Trump's envoy congratulates Iraqis on the New Year: It will be a year of change
video in Arabic on the website
Mark Savaya, the US President Donald Trump’s envoy to Iraq, congratulated the Iraqi people on the New Year, wishing them a year of goodness, happiness, and change, through a video clip from inside the home of his friend in the United States, Ammar Matti, who posted the video.
Regarding the year of change, Savaya welcomed the decision to disarm the factions in Iraq a few days ago, considering the step an encouraging development that responds to the calls of the religious authority.
However, he stressed at the same time that statements alone are not enough, calling for a comprehensive and irreversible disarmament, implemented within a binding national framework that enshrines the state’s exclusive right to bear arms, warning that Iraq today stands at a crucial crossroads between consolidating sovereignty and stability, or remaining in a spiral of disintegration and uncontrolled weapons.
Regarding Trump’s appointment of Savaya as envoy to Iraq, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani said during a comprehensive interview with journalist Ghassan Ben Jeddou, editor-in-chief of Al-Mayadeen TV, which is close to the Lebanese Hezbollah: “We view the issue of appointing a special envoy to the US president in Iraq as a kind of interest in the bilateral relations between the United States and Iraq.
When there is an additional window for existing official institutions, the embassy and others, it will certainly be beneficial, for the speed of delivering messages and more flexibility and coordination in positions.” link
🏛️ Iraq Political Breakthrough & Iran Economic Unrest
Recent updates from Sandy Ingram and news reports highlight critical developments in Iraq’s political system and ongoing economic turmoil in Iran. Both events have significant implications for the Middle East and global financial observers.
🇮🇶 Iraq Elects Speaker of Parliament – Political Deadlock Broken
According to Sandy Ingram:
Iraq has successfully elected a Speaker of Parliament
This marks a major milestone, ending the political deadlock that stalled the country previously
Speaker of Parliament has been elected...The reason why this is so exciting and so important is because this means Iraq will not repeat the same saga they did last time. Iraq is no longer stuck. They have elected a Speaker of Parliament. What happens next...the speaker must elect through voting, a president and the president will then have 15 days to elect the prime minister. After that the Prime Minister will have 30 days to facilitate an entire government... The government is functioning and this is excellent news.
Clare
Article quote: "For the fourth day, Iran is witnessing popular protests in several provinces and cities due to poor economic and living conditions resulting from rising prices against the backdrop of the collapse of the local currency."
The President of the Republic: The House of Representatives has fulfilled its first constitutional obligation on schedule
President Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid affirmed on Tuesday that the Council of Representatives fulfilled its first constitutional obligation on schedule, demonstrating the strong sense of national responsibility felt by the leaders of the political blocs and the representatives.
In a congratulatory message to the Speaker of Parliament and his two deputies, the President stated: "Speaker of Parliament, Haibat al-Halbousi, we congratulate you on your election as Speaker of the Council of Representatives for its sixth session.
We also extend our congratulations to Adnan Faihan, First Deputy Speaker, and Farhad al-Atroushi, Second Deputy Speaker, wishing you and all members of Parliament success
in fulfilling your duties in service to the Iraqi people in all their diversity."
He added, "The Council of Representatives has fulfilled its first constitutional obligation today on schedule, which confirms the strong sense of national responsibility felt by the leaders of the political blocs and the representatives.
In this context, we remind you of the weighty task awaiting your esteemed Council in enacting laws that affect the lives of the people, who demonstrated their loyalty to the nation by turning out in large numbers to vote for their representatives in Parliament."
He emphasized that "the oversight role of your esteemed council will be no less important than its legislative role, as the people expect you to exercise your oversight role optimally. A parliamentary system and a genuine democratic experience are impossible without a parliament capable of monitoring the performance of the executive branch, identifying shortcomings, and holding violators accountable."
He concluded by saying, "We wish your esteemed council every success in fulfilling the remaining constitutional obligations on schedule." link
💱 Iraqi Dinar Zero Removal – How Old and New Notes Will Coexist
Jeff recently shared insights into the upcoming Iraqi dinar zero-removal process, explaining how old and new notes will coexist and how purchasing power is expected to remain stable. This post breaks down the mechanics of the transition, what investors should know, and the timeline speculations.
🔹 How the Zero Removal Works
According to Jeff:
Old and new notes will coexist temporarily
Example: a 1,000 dinar note becomes 1 dinar
Purchasing power remains identical:
Today: 1,000 IQD = $3
After zero removal: 1 IQD = $3
“The two currencies will coexist at the same value. It’s that simple,” Jeff explained.
The old and new notes will circulate together for a short period of time
Purpose: ensure a smooth transition without disrupting markets or daily transactions
Purchasing power does not change, so holders of old notes do not lose value
💡 What This Means for Investors
No sudden rate change is expected on January 1
Transition depends on official schedules and government announcements
Jeff emphasizes the importance of monitoring key figures traveling to Iraq, such as Mark Savaya, for potential signals on timing and execution
📅 Timeline & Key Observations
Key Event
Details
Notes
Zero Removal Announcement
Date TBD
Likely aligned with government preparation
Coexistence Period
Short duration
Old and new notes circulate together
Exchange Rate
Remains unchanged initially
Value of new dinar = old dinar purchasing power
Key Travel
Mark Savaya to Baghdad
Potential signal of transition timing
❓ Q&A – Featured Snippets
🔹 Will the value of the dinar change after zeros are removed?
No. The purchasing power remains the same; only the denomination is simplified.
🔹 How long will old and new notes coexist?
The coexistence period is short, designed to ensure a smooth transition.
🔹 When is the zero removal expected?
No official date yet. Jeff notes it cannot happen on January 1st unless it’s a Sunday, and timing may align with key events or official travel.
🔹 What should investors do?
Stay informed, track official announcements, and monitor key figures traveling to Baghdad, as these often indicate the next steps in the currency transition.
📌 Key Takeaways
Zero removal simplifies currency without changing purchasing power
Old and new notes will temporarily coexist at the same value
No immediate exchange rate changes are expected
Timing may align with key figures’ visits to Iraq
Investors should remain patient and avoid speculative rushes
When they remove the zeros from the currency...the two currencies will coexist...at the same dollar value...So a 1,000 dinar note becomes a 1 dinar note. So today whatever a 1,000 dinar note can buy, after a 1 dinar note will buy...Let's say 1 dinar equals $3.
The two currencies will coexist for a short period of time...1,000 X $3.00 = $3,000 and 1 dinar will equal $3.00...The two currencies will coexist at the same value. It's that simple.
The rate is not going to change on January 1st. It has to be a Sunday...the next major piece I'm looking for is what they're hiding from us. That would be Mark Savaya's date of traveling from the United States over to Baghdad.
IQD RV: IRAQ FINALIZES FINANCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE AS RATE-DEPENDENT SYSTEMS GO LIVE
Minister of Finance attended the Ministerial Council for the Economy → Signals active coordination on liquidity, treasury execution, and currency-linked decisions.
Phase III of the Unified Treasury Account (UTA) initiated → Final phase to unify all electronic banking platforms for government accounts under one system.
Accounting Department preparing system-wide integration → Ensures real-time reconciliation, centralized settlement, and rate consistency across ministries.
Customs & border crossings held a joint meeting → Discussed implementation of new pricing mechanisms and the advance customs declaration system.
Advance customs declaration system moving forward → Requires a stable and reliable currency valuation for trade and tariff calculations.
Arab & International Financial Relations Department coordinating externally → Follow-up with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to prepare executive agreements.
Digital transformation across ministries emphasized → Automation of procedures, unified accounts, and reduced cash dependency.
WHY THIS MATTERS
These steps are execution-level actions, not planning discussions.
You do not: unify treasury systems,
lock in customs pricing, or integrate international financial frameworks unless the currency reference is finalized or imminently deployable.
This is the system lining up before the rate is allowed to move.
