"Adherence" to Maliki and American rejection... Warning of sanctions and economic repercussions amid international isolation
The Coordination Framework’s “adherence” to its candidate for Prime Minister, Nouri al-Maliki, has sparked various reactions and warnings of economic repercussions that could affect the future of the Iraqi dinar, in addition to the possibility of international isolation, in light of the declared American rejection of al-Maliki assuming the presidency of the next Iraqi
government.
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Read also: The Coordination Framework reaffirms its support for Maliki as a candidate for Prime Minister
In this context, Salam al-Zubaidi, spokesman for the “Victory” coalition, said in a statement to the “Al-Jabal” platform that “there is a clear divergence of views within the forces of the Coordination Framework regarding proceeding with the nomination of Nouri al-Maliki for the premiership, and this divergence came in the wake of American objections and concerns related to the possibility of imposing American sanctions that may negatively affect the political and economic situation in Iraq.”
Al-Zubaidi explained that “some parties within the coordination framework see the need to take international repercussions into account, in order to avoid any measures that may harm the supreme national interest, while other parties adhere to their political options as a purely internal matter.”
Al-Zubaidi added, "At the same time, we affirm our categorical rejection of any external interference in the government formation process, whether from regional or international parties. The decision to choose the prime minister must be purely Iraqi and stem from the will of the political forces and the constitutional process only."
The spokesman for the "Victory Coalition" stressed that "preserving the sovereignty of national decision-making and prioritizing the interest of Iraq above any other considerations should be the basis at this sensitive stage, and therefore there should be a responsible internal dialogue that leads to a consensus that serves the stability of the country and its future."
In this context: Wilson, addressing Maliki: You are insulting Trump... Try your luck and see what happens
In contrast, political researcher Mohammed Ali Al-Hakim warned of what he described as "the danger of insisting on proceeding with the nomination of Al-Maliki."
Al-Hakim told Al-Jabal platform, “We must be wary of the danger of some parties within the coordination framework insisting on nominating Nouri al-Maliki for the premiership, given the declared American rejection of this nomination. This path may open the door to extremely dangerous political, economic, and security repercussions for Iraq.”
Al-Hakim explained that “ignoring the American position cannot be treated as a marginal detail, and the United States is still an influential player in the international scene, and it has real tools of pressure that it may use if it feels that its interests are threatened or that the next Iraqi government will move towards confrontational policies.”
He added that "the most dangerous thing that Iraq may face if it insists on this nomination is the possibility of imposing economic or financial sanctions, or restricting international banking transactions, which will directly affect the exchange rate of the dinar, investment activity, and the government's ability to meet its internal and external obligations."
He continued, “Iraq is still recovering from the effects of many years of isolation, sanctions, and conflicts, and any return to a state of tension with the international community would be a serious setback to the path of openness achieved in recent years. We must be careful that international isolation does not begin with big decisions, but rather with accumulated political positions that weaken the confidence of international partners in the Iraqi state.”
Al-Hakim stressed that “rejecting foreign interference in the formation of governments is a legitimate sovereign principle, but it does not mean ignoring the international balance of power or jumping over the complex political and economic reality that Iraq is experiencing. The logic of wisdom and national consensus must prevail, and a figure capable of managing the stage with the least amount of external clashes must be chosen.”
The political analyst concluded his remarks by saying, "The current stage requires responsible decisions that put Iraq's higher interest above partisan and narrow calculations, and we must be wary that insisting on controversial options may push the country into new crises, the price of which will be paid first and foremost by the Iraqi citizen."
The Central Bank of Iran is distributing the 500,000 toman note through the banking network, featuring 11 security features.
The Central Bank of Iran announced that the distribution of the 500,000 toman note (equivalent to 5 million rials), which was printed in advance, will begin in the banking network starting from February 1, 2026.
This step comes within the framework of managing and regulating cash transactions and facilitating financial transactions, with the aim of speeding up the completion of cash transactions, as the Central Bank has
begun distributing this new category in banks within the banking network in the country.
President Barzani receives the Chargé d'Affaires of the US Embassy in Iraq
President Masoud Barzani received, on Sunday, February 1, 2026, in Pirmam, the Chargé d'Affaires of the US Embassy in Iraq, Joshua Harris, and the US Consul General in the Kurdistan Region, Wendy Green.
During the meeting, the US Chargé d'Affaires conveyed the thanks and appreciation of the President and Government of the United States to President Barzani for all the support and assistance he provided in order to reach the recent agreement between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces.
Regarding the political process in Iraq, the US Chargé d'Affaires reiterated once again that the United States continues to support and stand for a strong Kurdistan Region within the framework of federal Iraq.
For his part, President Barzani welcomed the visiting delegation and expressed his gratitude for America’s role and supportive stances towards the people of Kurdistan, noting that without the United States’ position and support in 1991, we would not have been able to protect the achievements of the uprising or establish the Kurdistan Region’s parliament and government.
The two sides also exchanged views in detail and in depth on the political process in Iraq, and stressed the importance of adhering to the constitution. They also agreed on the need for Iraqis to decide their own affairs, on the basis of partnership, balance and consensus.
In this context, both sides expressed their welcome for the dialogues and consultations that were recently held in Baghdad to develop and formulate political mechanisms and scenarios that take into account the interests of Iraqis and ensure the strengthening of the American-Iraqi partnership in various fields.
Coordination Framework Delegation Heads to Erbil to Finalize Deal on Iraq’s Top Posts
Talks aim to settle the presidency and premiership as the Iraqi parliament convenes to complete Iraq’s constitutional entitlements.
A senior-level delegation from Iraq’s Shiite-led Coordination Framework is scheduled to visit Erbil on Sunday as part of accelerated political efforts to complete Iraq’s constitutional entitlements, particularly the unresolved posts of president and prime minister. An official from the State of Law Coalition revealed that the visit aims to establish a “final roadmap” for resolving both positions.
The delegation is expected to include Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, Deputy Speaker of Parliament Mohsen al-Mandalawi, and Badr Organization leader Hadi al-Ameri, who will meet with senior leaders of the Kurdistan Region.
Abdulrahman al-Jazairi, a member of the State of Law Coalition, told Kurdistan24 that the Erbil visit represents a decisive step intended to address two sensitive files: agreeing on the future Iraqi president and finalizing arrangements for the next prime minister.
According to Jazairi, the talks will focus on reaching political understandings that can unblock the current impasse.
Sources indicated that the Coordination Framework delegation plans to hold discussions with both major Kurdish parties—the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK)—specifically regarding the presidency, which under Iraq’s post-2003 political convention is allocated to the Kurds.
According to Kurdistan24 correspondent in Baghdad, the Coordination Framework is seeking firm assurances from Kurdish forces to support its preferred candidate for prime minister, in exchange for facilitating consensus on a Kurdish nominee for the presidency. Such a trade-off, he argues, could prove decisive in breaking the deadlock that has delayed the completion of Iraq’s governing institutions.
The visit coincides with a crucial session of the Iraqi parliament scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Sunday to elect a new president. According to the parliamentary media office, the session is considered a key milestone toward fulfilling constitutional deadlines and paving the way for the formation of a new government cabinet.
The parliamentary vote had originally been set for last Tuesday but was postponed at the request of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan. The delay underscored ongoing Kurdish divisions over the presidency, despite the position traditionally being reserved for a Kurdish nominee.
Initially, 81 candidates submitted applications for the presidency. However, the Iraqi parliament announced a final shortlist of 19 candidates on Jan. 23. One candidate, Nawzad Hadi—one of the two nominees put forward by the KDP—later withdrew, leaving 18 contenders in the race.
The remaining candidates include Latif Mohammed Jamal Rashid, Fuad Mohammed Hussein Baki, Abdullah Mohammed Ali Alawi, and several others representing a broad spectrum of political and independent figures.
Sunday’s developments in Erbil and Baghdad are widely seen as pivotal, with political forces racing against constitutional timelines to resolve the presidency and unlock the final steps toward forming Iraq’s next government.
The office of Grand Ayatollah Sistani predicts the first day of Ramadan
The office of Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani announced Sunday evening that Thursday, February 19, is expected to be the first day of the holy month of Ramadan. In a statement carried by Al-Mutla'a, the office said, "It is expected that Thursday, February 19, will be the first day of Ramadan."
An Iraqi province suspends official working hours next Wednesday.
Maysan Governorate announced today, Sunday, that official working hours will be suspended next Wednesday. The provincial council said in a statement followed by Al-Mutla’ that: “The provincial council decided to suspend official working hours in the province’s departments, on the occasion of the birth of Imam Mahdi (may God hasten his reappearance).”
Savaya leaves his post as US envoy to Iraq and Thomas Barak officially takes over the file.
Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein confirmed on Sunday that Mark Savaya is no longer Trump's envoy for Iraq affairs, and that Thomas Barrack is currently managing the Iraqi file in his place. Hussein told Kurdish media outlets, as reported by Al-Mutla’, that “Safaya no longer holds the position of Special Envoy of President Trump to Iraqi Affairs.”
Earlier on Sunday, Reuters quoted informed sources as saying: "Mark Savaya, who was appointed by US President Donald Trump as special envoy to Iraq last October, no longer holds that position."
The sources pointed to "Safaya's mismanagement of some key situations, including his failure to prevent the nomination of former Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki for the position of Prime Minister, a move that Trump had publicly warned Baghdad against." Last Thursday, Savaya denied any change in his position, saying he was still working on the administrative procedures necessary to officially assume the post. He said he expects this process to end soon. The selection of Savaya, who runs a cannabis-growing company in Detroit and has close ties to Trump, was surprising for the envoy post because he has no diplomatic experience, according to Reuters.
Fuad Hussein: Iraq will not approve the budget law this year.
Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein confirmed that Iraq will not ratify the budget law this year, while also indicating that there are no legal obstacles preventing the disbursement of salaries to employees in the Kurdistan Region.
Hussein stated that "the federal government is working to address the procedural and financial aspects related to the region's salaries," explaining that "the salaries of Kurdistan Region employees will be disbursed very soon."
The Foreign Minister emphasized that "the salary issue is not subject to any legal problems, and efforts are ongoing to ensure that employees receive their dues without delay, thus achieving financial and economic stability in the region."
He reiterated that "Iraq will not ratify the budget law this year," while also noting that "there are no legal obstacles preventing the disbursement of salaries to employees in the Kurdistan Region."
Fuad Hussein: If no agreement is reached, the parliamentary mechanism will decide the position of President of the Republic.
Foreign Minister and presidential candidate Fuad Hussein revealed intense political activity regarding the formation of the government and the election of the president. He confirmed that the Coordination Framework delegation would discuss these two crucial issues with Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) leader Masoud Barzani.
Hussein stated that "the Coordination Framework reiterated its support for Nouri al-Maliki's candidacy," noting that "the American position on Maliki remains unclear, whether it is temporary or permanent."
He also indicated that "according to available information, Savaya has left his post," explaining that "Tom Barrack is currently managing the Iraqi file, in addition to the Syrian and Turkish files."
Regarding the Kurdish entitlement, Hussein affirmed that "the KDP is prepared to relinquish all its positions in Baghdad to the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) in exchange for the presidency," emphasizing that "the KDP has the right to have its own candidate for this position."
He added that "it would have been preferable for the KDP and PUK to reach an agreement on a single presidential candidate," warning that "a lack of consensus will lead to the position being decided through parliamentary procedures."
Fuad Hussein concluded his remarks by emphasizing that "the Kurdistan Democratic Party plays an influential role at the level of Iraq and the region."
Fuad Hussein: The decision to keep Maliki as a candidate for prime minister or replace him rests with the Shiite leaders.
link first and last
Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, the Kurdistan Democratic Party's candidate for the presidency, confirmed that the decision to keep Nouri al-Maliki as a candidate for prime minister or replace him rests with the Shiite leaders within the coordination framework, noting that discussing the American position opposing his nomination requires a visit to Washington to understand the reasons and nature of the American rejection.
Fuad Hussein said in a television interview: "According to what I have seen and believe, Mark Savaya is no longer in his position, and I do not think that another replacement will be appointed for him. Rather, we see that Tom Barrack, who is the US ambassador to Türkiye and Trump's envoy to Lebanon and Syria, is taking over the tasks related to Iraq."
Regarding the visit of the Coordination Framework delegation to the Kurdistan Region tomorrow, Monday, he explained that the delegation visiting Erbil includes Al-Sudani, Al-Amiri and Mohsen Al-Mandalawi and is scheduled to meet with President Barzani to discuss the issue of choosing the President of the Republic and the Prime Minister, indicating that “Washington’s position on Maliki is part of the visit’s agenda, but it is not the focus of the visit.”
He pointed out that "Maliki is the only candidate for the coordination framework so far, and the decision to keep him or replace him is in the hands of the Shiite leaders."
He stressed that "it is better to discuss the American decision to visit Washington to determine whether this position is permanent or temporary, and whether it is directed at a person or a trend, and how to deal with the matter accordingly, because even days before al-Maliki was nominated, there were no objections to his person or his trend until Trump's tweet was published."
Regarding the selection of the President of the Republic, he announced that during the last meeting between the Kurdistan Democratic Party and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan: “We expressed our readiness to give up all the positions we currently hold in Baghdad and hand them over to them, on the condition that we take over the positions they currently hold, from the presidency of the Republic to the ministries.”
He stressed that assuming the position of President of the Republic does not express a personal desire, but rather this position represents the Kurds, and it is the right of the Kurdistan Democratic Party to determine who occupies the position, indicating that the framework delegation that is visiting Erbil and Sulaymaniyah is working to bring the views of the Democratic Party and the Patriotic Union closer regarding the agreement on choosing the President of the Republic.
He continued: “If no single candidate for the presidency is agreed upon, there are mechanisms to elect someone to the position in the House of Representatives,” ruling out the possibility that the Democrat would withdraw its candidate for the position, given that the party is the largest in terms of the number of votes and seats it obtained in the elections.
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Al-Abadi's coalition: Nouri al-Maliki is no longer suitable, and clinging to him means cutting off the dollar.
The Victory Coalition, one of the most prominent pillars of the coordinating framework tasked with nominating the prime minister for the next government, warned against clinging to Nouri al-Maliki after the veto of US President Donald Trump.
Ahmed Al-Wandi, a member of the Victory Coalition, told Ultra Iraq that “US President Donald Trump’s rejection of Nouri al-Maliki’s nomination for prime minister is not just a passing tweet.”
Al-Wandi added that "the coordination framework had set fixed criteria for choosing the prime minister, including national, regional and international acceptance, and Maliki does not have international acceptance, as revealed by the American position."
Al-Wandi warned that “the US administration will punish Iraq economically by cutting off dollar flows if it proceeds with assigning Maliki to the premiership,” stressing the need to “prioritize the public interest over private interests.”
The member of the Victory Coalition, led by Haider al-Abadi, concluded that "Iraq is facing a clear economic challenge, which requires the formation of a government that has a vision for dealing with the current regional and international challenges."
Utilizing domestic debt in investment opportunities
The Prime Minister's economic advisor, Mazhar Muhammad Salih, revealed that domestic public debt is projected to reach approximately 89 trillion dinars by the end of 2025, marking a 6% increase compared to 2024, while external debt remains limited to around $13 billion. In an interview with Al-Sabah newspaper, Salih indicated that while domestic debt represents a financial burden, it also presents opportunities for development and investment. This can be achieved by redirecting resources allocated to debt servicing towards productive projects and strengthening partnerships between the public and private sectors in high-productivity real sectors.
He explained that Iraq's reliance on domestic borrowing from government banks to finance its budget deficit, coupled with limited non-oil revenues, poses challenges to liquidity and economic growth. However, he emphasized that investing this debt in real assets and infrastructure can bolster economic activity and support the general budget.
The United States reaffirms its strong and enduring partnership with the Kurdistan Region.
The United States has reaffirmed its strong and sustainable partnership with the Kurdistan Region.
During their meeting with President Barzani, Chargé d'Affaires Harris and Consul General Green reaffirmed the United States’ unwavering commitment to supporting a sovereign, stable, and prosperous Iraq, as well as a strong and lasting partnership with the Kurdistan Region.
According to a statement from the U.S. Consulate regarding today's meeting with President Barzani, "This partnership is an integral part of the broader U.S.-Iraq relationship, a relationship that brings tangible benefits to both Americans and Iraqis."
Chargé d'Affaires Harris emphasized that any Iraqi government must remain completely independent and focused on promoting the national interests of all Iraqis. Only through this independence can Iraq effectively protect its sovereignty, remain insulated from regional tensions, and fully realize the potential of a mutually beneficial partnership with the United States.
The two sides also exchanged views on the political landscape in Iraq, expressed their appreciation for the constructive consultations taking place in Baghdad, and welcomed the ongoing efforts to formulate an inclusive political framework for all Iraqis, which would enhance stability and allow for an effective partnership between the United States and Iraq.
The Kurdistan Union told Al-Ghad Press: Today is the last day to elect the President of the Republic.
MP Sarwa Mohammed of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan confirmed that Sunday is the last day to elect the president of the republic according to the constitutional timelines, noting that there is no agreement among the Kurdish blocs to decide on a presidential candidate.
Rashid told Al-Ghad Press that "today is the last day according to the constitutional timelines for electing the President of the Republic, noting that the constitutional articles are clear on this matter, at a time when the Kurdish bloc has not yet reached an agreement on a single candidate."
She added that "the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan and the Kurdistan Democratic Party have not yet decided on a consensus candidate," indicating that "if no agreement is reached between the two parties, each party will proceed with its candidate to the House of Representatives session."
She explained that "the decision will be made inside the parliament hall, and we will go with whichever candidate gets the majority of votes."
Al-Dulaimi warns of an American plan to undermine the economy
Sulam Ahmed al-Dulaimi, a leader in the United Anbar Alliance, warned on Sunday of an American plot targeting the Iraqi economy. He indicated that the US is seeking to influence the Central Bank's operations and manipulate the dollar to create widespread chaos.
Al-Dulaimi told Al-Maalomah News Agency, “The US Treasury is planning to cripple the country's economy, create chaos in dollar trading, and pressure the Central Bank to impose restrictions to achieve clear objectives.”
He added, "Senior officials in the US administration have threatened to close the Central Bank and several government and private banks if they do not comply with US directives. This will lead to significant disruption in economic management and a direct impact on import operations and the daily lives of citizens."
Al-Dulaimi emphasized that "this American move came as a reaction to the Iraqi government's condemnation of the Trump administration's interference in the formation of the new government," warning of "the imposition of new restrictions on banking operations in the coming days, which could further complicate the economic and living conditions in the country."
Why hasn't Iraq been freed from the dependence on its funds held by the US Federal Reserve?
The American position rejecting the nomination of Nouri al-Maliki by the Coordination Framework (the largest parliamentary bloc) for the position of Prime Minister, and the threat of taking measures against Iraq, brought the issue of Iraqi funds held at the US Federal Reserve back to the forefront, as one of the most important aspects of Iraq’s lack of political and economic independence from the United States .
Following the nomination of Maliki by the Coordination Framework and President Trump’s rejection of this nomination, and then the insistence of some forces within the Framework on Maliki as a candidate for Prime Minister, there was much talk about the possibility of Washington imposing financial and economic sanctions on Iraq, represented by depriving Iraq of dollars and freezing its funds held at the US Federal Reserve Bank. This made the Framework fear these sanctions, and consequently review its decision regarding the nomination and try to avoid going against the American opinion in this regard .
The presence of Iraqi funds under the hegemony of the US Federal Reserve puts it in a major financial and economic predicament whenever it tries to oppose US policy or deviate from Washington’s approach. This means political dependence, even if Iraq is not willing to accept it at the present time, despite the fact that the ruling political class itself today, since coming to power after the US invasion of Iraq in 2003, had endorsed the US measures regarding Iraqi funds resulting from oil revenues .
Iraqi funds seized
In May 2003, the Security Council issued Resolution 1483, which stipulated that the revenues from Iraq’s oil and gas exports be deposited into a special account with the US Federal Reserve under the name of the Development Fund for Iraq. Part of these revenues – 5% of total oil and gas exports – was allocated to compensate Kuwait for the damages of the 1990 invasion. This continued until 2022 when Iraq completed paying its compensations, which amounted to about $52.4 billion. The remaining funds were transferred to the account of the Central Bank of Iraq, which finances the government and the Ministry of Finance with liquidity, given that the Iraqi dinar is priced in dollars .
The previous UN action regarding Iraqi funds was to provide legal protection for these funds under Resolution 1483, until it ended in 2011, following the implementation of Security Council Resolution 1956. However, then-US President Barack Obama issued Executive Order No. 13303 to protect Iraqi funds, a decision that remains in effect to this day despite some amendments .
According to the Iraqi government at the time, the goals of the American protection of Iraqi funds were to ensure the reconstruction of Iraq, to protect its funds from compensation claims from companies and individuals, and to avoid judicial seizure of Iraqi funds in cases filed since the 1990s .
Many Iraqis are surprised that Iraqi funds have remained hostage to the American bank for the past two decades, despite the strong relationship and unprecedented alliance between the new Iraqi regime after 2003 and the United States. The Iraqi side's failure to act to release its funds raises many questions about the role of successive governments and how they overlooked or ignored one of the most important issues that causes Iraq to suffer from financial, economic and political dependence on the United States of America .
Iran is the main reason
It appears that the involvement of some influential and powerful parties in the Iraqi authorities in illegal dealings with Iran, smuggling dollars to it, and supporting its armed activities in the region constituted one of the main factors in keeping Iraqi funds hostage to the US Federal Reserve, especially since Washington did not see any seriousness from Iraq in ending the suspicious financial relations with Iran, which is what the political and economic affairs researcher Ahmed Eid sees .
Eid told Al-Sa’a Network: “The continued presence of Iraqi funds deposited with the US Federal Reserve constitutes a double sovereign risk, both political and economic, at the same time. On the political level, this reality limits the margin of Iraqi financial decision-making and makes monetary policy vulnerable to direct influence from shifts in the US position, sanctions, and international pressures. As for the economic aspect, it keeps the Iraqi economy exposed to any sudden restrictions on the movement of the dollar, which directly impacts monetary stability, the exchange market, and the ability to finance imports . ”
Eid added: “Iraq’s inability to break free from this hegemony, despite more than two decades having passed since 2003, is primarily due to internal reasons, most notably the lack of international confidence in the Iraqi financial and administrative system, the spread of corruption, the multiplicity of decision-making centers, in addition to the activity of currency smuggling networks and economic offices linked to parties, which are factors that have deprived Iraq of the ability to present itself as a reliable financial partner . ”
The Iraqi economic researcher stressed that “freeing up funds is not achieved by a single political decision, but requires a radical reform of the Iraqi banking system, building a transparent system to combat money laundering, and unifying the management of monetary policy away from partisan influence,” warning that “without that, Iraq will remain forced to keep its funds outside its direct control, not because of weakness in its relationship with Washington, but as a result of internal imbalances that have not been addressed to this day.”
It should be noted that most oil-producing countries deposit their funds in the US Federal Reserve since oil is sold in dollars, but Iraq suffers from complete dependence on oil revenues without any significant alternative resources .
Corruption and subservience to Iran
In explaining the Iraqi side’s failure to take action to resolve this dependency and financial problem, journalist and political researcher Jirjis Toma believes that the influential Iraqi parties are preoccupied with dividing the spoils instead of being preoccupied with managing the state properly, which is the reason that has left Iraq financially shackled until now and its money under the control of the US Federal Reserve .
Toma added in an interview with Al-Sa’a Network: “Washington is well aware that most of the influential Iraqi parties are loyal to Iran, and throughout the years of US sanctions on Iran, they were a source of smuggling dollars to Iran, where those funds were a source of financing the terrorist activities of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard and its arms in the region . ”
He pointed out that “corruption in Iraq and the theft of public funds, despite the Iraqi parties’ indifference to its consequences, is taking place under the eyes of the United States, and because of this, Iraqi funds cannot be released, because Washington realizes that the fate of those funds will also be theft, which is another reason that pushes towards not taking action to release Iraqi revenue funds.”
A roadmap for releasing Iraqi funds
In this regard, economist Nabil Al-Marsoumi put forward proposals to free Iraqi funds from the control of the US Federal Reserve .
Al-Marsoumi said in a post on Facebook: “The United States has effectively controlled Iraqi oil revenues since 2003 through its management via the Federal Reserve,” explaining that “the goals of the American protection of Iraqi funds are to protect its funds from compensation claims from companies and individuals, in addition to avoiding judicial seizure of Iraqi funds in cases filed since the nineties.”
He stressed that “despite the expiration of many of the legal reasons that imposed this financial arrangement, Iraq is still subject to strict financial monitoring by Washington, which differs from the usual procedures in the international banking system.” He pointed out that most oil-producing countries deposit their money in the US Federal Reserve because oil is sold in dollars, but Iraq suffers from complete dependence on oil revenues without alternative resources. He explained that “this means that the problem is not in depositing money with the US Federal Reserve, but rather in the restrictions imposed on the ability to dispose of it freely, unlike what other countries enjoy.”
Al-Marsoumi continued: “There are cases filed against Iraq by dozens or hundreds of companies that were harmed by Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait, and representatives of Iraq did not attend the court sessions at the time to defend or reduce the compensations. Consequently, the courts issued default judgments for very high amounts.” He pointed out that “linking the issue of protecting Iraqi funds from legal proceedings to America gives Washington great influence over Baghdad, and resolving the crisis requires a political decision, as happened with Greece and Argentina, by employing a reputable law firm that is given full powers. Its task will be to accurately inventory the cases filed against Iraq and the amount of sums for which judgments have been issued.”
Al-Marsoumi concluded that “Iraq is unable to resort to the courts because the judgments have become final, but a deal can be reached with the beneficiaries to drop the lawsuits in exchange for giving them a percentage of the money, which is called debt buying, and most likely they will accept because they will get money instead of waiting and possibly not getting anything.”
The Iranian framework: Our orders come exclusively from Iran, and we do not respect American directives.
Uday Abdul-Hadi, a member of the Coordination Framework, confirmed on Sunday that the decision to support Nouri al-Maliki as the Framework's candidate to form the next government is irrevocable. He indicated that they are awaiting the results of today's session before officially nominating him. Abdul-Hadi stated in a press interview,
"The Coordination Framework's meeting held yesterday evening was clear in its statement, affirming its support for the nomination of Nouri al-Maliki to form the next government, given that the Framework's forces represent the largest bloc within the Iraqi parliament." He added, "The Coordination Framework is awaiting the results of today's session dedicated to electing the President of the Republic. Once the position is decided, the winning candidate will be identified, and Nouri al-Maliki's name will be officially put forward to form the next government within the specified constitutional timeframe."
He pointed out that "all reports of disagreements within the Coordination Framework are inaccurate," noting that "the Framework's statement was clear in its commitment to national and historical responsibility and its refusal to allow any party to interfere in determining the selection process for the Prime Minister, as it is a purely sovereign decision."
Iranians are interested in Washington to intervene against Tehran.
As soon as the woman in her fifties put down her belongings after entering Turkey through the Kapikoy border crossing with Iran, she appealed to the United States to launch a military strike against the authorities in Tehran after thousands were killed in the violent crackdown on protests.
This woman says, “They have killed large numbers… Now we are hoping that America will attack us, this is our situation today.”
She adds, “We can’t do anything inside Iran; they are killing us.”
Amid the tension and Washington's threat to launch a military strike against Tehran, Ankara is making efforts to avoid military escalation, fearing the repercussions this could have on it and on regional stability.
On Saturday morning, just over 100 people, mostly men with pale faces, crossed the main border crossing between Iran and Turkey. Some had arrived after more than 12 hours on the road, carrying large or small suitcases.
Among the arrivals is Shaban, a woman in her fifties who is married to a Turk and will join him in Mersin in southern Türkiye. She is one of the few who wanted to speak frankly, on the condition that she is not photographed or that her identity is not revealed.
“We also want to be free and see tourists coming to us like in Turkey,” says the Iranian woman from Karaj, west of Tehran. “Everyone looks at us as if we are terrorists.”
“The rule of the clerics has set us back a hundred years,” she adds, referring to the Islamic Republic established in 1979.
It recounts what happened on the eighth and ninth of January, as the protests that began in late December over living conditions expanded into a movement raising political slogans against the authorities, headed by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
As the demonstrations spread, the authorities imposed a complete internet blackout, which human rights organizations said was to cover up severe repression that resulted in the deaths of thousands.
“They were shooting at us from behind, without us being able to see them. They targeted us while we were behind the windows,” Shabnan said, adding, “There is no one who did not lose a family member, friend, neighbor, or acquaintance.”
She continues, "It's as if they are at war with their own country."
– “For first-class shopping” –
According to the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), a US-based non-governmental organization, more than 6,500 people have been killed during the crackdown in Iran. It maintains that it is still investigating more than 17,000 additional possible deaths.
Under the threat of US military action, Turkey is preparing to strengthen security on its more than 550-kilometer border with Iran, on which it has built a nearly impenetrable wall along more than 380 kilometers, topped with barbed wire, bordered by trenches and guarded by mobile patrols.
Turkey does not require Iranians to obtain a visa for stays of less than three months. Many Iranians typically cross into Turkey during holidays and vacation periods to spend a few days in the city of Van, which is about 100 kilometers from the border.
But these numbers have dwindled, according to a police officer in Kapikuy, as the economic crisis worsened, the Iranian rial plummeted, and protests erupted.
The expatriates say they will return home, and therefore they are being careful in their conversations with the media.
A young couple from Tabriz say they came to spend three days in Van, “primarily to shop,” confirms the husband, who asked not to be identified.
“Nothing can be found on the other side anymore,” he adds, noting that “the arrests are ongoing… they search our belongings and phones, and take our phone numbers.”
Abdullah Hassan, a 27-year-old construction worker wearing a black coat, says he fears “the borders will close in the event of war… I buy my necessities from Turkey. Everything is expensive in Iran.”
At the crossing, Rosa puts down on the ground the heavy bag she carried from Isfahan and filled with gifts and sweets for her friends whom she will meet in Istanbul.
“We are exhausted,” says the 29-year-old, her face pale beneath the hood of her black coat.
She believes that the intervention promised by Trump since the beginning of the protests has come too late.
“It’s too late now,” she says sharply. “We know they won’t come for us, but for the oil. For their own interests. We are worthless to them, we represent nothing,” before rebuking some of the eavesdropping passersby and telling them to move away.
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