According to MarkZ, regional bankers are reportedly working from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. until January 16th to complete the RV process, while growing chatter from Iraq suggests the CBI may be preparing to raise the dinar’s value.
MarkZ RV Intelligence Update
Via PDK
Momentum continues to build across the financial landscape as MarkZ shares encouraging updates pointing to increased banking activity, extended working hours, and rising optimism tied to the long-anticipated RV process.
While patience remains necessary, confirmations are steadily increasing from multiple directions.
Regional Banker Report: Extended Hours Until January 16th
A compelling comment shared with MarkZ revealed the following:
“My friend spoke to his region’s banker and it was said they are working from 6am to 10pm until January 16th to get this RV done. Banker was VERY optimistic!”
This type of operational schedule is highly unusual for standard banking procedures and strongly suggests that extraordinary financial processes may be underway behind the scenes.
Extended hours often indicate:
System updates and reconciliations
Compliance and settlement preparations
Anticipation of a significant financial event
MarkZ Reaction: Confirmations Are Increasing
MarkZ responded with cautious optimism:
“Wooo… Lots of people out there are getting more confirmations from their banks. It’s not everyone… but it’s happening more and more.”
He emphasized that although progress may feel slow, movement is undeniable:
“We just need to hang on. Things are happening… just not as fast as any of us want.”
This aligns with a familiar pattern seen in past financial transitions—quiet preparation followed by sudden execution.
Growing Chatter From Iraq: Is the CBI Preparing a Value Increase?
Reports coming out of Iraq are raising an important question:
“Why does the CBI refuse to revalue the dinar in order to balance their budget?”
Interestingly, the same chatter now suggests a shift in thinking, with discussions indicating that:
The CBI may be looking to increase the dinar’s value
Budget balancing pressures are intensifying
Inflation and purchasing power concerns persist
If accurate, this would represent a significant change in posture from the Central Bank of Iraq.
Why This Matters: Banking Signals + Iraq Signals
When bank activity outside Iraq aligns with monetary chatter inside Iraq, it often signals that:
Planning stages are complete
Execution timing is being finalized
Coordination between institutions is active
This convergence is exactly what many have been waiting to see.
Q&A: MarkZ RV Update Explained
Q: Are banks really working extended hours for the RV?
A: According to a regional banker report shared with MarkZ, yes—some banks are working from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. through January 16th.
Q: Does this mean the RV is guaranteed?
A: No event is guaranteed, but extended banking operations and optimism are strong indicators of preparation.
Q: Is Iraq considering increasing the dinar’s value?
A: Chatter from Iraq suggests discussions are underway about increasing the value to help balance the budget.
Q: Why hasn’t the CBI acted sooner?
A: The CBI balances inflation control, political pressure, and economic stability—timing is critical.
What to Watch Closely
January 16th timelines
Continued bank confirmations
Official CBI statements or rate movements
Budget and fiscal developments in Iraq
Ongoing commentary from MarkZ and PDK
Final Thoughts
While the wait tests everyone’s patience, behind-the-scenes activity is increasing, not decreasing.
Extended bank hours, growing confirmations, and shifting dialogue from Iraq all point to a system nearing readiness.
As MarkZ reminds us: Progress is happening—even if it’s not happening fast enough for any of us.
Comment: ...my friend spoke to his Region's Banker and it was said they are working from 6am to 10 pm until Jan 16th to get this RV done. Banker was VERY optimistic!
MarkZ: Wooo...Lots of people out there are getting more confirmations from their banks. It's not everyone…but it’s happening more and more. We just need to hang on. Things are happening…just not as fast as any of us want.
From Iraq: “Why does the CBI refuse to revalue the dinar in order to balance their budget?” Some of the chatter this morning is saying they are looking to go up in value.
He pointed out that investors realize that these fluctuations do not reflect institutional weakness as much as they reflect market factors beyond national control.
He added that investor confidence is strengthened when deficits are accompanied by disciplined financing tools, such as issuing domestic bonds and prudent management of public spending.
He stressed that this sends a clear message about the government's ability to control the flow of public funds and avoid long-term imbalances. link
Frank26 and Omar report that Alaq confirmed on Iraqi television that the 1300 IQD exchange rate should be visible on the Central Bank of Iraq website by Monday, signaling a major step toward monetary sovereignty as citizens protest rising prices and tariffs.
Iraq Boots-on-the-Ground Intelligence Report
By Frank26 with Commentary from Omar
The situation in Iraq is rapidly evolving, and according to boots-on-the-ground intelligence, the country may be approaching a critical monetary turning point.
During a recent televised appearance, CBI Governor Alaq made statements that have sent shockwaves through the Iraqi financial community and global dinar observers alike.
Alaq on Iraqi TV: The 1300 Exchange Rate
According to Omar, Alaq clearly stated on television that:
“1300 should be viewable on the CBI website by this coming Monday.”
This is significant because Alaq emphasized that 1300 IQD is the official rate the Central Bank of Iraq intends to move forward with.
He further reinforced Iraq’s monetary independence by stating:
The CBI is fully in control
Iraq is a sovereign nation
Iraq controls its own monetary rights
This messaging strongly suggests a deliberate effort to reassure both citizens and international partners that Iraq’s financial system is no longer subject to outside manipulation.
Frank26 Analysis: Political Pressure and Global Signals
“These Iranian politicians in your country are telling Maliki to continue to threaten Alaq and to keep the exchange rate low.”
Frank also pointed out a key international detail:
“The fact that Mark Savaya is right there next to him in Iraq causes me to tell you, watch what happens in the coming days.”
According to Frank26, this presence signals alignment with U.S. expectations, adding:
“He knows what Donald Trump wants you to do.”
This suggests that international oversight and cooperation may be accelerating Iraq’s compliance with monetary reform objectives.
Citizen Protests Erupt Across Iraq
Omar reported growing unrest among Iraqi citizens:
Protests are happening nationwide
New tariffs and customs fees are increasing prices
Medicine and car prices are rising
The exchange rate has not improved, fueling anger
“People are complaining the rich get richer as usual, but us citizens suffer.”
This unrest is crucial because economic pressure from the population often precedes monetary action.
Omar added:
“There is starting to be some uprising already.”
Historically, Iraq has responded to public unrest by making sudden financial adjustments, especially when reforms are already prepared behind the scenes.
Why the 1300 Rate Matters
The move to 1300 IQD is not just a number—it represents:
A transition phase toward normalization
Increased market stability
Preparation for broader currency reform
A response to inflation and purchasing power concerns
It also serves as a bridge between artificial controls and a more transparent exchange mechanism.
Q&A: Iraq Dinar Update Explained
Q: Did Alaq really confirm the 1300 rate?
A: According to Omar, yes—Alaq stated on Iraqi television that the 1300 rate should appear on the CBI website by Monday.
Q: Is Iraq in control of its currency now?
A: Alaq emphasized that Iraq is sovereign and that the CBI controls monetary policy.
Q: Why are citizens protesting?
A: Rising tariffs, higher medicine and car prices, and a stagnant exchange rate are driving public anger.
Q: Does this mean revaluation is imminent?
A: While no date is guaranteed, these steps indicate advanced monetary reform and growing pressure for change.
What to Watch Next
The CBI official website
Public reaction to the
1300 rate
Government response to citizen protests
Continued presence of international advisors
Statements from Frank26 and trusted boots-on-the-ground sources
Final Thoughts
Iraq is clearly at a crossroads.
With public unrest, international pressure, and CBI transparency increasing, the appearance of the 1300 exchange rate may mark one of the most important monetary moments in recent Iraqi history.
As Frank26 often reminds us: “Watch what they do, not what they say.”
OMAR:Alaq on TV...said 1300 should be viewable on the CBI website by this coming Monday. He said this is the official rate they're going to go with. He then talked more about how we the CBI are in control and we are a sovereign country and we are in control of our own rights...
FRANK: These Iranian politicians in your country are telling Maliki to continue to threaten Alaq and to keep the exchange rate low? ...The fact that Mark Savaya is right there next to him in Iraq causes me to tell you, watch what happens in the coming day...He knows what Donald Trump wants you to do.
OmarThe citizens are protesting all over. We are extremely upset about the fact that they have new tariffs and customs and they are making the price of medicine and certain cars go up and our money has not risen...People are complaining rich get richer as usual...but us citizens we suffer. There is starting to be some uprising already.
QAANI IN BAGHDAD: THE ISSUE OF FOREIGN PRESENCE IS AT THE TOP OF THE TABLE.
A source close to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard revealed on Tuesday (January 6, 2026) that the commander of the Quds Force in the Revolutionary Guard, Major General Ismail Qaani, arrived in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, on an unannounced visit.
The source told Baghdad Today in an exclusive interview that “Qaani arrived in Baghdad on a private plane, in a surprise visit that was not officially announced by either the Iraqi or Iranian sides,” indicating that “the visit’s program includes holding a series of meetings with political leaders and prominent figures in armed factions, to discuss the issue of the foreign military presence, and arrangements for the next phase on the Iraqi and regional scene.”
The source added that “Qaani’s meetings are focused on assessing recent security developments, the issue of regulating the relationship between the factions and the state, as well as discussing the ongoing dialogue between Baghdad, Tehran and Washington, and the possibilities of escalation or de-escalation in the coming months,” noting that “the visit is intended to remain out of the spotlight, given the sensitivity of the issues being discussed.”
Ismail Qaani is the current commander of the Quds Force in the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, and he is directly responsible for managing relations with a number of Iraqi factions. He has made several visits to Baghdad in recent years, most of which were related to pivotal security and political developments in Iraq and the region.
(Mnt Goat: Why do you think he arrived in Baghdad on a private plane, in a surprise visit that was not officially announced by either the Iraqi or Iranian sides? He is fearful for his life and of being assassinated like his predecessor Solimoni. His days are numbered.)
This article reflects Mnt Goat’s personal analysis and opinion based on publicly available Iraqi news and economic data. It is not financial advice. Always consult licensed financial professionals before making financial decisions.
📊 Historic Shift: CBI Fixes the Exchange Rate in the 2026 Budget
For the first time since many of us entered this investment, the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) has officially fixed the national budget to a specific exchange rate.
ASYCUDA, fiscal discipline, WTO signaling, and revenue enforcement are steps forward, not backward.
The RV does not fail because of temporary fluctuations.
👉 It succeeds because of structure.
Mnt Goat
Article: "AN ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT OF THE CENTRAL BANK’S DECISION TO FIX THE DOLLAR
EXCHANGE RATE IN THE 2026 BUDGET"So for the first time I have been in this investment the CBI has told us they fixed the budget to an exchange rate. It has been normal practice for the Finance Committee to fix the budget to the market price of oil or a little less for market variations in future. Why is this very good news for us today? Let me explain.
What Else Is in the News? Let’s Separate Facts From Panic
Here we go again.
Just as the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) clearly predicted, once the ASYCUDA system becomes fully implemented, a temporary spike in dollar demand would occur. And what happened?
Exactly that.
Over the past few days, the dollar has gradually risen in local markets, reaching approximately 145,000 dinars per $100, with some panicking voices claiming it could reach 150,000
The real question is: Why do some refuse to listen to FACTS?
ASYCUDA Was Designed to Do Exactly This
The news today reflects panic, not policy failure.
ASYCUDA’s rollout was never meant to be painless in the short term. The CBI warned well in advance that:
Dollar demand would temporarily increase
Traders would adjust behavior
Markets would react emotionally
And yet, when it happens, economists immediately cry:
“The dinar must be devalued!”
Oh boy… here we go again.
Déjà Vu: What Happened During the First ASYCUDA Wave?
Let’s rewind.
When the first wave of ASYCUDA was implemented:
Economists rang alarm bells
Markets panicked
Speculators screamed devaluation
What Actually Happened?
The dinar bounced back
It stabilized around 1305, below the “official” 1320 rate
It effectively revalued itself within the program rate
No, it was not on FOREX yet—but it was a very positive sign.
And history has a habit of repeating itself.
Why Is the Dollar Rising Right Now? FACTS Only
The article titled “IDENTIFYING THE MAIN REASON FOR THE RISE OF THE DOLLAR IN IRAQ” explains it perfectly.
Former CBI director and financial expert Mahmoud Dagher confirmed:
“Customs duties are behind the rise of the dollar in local markets.”
Key Point Explained Simply
Traders must now submit customs declarations via ASYCUDA
Bank transfers require these declarations
Traders temporarily turn to the market to obtain dollars
This is mechanical, not monetary collapse.
Prime Minister’s Advisor Confirms: This Is Temporary
In the article “SALEH’S APPEARANCE: THE FLUCTUATIONS IN THE PARALLEL MARKET ARE TEMPORARY”, Prime Minister’s economic advisor Mazhar Muhammad Saleh makes it crystal clear:
Oil prices are not the cause
Iraq’s fixed exchange rate policy remains intact
Foreign reserves exceed $100 billion
These reserves provide what Saleh calls a:
“Strong stability umbrella for foreign currency.”
In short: 👉 No threat to living standards 👉 No justification for devaluation
ASYCUDA = Revenue, Revenue, Revenue
Does customs and tariff revenue sound familiar?
It should.
Just look at how customs enforcement under the Trump administration dramatically increased U.S. revenues. ASYCUDA is Iraq’s version of that discipline.
More enforcement means:
Higher revenues
Less smuggling
Stronger fiscal position
Greater currency sustainability
This is how a country earns a stronger currency.
Pressure Mounts to Pass the Oil and Gas Law
Next in the news is renewed pressure to pass the Oil and Gas Law.
In the article “ATRUSHI: THE OIL AND GAS LAW MUST BE PASSED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE”, Deputy Speaker Farhad Atrushi states clearly:
The law is essential to solving financial problems
Federalism cannot function without it
We already know: 👉 This law is one of the five U.S. mandates
And once again, here it is—right on schedule.
WTO Accession: Progress or Reminder?
Articles discussing WTO accession continue to surface, including:
“IRAQ’S ACCESSION TO THE WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION: THE UNITED NATIONS CONFIRMS TANGIBLE PROGRESS.”
Here’s what puzzles many:
Iraq already met the requirements
Necessary laws were passed
Technical and regulatory stages were completed months ago
So why the delay?
The Logical Answer
The WTO wants:
A sustainable currency
A realistic exchange rate
A dinar backed by Iraq’s full asset portfolio
Why would the WTO accept Iraq before reinstatement?
Exactly.
These articles are signals, not updates.
Political Resistance: Iranian Proxy Influence Still at Work
Finally, we see more evidence that Iranian proxy politicians do not want the RV.
In the article “PARLIAMENT WILL HOST OFFICIALS FROM THE CENTRAL BANK AND THE INTEGRITY COMMISSION NEXT WEEK”, oversight is once again being used as a political weapon.
What’s Really Happening
Another attempt to remove Ali al-Alaq
Attacks on CBI leadership
Focus on minor issues instead of major progress
Sound familiar?
It mirrors how political obstruction works everywhere.
Do They Even Understand the RV Plan?
The entire roadmap is already laid out.
👉 It’s in the White Paper.
Yet these actors:
Want stagnation, not reform
Prefer chaos over progress
Bash success for political gain
They fear momentum—because momentum leads to change.
Q&A – Clearing the Confusion
Q: Is the dinar being devalued?
A: No. The current fluctuation is temporary and expected.
Q: Is ASYCUDA bad for Iraq?
A: No. It increases revenue and long-term stability.
Q: Why the WTO delay?
A: Likely waiting for a sustainable post-reinstatement rate.
Q: Who is trying to stop the RV?
A: Political actors aligned with stagnation and foreign influence.
Final Thoughts: Panic Is Not Policy
Speculation makes noise. Facts make history.
ASYCUDA, fiscal discipline, WTO signaling, and revenue enforcement are all steps forward, not backward.
The RV does not fail because of temporary fluctuations. It succeeds because of long-term structure.