The Iraqi Gazette publishes the presidential decree calling for Parliament to convene on the 29th of this month.
The Ministry of Justice announced on Wednesday the issuance of the new issue of the Iraqi Gazette, which included Republican Decree No. (54) of 2025 regarding the invitation of the elected House of Representatives for the sixth session to convene on Monday, the 29th of this month, under the chairmanship of the oldest member.
The Ministry of Justice announced the issuance of the new issue of the Iraqi Gazette No. (4853), which included the publication of a presidential decree, two resolutions, and a number of instructions.
The Director General of the Iraqi Gazette Department, Ms. Haifa Shukr Mahmoud, said, “The issue included the publication of Republican Decree No. (54) of 2025, which included the invitation of the elected House of Representatives in its sixth session to convene on Monday, December 29, 2025, and the session shall be chaired by the oldest member.”
The Director General added, “The issue also included the publication of a decision issued by the Supreme Federal Court No. (235/Federal/2025) on 14/12/2025, in addition to the instructions for scientific promotions in the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research No. (10) of 2025.”
She explained that “the issue also included the publication of the decision to amend the founding statement of the “Al-Rafidain General Company for Dam Implementation / one of the formations of the Ministry of Water Resources, along with the amended founding statement.” link
Iraq Dinar Update: Zero Removal & Militia Disarmament Insights
Investors are closely watching Iraq as December 29th approaches, with signs pointing toward major changes in the Iraqi Dinar (IQD). According to sources, including a CBI contact, the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) may soon implement the long-anticipated zero removal and issue new lower-denomination banknotes.
What We Know About the CBI’s Plans
During a recent call, my CBI contact emphasized that news of the removal of zeros should already be circulating. This aligns with the upcoming release of newer, smaller denominations once the official trigger is pulled. The CBI is expected to update its website with pictures of these banknotes, signaling the official start of the transition.
Militia Movements and Investor Confidence
An article titled, “Savaya is Pleased with the Factions Movements and Stipulates a Complete and Irreversible Disarmament”, suggests positive progress on Iraq’s security front. As investors, concerns over local militias may soon be alleviated if these groups demonstrate good faith in disarmament.
However, caution remains. Statements alone do not guarantee outcomes, and the situation may evolve in the coming days.
Key Dates to Watch
December 29, 2025: Critical timeframe for potential zero removal.
CBI updates: Website may display images of new denominations once the process begins.
What This Means for Dinar Investors
Potential for Increased Confidence: If militias follow through on disarmament, the U.S. and other international entities may view this as a positive step.
Zero Removal Trigger: When executed, this could signal the start of the long-awaited currency revaluation.
New Denominations: Investors should watch the CBI for official images and announcements.
Q&A: Iraq Dinar Zero Removal
Q1: When will the CBI remove zeros from the Iraqi Dinar? A1: Sources suggest the process may begin around December 29, 2025, but official confirmation comes from the CBI updates.
Q2: How will militia disarmament affect the Dinar? A2: If militias demonstrate irreversible disarmament, it may increase investor confidence and reduce geopolitical risk, potentially supporting a stronger revaluation scenario.
Q3: Where can I check official updates? A3: Visit the CBI website for official announcements and new banknote images.
Google Discover / Featured Snippet Highlights
“CBI expected to remove zeros from the Iraqi Dinar around December 29, 2025, with new lower-denomination banknotes soon after.”
“Militia disarmament in Iraq could increase investor confidence, supporting potential revaluation of the IQD.”
My CBI contact...told me on my call...to Iraq that we will see articles about the removal of these larger three-zero notes and the swap out. She told me we already should have witnessed much recent news about the removal of the zeros and so pay close attention.
She also said the CBI site will be updated with pictures of the newer lower denominations soon once the trigger is pulled to begin..
Article: “SAVAYA IS PLEASED WITH THE FACTIONS MOVEMENTS AND STIPULATES A COMPLETE AND IRREVERSIBLE DISARMAMENT”
As investors our worries about these militias could be over...I believe that if these militias must show some sort of ‘good faith’ disarmament in the coming days...the U.S. might be satisfied with this mandate they have made to Iraq. Remember “Statements alone are not enough.”
However, we don’t know what will happen and December 29th is just a [few days] away. Personally, I also believe that the CBI wants to begin to conduct the removal of the zeros right around this timeframe and so we will see what happens.
In the latest MarkZ update (via PDK), a major international banking development is drawing attention across the financial community. A $100 million financing package from a European institution signals growing confidence in Iraq’s stability, reconstruction, and long-term investment outlook—while questions around the RV timeline and HCL progress remain front and center.
As always, this reflects opinion and interpretation, not financial advice.
⚠️ MarkZ Disclaimer
Please consider everything on this call as my opinion. People who take notes do not catch everything and it’s best to watch the video to get everything in context. Be sure to consult a professional for any financial decisions.
Major Banking News: A Strong Vote of Confidence
Article Highlight
“National Bank of Iraq receives $100 million in financing from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.”
According to MarkZ:
This is a clear exclamation point on the phrase “safe and stable”
Such institutions conduct deep due diligence before committing capital
“They believe Iraq is a safe, stable, and attractive investment atmosphere.”
🌍 Featured Snippet: Why This Deal Matters
A $100 million financing agreement from a European development bank signals international confidence in Iraq’s security, governance trajectory, and economic reforms—key prerequisites for sustained growth and broader monetary progress.
Why Institutional Financing Is So Important
This type of funding typically requires:
Political and regulatory stability
Transparent banking practices
Reduced sovereign risk
Long-term economic viability
For many observers, this move:
Reinforces Iraq’s international credibility
Supports ongoing reconstruction and development
Aligns with broader financial normalization
RV Timing: Is January 2nd Still in Play?
Community Question
Q:“Mark, do you still think the RV will happen around January 2nd?”
MarkZ:
“I think it will… but no one knows the timing.”
Key takeaway:
January 2nd remains a possibility
No firm dates are guaranteed
Timing remains fluid and conditional
HCL Status: Progress, But Not Finished
Community Question
Q:“Is HCL done?”
MarkZ:
“Not yet. We know they have made a lot of progress last week according to articles.”
This suggests:
Continued negotiations and alignment
Forward momentum, but no final passage yet
HCL remains a critical piece tied to broader reforms
How This Fits the Bigger Picture
When viewed together:
International financing
HCL progress
Ongoing reconstruction
Strengthening banking sector
…these developments reinforce the narrative that Iraq is positioning itself for deeper global integration.
Q&A – Quick Clarifications
Q: Does this bank deal confirm an RV?
A: No. It confirms confidence and stability, not a rate announcement.
Q: Why is European financing significant?
A: These institutions are conservative and risk-averse, signaling strong confidence.
Q: Is January still important?
A: Many observers, including MarkZ, still view early January as a key window, though timing is uncertain.
Q: Is HCL required before RV?
A: It’s widely believed to be an important component, but progress continues.
Final Thoughts
The $100 million European financing deal adds real-world validation to years of reform efforts. While RV timing remains uncertain
, institutional confidence, legislative progress, and reconstruction funding all point toward a country moving forward.
Patience, perspective, and careful observation remain essential.
Article: “National Bank of Iraq receives $100 million in financing from the European Bank from reconstruction and development” If you are looking for someone to put an exclamation mark on the phrase “safe and stable” …here you go. This is not a company to roll the dice investing. They believe Iraq is a safe and stable and attractive investment atmosphere.
Question: Mark, do you still think RV will happen around January 2nd? MarkZ: I think it will…but no one knows the timing.
Question: Is HCL done? MarkZ: Not yet. We know they have made a lot of progress last week according to articles.
SUDANI DIRECTS A COMPREHENSIVE EVALUATION AND RESTRUCTURING OF TAX ADMINISTRATION SYSTEMS IN IRAQ
December 18, 2025
On Thursday, outgoing Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani directed that a comprehensive evaluation and restructuring of all tax administration systems in Iraq, including their specific policies, be carried out.
This came during his chairmanship of a special meeting to follow up on the implementation of the comprehensive tax system governance, in the presence of senior staff of the General Authority for Taxes and relevant institutions, and representatives of the consulting firm “Oliver Wyman”, according to a statement issued by the Sudanese Media Office.
The statement said that the meeting reviewed previous efforts to follow up on the comprehensive development of the tax administration sector through reform steps, most notably attracting specialized international companies to work on the integrated automation of tax departments, and a detailed presentation was given to these companies.
Al-Sudani also directed the Supreme Committee for Tax Reform to study the Oliver Wyman program in planning and implementation and to submit a detailed report on it, as this program included an integrated work methodology for reforming and developing tax administration, as a fundamental and pivotal pillar for increasing sustainable government revenues, in order to reach a tax administration that is characterized by transparency and fairness, and contributes to raising Iraq’s financial and investment ranking.
According to the statement, the meeting reviewed a number of similar experiences in Arab countries, the extent of development that has occurred in their work, and the amount of tax increases achieved during the first year of implementation.
Iraq had the highest income tax rate among Arab countries for the year 2024, according to infoflix.
Recent economic data seen by Shafaq News Agency shows that Mauritania topped the list of Arab countries in terms of the highest income tax rates for 2024 at 40%, followed by Morocco at 38%, then Algeria and Tunisia at 35% each. Egypt came in fifth place with 26%, followed by Lebanon with 25%, followed by Syria in seventh place with 22%, while Jordan came in eighth place with 20%. Iraq and Sudan came in last place with 15% each, reflecting a clear disparity in tax policies among Arab countries.
Economic experts believe that the decline in the income tax rate in Iraq is due to ongoing efforts to attract investments and stimulate the private sector, in light of the economic challenges facing the country, especially the heavy reliance on oil revenues.
The tax system in Iraq also continues to face difficulties in implementation and modernization, which affects the state’s ability to maximize non-oil revenues.
At the end of August, Al-Sudani confirmed that Iraq faces a major economic challenge, namely the priority of reform and the transition to a diversified economy, noting that the size of public spending in each fiscal year amounts to about 150 trillion dinars, compared to tax revenues that do not exceed 3 trillion.
In a speech during the tax conference for economic development and revitalizing the investment environment held in Baghdad, Al-Sudani said, “The general budget amounts to about 150 trillion dinars annually, compared to tax revenues that do not exceed 3 trillion, and these figures need to be examined and reviewed.”
He added that “reform decisions in the economic field were previously exploited within the framework of slogans and pressure on official institutions,” noting that “the government sponsored the tax system reform conference in December 2023, which came out with a package of important recommendations.”
He explained that “Cabinet Resolution (24074 of 2024) put the tax reform packages into effect, followed by the formation of the Supreme Committee for Monitoring Tax Reform,” indicating that “the efforts resulted in international interest from investors in tax reform in Iraq.”
Al-Sudani added that “the government worked to increase non-oil resources despite great caution due to the absence of a supportive political and social environment,” noting that “the index rose from 7% in 2022 to 14% in 2024.”
He noted that “tax revenues increased by 26% during 2024 compared to the previous year, and by 3% in the first half of this year compared to the same period last year,” stressing that “digital transformation has contributed to enhancing tax capacity and accuracy.”
Al-Sudani explained that “the tax inquiry platform has eliminated cases of name similarity, delays, corruption, and undermining the taxpayer’s confidence in tax procedures,” adding that “the system for tax payment receipts and their matching has been completed electronically after it was previously paper-based.”
He affirmed that “there is ongoing communication with reputable international companies to work towards achieving the highest international standards in the tax system,” stressing that “the draft of the new income tax law has adopted international standards, while adhering to social justice and tax allowances for those with lower incomes.”
He pointed out that “the new law that will be enacted soon will be business-friendly and supportive of the green economy and emerging projects,” indicating that “the Supreme Committee for Tax Reform has completed the policy paper on tax accounting for oil companies to address the problems and obstacles to their work.”
Al-Sudani added that “unifying tax procedures between the federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq has facilitated the processing of tax files for universities and private banks,” stressing that “the reforms being achieved represent a message to the citizen to support his political system and manage resources in the best possible way.”
He concluded by saying: “We will not allow a tax increase that leads to a business-repelling climate or comes at the expense of fairness in taxation.”
International news feeds have suddenly intensified with alarming developments out of Iraq. According to Sandy Ingram, conflicting positions among Iran-backed militias are placing Iraq in a dangerous position—politically, economically, and diplomatically.
This situation highlights why security, sovereignty, and economic confidence are deeply interconnected.
As always, this update reflects analysis and opinion, not financial advice.
⚠️ Disclaimer
All commentary is based on opinion and interpretation of public information. Geopolitical situations evolve rapidly. Always consult professional advisors before making financial decisions.
Breaking Developments: Militias Split on Disarmament
Conditioning disarmament on specific political leaders being elected president and prime minister
This dynamic places Iraq in an extremely fragile position.
🌍 Featured Snippet: Why Iraq Is Being “Held Hostage”
When armed groups demand political outcomes in exchange for disarmament, the state loses full authority. According to Sandy Ingram, this effectively means Iraq’s sovereignty is being held hostage, undermining both governance and economic stability.
Regional Tensions & the Risk of Escalation
Israel, the U.S., and Iraq’s Dilemma
Sandy warns:
Israel has allegedly wanted to strike Iraq for over a year
The U.S. government has so far restrained Israel
However, the U.S. may be losing its ability to manage the situation
“It doesn’t look like the US government can handle it.”
This creates a dangerous scenario:
Iraq forcing disarmament could trigger civil war
Israel intervening could trigger regional escalation
Neither option is acceptable
Why Forced Disarmament Is So Risky
According to Sandy Ingram:
Forcing militias to give up weapons abruptly could cause:
Immediate internal conflict
Large-scale instability
But allowing militias to remain armed:
Undermines state authority
Weakens investor confidence
Signals divided sovereignty
This is a lose-lose scenario if mishandled.
Economic Impact: Why Investors Are Watching Closely
Two Centers of Power = Fragile Economy
Sandy highlights a core issue:
A country cannot fully move forward with:
One government
And independent armed groups
Key consequences:
Difficulty forming stable governments
Reduced foreign investment
Lack of public confidence
Fragile economic outlook
“As long as weapons remain outside government control, Iraq’s sovereignty appears divided.”
Some Hope, But No Clear Path Yet
Sandy notes:
Some militias are signaling flexibility
Others are digging in deeper
The Iraqi government is caught:
Trying to assert authority
Without triggering chaos
“I believe things will work out, but right now I don’t see how.”
Q&A – Key Takeaways for Observers
Q: Why does militia disarmament matter for the economy?
A: Stability and rule of law are essential for investment, growth, and currency confidence.
Q: Can Iraq move forward without resolving this?
A: Long-term stability remains uncertain as long as armed groups operate independently.
Q: Is foreign intervention likely?
A: Sandy suggests the risk exists if Iraq cannot assert control internally.
Q: Does this affect monetary reform and the dinar?
A: Security and sovereignty are foundational—without them, economic confidence remains fragile.
Final Thoughts
Sandy Ingram’s analysis underscores a hard truth:
Economic reform cannot outpace political and security reform
Sovereignty must be unified
Stability must be credible—not conditional
How Iraq navigates this moment will shape:
Its political future
Its economic credibility
Its ability to function as a fully sovereign nation
For now, patience, awareness, and hope remain essential.
“Send positive thoughts and energy to Iraq. They need all they can get.”
The international news feeds just blew up...The Iran backed militants, some of them are saying, 'Yes, we will disarm.' But other Iran backed militants are saying, 'No way in hell are we going to give up our weapons.' They even sent a letter...Some of the Iran backed militant groups will disarm if certain people are elected president and prime minister.
That means Iraq is now being held hostage...This is a mess...Israel has been wanting to attack Iraq for over a year. The only reason why they haven't done it is because the US government has said, no, no, no, no, no let us handle this. But it doesn't look like the US government can handle it...For Iraq to make them give up the weapons would be an instant civil war. We don't want that. But we also don't want Israel to go in and kick their behinds...they're not playing...Send a positive thought and energy to Iraq. They need all they can get..
.The US is telling them we're not going to be able to protect you unless the Iraqi militants are disarmed...I believe things will work out but right at this moment I don't see how...
The presence of independent armed groups makes it harder to form stable governments, attract foreign investment and reassure citizens that the state, not militias is in charge...As long as weapons remains outside government control Iraq's sovereignty appears divided. Economic confidence remains fragile...Long term stability remains
uncertain. A country cannot fully move forward when there are two centers of power...Some militias are signaling flexibility. Others are digging in deeper. The Iraqi site is caught in between trying to assert authority without triggering further instability. How this unfolds will shape Iraq's...ability to function as a fully sovereign nation.
