Announcement of a joint US military exercise at the embassy and Baghdad airport
US President Donald Trump stated that a large naval fleet is moving towards the Middle East region, including an aircraft carrier and a number of destroyers.
This came in a statement to reporters aboard the presidential plane, "Air Force One," on his way back to the United States after meeting with leaders from around the world in Davos, Switzerland.
Trump said, "We have a large number of ships moving in that direction, in case of any emergency... I don't want anything to happen, but we are watching them very closely."
The US forces in the Middle East are being reinforced with the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and a number of destroyers equipped with guided missiles and additional air defense systems that could be critical to defense if any Iranian attack occurs on US bases in the region.
According to media reports and statements by a US Navy official, the aircraft carrier "Abraham Lincoln" and three destroyers are making their way to the Middle East region, with estimates suggesting their arrival within the next few days.
US media reported that the US force includes an aircraft carrier, cruisers and missile destroyers, in addition to squadrons of fighter jets belonging to the Air Force and ground-based air and missile defense systems.
American warships, including the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln, several destroyers, and fighter jets, began moving from the Asia-Pacific region to the Middle East last week, amid rising tensions and escalation between Tehran and Washington over the recent protests in Iran.
It is noted that the US military had amassed a large force last summer before its strikes last June against sites in Iran.
The White House announced last Thursday that President Trump and his team are closely monitoring developments in Iran, and stressed that "all options regarding Tehran remain on the table." link
In a significant move that has largely flown under the radar, Militia Man highlights Iraq’s strategic steps toward currency reform. Despite regional turmoil, discussions on synchronized regional currency reform continue across the Middle East, including Syria, Azerbaijan, and potentially Iran in the coming months.
Iraq’s progress over the last three years has been remarkable, and understanding the context behind the headlines is critical.
⚠️ Militia Man Disclaimer
Please consider everything on this call as my opinion. Always verify information and consult a professional before making financial decisions.
🏦 Regional Currency Reform: Momentum Builds
Militia Man explains that even amid political and social upheaval, regional countries are planning coordinated monetary adjustments:
Syria: Already moving forward with currency reform discussions
Azerbaijan: Observing the momentum
Iran: Potential reforms in the next few months
“Even though there’s turmoil, they still talk about this stuff.”
This demonstrates that monetary strategy continues despite chaos, emphasizing a long-term vision for financial stability and regional alignment.
📰 Media Awareness: Beware the Agenda
Militia Man cautions that not all information should be taken at face value. Social media and mainstream media can often be agenda-driven, slanted, or sensationalist.
Key Takeaways:
Information is often antagonistic and highly emotional
Pros and cons are rarely weighed
Headlines may exaggerate urgency or conflict
“Be very careful with the information that you get out there.”
This is especially important during potential currency reforms, when public perception can make or break success.
🤝 Central Bank and Media MoU: Strategic Alignment
A critical development reinforces this idea:
Article:“The Iraqi Media Network and the Central Bank sign a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance cooperation.”
Militia Man emphasizes:
There is no coincidence here
The MoU is meant to ensure accurate, coordinated messaging
Public perception will play a major role during exchange rate adjustments
“The implications of this understanding run deep and are highly meaningful!”
This move is a signal that Iraq is preparing carefully to manage both economic and public relations aspects of potential reforms.
⭐ Featured Snippet: Key Insight
Iraq’s Central Bank has signed a strategic MoU with media outlets to manage public perception ahead of potential currency reforms, signaling careful preparation for regional monetary synchronization.
🔍 Why This Matters
Public communication is critical during a currency or exchange rate adjustment. Mismanaged messaging can:
Undermine confidence in the national currency
Trigger market panic
Reduce trust in reform initiatives
Iraq’s proactive coordination between the Central Bank and media suggests that the government is serious about stability, transparency, and strategic messaging.
❓ Q&A Section
Q: Why is a media MoU important for currency reform?
A: It ensures consistent messaging, educates the public, and prevents panic during economic changes.
Q: How does Iraq’s strategy compare to other regional countries?
A: Countries like Syria, Azerbaijan, and potentially Iran are also preparing for synchronized currency reforms, indicating regional coordination.
Q: Can media manipulation affect financial reform success?
A: Absolutely. Misinformation or sensationalized reporting can erode confidence, making official media alignment crucial.
Q: What should investors watch for?
A: Watch for official communications from the Central Bank and trusted media channels during any exchange rate or monetary announcements.
🧭 Final Thoughts
Militia Man underscores that Iraq is quietly preparing for significant currency reform. While social media may be chaotic, the Central Bank’s proactive engagement with media signals a careful, calculated approach to maintain public confidence.
This is a key step in regional financial alignment and should be monitored closely by investors and observers alike.
What has been happening? Regional currency reform synchronization...Syria is doing it, Azerbaijan, potentially Iran in the next few month. Even though there's turmoil they still talk about that stuff.
Look what [Iraq] has done in the last three years. Be careful about the media when they're saying things...You have to be very careful with the information that you get out there, things that you get on different social media site. They're going to be agenda driven. They're going to be slanted. They're not going to be foundational. They're not going to have a weighted conversation of pros and cons. They throw out really intense words and they're antagonistic...
Article: "THE IRAQI MEDIA NETWORK AND THE CENTRAL BANK SIGN A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING TO ENHANCE COOPERATION"
There is no coincidence to this memorandum of understanding between the Central Bank of Iraq and the Media outlet. This is what we should be happy to see. Public perception is very important during a potential exchange rate adjustment. The implications of this understanding run deep and are highly meaningful!
Sudani's chances are improving again... New information revealed by MP Al-Luwaizi
MP Abdul Rahman Al-Luwaizi, from the Reconstruction and Development bloc, said that what is being circulated regarding an official concession or political marketing to hand over the premiership to the leader of the State of Law Coalition, Nouri Al-Maliki, is “untrue in word and deed,” stressing that the political reality indicates a different course in managing the nomination file.
Al-Luwaizi explained in televised statements followed by “Jarida Platform” that what is currently happening is opening the way for the current Prime Minister, Muhammad Shia Al-Sudani, to give Nouri Al-Maliki the political opportunity to enter the race for the nomination, indicating that this option does not mean deciding the position in favor of Al-Maliki, but rather subjecting him to a test of his ability to form the government within the existing equations and balances.
He added that Maliki’s failure to form a government, if he is officially tasked with it, will reopen all political options, noting that Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s chances may rise again strongly, based on considerations of internal balances and the magnitude of the challenges that any new tasked person may face.
Al-Luwaizi indicated that if the option of assigning Al-Maliki proceeds, the Reconstruction and Development bloc will have a "significant" ministerial share within the new government formation, explaining that the talk is about five sovereign or heavy service ministries.
He also pointed out that the political blocs that had previously objected to al-Sudani’s appointment and nomination for the premiership may receive modest ministerial shares compared to the supporting blocs, which reinforces the hypothesis of al-Sudani’s repositioning as a strong option in the next stage.
Al-Luwaizi concluded his remarks by emphasizing that the political scene is still open to several scenarios, and that the decision regarding the premiership will remain contingent on the candidate's ability to overcome political complexities and form a government that enjoys broad consensus. link
Iraq is approaching a critical constitutional deadline, and according to Mnt Goat, the political landscape is rapidly tightening. With the presidency announcement expected this week, attention is now squarely focused on who will ultimately lead Iraq into its next phase.
The decisions made in the coming days could have far-reaching consequences not only for Iraq’s political stability, but also for its economic and monetary future.
⚠️ Mnt Goat Disclaimer
Please consider everything on this call as my opinion. Always consult a professional for any financial or investment decisions.
🏛️ Presidency Announcement: Constitutional Clock Is Ticking
Mnt Goat confirmed that Iraq is still waiting for the official announcement of the presidential candidates.
According to the Iraqi Constitution:
The presidency must be announced this week
This step is mandatory and cannot be delayed
Once completed, the process moves quickly
“Following filling this position, I am told the new prime minister will be announced shortly afterwards.”
⏳ Prime Minister Decision Could Be Settled This Week
Adding urgency to the situation, today’s Iraqi news suggests that the prime minister candidate could also be finalized this week.
This would mark a major acceleration in the political timeline and signal that Iraq’s leadership structure is nearing completion.
For observers watching Iraq’s reform process, this timing is not coincidental.
🗞️ Rumors Swirl: Has Sudani Stepped Aside?
Across mainstream Iraqi media, a powerful narrative has emerged:
“Sudani has stepped aside to let Maliki become the next Prime Minister.”
This rumor has spread rapidly and sparked intense debate inside and outside Iraq.
However, Mnt Goat urges caution.
🇺🇸 U.S. Position: Maliki Not an Option
Mnt Goat was very clear on this point:
“The U.S. is not going to allow Maliki again.”
According to her sources:
Maliki’s return would destabilize Iraq
It would undermine reform efforts
It would conflict with U.S. strategic objectives
Historically, Maliki’s leadership is associated with:
Sectarian division
Economic stagnation
Increased Iranian influence
🏦 CBI Source Confirms Sudani’s Second Term
Most importantly, Mnt Goat referenced direct information from a Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) source:
“My source in CBI still says al-Sudani is going to be here for a second term.”
This directly contradicts the media rumors and reinforces the idea that:
Sudani remains the preferred candidate
Continuity is critical for reforms
Monetary and economic plans are already aligned with his leadership
⭐ Featured Snippet: Key Insight
Despite widespread media rumors, sources close to the Central Bank of Iraq maintain that Prime Minister al-Sudani is expected to secure a second term, as Iraq approaches critical constitutional deadlines for its presidency and government formation.
🔍 Why This Matters for Iraq’s Future
The selection of Iraq’s leadership directly impacts:
Economic reform implementation
Banking and monetary restructuring
Currency confidence
Foreign investment stability
A sudden leadership reversal would likely:
Delay reforms
Create market uncertainty
Undermine international confidence
This is why consistency matters.
❓ Q&A Section
Q: Why is the presidency announcement so important?
A: The Iraqi Constitution requires the presidency to be filled before confirming the prime minister, making it a necessary legal step.
Q: Could Maliki realistically return as PM?
A: According to Mnt Goat, U.S. opposition makes Maliki’s return highly unlikely.
Q: Why does the U.S. oppose Maliki?
A: Due to past governance issues, Iranian influence, and concerns over political and economic instability.
Q: What does Sudani staying mean for Iraq?
A: Stability, continuity of reforms, and alignment with ongoing economic and monetary restructuring.
🧭 Final Thoughts
As Iraq approaches a pivotal political moment, the contrast between media rumors and insider confirmations could not be clearer.
While speculation fills the headlines, Mnt Goat’s sources suggest that the path forward is already decided — and it favors continuity, stability, and reform.
The coming days may finally provide the clarity many have been waiting for.
We are still waiting for the announcement of the candidates for the presidency.
According to the Iraq constitution this must take place [this] week. Following filling this position, I am told the new prime minister will be announced shortly afterwards. Then in today’s news we learn that the candidate for prime minister could be settled [this] week.
Comment: I am seeing all over the mainstream news in Iraq that Sudani has stepped aside to let Maliki become the next Prime Minister.
Mnt Goat: The US is not going to allow Maliki again ... My source in CBI still says al-Sudani is going to be here for a second term.
$100 billion in Iraqi savings revealed at the US Federal Reserve
Economic expert Duraid Al-Anzi said on Friday that Iraq should not have been exposed to any financial crisis or any form of financial distress, stressing that the concerned authorities did not adopt the proposed oil prices in the budgets, which led to the current financial situation.
Al-Anzi explained in a statement to Al-Furat News Agency that “Iraq has been objected to several times regarding not relying on high prices in budgets, and the necessity of not exceeding $65 per barrel in order to be able to save,” noting that “oil prices have changed a lot, but the competent authorities did not think about the future and did not adopt the proposed prices.”
He added that “Iraq is able to demand additional amounts from its savings held by the US Federal Reserve, as Iraq has savings in the US Federal Reserve exceeding $100 billion, which were transferred to JPMorgan,” explaining that “these funds belong to Iraq after 2003 and have accumulated, and the only beneficiary of them is JPMorgan, which gives simple interest rates, and it is not known whether they reach Iraq or not, and they have not been addressed, despite the amounts being doubled.” link