Shafaq News- Baghdad The Sovereignty Alliance, led by Khamis Al-Khanjar, on Wednesday said it expects State of Law Coalition (SLC) leader Nouri Al-Maliki to withdraw his nomination for prime minister.
Fahd Al-Rashed, a senior figure in the Sunni alliance, told Shafaq News that Al-Maliki is expected to step aside “given his long political history and his concern for the country’s interests.”
“We have no objection to Al-Maliki personally,” Al-Rashed added, “but we fear the repercussions of US reservations over the candidate, including threats of economic sanctions.”
Meanwhile, a source told Shafaq News that the Shiite Coordination Framework (CF), parliament’s largest bloc that includes the SLC, is heading toward a “decisive” meeting in the coming hours to settle its prime ministerial nominee, after a US message was delivered yesterday to one of the Framework’s leaders urged that the issue be resolved within 48 hours.
The CF later sought, through an intermediary, a five-day extension to the deadline, which now expires on Thursday.
The CF remains divided over former prime minister Al-Maliki’s candidacy, with some leaders pushing for his withdrawal to preserve unity and others backing his nomination. Earlier today, the US State Department told Shafaq News that Washington’s position remains “firm and resolute” regarding Al-Maliki’s nomination, warning that his selection would compel the United States to reassess its relationship with Iraq.
Acting US chargé d’affaires in Iraq Joshua Harris also pledged to use “all available tools” to counter Iran-linked activities threatening Iraq’s stability, while noting that Iraqi leaders are working to develop a political framework that prioritizes national interests.
Political alignment and monetary discipline often move together in emerging markets.
⚠️ Disclaimer
This article provides analysis of public statements and monetary patterns. It does not constitute financial advice. Currency markets are influenced by multiple variables including politics, global markets, and domestic economic policy.
Always verify developments through official sources.
Article: "Exclusive - US State Department: Nominating Maliki will force us to reassess our relationship with Iraq"
Quote: "The US State Department confirmed on Wednesday that the United States' position remains "firm and unwavering" regarding the nomination of State of Law Coalition leader Nouri al-Maliki for the Iraqi premiership, hinting at harsh diplomatic measures if this option is pursued."
Omar
What Iraq usually does before a rate change:
1. Before every major FX adjustment Iraq has made historically, you have to look at 2015, 2020 and 2023...because that's when the CBI did the following - tightened foreign transfers, restrict who can send money, how much and through which bank.
2. They force banks to use official platforms and block non-compliant banks.
3. Reduced the dollar outflow...All of these are happening right now...The CBI is tightening the control of their currency...
Iraq’s Foreign Ministry confirmed on Thursday that an oral message conveyed by the United States included a “clear and explicit hint” at the possibility of sanctions if the Shiite Coordination Framework (CF), the country’s largest parliamentary bloc, proceeds with its nomination of Nouri al-Maliki for prime minister.
The clarification followed remarks by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein in an interview with Al-Sharqiya TV, after some media outlets reported that no reference to sanctions had been made.
In a formal statement, the ministry explained that the message was delivered by the US side in Washington and consisted of two main components: the first contained an indication that sanctions could target certain individuals and institutions, while the second set out standards governing the nature of cooperation and joint work with the United States, particularly in relation to the formation of the next government and its operating mechanisms.
The ministry stressed that Hussein’s televised remarks addressed only the criteria outlined in the second component and did not cover the portion referring to sanctions, describing this distinction as the source of confusion in some media coverage.
Under Iraq’s post-2003 power-sharing arrangement, the presidency is traditionally held by a Kurd, the premiership by a Shiite Muslim, and the speakership by a Sunni Arab.
On Wednesday, a US State Department spokesperson reaffirmed Washington’s opposition to al-Maliki’s return to office, warning that advancing the nomination could carry serious diplomatic consequences. He outlined three priorities guiding the US position: ending the alleged dominance of Iran-backed groups in Iraqi politics, reducing Tehran’s influence over state institutions, and strengthening economic partnerships aligned with US objectives.
Sources previously told Shafaq News that the nominee, who heads the State of Law Coalition and served as prime minister from 2006 to 2014, denied reports suggesting he might withdraw from the race, while the Coordination Framework continues to reassess the nomination in light of mounting domestic challenges, regional instability, and external pressure.
The institution in focus is the
Central Bank of Iraq.
According to Jeff:
“They’ve never analyzed it at this level.”
His interpretation is that this level of scrutiny signals preparation for:
International market exposure
Currency adjustment
Potential revaluation
🌍 “Going International” – What Does That Mean?
In dinar discussions, “going international” typically refers to:
Full currency convertibility
Broader Forex market participation
Removal of currency restrictions
Adjusted exchange rate structure
The currency in question is the Iraqi dinar.
Jeff argues that bringing in “the money man” — the central bank governor — signals serious monetary restructuring behind the scenes.
📊 Why Ramadan Does NOT Block Financial Moves
It’s important to understand:
Governments continue operating during Ramadan
Banks remain open
Fiscal and monetary policy decisions continue
International financial obligations do not pause
Many Muslim-majority nations conduct economic activity during Ramadan, including bond issuances, banking reforms, and fiscal legislation.
The idea that “nothing major happens” during Ramadan is not historically supported.
🔥 Featured Snippet Highlights
Kuwait reinstated its currency during Ramadan in 1991
Iraq’s Central Bank Governor directly involved in deep budget analysis
Budget review more detailed than previous years
Claims that RV cannot happen during Ramadan historically incorrect
Increased scrutiny may signal international monetary transition
❓ Q&A Section
Did Kuwait really revalue during Ramadan?
Yes. Kuwait reinstated its currency in March 1991 during Ramadan after the Gulf War.
Does Ramadan stop financial policy decisions?
No. Governments and central banks continue operations during Ramadan.
Why is the Central Bank Governor’s involvement significant?
Because currency valuation and international monetary policy fall under central bank authority.
Does deeper budget analysis guarantee a revaluation?
No. It suggests preparation and financial review, but not confirmed timing.
Is Iraq about to go international?
There is no official announcement confirming a currency revaluation at this time.
🧠 What This Means for Dinar Holders
Jeff’s main point is about correcting misinformation:
Historical precedent exists for monetary moves during Ramadan
Iraq’s budget analysis appears unusually detailed
Central Bank involvement is noteworthy
However, until official confirmation occurs, these remain interpretations of observable events.
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This article summarizes commentary and analysis shared within the dinar community. It does not constitute financial advice. Currency markets carry risk, and official confirmations should always be verified through credible sources.
Community Comment: "They're not going to do anything important during Ramadan."
The country of Kuwait did perform their currency reinstatement during the religious celebratory period of Ramadan in 1991. Kuwait did their currency revaluation on March 24th during their Ramadan period which started on March 17, 1991...So your statement is completely incorrect...When people are incorrect, we will take the time to help you get correct. That's what this is about.
They're preparing to revalue. When we've looked at previous years budgets, they've never analyzed it at this level. They've never seen them bring the central bank governor in doing this type of analysis for a budget.They're about to go international, revalue the currency. That's why things are being studied carefully reviewed at this level, all the way to the level of having the central bank governor in there, the money man.
The United States under President Donald Trump is pressing NATO to scale back several of its foreign operations, including a proposal to end the alliance’s advisory mission in Iraq, NATO diplomats told Politico.
The diplomats, who spoke on condition of anonymity, indicated that the proposal reflects a broader White House effort to refocus the alliance on Euro-Atlantic security.
A NATO official, responding on behalf of the alliance, told Politico that there is “no timeline associated with NATO Mission Iraq,” noting that such operations are based on operational need and subject to periodic review. Any decision to end the deployment would require the approval of all 32 NATO members.
The alliance currently maintains a non-combat advisory presence in Iraq aimed at strengthening the country’s security institutions and preventing the resurgence of ISIS. The initiative was launched in 2018 during Trump’s first term and expanded in subsequent years at Baghdad’s request.