IMPLICATIONS OF TRUMP’S “GREAT IRAQ” SPEECH: A COURTSHIP WITH THE OPPOSITION OR A CONDITIONAL MESSAGE TO THE GOVERNMENT?
Political and strategic affairs researcher Ali Nasser confirmed today, Thursday (July 10, 2025), that US President Donald Trump’s recent message to Iraq, in which he described the country as “great Iraq,” carries symbolic and political dimensions that may shape the relationship between Baghdad and Washington in the coming period, especially in light of the accelerating regional changes.
Nasser told Baghdad Today , “Trump’s message included striking phrases such as ‘Great Iraq’ and ‘We will never disappoint you.’ These are not just diplomatic compliments, but carry profound implications related to the future of bilateral relations between the two countries.”
He explained that “the United States continues to view Iraq as a key pillar of its Middle East strategy, amid shifts related to tariffs, investment, and military alliances.”
“Great Iraq” is a term with a double effect. Trump’s description of Iraq as “great” has sparked various interpretations within Iraqi political circles. According to Nasser, some analysts linked the term to attempts to court Iraqi opposition groups abroad, who had previously officially called for changing the country’s name from “Iraq” to “Great Iraq,” as a symbol of a break with the current political regime.
But Nasser believes that “the United States uses this symbolic language as part of its balanced messages, especially if it obtains Iraqi guarantees regarding the protection of its regional interests and the expansion of economic and security partnerships.”
Nasser points out that the other phrase in Trump’s message, “We will never let you down,” represents what he described as a “double-edged sword,” as it could be interpreted as a conditional commitment from Washington to continue support if the Iraqi government proves its ability to fulfill its commitments, most notably protecting American interests, stabilizing the region, and signing new bilateral agreements beyond the strategic framework.
He also warned that “the absence of these guarantees could push the United States to strengthen its alliance with Iraqi opposition groups abroad,” referring to what he described as “a soft, open-ended political escalation.”
Observers: The message has more than one meaning. According to observers, Trump’s message goes beyond diplomatic courtesy. Rather, it may mark the beginning of a new phase of the US carrot-and-stick policy toward Iraq, based on a clear trade-off between supporting the current government and opening broader channels with the opposition, should disagreements over security presence and regional influence persist.
Popular readings suggest that the phrase “Great Iraq” may not be entirely innocent, but may instead serve as a cover for a more distant purpose: to enable alternative narratives of political legitimacy within Iraq, and perhaps to reshape national identity from abroad.
AMERICAN MAGAZINE: IRAQ QUIETLY RE-ENTERS INTERNATIONAL TRADE
A report by the American economic analysis magazine Procurement Magazine examined the significant economic and geopolitical benefits and returns of the Iraqi Development Road initiative, extending from the Grand Faw Port to the Turkish border. The report noted that it will be a viable alternative to other trade channels, competing with them in terms of shorter distances and lower costs, transforming the country into a regional logistics hub while creating a multi-source economy beyond oil alone.
The report notes that Iraq’s Development Road project represents a transformative $17 billion infrastructure initiative aimed at connecting the Gulf to Europe. With global shipping facing challenges stemming from regional instability and bottlenecks such as the Suez Canal, Iraq is quietly redefining its role in international trade. This logistics corridor, stretching from the Grand Faw Port in southern Iraq to the Turkish border, represents a strategic alternative that will reshape supply and transportation chains between Asia and Europe.
This major project has been described as “one of the most important infrastructure projects in Iraq since the 1920s.” This faster route delivers direct benefits to procurement by enabling faster supply routes, reducing storage costs, and improving responsiveness to market changes.
The global importance of Iraq’s development route has been highlighted amid the ongoing Red Sea crisis, exacerbated by conflicts in the Middle East, where shipping delays have become commonplace. In this context, the Iraqi land corridor offers a practical alternative. In recent weeks, truck drivers from Poland and Germany have completed journeys from Europe to the Gulf via Iraq in just ten days, less than half the time required by sea through the Suez Canal.
The journey from Turkey to Kuwait now takes just seven days, and digital border crossings have reduced waiting times by 92%.The TIR (Terrestrial International Transports International) system, which ensures the safe and efficient movement of goods across borders, is already operational,
enhancing the flow of cross-border procurement and supply chains. Hamad Al-Hakim, a transport infrastructure expert at the University of Baghdad, told the Middle East Observer earlier this year:
“The development road is expected to become a vital trade corridor, not only for Iraq but for the entire region. By connecting the Gulf to Europe via Turkey, it will serve as a new Silk Road, revitalizing ancient trade routes and promoting economic integration.” This corridor provides a practical alternative to the Suez Canal, meaning greater route diversification and a reduced risk of disruption, thus ensuring more reliable supply chains.
At the heart of the Iraq Development Road project is the Grand Faw Port, currently under construction in the city of Al-Faw. This deep-water port features the world’s longest breakwater, at 14.5 kilometers long, and is expected to handle 7.5 million containers annually, capable of receiving the world’s largest container ships. A 1,200-kilometer road and railway extend from the port to Turkey, and the project is expected to be fully operational by 2028. In addition to the transportation infrastructure, the project plans to develop at least ten new cities along the railway route, along with several industrial zones and logistics centers. The development of these areas will provide new opportunities for local supply.
The development road is not just a logistics project; it represents a geopolitical transformation, charting Iraq’s transformation from a war-torn country to a pivotal regional link. The project is supported by Turkey, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, who recognize its potential to boost regional trade and reduce reliance on vulnerable maritime routes.
Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani said of the project: “The Development Road Project represents a crucial step towards building a more stable and prosperous Iraq, based on a diversified economy and enhancing regional cooperation with neighboring countries.”
Türkiye’s participation is pivotal, as it represents the northern endpoint of the corridor, which will connect to Europe via the cities of Mersin and Istanbul.
“The project provides a catalyst for economic prosperity that can benefit the entire region,” said Ranj Alaaldin, a fellow at the Middle East Council on International Affairs. As global trade networks seek to bolster their resilience in the face of geopolitical volatility, Iraq is proving to offer not just a backup plan but potentially a major new artery for trade. This project will redraw the region’s economic map, transforming Iraq into an alternative trade artery at the heart of Eurasia.
This means transforming the country from an importer of opportunities to an exporter of corridors, creating a diversified economy that moves away from its reliance on oil alone.
WEST OR FACE SANCTIONS" "US TARIFFS OPEN THE DOOR TO PARTNERSHIP: IRAQ CALLS FOR ACTIVATING THE ECONOMIC AGREEMENT WITH WASHINGTON."
"the customs duties imposed by the United States on Iraqi products can be transformed from a
challenge into a real opportunity to support the national economy and enhance joint cooperation."
He explained that "the new customs duties do not currently have a direct impact on the volume of trade between Iraq and the United States, given that Iraqi exports to the United States primarily rely on oil,
which is not subject to such duties."
He noted that "if Iraq diversifies its exports in the future, the impact will be significant, which calls for investing in this step to strengthen economic dialogue
between the two countries." Trump is asking Iraq to ditch Iran entirely, it's militias in Iraq and illegal oil sales smuggling for Iran. Does this U.S./Iraq Economic Agreement also mean a currency reinstatement to go
along with it if Iraq complies? Pressure is mounting on Iraq.
IRAQ LAUNCHES PROJECT TO ISSUE LOCAL ELECTRONIC PAYMENT CARDS
Iraq has launched a project to issue a local electronic payment card, aiming to enhance financial trust between the public and the government. This is part of Baghdad’s efforts to strengthen its digital infrastructure and provide secure and reliable electronic payment solutions that support the national economy.
The Central Bank of Iraq confirmed – in an official letter addressed to all banks and electronic payment companies – that this national system for local electronic payment cards will be implemented gradually, and that the card identifiers (BIN) and application identifiers (AID) will be issued exclusively by the Central Bank.
The cards represent an additional local option for use within Iraq exclusively in Iraqi dinars. The bank emphasized that they do not replace or restrict existing international cards such as Visa Card and MasterCard, but rather complement the financial system and provide a national alternative, according to the bank.
Government economic advisor Alaa Al-Fahd expects the national electronic payment card to be launched before the end of 2025, as part of the Central Bank of Iraq’s efforts to implement comprehensive financial and banking reforms.
Al-Fahd told Al Jazeera Net that this national card will achieve several key objectives, most notably improving the quality of financial services and reducing fees. It will be a purely local card, he emphasized, noting that it will not replace existing international cards, such as Visa and MasterCard, but will work in tandem with them to enhance the options available to citizens.
Alaa Al-Fahd: The new cards will be exclusively local. He added that the Central Bank will be responsible for issuing this card, and that this approach is already in place in many developed countries. He continued, “The card is unique in that it is intended for local use, and aims to build public confidence and enable control over its operations and procedures nationally and locally.” He described this measure as “natural and legal, aiming to create a competitive environment, improve the quality of services, increase financial inclusion, and enhance public confidence in the local banking sector.”
On February 10, the General Secretariat of the Iraqi Council of Ministers announced the suspension of cash transactions in all state institutions, effective at the end of June. All transactions would be fully electronic beginning July 1.
This decision is the culmination of Iraq’s efforts, which began more than two years ago. The country has witnessed a gradual expansion in the use of electronic payment tools. Government departments have begun implementing this system in several vital sectors, such as traffic, fuel filling, and electricity collection.
This gradual expansion has helped citizens become accustomed to using electronic payments, encouraging the government to move toward full compliance with these transactions.
Positive project
For his part, financial and economic expert Mustafa Hantoush emphasized that the launch of the national plan for a local card system is a very positive project that aligns with the rapid development of electronic payment processes.
Hantoush told Al Jazeera Net that the system will include an internal network and a national center that will allow companies to subscribe and issue their own payment cards. He noted that the system will be independent of any international sanctions or restrictions and will operate in Iraqi dinars to ensure the continuity of financial transactions on a permanent and stable basis.
He added that existing international cards, such as Visa and MasterCard, will remain valid for those who need to use them outside Iraq, stressing that the local card will feature reasonable fees and transparent data.
He continued: “This card will enhance competition among companies that obtain card issuance services from the Central Bank, providing an easier and more convenient mechanism for dealing in Iraqi dinars, thus meeting the needs of a broad segment of the Iraqi population and ensuring greater data confidentiality.”
Hantoush emphasized the importance of developing the capabilities of the National Electronic Payments Center at the Central Bank of Iraq, suggesting that the central bank will work in the future to establish a national electronic payments company to provide services and issue cards.
There are several types of electronic payment cards available in Iraq, including debit, credit, and prepaid cards issued by banks and payment companies. These cards enable users to make online purchases, withdraw cash, and pay at merchants.
Prominent examples of these cards in Iraq include Visa and MasterCard, which are the most common, as well as the “Ki Card,” a widely used local payment card. The Rafidain credit card also offers special facilities.
Banks such as Ashur , Middle East Bank, and Al-Ahli Bank of Iraq offer a variety of debit cards, MasterCards, and other electronic payment services.
Towards the better
Iraqi businessman Abdul Hassan Al-Ziyadi welcomed the Central Bank of Iraq’s move to launch a national electronic payment card, describing it as a “step towards the better.”
Al-Ziyadi told Al Jazeera Net that this initiative comes in light of previous experiences with unscrupulous companies that caused harm to citizens, as some of their systems were compromised by internet hackers.
He explained that issuing a dedicated card for dealing in the Iraqi local currency and controlling the situation within the country, so that it accommodates the most important projects and transactions of companies, the government, and economic institutions, is an absolutely necessary step.
Al-Ziyadi predicted the success of this card, given that it is a well-considered step managed by the Central Bank of Iraq, despite some concerns about the bank’s work.
He pointed out that Iraq is in dire need of a local identity card to address the challenges of corruption and the numerous problems that lead to the waste of public funds and, consequently, the weakening of public confidence.