Wednesday, July 2, 2025
Strengthening the US-Iraq Relationship through Energy and Security
Redefining and Strengthening the U.S.-Iraq Relationship Through Energy and Security
Iraq is more stable than it has been in decades but still faces enormous security and energy challenges, including the risk of spillover from Iran-Israel hostilities,
dependence on unreliable Iranian gas amid untapped domestic opportunities, an untested Syrian government, and the unrelenting Islamic State threat.
EXCERPTS FROM MARKZ: Some “historical assets” that are very set with appointments and timing!!
EXCERPTS FROM MARKZ
Member: Is today our day????
MZ: that’s a heck of a question. I will tell you what I am hearing. I did get a bond update this morning which is unusual for a Monday morning.
MZ: There are some folks with some “historical assets” that are very set with appointments and timing. . Including really big transfers. I am waiting for another update today. These appointments will happen this week. I do not know times for security…..it’s big money. One of these deals is a trillion dollars that is expected to close this week.
MZ: buckle up folks. When it goes…..we will also go pretty soon……. I am upbeat but trying to stay calm.
Iraq Opens Two Major Overpasses in Baghdad
By John Lee.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa Al-Sudani has opened two overpasses in the Tobji area of Baghdad's Karkh district, as part of the first phase of infrastructure works aimed at easing traffic congestion in the capital.
The project, implemented under the Ministry of Construction and Housing's traffic decongestion plan, is one of 16 such initiatives, 11 of which have been completed to date.
The two new overpasses span 950 metres towards Al-Alawi and 550 metres towards Aden Square, with eight access ramps connecting them to Bin Hayyan Bridge and July 14 Street. The development is expected to significantly improve traffic flow between Al-Adhamiyah, Al-Mansour, Al-Alawi, and Aden Square.
Al-Sudani praised the efforts of the Ministry of Construction and Housing, Baghdad Municipality, the Prime Minister's Monitoring Team, the Baghdad Governorate, and the implementing company. He also expressed appreciation to the residents of Baghdad for their patience during the project's construction.
He reiterated the government's commitment to infrastructure improvement across Baghdad and other governorates, emphasising the importance of completing stalled projects and launching new ones in sectors such as water, sanitation, housing, and urban development.
IQD Weakens as Dollar Climbs: Oil & Policy Hold the Keys!!
IQD Weakens as Dollar Climbs: Oil & Policy Hold the Keys
The dollar just gained strength in Iraq. Exchange rates in Baghdad hit 141,450 IQD per 100 USD, while sellers asked up to 142,500 IQD; a clear sign the dinar is under pressure. Why?
Oil prices are hovering at $66.62 per barrel, dangerously close to Iraq’s fiscal break-even. Gold is trading high at $3,269.16/oz, signaling global risk aversion. The IQD, still tightly managed, is showing signs of strain in informal markets.
But this isn’t the signal for an imminent IQD revaluation.
The real pivot?
Iraq’s ability to rein in spending, diversify beyond oil, and implement banking reforms urged by the IMF.
Until then, the parallel market will continue whispering what the official rate won’t.
For IQD holders, this is a watch and hedge moment.
For VDN holders, the impact is distant; but still a cue to track Middle Eastern oil-linked volatility.
Hedging remains key. Gold, SILVER, real estate, BTC (still projected to hit $151K), or XRP are worth considering.
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