🔥 “Iraq on the World Stage: Is Global Integration Imminent?” 🇮🇶✨
⭐ Highlights
Jeff:
The Newsweek cover “Make Iraq Great Again” is being interpreted as Iraq’s formal, global-stage announcement that it is preparing to re-enter the international financial world. 🌍
The article outlines the challenges Iraq has overcome to regain economic and political stability—positioning itself for international integration.
Jeff emphasizes this as a major signal that Iraq is “very close” to going international. 🚀
Blondie:
For those planning future currency exchanges, Blondie suggests learning the difference between bank accounts (FDIC)
That Newsweek magazine about 'Make Iraq Great Again', was Iraq announcing on a world stage how they're about to go international. That was an international announcement by the country of Iraq in Newsweek magazine how they're about to...jump back into the international world...It's important for you to understand what's in this edition of this magazine
...Iraq got back on the world stage to announce all the hurdles and challenges they had to go through to achieve stability...This is Iraq's formal announcement on the world stage of Newsweek. They're announcing they're going international and very close to doing it..
Blondie
Depending on the value of your exchange in $USD, you may want to consider having your bank (if you go to a bank) place your funds in a BROKERAGE account instead of a bank account (you'd need to open it separately).
Why?
Because brokerage accounts are insured by SIPC not FDIC. FDIC (for bank money) only insures up to $250K ($500K for joint accounts) whereas SIPC (for investment accounts) insures MUCH (much!) more. Coverage for both comes along with the account. Talk to your advisor about the differences.
Pimpy
If you remember back, I tried to explain to people things we need to look for before the Iraqi dinar could increase in value. I said they have to maintain a very low inflation rate. Which they're doing. They have to find non-oil revenue, which they're doing.
I said they had to have stability in the county, stability in politics. Sudani has definitely made it real stable there in the country. He's managed to avoid a lot of conflict thank goodness, but in politics, it's still a mess.
🌟 “Iraq Signals Major Currency Shift: New Exchange Rate Mechanism Set for December 1, 2025” 🌟
✨ HIGHLIGHTS SUMMARY
🇮🇶 Economic momentum continues: Iraq is entering a phase of dynamic growth and implementing medium-term financial plans to sustain vital projects, according to economic advisor Mazhar Muhammad Saleh.
🗓️ December 1, 2025: Iraq is reportedly set to implement a new currency mechanism, marking a historic shift in how the Iraqi dinar’s exchange rate is determined.
💱 Exchange rate arrangement explained:
The IMF describes Iraq’s system as a conventional peg arrangement with the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) controlling policy.
The “new mechanism” suggests a move away from the sole USD peg toward a basket of currencies, potentially creating a new dinar rate reflecting real assets and multiple currencies.
🪙 Implications for the dinar:
The basket peg could support historical rates of $3.22–$4.25, not the current 1320 IQD/USD rate.
This aligns with CBI plans to remove three zeros from the currency, gradually modernizing and strengthening Iraq’s financial system.
📊 Planned currency reform:
Dr. Subhi Jabara reports that the zero-removal project is under active development, with simulations and careful planning to ensure stability while unlocking the dinar’s potential.
🌟 Positive outlook:
All signs point to Iraq moving forward with removing zeros and transitioning to a new currency peg, potentially followed by full reinstatement to FOREX.
🙏 Broader hope:
These reforms could signal economic prosperity for Iraq and investors, while prayers are encouraged for Iraq’s people and future growth.
Meanwhile Iraq keeps moving ahead and we see yet more progress if we study the articles titled:
“IRAQ IS ENTERING A PHASE OF DYNAMIC ECONOMIC GROWTH AND INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES”
“GOVERNMENT ADVISOR: MEDIUM-TERM FINANCIAL PLAN TO ENSURE THE SUSTAINABILITY OF VITAL PROJECTS”
Mazhar Muhammad Saleh, the economic advisor to the Prime Minister, confirmed that the government is capable of managing the 2026 fiscal year even if the federal general budget law is not approved.
Did Iraq Just Give Us A Date?
I want to reference the article titled “IRAQ IS SET TO IMPLEMENT A NEW CURRENCY
MECHANISM ON DECEMBER 1, 2025” in today’s article section.
To fully analyze this article let’s first learn better what an ‘exchange rate arrangement’ is, as it will better help understand this article and as it applies to the Iraqi dinar. So, I will refer to a recent July 2025 article posted on the IMF website explaining it. Why did they post this in July of this year when this arrangement has been ongoing since 2003? An exchange rate “mechanism” is not a new exchange rate but a mechanism to determining the exchange rate of a currency. Get it? Are you listening Frank26? It can certainly lead to a new rate for the Iraqi dinar.
So here the IMF EXPLAINS IRAQ’S EXCHANGE RATE ARRANGEMENT in a16th July 2025 in Iraq Banking & Finance News, Politics article by John Lee.
“The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has issued a brief explainer on Iraq’s exchange rate arrangement. As part of a follow-up to last week’s report on the state of the Iraqi economy, the IMF clarified as follows:
Exchange Rate Arrangement
“Iraq’s de jure and de facto exchange rate arrangements are classified as a conventional peg arrangement. The Central Bank Law gives the Board of the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) the authority to formulate exchange rate policy.”
I have been telling everyone about this de jure and de facto exchange rate arrangement although I may have not called it that. We know today it is a sole peg to the U.S.Dollar. So, here is the clincher of today’s news. If Iraq is set to implement a new currency mechanism than it must vary from the de facto peg to the U.S. or it wouldn’t be a “new” mechanism, would it? This old mechanism has been in place for over 20 years. Yes, they are telling us they are finally moving all the way off the sanctions mode and going to the basket of currencies for a new peg, a new exchange rate arrangement. Have I not been telling everyone about this for over a decade? Now we are going to see it, but when?
Now remember this and this is really important. If they move to a basket of currencies for the new peg don’t you think the rate of the dinar will reflect a new rate based on the true assets but also on the other currencies of the basket. Each currency in the basket supports the others. This is how they will get the $3.22 -$4.25 historical rate they keep talking about. They are NOT going to FOREX with a 1320 rate. Get it! They are not lopping the dinar. Get it!
Oh….this is the juicy part of today’s news. They are telling us the exchange rate mechanism is due to change on December 1, 2025. Really? Yes, their words not mine. Remember this. I am not making up this news. Can this be true? This news fully supports what my CBI contact has been telling us and all these other recent articles on removing the zeros and moving to a new peg. Remember that for the past 20 years the CBI seldom talked about the new basket of currencies for the dinar. Just recently they have taken this turn and are talking more and more about it. Could this also be part of the educational process for the citizens?
So, I tried to get more information from my CBI contact to confirm this new article and all she would say is “it speaks for itself”.
Please go also take another peek again at the article written by Dr. Subhi Jabara again. It is titled “THE IRAQI DINAR WITHOUT ZEROS: THE CENTRAL BANK OF IRAQ LAUNCHES A HISTORIC REFORM.” It is found in the November 18thNewsletter again. Remember what it said and I quote–
“This ambitious project aims to rename the Iraqi dinar by removing three zeros from its nominal value to better reflect the country’s growing economic strength. This move, which has been the subject of rumors for years, is currently under active development, with comprehensive studies and simulations having been completed. According to the Governor, the process will be gradual and meticulously planned to ensure financial stability while unlocking the currency’s true potential. “
So we must conclude by connecting all the pieces of the news. This recent news is telling me they intend to begin the project to delete the zeros on December 1st. They will have a month complete this stage of the process.
So, again I have to ask you as a reader of this analysis- What do you think is happening? Are they going to move ahead this time with removing the zeros or not? Will the reinstatement follow? Will you be rich?
We must continue our prayers for the Iraqi people and the future of Iraq. Let God’s abundance and prosperity rein down upon that nation.
______________________________
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Their words not mine…..No Rumors, No Hype, No Opinions ,,,
🏦 “National Bank of Iraq Upgrades to SWIFT MX: Paving the Way for Digital Dinar & Financial Modernization” 🏦
✨ HIGHLIGHTS SUMMARY
🌐 SWIFT MX Transition Completed: The National Bank of Iraq has fully transitioned from the old MT standard to the MX ISO 20022 global messaging standard, marking a major step in modernizing Iraq’s banking infrastructure.
💻 Technological modernization: This upgrade enables data-rich, structured financial messaging, improving transaction tracking, accuracy, and transparency across all banking operations.
💡 Digital banking readiness: The MX system supports a more integrated, secure, and customer-friendly digital banking experience for both individual and corporate clients.
📊 Strategic significance: According to bank officials, the move aligns with Iraq’s roadmap for financial modernization, global best practices, and future digital initiatives, including the anticipated digital dinar rollout
💵 Hoarded cash collection: Insider notes suggest the National Bank will be key in collecting existing cash stashes, essential for implementing digital currency and financing upcoming 2025–2026 projects.
✅ Smooth implementation: The transition was executed with minimal downtime and no major operational issues, showcasing effective planning, governance, and collaboration with regulatory authorities.
🔍 Global integration: The new system positions Iraq’s banking sector for better compatibility with international standards, enhancing its regional and global financial connectivity.
THE NATIONAL BANK OF IRAQ ANNOUNCES THE COMPLETION OF ITS TRANSITION TO THE NEW GLOBAL STANDARD, SWIFT MX.
(Mnt Goat: Can you remember what my CBI contact told me. That the CBI was going to use this new National Bank for yes, the collection of the stashes and hoards of cash. So, again they have yet another article (see below) about all the hoards of cash that needs to get into the banks. They need this cash to in the banks to roll out the digital dinar and to finance many of these 2026 projects rolled over from 2025. Coincidence both of these articles are in the exact same news stream?)
The National Bank of Iraq announced the completion of its transition to the new global standard SWIFT MX for financial messages, a step that marked a significant milestone in the bank’s technological infrastructure modernization and enhanced readiness for digital transformation.
The bank said in a statement, “The implementation of this transformation comes as part of the bank’s transition from the old MT standard to the MX ISO 20022 model, which is the most advanced, structured and data-rich framework in the global financial messaging sector. The transformation process was carried out across all operational channels with high efficiency and minimal downtime, reflecting the bank’s strong technical readiness, accurate planning, and commitment to providing its services without any significant interruption.”
He pointed out that “this transformation is an advanced step within the strategic roadmap of the National Bank of Iraq to modernize its systems, enhance its compatibility with global best practices, and provide an advanced digital banking experience for its individual and corporate clients.”
The statement quoted Aqeel Ezzedine, Chief Operating Officer and Deputy CEO of the National Bank of Iraq, as saying that “the smooth transition to the MX standard is the result of a robust system of governance, teamwork and careful planning, and represents an important step in modernizing the payments infrastructure and enhancing the reliability and security of banking operations.”
Hani Khalil, head of the transformation department at the National Bank of Iraq, said, according to the statement, that “the completion of this transformation embodies the bank’s commitment to keeping pace with the latest international standards in payment systems, and building a more transparent, integrated and high-quality financial data structure, which enhances customer experience and strengthens the bank’s position within the regional financial system.”
The MX standard enables a more accurate and richer exchange of information in financial messages, with substantial improvements in transaction tracking and identification of parties, supporting global trends towards greater efficiency and transparency in payments.
Since the new system came into effect, the bank has not recorded any significant problems, which confirms the success of the implementation process and the close coordination between the transformation, IT and operations teams, in addition to effective cooperation with partners and regulatory authorities.
🌟 “Iraq’s Momentum Builds: PMF, Oil & Gas Law, and the Road to Dinar Reinstatement” 🌟
✨ HIGHLIGHTS SUMMARY
🏛️ PMF Challenge: The Popular Mobilization Forces remain a critical U.S. concern. Washington may use the dollar as leverage to influence the next Baghdad government if its conditions aren’t met.
Recent news highlights:
“AN AMERICAN INSTITUTE: WASHINGTON MAY USE THE DOLLAR TO DESTABILIZE THE NEXT BAGHDAD GOVERNMENT IF ITS CONDITIONS ARE NOT MET”
“A US DELEGATION WILL VISIT BAGHDAD SOON, CARRYING MESSAGES FROM THE WHITE HOUSE”
“FACTIONS ‘EXPAND’ IN THE IRAQI PARLIAMENT AND IMPOSE A NEW EQUATION ON WASHINGTON”
Kurds are pushing for voting on this long-stalled law in the next parliamentary session.
Momentum suggests it won’t block the RV, as evidence points to a favorable path for its approval.
Reference article: “THE OIL AND GAS LAW: KURDISH PRIORITIES IN THE IRAQI GOVERNMENT FORMATION NEGOTIATIONS”
💱 Parallel Black Market vs CBI Dollar Rate:
The CBI considers this issue manageable.
Once the dinar is openly traded and alternative currencies are usable, the issue will fade naturally.
🏦 Collecting 80% of issued dinars:
Ongoing efforts to return notes to the banking system are progressing.
Removing zeros and exchanging notes in-country will reduce circulating dinars by ~2/3, paving the way for the digital dinar.
Reference: “CENTRAL BANK OF IRAQ: NET CURRENCY IN CIRCULATION EXCEEDS 92 TRILLION DINARS IN ONE MONTH”
📈 Economic Outlook:
Oliver Wyman reports Iraq is entering a phase of dynamic growth and investment opportunities, aided by comprehensive banking reforms led by the CBI.
Past insights from former CBI governor Dr. Sinan Shabibi suggest that major revaluation coinciding with a FOREX reinstatement is best early in the fiscal year.
Reference: “IRAQ IS ENTERING A PHASE OF DYNAMIC ECONOMIC GROWTH AND INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES”
🌟 Positive takeaway:
Despite hurdles, Iraq seems positioned to address U.S. concerns and advance the RV process, with structural reforms and favorable legislative momentum aligning.
But let’s think positive and move along as though Iraq will be SMART ENOUGH to take care of this issue to the satisfaction of the U.S.
A thorn in the ass of Iraq: Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) LINK
You might want to read the recent news articles titled on this subject matter:
“AN AMERICAN INSTITUTE: WASHINGTON MAY USE THE DOLLAR TO DESTABILIZE THE NEXT BAGHDAD GOVERNMENT IF ITS CONDITIONS ARE NOT MET.”
“A US DELEGATION WILL VISIT BAGHDAD SOON, CARRYING MESSAGES FROM THE WHITE HOUSE.”
“FACTIONS “EXPAND” IN THE IRAQI PARLIAMENT AND IMPOSE A NEW EQUATION ON WASHINGTON”
Passing the Oil and Gas Law (Hydrogen Carbon Law): Even though the Oil and Gas Law is not yet passed, there is friction coming from the Kurds to push the voting on the law in the next parliament session. Weren’t they the ones that held it back for so long and objected to it. So do they now have a solid law to pass that will work? Did the Kurds finally get what they wanted all along? Even though the next session is not until the new year, I don’t believe this one would stop the RV. There is just too much evidence of a favorable momentum in the direction to get this passed.
You might want to read the recent articles titled:
“THE OIL AND GAS LAW: KURDISH PRIORITIES IN THE IRAQI GOVERNMENT FORMATION NEGOTIATIONS.”
Parallel Black Market vs Official CBI rate of the dollar: The CBI has said many times this is not a real issue for them where it stands today. There are also hints that this issue will soon fade when the dinar is traded openly and the country can trade using their trading partner’s currencies instead of the sole dollar. So I don’t worry about this issue anymore, as it is going to resolved onece we get the reinstatement.
Collecting nearly 80% of the issued dinars back to the banks (horded stashes outside the banking system): So again in today’s news there is news about the necessity of getting these notes into the banking system. I do not believe this issue will also stop the process of the RV, as the process of removing the zeros in-country and later the exchange of our notes, will return the bulk of these stashes back to the banks. By the way in the process of these exchanges in-country and out of country, the circulatd dinar note count will be reduced by almost 2/3 allowing the path for the coming digital dinar.
You might want to read the articles titled:
“CENTRAL BANK OF IRAQ: NET CURRENCY IN CIRCULATION EXCEEDS 92 TRILLION DINARS IN ONE MONTH”
Anyhow here is what some say is that legitimate report by Oliver Wyman. I quote from it. We must be careful not to bring rumors unless you can justify them with FACTS.
We know from former CBI governor Dr. Sinan Shabibi that he along with the IMF are the architects of the monetary reform plan for Iraq. I have breifed you on this plan many times already. More than a decade ago he said that a major revaluation of the dinar (like what we are looking for) “is best suited to occur in the beginning of the fiscal year and would most likely also be coincided with a reinstatement to FOREX”.
You might want to take a look at the recent article titled “IRAQ IS ENTERING A PHASE OF DYNAMIC ECONOMIC GROWTH AND INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES”
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – The American financial consulting firm Oliver Wyman has released a new report affirming that Iraq is entering a phase of dynamic economic growth and investment opportunities. The optimistic outlook is credited to the comprehensive banking reforms spearheaded by the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) with government backing.
(Mnt Goat: I believe this may be the report that is referenced in the rumor. However I have not yet read the report myself and can’t verify its contents.)
💹 “Iraqi Banks Open Up: Sanctions Easing and Investment Opportunities Growing” 💹
✨ HIGHLIGHTS SUMMARY
🇮🇶 Banking openness on the rise: Economic expert Manar al-Obeidi notes Iraq is entering a phase of greater financial transparency and accessibility, making it more attractive for investors.
💰 Flow of funds improving: Reforms are expected to facilitate investment and smoother money transfers, benefiting both local and international stakeholders.
🇺🇸 Sanctions impact diminishing: The Iraqi government has resolved most financial issues with the U.S., so sanctions’ effects are gradually decreasing.
⚖️ Institutional reform needed: Overlapping jurisdictions among institutions remain a challenge. Granting broader powers to investment authorities is crucial to ensure clear, efficient investment plans
🔍 Caveat: If Iraq fails to address the PMF issue, U.S. sanctions could still be imposed, potentially delaying economic progress.
🌟 Positive outlook: With transparency reforms, anti-money-laundering measures, and streamlined governance, Iraq’s banking sector is poised to unlock investment opportunities and stronger economic growth.
AN ECONOMIST SAYS US SANCTIONS ARE ON THEIR WAY OUT AND IRAQI BANKS ARE ENTERING A PHASE OF OPENNESS.
(Mnt Goat: not if Iraq does not deal with the PMF, the US is likely to impose some sort of sanctions of Iraq if the PMF is not handled correctly.)
Anticipated financial breakthrough
Economic expert Manar al-Obeidi affirmed that Iraq is moving towards greater banking openness, which will facilitate the flow of funds and create a more attractive environment for investors. He noted that the government has successfully addressed most of the financial issues with the United States, which will gradually reduce the impact of sanctions. Al-Obeidi emphasized the need to eliminate overlapping jurisdictions among institutions and grant investment authorities broader powers to ensure a clear plan that supports economic development.
Manar Al-Obaidi – an economic expert, in a dialogue with journalist Ali Qazan:
The Iraqi banking sector is moving towards greater openness to the world, away from the problems and difficulties that were occurring, and I believe that this will be positive in terms of investment and money transfers.
The significant overlap in powers between institutions is one of the biggest challenges facing investors. Therefore, this problem and overlap must be addressed, and broader powers must be granted to investment authorities in the governorate, and there must be a clear plan for investment in Iraq.
The Iraqi government has been able to resolve many of the financial issues with the American side. With the reforms that Iraq has undertaken to enhance transparency and prevent money laundering and smuggling, I expect that over time the impact of the American sanctions will largely disappear.
