US Chargé d'Affaires: The United States emphasizes the need for immediate action to dismantle "militias" in Iraq
The US Embassy in Baghdad stated that the United States will continue to clearly emphasize the need for immediate action to dismantle militias in Iraq.
In a post on its X platform, the embassy said that Chargé d'Affaires Joshua Harris met with Ammar al-Hakim, leader of the Hikma Movement, to discuss shared interests in protecting Iraqi sovereignty, defeating terrorism, enhancing regional security, and strengthening economic ties that benefit both Americans and Iraqis.
Harris reiterated that "the inclusion of Iranian-backed terrorist militias in the Iraqi government, in any capacity, is incompatible with a strong US-Iraqi partnership."
He added that "the United States will continue to clearly emphasize the need for immediate action to dismantle terrorist militias that serve foreign agendas and threaten Iraq's sovereignty, stability, and economy." link
Jeff confirms that Iraq’s current official exchange rate remains at 1310 IQD per USD on the Central Bank website, calling recent claims about a 1300-based 2026 budget misleading while emphasizing that Iraq’s own actions make a future rate change unavoidable.
Jeff’s Iraq Monetary Reality Check
In a space often filled with speculation and confusion, Jeff delivers a grounded and direct clarification regarding Iraq’s exchange rate, the 2026 budget, and recent commentary circulating within the dinar community.
His message is clear: not everything being said is accurate—and context matters.
The Truth About the 2026 Budget and the 1300 Rate
Jeff addressed claims suggesting Iraq’s 2026 budget would be calculated using a 1300 IQD per USD exchange rate, stating plainly:
“They said the 2026 budget would be calculated off of currency valued at 1310 per US dollar.”
They said the 2026 budget would be calculated off of currency valued at 1310 per US dollar...Thursday's comments are misleading garbage...The rate right now on the central banks' website live...is still at 1310. They are misleading you guys. There isn't a '26 budget coming forward at 1300.
It's not happening...Based on Iraq's actions they have to change the rate. They absolutely have to change the rate based on their actions alone...You can't trust everything out of Iraq. Sometimes you have to dive in deeper...
An economic observatory reveals the Central Bank of Iraq's conditions for banks to trade in currencies other than the dollar.
An economic observatory announced the new conditions set by the Central Bank of Iraq for banks wishing to trade foreign currencies other than the dollar, such as the European "Euro" and the Chinese "Yuan," noting that among these conditions is that "the bank's capital must be 300 billion Iraqi dinars."
The Eco Iraq Observatory explained in a press statement on Saturday, January 10, 2026, that “the Central Bank circulated a document entitled (Guidelines and Models for Assessing Minimum Requirements) for banks prohibited from dealing in dollars and wishing to work in other foreign currencies such as the European Euro, the Chinese Yuan, the UAE Dirham, and others, indicating that “this document is part of the banking sector reform program implemented by the Central Bank.”
The observatory noted that “the document included conditions, most notably that the bank’s capital be 300 billion dinars with a plan to reach 400 billion dinars by the end of 2028,” as well as “the bank having sufficient and regular liquidity to cover its obligations and the obligations of customers, in accordance with international banking regulations (LCR and NSFR).”
"The document emphasized the disclosure of the bank's ownership, i.e., providing a complete and approved list of shareholders, with full disclosure of related parties," according to the statement.
The Economic Affairs Observatory “Eco Iraq” had previously revealed that 35 out of 72 banks operating in Iraq were subject to US sanctions, either due to sanctions by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), i.e., the bank being placed on an international blacklist and its financial transactions being paralyzed or its dollar transactions being stopped, or as a “temporary regulatory measure” and not a penalty, to force the bank to comply with transparency. link
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