aligns with a familiar pattern seen in past financial transitions—quiet preparation followed by sudden execution.
Growing Chatter From Iraq: Is the CBI Preparing a Value Increase?
Reports coming out of Iraq are raising an important question:
“Why does the CBI refuse to revalue the dinar in order to balance their budget?”
Interestingly, the same chatter now suggests a shift in thinking, with discussions indicating that:
The CBI may be looking to increase the dinar’s value
Budget balancing pressures are intensifying
Inflation and purchasing power concerns persist
If accurate, this would represent a significant change in posture from the Central Bank of Iraq.
Why This Matters: Banking Signals + Iraq Signals
When bank activity outside Iraq aligns with monetary chatter inside Iraq, it often signals that:
Planning stages are complete
Execution timing is being finalized
Coordination between institutions is active
This convergence is exactly what many have been waiting to see.
Q&A: MarkZ RV Update Explained
Q: Are banks really working extended hours for the RV?
A: According to a regional banker report shared with MarkZ, yes—some banks are working from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. through January 16th.
Q: Does this mean the RV is guaranteed?
A: No event is guaranteed, but extended banking operations and optimism are strong indicators of preparation.
Q: Is Iraq considering increasing the dinar’s value?
A: Chatter from Iraq suggests discussions are underway about increasing the value to help balance the budget.
Q: Why hasn’t the CBI acted sooner?
A: The CBI balances inflation control, political pressure, and economic stability—timing is critical.
What to Watch Closely
January 16th timelines
Continued bank confirmations
Official CBI statements or rate movements
Budget and fiscal developments in Iraq
Ongoing commentary from MarkZ and PDK
Final Thoughts
While the wait tests everyone’s patience, behind-the-scenes activity is increasing, not decreasing.
Extended bank hours, growing confirmations, and shifting dialogue from Iraq all point to a system nearing readiness.
As MarkZ reminds us: Progress is happening—even if it’s not happening fast enough for any of us.
Comment: ...my friend spoke to his Region's Banker and it was said they are working from 6am to 10 pm until Jan 16th to get this RV done. Banker was VERY optimistic!
MarkZ: Wooo...Lots of people out there are getting more confirmations from their banks. It's not everyone…but it’s happening more and more. We just need to hang on. Things are happening…just not as fast as any of us want.
From Iraq: “Why does the CBI refuse to revalue the dinar in order to balance their budget?” Some of the chatter this morning is saying they are looking to go up in value.
He pointed out that investors realize that these fluctuations do not reflect institutional weakness as much as they reflect market factors beyond national control.
He added that investor confidence is strengthened when deficits are accompanied by disciplined financing tools, such as issuing domestic bonds and prudent management of public spending.
He stressed that this sends a clear message about the government's ability to control the flow of public funds and avoid long-term imbalances. link
Frank26 and Omar report that Alaq confirmed on Iraqi television that the 1300 IQD exchange rate should be visible on the Central Bank of Iraq website by Monday, signaling a major step toward monetary sovereignty as citizens protest rising prices and tariffs.
Iraq Boots-on-the-Ground Intelligence Report
By Frank26 with Commentary from Omar
The situation in Iraq is rapidly evolving, and according to boots-on-the-ground intelligence, the country may be approaching a critical monetary turning point.
During a recent televised appearance, CBI Governor Alaq made statements that have sent shockwaves through the Iraqi financial community and global dinar observers alike.
Alaq on Iraqi TV: The 1300 Exchange Rate
According to Omar, Alaq clearly stated on television that:
“1300 should be viewable on the CBI website by this coming Monday.”
This is significant because Alaq emphasized that 1300 IQD is the official rate the Central Bank of Iraq intends to move forward with.
He further reinforced Iraq’s monetary independence by stating:
The CBI is fully in control
Iraq is a sovereign nation
Iraq controls its own monetary rights
This messaging strongly suggests a deliberate effort to reassure both citizens and international partners that Iraq’s financial system is no longer subject to outside manipulation.
Frank26 Analysis: Political Pressure and Global Signals
“These Iranian politicians in your country are telling Maliki to continue to threaten Alaq and to keep the exchange rate low.”
Frank also pointed out a key international detail:
“The fact that Mark Savaya is right there next to him in Iraq causes me to tell you, watch what happens in the coming days.”
According to Frank26, this presence signals alignment with U.S. expectations, adding:
“He knows what Donald Trump wants you to do.”
This suggests that international oversight and cooperation may be accelerating Iraq’s compliance with monetary reform objectives.
Citizen Protests Erupt Across Iraq
Omar reported growing unrest among Iraqi citizens:
Protests are happening nationwide
New tariffs and customs fees are increasing prices
Medicine and car prices are rising
The exchange rate has not improved, fueling anger
“People are complaining the rich get richer as usual, but us citizens suffer.”
This unrest is crucial because economic pressure from the population often precedes monetary action.
Omar added:
“There is starting to be some uprising already.”
Historically, Iraq has responded to public unrest by making sudden financial adjustments, especially when reforms are already prepared behind the scenes.
Why the 1300 Rate Matters
The move to 1300 IQD is not just a number—it represents:
A transition phase toward normalization
Increased market stability
Preparation for broader currency reform
A response to inflation and purchasing power concerns
It also serves as a bridge between artificial controls and a more transparent exchange mechanism.
Q&A: Iraq Dinar Update Explained
Q: Did Alaq really confirm the 1300 rate?
A: According to Omar, yes—Alaq stated on Iraqi television that the 1300 rate should appear on the CBI website by Monday.
Q: Is Iraq in control of its currency now?
A: Alaq emphasized that Iraq is sovereign and that the CBI controls monetary policy.
Q: Why are citizens protesting?
A: Rising tariffs, higher medicine and car prices, and a stagnant exchange rate are driving public anger.
Q: Does this mean revaluation is imminent?
A: While no date is guaranteed, these steps indicate advanced monetary reform and growing pressure for change.
What to Watch Next
The CBI official website
Public reaction to the
1300 rate
Government response to citizen protests
Continued presence of international advisors
Statements from Frank26 and trusted boots-on-the-ground sources
Final Thoughts
Iraq is clearly at a crossroads.
With public unrest, international pressure, and CBI transparency increasing, the appearance of the 1300 exchange rate may mark one of the most important monetary moments in recent Iraqi history.
As Frank26 often reminds us: “Watch what they do, not what they say.”
OMAR:Alaq on TV...said 1300 should be viewable on the CBI website by this coming Monday. He said this is the official rate they're going to go with. He then talked more about how we the CBI are in control and we are a sovereign country and we are in control of our own rights...
FRANK: These Iranian politicians in your country are telling Maliki to continue to threaten Alaq and to keep the exchange rate low? ...The fact that Mark Savaya is right there next to him in Iraq causes me to tell you, watch what happens in the coming day...He knows what Donald Trump wants you to do.
OmarThe citizens are protesting all over. We are extremely upset about the fact that they have new tariffs and customs and they are making the price of medicine and certain cars go up and our money has not risen...People are complaining rich get richer as usual...but us citizens we suffer. There is starting to be some uprising already.