A MEMBER OF “AL-AZM”: AL-MALIKI MAY WITHDRAW SOON… AND WE MUST AVOID “CONFRONTATION”
Ali al-Baydar, a member of the “Al-Azm” coalition, said that the prime ministerial candidate, Nouri al-Maliki, may announce his withdrawal in the coming days.
Al-Bader added to “Ultra Iraq” that “all political forces are required to unify their position on the nomination of Nouri al-Maliki for the premiership,” indicating that “al-Maliki’s replacement must not be disturbing to external parties and must be acceptable to everyone.”
He stressed that “Maliki may announce his withdrawal in the coming days in the interest of the national interest.”
According to Al-Baydar, “The international stance has led to a division in political positions regarding the nomination of Al-Maliki, even within the coordination framework.”
He pointed out that “Iraq is required to decide on the option of nominating Maliki or to face the crisis and the dark tunnel before the United States of America.”
He continued: “We must avoid options that clash with the American administration and look for options that preserve national entitlements.”
Iraq Dinar Revaluation Update: Quiet Banks, Political Pressure
In the latest commentary from MarkZ (Wednesday update), several key developments are drawing attention inside the dinar community:
The bond side remains “dead quiet.”
Wealth management contacts in banking have gone unusually silent.
February or early March is still viewed as a potential target window.
Iraqi political dynamics are intensifying, particularly around Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani and former PM Nouri al-Maliki.
Let’s break it down.
🏦 Banking Sector Goes Silent — What Could It Mean?
According to MarkZ, contacts in wealth management have suddenly stopped discussing timing or expectations. When asked about updates, they reportedly “go dead silent.”
This type of silence often fuels speculation. In financial environments, communication lockdowns can sometimes occur when:
Internal briefings are underway
Compliance restrictions are tightened
Sensitive policy changes are being discussed
Institutions are awaiting formal authorization
However, silence does not confirm a revaluation. It may simply reflect internal confidentiality or normal operational discretion.
Still, many observers believe that when financial professionals stop talking — something may be brewing behind the scenes.
💵 Bond Market Update: Still No Movement
On the bond side, the report indicates “dead quiet.”
Historically, bond activity has been viewed by some dinar analysts as a potential precursor to liquidity events. Yet, at this time:
No official announcements from recognized financial authorities
Until documentation or institutional confirmation appears, bond movement remains speculative.
📅 Is February Still the Target for RV?
❓ Question: Is February still the goal to release the RV?
MarkZ states he still believes February or early March remains the likely window and that he “feels very good about it.”
It’s important to understand:
No official RV date has been announced
The Central Bank of Iraq has not confirmed a rate change
Currency adjustments are sovereign decisions based on macroeconomic conditions
That said, timing speculation continues to center around:
Political stabilization
International alignment
Trade normalization
U.S. policy positioning
🏛 Political Pressure Intensifies in Iraq
A major development involves recent political discussions following reported diplomatic engagement after a visit to Baghdad by Tom Barrack.
An article titled:
“After Tom Barrack’s visit to Baghdad - did Al Sudani get the green light for a second term?”
has sparked debate inside Iraqi political circles.
🇮🇶 Who Is at the Center of This?
🔹 Mohammed Shia' Al-Sudani
Current Prime Minister of Iraq.
🔹 Nouri al-Maliki
Former Prime Minister and controversial political figure.
Reports suggest:
The United States is actively influencing direction
Saudi Arabia has signaled opposition to Maliki’s political return
There is regional pressure favoring continuity under Al-Sudani
If Maliki’s political influence diminishes, it could mark a major shift in Iraq’s internal power structure.
🌍 Why Political Stability Matters for the RV
Currency reforms often require:
Political continuity
Regional cooperation
U.S. diplomatic alignment
Reduced factional conflict
If Al-Sudani consolidates leadership and gains international backing, it could create a more stable platform for financial reforms.
However, political developments alone do not automatically trigger a revaluation. Monetary policy decisions remain under the authority of the Central Bank of Iraq.
🔎 Featured Snippets
Is February the confirmed month for the Iraqi dinar revaluation?
No official confirmation has been made. February or early March is speculative commentary and has not been verified by the Central Bank of Iraq.
Why are banking contacts going silent?
Silence from wealth management professionals may indicate internal confidentiality, compliance restrictions, or ongoing briefings — but it does not confirm an RV.
What role does Iraqi politics play in currency reform?
Political stability can support financial reform efforts, but rate changes are ultimately controlled by Iraq’s central banking authority.
📊 Key Takeaways
Banking insiders reportedly quiet
Bond market inactive
February–March window still speculative
U.S. and Saudi political pressure visible
Iraqi leadership dynamics shifting
There is significant political movement happening in Iraq. Whether that movement aligns with a currency shift remains to be officially seen.
❓ Q&A Section
Q: Has the Central Bank of Iraq announced a rate change?
No. There has been no official announcement of a revaluation.
Q: Does banking silence confirm something is happening?
Not necessarily. Financial professionals often operate under confidentiality.
Q: Could political change accelerate an RV?
Political stability can create favorable conditions, but it does not guarantee a rate adjustment.
Q: Is Maliki leaving politics?
Reports suggest growing pressure against his return, but no formal conclusion has been confirmed.
(From Wednesday) On the bond side its dead quiet. On the banking side…my contacts in Wealth Management have gone very quiet. When you ask them anything on timing or what they have been told they go dead silent. Maybe they are getting que’d up and possibly getting some details. But nobody wants to lose their chance at the trough. This is just a guess.
Question: Is February still the goal to release the RV? MarkZ: I still think February or early March is still the goal. I still feel very good about it.
Article: “After Tom Barack’s visit to Baghdad - did Al Sudani get the green light for a second term?” The US is definitely pushing. Even Suadi Arabia is pushing and sent a message against Maliki’s return and is pushing for a return of Al-Sudani. There is a lot happening...in Iraqi politics. We may see the end of Maliki’s political career this week…at least for now.
THE CENTRAL BANK OF IRAQ ANNOUNCES THE COMPLETION OF A PIVOTAL STEP IN REFORMING THE BANKING SECTOR AND EXPANDING FOREIGN TRANSACTIONS.
The Central Bank of Iraq announced on Thursday that it has completed the main step in the comprehensive reform process for commercial and Islamic banks and branches of foreign banks operating in Iraq, after completing the submission of the required documents for review in accordance with the “minimum requirements”.
The bank explained in a statement received by “Al-Eqtisad News” that the minimum requirements included choosing one of the following three paths: continuing in the market as independent banking institutions, merging with other banking institutions, or exiting the market.
The Central Bank of Iraq confirmed that all Iraqi banks submitted the required documents according to the path they chose, which allows the bank to assess the level of compliance of each bank with the minimum requirements.
He explained that the coming months will see the addressing of any gaps or observations identified during the evaluation process, and that banks will work to complete the requirements for full compliance with banking reform standards.
As part of strengthening the role of private banks in supporting the economy, the Central Bank of Iraq announced the launch of a new initiative to expand the banks’ ability to support international trade for their clients. Banks that meet specific criteria, as assessed by the Central Bank, will be allowed to resume cross-border transactions and issue letters of credit in several international currencies, including the euro, the UAE dirham, the Chinese yuan, the Jordanian dinar, and others.
The bank indicated that this step complements the reform path it is leading to enhance confidence in the future of the Iraqi economy, deepen the global integration of the financial sector, and support sustainable economic growth in Iraq.
Iraq Dinar Revaluation: Trade Momentum Signals Currency Shift Could Be Near
Recent commentary in the dinar investment community suggests that Iraq is positioning itself aggressively for international trade expansion, a move many analysts believe is directly tied to a potential revaluation (RV) of the Iraqi dinar.
According to insights shared by Jeff, Iraq appears to be “ramping up trade” and aligning its financial systems in preparation for going international. If accurate, this positioning could indicate that Iraq is laying the structural groundwork necessary for a rate adjustment.
Let’s break down what this could mean.
🌍 Iraq’s Trade Expansion: A Precursor to Currency Revaluation?
For any nation transitioning to a stronger international currency position, trade integration is critical.
Iraq’s economic strategy appears focused on:
Expanding cross-border trade agreements
Strengthening banking infrastructure
Modernizing financial compliance standards
Aligning with global regulatory systems
The key trigger many are watching? The potential removal of remaining OFAC sanctions by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) operates under the Treasury Department and enforces economic sanctions. The final removal of restrictions would be a major signal that Iraq is fully cleared for unrestricted international financial participation.
🏦 What Happens If OFAC Sanctions Are Lifted?
If the United States removes the final OFAC-related limitations:
Iraq would gain broader international banking access
Cross-border USD transactions would become smoother
Global correspondent banking relationships could expand
The dinar could transition toward full international status
Many believe this would align with a potential rate adjustment by the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI), the governing authority responsible for Iraq’s monetary policy.
While no official revaluation announcement has been made, observers note that Iraq appears “extremely close” to international readiness.
💱 Rate Change Timing: How Close Is It?
Speculation continues regarding timing. However, historically speaking, currency revaluations typically occur when:
Trade balances strengthen
Foreign reserves are stable
International compliance standards are met
Sanction risks are eliminated
If Iraq has indeed “put its ducks in a row,” the infrastructure for international engagement may already be in place.
That said, investors should remain cautious: until formal announcements are made by the Central Bank of Iraq or recognized financial institutions, all projections remain speculative.
🏦 Banks vs. Redemption Centers: What Investors Should Know
One of the most debated topics in the dinar community is where exchanges would occur if a revaluation happens.
❓ Question: Banks or Redemption Centers?
Jeff strongly advises leaning toward banks, not so-called “redemption centers.”
🚫 The Redemption Center Theory
The “redemption center” narrative suggests:
Special private facilities
Exclusive appointment-only exchanges
Higher negotiated rates
NDA (non-disclosure agreement) requirements
However, there is no verified evidence from recognized banking authorities supporting this structure.
Redemption centers are not publicly recognized by:
The U.S. Department of the Treasury
The Central Bank of Iraq
Major global banks
This has led many analysts to view the concept as potentially misleading or scam-related.
✅ Why Banks Are the More Logical Option
If a currency revalues and becomes internationally recognized:
Major banks handle foreign exchange
Rates are posted publicly
Exchanges follow standard banking protocols
Transactions are regulated and transparent
Foreign currency exchange is a normal banking function.
If the Iraqi dinar becomes internationally tradable at a new rate, it would logically move through existing global banking channels.
🔎 Featured Snippet Section
What would trigger the Iraqi dinar revaluation?
A potential Iraqi dinar revaluation would likely require full international trade readiness, removal of OFAC sanctions, strong foreign reserves, and official action by the Central Bank of Iraq.
Are redemption centers legitimate for dinar exchange?
There is no confirmed evidence from recognized banking authorities supporting the use of private redemption centers. Most experts recommend using established banks for currency exchange.
Is Iraq close to going international?
Recent commentary suggests Iraq has significantly improved its trade positioning and financial infrastructure, indicating it may be nearing full international participation.
📈 Key Takeaways for Dinar Investors
Iraq is increasing trade alignment and financial readiness
OFAC sanction removal would be a major milestone
The Central Bank of Iraq controls any official rate change
No. As of now, there has been no formal rate change announcement from the Central Bank of Iraq.
Q: Would the U.S. need to approve a revaluation?
Not directly. However, removal of OFAC sanctions by the U.S. Treasury would impact Iraq’s international financial freedom.
Q: Should investors prepare for redemption centers?
There is no official validation for redemption centers. Investors should verify information directly through recognized banks.
Q: What is the safest exchange method?
Using established banks that handle foreign currency exchange services.
📣 Final Thoughts
The narrative that Iraq is positioning itself for international trade participation is compelling. If the structural groundwork is complete, a currency shift could theoretically follow.
However, prudent investors should rely on:
Official banking channels
Confirmed government announcements
Recognized financial institutions
Speculation fuels interest — but verified data protects capital.
They're ramping up trade. They're positioning trade towards being ready to revalue the currency. When they flip the revaluation switch and they go international and the US takes the last remaining OFAC sanctions off the country of Iraq, they already have all of their ducks in a row to go international. They're extremely close to going international. The rate change is not that far away.
Question: "Banks or redemption centers?"
The whole redemption center theory is more of a scam to me. I would strongly steer away from 'redemption center' type information. I would lean more towards banks.
IF HIS NOMINATION FALTERS, MALIKI PLEDGES TO RETURN THE PREMIERSHIP TO SUDANI.
The head of the Reconstruction and Development bloc, Bahaa al-Araji, stated that the leader of the State of Law coalition, Nouri al-Maliki, pledged to return the premiership to the caretaker Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, if his nomination does not proceed.
Al-Araji said in a televised interview followed by Al-Sa’a Network, “One of the MPs asked Al-Maliki: If you do not get the premiership, what will you do? He replied:
Earlier, the Reconstruction and Development Coalition, headed by Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, decided to review its position on conceding to Nouri al-Maliki regarding the nomination for the premiership.
The coalition stated in a statement received by Al-Sa’a Network, quoting the head of its bloc, Bahaa Al-Araji, that “supporting the nomination of Al-Maliki was aimed at ending the political stalemate,” noting that “this path is facing rejection within the national sphere and regional and international objection, which necessitates a reassessment of the tools and mechanisms that guarantee the achievement of the desired goal.