Why is the dollar approaching 160,000? And what is happening in the Iraqi market?
The Independent - On Thursday morning, September 17, 2026, the exchange rate of the US dollar continued its rise in the Iraqi markets, recording new levels in Baghdad and Erbil, amid a noticeable widening of the gap from the prices recorded during the past weeks.
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The Al-Kifah and Al-Harithiya exchanges in Baghdad opened at 158,850 Iraqi dinars per 100 US dollars, compared to 157,250 dinars at the start of trading on Wednesday, representing an increase of approximately 1,600 dinars in a single day, according to published figures. At currency exchange offices in Baghdad, the selling price was 159,250 dinars per 100 US dollars, while the buying price was 158,250 dinars.
The dollar closed Wednesday's trading at 158,000 dinars per 100 dollars in the Al-Kifah and Al-Harithiya exchanges, after starting the same day's trading at 157,250 dinars, indicating continued upward pressure on the parallel market before the opening of Thursday's trading.
In Erbil, the dollar continued its upward trend as well, recording 158,500 dinars for selling and 158,400 dinars for buying on Thursday morning, after it reached about 157,900 dinars for selling and 157,850 dinars for buying at the close of Wednesday.
Recent price comparisons reveal that the rise is not limited to a single session; on September 12, the Baghdad Stock Exchange recorded 156,350 dinars per 100 dollars, meaning that the price rose by about 2,500 dinars per 100 dollars in less than a week, or about 1.6%.
Market data also shows that the dollar was at much lower levels about a month ago, recording 154,600 dinars per 100 dollars in Baghdad on the morning of August 19, before entering a gradual upward trajectory during the following weeks.
This surge has once again placed the parallel market under scrutiny, especially as the cash selling price in Baghdad approaches 160,000 dinars per 100 dollars. However, determining the direct causes of the current rise requires official data or additional indicators related to the volume of demand for cash dollars, remittance flows, and speculative activity in the market.
In the coming period, attention will be focused on the ability of monetary and regulatory measures to reduce demand in the parallel market and narrow the gap in exchange rates, while whether or not the 160,000 dinar threshold is exceeded will remain an important indicator of the market's direction in the coming days.
Government Spokesperson
Al-Zaidi returns to America next week... a speech in New York and a meeting with Trump
Government spokesman Haider al-Aboudi said on Thursday (September 17, 2026) that Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi will go to the United States next week, explaining that al-Zaidi will deliver a speech before the United Nations General Assembly in New York, and will meet with US President Donald Trump and a number of heads of state.
Government spokesman Haider al-Aboudi stated in an interview with journalist Sadiq al-Shammari, which was followed by 964 Network : “Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is preparing to head to America in the middle of the week to participate in the United Nations General Assembly as a representative of the Republic of Iraq. He will deliver the speech of the Iraqi people before the world, which carries the message of a state that has dealt with complex issues and opened up with confidence to the world, and conveyed a message that the Iraqi state will not be part of the axes of conflict and will not align itself unilaterally with anyone.”
Al-Aboudi added that “the government has maintained the balance stipulated in its program, which does not allow aggression against neighboring countries, and the Prime Minister will review the measures taken by the government in this matter, as well as matters related to the economic relations that link Iraq with the world.”
Al-Aboudi continued, “The visit schedule that has been prepared includes many meetings with the heads of Arab and foreign states, and there will also be a meeting with His Excellency President Donald Trump to review the features and prospects of the relationship between Baghdad and Washington, which began in mid-July when it was translated into 48 memoranda of understanding and agreements between the two countries in the fields of energy and investment.”
Al-Aboudi concluded, “The Prime Minister will also meet with the American Chamber of Commerce to review the files and sustain the economic relationship between the two sides.”
Rafidain Bank achieves growth of 81.5% during last August
Rafidain Bank achieved significant growth in electronic collection, as the value of settlements implemented for the benefit of government departments during August 2026 amounted to more than 1.350 trillion dinars, with 77,671 settlements covering 2,836 government departments.
The bank stated in a statement received by Al-Sa’a Network that “compared to the same month of 2025, the value of settlements increased by 81.5%, and their number increased by 24.2%, while the number of activated government departments and the system grew by 33.5%.”
The statement affirmed that "these results reflect tangible progress in expanding electronic collection, raising the efficiency of government revenue management, and enhancing transparency and digital transformation in state institutions."
The Iraqi Trade Bank activates the unified short number for customer service.
International Development Bank: Our assets exceeded 3 trillion dinars and our capital reached 400 billion
The International Development Bank (IDB) announced on Thursday that its total assets have exceeded 3 trillion dinars, while its paid-up capital has reached 400 billion dinars, confirming its continued investment in financial technology, promoting financial inclusion and supporting the Iraqi economy, coinciding with the 15th anniversary of its establishment.
The bank stated in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA) that "the International Development Bank was established in 2011, and during the past years it has been able to expand its network of branches and offices and develop its banking services provided to individuals and companies, in addition to its presence outside Iraq."
He added that "the bank's paid-up capital amounts to 400 billion Iraqi dinars, while its total assets exceed 3 trillion Iraqi dinars, reflecting the size of the growth and expansion it has achieved over the past years."
He pointed to "continued investment in financial technology and the development of the infrastructure for digital banking services, by providing banking solutions and modern devices that allow customers to make withdrawals and deposits and obtain banking services more easily and quickly."
He pointed out that "the bank pays attention to the financial technology sector and digital transformation, through the development of the ATM and self-service system, including CDM, TMA and XTM devices, as well as digital services directed to individuals and the business sector."
He explained that "the bank has a presence in salary localization projects and initiatives, in addition to providing financing solutions and banking services to companies and institutions, which contributes to supporting economic activity."
For his part, the Managing Director of the International Development Bank, Saed Tariq Zureikat, said, “The bank is celebrating 15 years since its establishment, a journey during which we are proud of the growth and development we have achieved in the Iraqi banking sector.”
Zureikat added that "during these years the bank has been able to strengthen its presence in the market, develop its services for individuals and companies, and invest in financial technology and digital transformation, thus providing customers with faster, easier and safer banking services."
He added that "the bank, with a capital of 400 billion dinars and total assets exceeding 3 trillion dinars, affirms that its ambition for the coming years is greater, and it will continue to work on innovation, promoting financial inclusion and supporting the Iraqi economy."
The bank affirmed its commitment to "continuing to develop its services, expand its presence, invest in technology and innovation, and enhance customer experience, in line with developments in the Iraqi banking sector and modern banking standards."
Finance Minister to World Bank: We are proceeding with the implementation of automation projects and moving them to practical steps
Finance Minister Faleh Sari affirmed to a World Bank delegation on Thursday that the ministry is committed to implementing automation projects and moving them into practical steps.
The ministry stated in a press release received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA) that "Finance Minister Faleh Sari received a World Bank delegation headed by the Regional Director for the Middle East, Dalia Khalifa, and the Bank's Country Director for Iraq, Emmanuel Salinas, to discuss financial reform, the development of financial management tools, and the automation projects the ministry is working to implement."
According to the statement, the minister emphasized that "the ministry is committed to implementing automation projects and moving them into practical steps, which will contribute to developing work procedures, increasing the efficiency of resource and data management, and enhancing oversight and transparency in financial institutions."
He also noted "the importance of the World Bank's role in supporting the automation project and benefiting from its technical expertise in developing financial systems," explaining that "cooperation with the Bank encompasses a number of vital sectors related to financial and economic reform."
For their part, representatives of the World Bank praised "the measures taken by the Ministry of Finance in developing the financial and banking sector," stressing "the Bank's commitment to continuing cooperation with the Ministry to ensure the success of joint projects in Iraq, noting the growing interest of major international companies in the Iraqi market."
The oil and gas law: Iraq's wealth held hostage by political disputes
The oil and gas law remains shrouded in dust after years spent in the halls of parliament, amidst ongoing political and technical disputes that have prevented its final approval. This is despite the law's crucial role in regulating the management of oil and gas resources and defining mechanisms for revenue distribution between the federal government, the regions, and the provinces. Among the contentious issues is the relationship between Baghdad and the Kurdistan Region regarding the management of oil fields, revenues, and constitutional powers.
In this regard, Firas al-Muslawi, spokesperson for the Reconstruction and Development parliamentary bloc, told Al-Maalomah, "The oil and gas law is one of the most frequently postponed laws in the Iraqi parliament, most recently in the previous parliamentary session. The reasons for its non-approval stem from a number of political and technical problems," indicating that "its approval is still far off."
He added, "Among the most prominent political reasons are the objections from the Kurdistan Region and the Kurdish blocs, despite the law's importance and Iraq's need for it, as it is a vital piece of legislation that can contribute to achieving social justice in the distribution of wealth among the provinces."
Al-Musalmawi stated that "there is a need to address the outstanding points of contention between the Kurdistan Region and the federal government, and to reach understandings that allow for the enactment of the law in a way that guarantees the rights of all parties and resolves the issues related to the management of oil wealth."
The oil and gas law faces a postponed fate after being repeatedly postponed from one parliamentary session to the next, despite its direct link to the national wealth file, the management and distribution of oil revenues, and its impact on the lives of citizens and the Iraqi economy. This makes its resolution one of the legislative issues still awaiting political and technical consensus.
For his part, MP and former minister Zuhair al-Jalabi revealed to Al-Maalomah that "the issue of annexing land from Nineveh Governorate for the benefit of the Kurdistan Region is practically settled, especially since the administrative boundaries of the governorates are defined within the Ministry of Planning and cannot be changed except by a decision of the Council of Representatives through a vote on a new administrative map of the governorates."
He added that "the issue of the oil and gas law, despite talk of obstacles related to shared lands and the ownership of oil fields, whether for Baghdad or the region, is a bigger problem because many countries are trying to ensure that such a law is not passed."
He explained that "the countries seeking to prevent the law's passage benefit from oil smuggling, the rampant corruption in the relevant ministry, and the chaos associated with this file. Some countries are trying to ensure the continuation of this scenario to guarantee the achievement of their interests."
While discussions continue within the House of Representatives and among relevant parties regarding the drafting of a law acceptable to all sides, the question remains: how long will the oil and gas law remain hostage to political disputes? Will the political forces succeed in reaching a formula that balances the constitutional powers of the federal government with the rights of the regions and provinces, ensuring more transparent management of oil wealth and the distribution of revenues according to legal and constitutional principles that safeguard the rights of all Iraqis?
Al-Muslawi speaks about the oil and gas law...its approval is still far off
The spokesperson for the Reconstruction and Development parliamentary bloc, Firas al-Muslawi, confirmed on Wednesday
that the oil and gas law continues to face numerous obstacles preventing its passage in the Council of Representatives. He explained that the reasons for the delay are a mix of political and technical factors.
Speaking to Al-Maalomah, al-Muslawi stated, "The oil and gas law is among the most frequently postponed laws in the Iraqi parliament, most recently during the last parliamentary session. The reasons for its non-passage stem from a number of political and technical issues," indicating that "its passage is still far off."
He added, "Among the most prominent political reasons are the objections from the Kurdistan Region and the Kurdish blocs, despite the law's importance and Iraq's need for it, as it is a crucial piece of legislation that can contribute to achieving social justice in the distribution of wealth among the provinces."
Al-Muslawi emphasized the need to address the outstanding points of contention between the Kurdistan Region and the federal government, and to reach understandings that would allow for the law's passage in a way that guarantees the rights of all parties and resolves the issues related to the management of oil wealth.
The oil and gas law faces a postponed fate after being repeatedly deferred from one parliamentary session to the next, despite its direct link to the national wealth file, the management and distribution of oil revenues, and its impact on the lives of citizens and the Iraqi economy. This makes its resolution one of the legislative issues still awaiting political and technical consensus.
A currency speculation network was dismantled and illegal funds and money transfers were seized in central Baghdad.
About the news
- Federal Intelligence and Investigations Agency: Dismantling a network involved in currency speculation and illegal money transfers.
- Local and international sums of money were seized in the center of Baghdad.
- Recording the statements of the accused, including their confessions, and having them legally ratified.
The Federal Intelligence and Investigations Agency stated in a statement on Wednesday that detachments of the Organized Crime Directorate in Rusafa, based on accurate intelligence information, were able to detect a fake office without a sign, which was being used to conduct money transfers and financial transactions in dollars outside the legal frameworks.
- The agency's detachments carried out an operation that resulted in the seizure of the office and the arrest of three defendants caught in the act.
- These individuals were arrested while conducting financial transactions and local and international transfers outside of legal controls.
- The arrest operation came after the formation of an intelligence team, verification of information, and obtaining the necessary judicial approvals.
- The statements of the accused were recorded as confessions and were judicially ratified, before they were referred to the competent judicial authorities to take legal action against them.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Interior announced on Wednesday that the Baghdad/Rusafa Police Command carried out a security exercise and a preemptive search campaign in the Al-Nuairiyah area, with the participation of a number of security, intelligence and support formations.
She said that "the campaign targeted the pursuit of wanted individuals and the seizure of violations and unlicensed weapons, resulting in the arrest of a number of wanted individuals in accordance with Articles (28) of the Narcotics Law and (456) of the Penal Code, and (8) violators of residency conditions, and the seizure of a warehouse for selling alcoholic beverages in violation of instructions, and the arrest of (4) people in possession of unlicensed weapons, in addition to the seizure of two Kalashnikov rifles and two pistols."
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Washington brandishes the "dollar card"... a warning to Baghdad: disarm the factions or financial shipments will be halted
Informed government officials revealed to Kurdistan 24 today (Tuesday, September 15) that Washington has informed the Iraqi government of its intention to "stop dollar shipments" to Iraq if the factions do not adhere to the disarmament deadline.
The network, as reported by Baghdad Today, said that two Iraqi officials, who declined to reveal their identities, stated that Washington had informed Baghdad that it would "stop the monthly dollar shipments to Iraq if the factions do not comply with the disarmament deadline set for the 30th of this month."
She continued, "Officials confirmed that the first warning was delivered to al-Zaidi during his visit to Washington, where the US administration confirmed to him that failure to contain the threat of armed factions to US interests and the interests of countries in the region would have dire consequences for relations between the two countries, including Iraq's access to dollar liquidity."
It is noted that one of the sources confirmed to the network that Washington “had previously demonstrated its ability to influence and exert significant pressure on the Iraqi economy when it delayed dollar shipments to Iraq earlier,” as he described it.
Al-Maliki: The faction leaders have shown a positive response to the Coordination Framework Committee, and we are on the verge of developing a comprehensive vision to resolve the weapons issue.
About the news
- The investigative committee formed by the Prime Minister to investigate the attack targeting Saudi Arabia continues its work, awaiting the results.
- The government has begun holding negligent leaders and security officials accountable, and any party proven to be involved in the attacks will be held accountable.
- The handling of security files must be done within the framework of the state and the law, in a way that preserves the prestige of the state and prevents sliding into a confrontation or internal war between the government and the factions.
The head of the State of Law Coalition, Nouri al-Maliki, received the United Kingdom’s ambassador to Iraq, Irfan Siddiq, at his office in Baghdad today, and discussed with him the latest political and security developments in Iraq and the region, as well as bilateral relations and ways to develop them.
According to a statement issued by his office, Maliki stressed Iraq’s commitment to establishing good and balanced relations with all countries and respecting their sovereignty and security, while declaring his rejection of any practices that would harm the security of neighboring countries or damage Baghdad’s regional and international relations.
- There is a will and determination on the part of everyone to proceed with ending the issue of weapons and confining them to the hands of the state.
- Achieving this goal requires dialogue, understandings, and guarantees that preserve Iraq’s security and stability.
- There is a positive response from the faction leaders to the committee formed by the Coordination Framework to reach a comprehensive and balanced vision for addressing this issue soon.
He explained that resolving the issues in a comprehensive manner will open the way for continued communication and dialogue with various parties, including friendly countries, to reach understandings that preserve Iraq’s sovereignty and national interests and enhance its security and stability.
For his part, the British ambassador affirmed his country’s keenness to develop relations with Iraq and support its security and stability, while both sides stressed the importance of continuing dialogue and coordination on issues of common interest.
A source within the framework informed Al Jazeera
America presents al-Zaidi with two options: restricting weapons or imposing comprehensive sanctions that will topple the government and its president.
Baghdad seems to have woken up to the most intense wave of American warnings since the formation of Ali al-Zaidi's government. Washington has completely lost patience with the policy of "buying time" regarding the factions and has decided to present the Prime Minister with two stark choices: either genuinely "restrict the factions' weapons" or face comprehensive sanctions that would topple him and his government from the political scene and plunge the Iraqi economy into chaos, reminiscent of the aftermath of the invasion of Kuwait. Al Jazeera Net, in a report reviewed by 964 Network on Wednesday (September 16, 2026), reveals that two extremely harsh American cables arrived at al-Zaidi's office. The first nullified all previous government measures and deemed his efforts to "restrict weapons" a mere formality, while the second contained direct threats of isolation and crippling sanctions. While the factions sought a diplomatic way out by softening the language to "regulating weapons" or "gradually" disarming them, the leaders of the Coordination Framework rejected this maneuver, clinging to the term "restriction" unequivocally to avoid the consequences of a confrontation with Washington.
Al Jazeera Net report:
As the date for the departure of the international coalition forces from Iraq approaches, the issue of weapons is returning to the forefront of the political and security scene, without a clear time limit for resolving it.
The spokesman for the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Sabah al-Nu’man, confirmed – at a conference on September 10 – that there is no specific deadline agreed upon with the armed factions to complete the file.
Meanwhile, the Iraqi government adheres to the principle of restricting weapons to the state, while armed factions link any step in this direction to the withdrawal of the US-led international coalition forces, which have been deployed since 2014 to defeat ISIS, and to developments in the confrontation between Tehran and Washington.
American messages
A source within the Coordination Framework (the umbrella organization for Shiite parties and forces in Iraq) revealed to Al Jazeera Net two messages sent by the United States to Iraq:
The first one considered the Iraqi government’s measures to restrict weapons to the state to “formal” and indicated that Washington wanted realistic and tangible measures to end this issue.
The second message was explicit and direct. The source says that “the government’s backtracking on its policy of restricting weapons to the state means imposing numerous sanctions on Iraq, and that al-Zaidi will not remain in his position.”
The source, who declined to be named, pointed out that the leaders of the armed factions held a meeting with the forces of the Coordination Framework, as a result of which a tripartite committee was formed, comprising the head of the State of Law Coalition, Nouri al-Maliki, the head of the Reconstruction and Development Coalition, Muhammad Shia al-Sudani, and the head of the Fatah Alliance, Hadi al-Amiri.
Some factions presented the three leaders with the term “arms regulation,” but the framework forces categorically rejected the proposal, stressing that their position is consistent with the government’s vision of “restricting weapons to the state” and rejecting any other names such as “arms regulation” or “arms grading.”
The same source confirmed that the government is proceeding with the state’s monopoly on weapons, even if the implementation timeline differs, explaining that the date may exceed September 30, 2026 and extend to the end of the year, coinciding with the date set for the departure of the international coalition forces from Iraq, noting that some of the factions first want to know the mechanisms for ending the coalition’s presence before proceeding with broader steps to hand over weapons.
On September 6, the State Administration Coalition, which represents the Shiite, Sunni, and Kurdish components, issued a statement that ignored the issue of restricting weapons, but warned of the possible repercussions for Iraq as a result of the American sanctions imposed on Iran, without explicitly naming it, merely referring, in its official statement, to the sanctions imposed on some countries.
Additional deadline and a law for mobilization
Yasser Iskandar Tawtoot, a member of the parliamentary Security and Defense Committee, quotes one of the leaders of the framework as saying that there is an agreement between the government and the coordinating framework to grant a 90-day deadline after September 30 to resolve the issue of loose weapons and hand them over to the state.
He added that the Security and Defense Committee met with the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Ali al-Zaidi, who confirmed the continuation of this file and requested the committee's intervention to follow up on the related procedures. He pointed out that the government also intends to pass the Popular Mobilization Forces Law to separate the institution from the problems surrounding it, and that the draft law has been sent to the House of Representatives for discussion in the coming days.
Watout warned that failure to resolve the weapons issue would have severe repercussions for Iraq and its various components, including the imposition of economic sanctions by the United States.
The government and Shiite political forces are seeking to finalize the proposed amendments to the Popular Mobilization Forces Law, in preparation for submitting it to the House of Representatives, after making changes to a number of its articles and working to secure a political consensus that would allow it to be passed.
While political circles believe that passing the law may provide an institutional framework for dealing with armed factions and give them a clearer legal status, which may later pave the way for regulating the issue of weapons, American objections to some of the contents of the legislation continue.
The Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) comprise more than 76 armed factions, with a total strength exceeding 238,000 members. Its structure is governed by a 2016 law that granted it official institutional status and placed it under the direct command of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
Guarantees for the coalition's exit
Member of Parliament’s Security and Defense Committee, Jawad Rahim al-Saadi, told Al Jazeera Net that Iraq’s priority is to preserve its sovereignty, considering that handing over weapons means “putting Iraq’s power cards in the hands of the Americans” at a time when their forces are still on the country’s territory.
Al-Saadi questions the guarantees that confirm the withdrawal of the international coalition forces on the scheduled date of September 30, saying that if their withdrawal is confirmed on this date, and if the Iraqi army is guaranteed to obtain the technologies it needs, whether air or land-based, then the state will not need any weapons outside the framework of its military institutions.
He believes that Iraq is not currently allowed to enhance its military capabilities in a manner commensurate with the nature of modern warfare in the region, noting that the war on Iran demonstrated the increasing role of air power and technology in military operations.
The member of the parliamentary security and defense committee added that the requirements of the current stage necessitate possessing capabilities that include drones, long-range missiles, air defense systems, and radars, considering that the United States does not allow Iraq to obtain these weapons and technologies to the extent that is appropriate to the requirements of the current battle.
Pressure on al-Zaidi
Political researcher Ghaleb Al-Daami said that the Prime Minister is under great pressure from the Coordination Framework, the body that formed his government, not to set a fixed date for the handover of weapons, which is pushing the government to act in accordance with this vision.
He added that the government, at the same time, believes that the handover of weapons to the state must eventually take place, even if it is delayed, to avoid bloodshed, suggesting that the state will not back down from this course, and that the disagreement is focused on the time frame and implementation mechanisms, which may be slower.
After "comprehensive amendments," Parliament awaits the government's submission of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) law.
Iskandar Watout, a member of the parliamentary Security and Defense Committee, confirmed on Thursday that the amended Popular Mobilization Forces Law will reach parliament soon for the purpose of passing it, after amendments are made to it.
Watout told Shafaq News Agency that "the committee is waiting for the law to arrive, in order to include it on the parliament's agenda."
He added: “During the committee’s meeting with Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi last month, I asked him to send the Popular Mobilization Forces Law to the House of Representatives for review and referral for reading and voting, and al-Zaidi promised that it would arrive soon.”
Regarding the amendments, he pointed out that the amendments made by the committee included the entire law, and therefore a draft law was produced similar to that of the Ministry of Defense because it deals with an integrated security institution.
Regarding the position of head of the Popular Mobilization Forces, and its equivalence to that of an undersecretary or minister, he indicated that "we did not address this matter in the law."
In addition, an informed source revealed that there is a political consensus to change the title of the head of the Popular Mobilization Forces to something equivalent to a ministerial position without a ministry, while the official name of the Popular Mobilization Forces remains unchanged.
The source confirmed to Shafaq News Agency that changing the title of the head of the commission requires political consensus.
Informed sources revealed that the draft laws on the structure of the Popular Mobilization Forces and on service and retirement will soon be referred to the Iraqi Parliament, after the removal of a number of controversial clauses that were subject to an American veto.
According to the source, there is an American veto on some clauses of the Popular Mobilization Forces laws, and therefore the two drafts will be referred in their final form to the House of Representatives, in preparation for starting the procedures for legislating them according to the approved official contexts.
The US Treasury Department had placed “Al-Muhandis Company” on the sanctions list in October 2025, on the grounds that it was linked to financing armed factions and facilitating economic activities related to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, which was met at the time with rejection and regret from the Iraqi government.
With regard to the military educational institutions affiliated with the Popular Mobilization Forces, legal or administrative objections related to the terms and conditions of nomination and acceptance, including institutions concerned with qualifying Popular Mobilization officers or admission channels to the Joint Staff College, are subject to official administrative and legal references within the organization.
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zubaidi recently stressed the need for a revolution in laws, including the Popular Mobilization Forces Law, emphasizing the importanceof developing the legislative system in line with the requirements of the next stage.
The arms control campaign in Iraq enters a crucial phase... American messages and pressure on al-Zaidi before September 30th
The issue of restricting weapons to the state in Iraq is entering a highly sensitive phase as the September 30 deadline approaches, coinciding with the end of the international coalition's mission, amid clear differences regarding the timetable and mechanisms for dealing with armed factions, and talk of American pressures and messages urging Baghdad to take practical steps in this matter.
Despite the Iraqi government's insistence on the principle of ensuring that no weapons remain outside state institutions, the deadline for completing this process remains undecided. On September 10, Sabah al-Nu'man, spokesman for the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, confirmed that no specific timeframe had been agreed upon with the factions, explaining that dialogue was ongoing and the process was proceeding according to the government's vision.
Al-Nu'man also stated that discussions regarding the disarmament process are expected to accelerate after the international coalition's mission ends on September 30, with the government affirming that the issue will remain among its sovereign and security priorities. Reports indicate that some factions have already begun taking steps to hand over their weapons, while others continue to link any broader action to the complete withdrawal of foreign military forces.
In parallel with the official position, Al Jazeera Net quoted a source within the coordination framework as saying that the American side sent two messages to Iraq regarding the file, one of which included criticism of what Washington considered insufficient measures to restrict weapons, while the second, according to the source, carried warnings of possible sanctions in the event that no real progress is made.
This information remains attributed to the source who spoke about it, and neither Washington nor Baghdad, according to what is officially published, has announced similar details regarding the content of those messages or any threat related to the future of Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi.
According to the same information, leaders of the armed factions held meetings with forces within the coordination framework, followed by the formation of a committee that includes the head of the State of Law Coalition, Nouri al-Maliki, the head of the Reconstruction and Development Coalition, Muhammad Shia al-Sudani, and the head of the Fatah Alliance, Hadi al-Amiri, to follow up on the discussions related to the file.
The data indicates a disagreement regarding the description of the next stage; while some parties have put forward the formula of “regulating weapons,” political and governmental forces adhere to the term “restricting weapons to the state,” as it is the expression that reflects the end of any armed presence operating independently of official institutions.
After September 30
It appears that September 30th will not necessarily signify the complete closure of the file, but rather may mark a transition to a new phase of negotiations and procedures. Al-Nu'man had previously stated that ending the international coalition's mission would remove one of the main justifications used by the factions to retain their weapons, anticipating an accelerated resolution process after that date.
Political discussions have also taken place regarding the possibility of extending the weapons disarmament process until the end of the year, in order to avoid a direct military confrontation with the dissenting factions, a scenario that has been raised in political circles in recent weeks.
The article quotes Yasser Iskandar, a member of the parliamentary Security and Defense Committee, as saying that there is an understanding to grant an additional period of 90 days after September 30 to address weapons outside the framework of the state, but the government has not yet officially announced the adoption of a new deadline in this form.
In contrast, the government continues to emphasize that the ultimate goal remains unchanged, even if the timelines or implementation mechanisms change, which is to end the presence of weapons outside official security and military institutions.
The mobilization law enters the fray of the crisis
The issue of weapons is intertwined with the moves related to the Popular Mobilization Forces Law, as political forces seek to complete the legal framework regulating the work of the organization and its relationship with the state and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
The Speaker of Parliament had addressed the government last August regarding sending the draft law on the Popular Mobilization Forces to the Council for approval, at a time when political discussions were continuing regarding its articles and final wording.
Political forces believe that reorganizing the legal status of the Popular Mobilization Forces may help to separate the official institution from groups or formations that operate outside the state's leadership hierarchy, while some aspects of the legislation remain subject to internal and external debate.
The coalition's exit is a major obstacle.
Deputies and forces close to the factions insist on the need to ensure the implementation of the withdrawal of the international coalition forces before taking comprehensive steps regarding weapons, considering that the presence of foreign forces inside the country makes the issue more complicated from a security and political standpoint.
September 30, 2026 is the announced date for the end of the international coalition’s mission in Iraq, after which the relationship with its countries will move to different forms of security cooperation.
Members of the Security and Defense Committee also believe that the state needs to develop its military capabilities, particularly in the areas of air defense, drones, radars and modern weapons, so that official institutions can fully assume security and military tasks.
Internal and external pressures
On the political side, American pressure intersects with complex internal calculations within the coordination framework and the factions, where the dispute is not only about the principle of restricting weapons, but also about its timing, the way it will be implemented, and the extent to which the government is prepared to go to more stringent measures if the negotiations fail.
On September 6, the State Administration Coalition warned of the potential repercussions of US sanctions imposed on some countries and their impact on Iraq under the current financial circumstances, without directly naming Iran in its published statement.
Between American pressure, fears of internal escalation, and the conditions set by factions linked to the coalition's withdrawal, Ali al-Zaidi's government appears to be facing a delicate political and security test: proceeding towards restricting weapons without pushing the country into an internal armed confrontation, while at the same time taking concrete steps that prove the state's ability to impose its authority on security decisions.
With less than two weeks until September 30, the issue does not appear to be heading towards a complete resolution in one day, but this date may mark the beginning of the most sensitive phase in the file, as the discussion shifts from the question of whether weapons will be restricted to the state to a more complex question concerning the implementation mechanisms and the time the government will need to accomplish this.
Parliamentary Finance Committee: Threat of sanctions is political blackmail and a blatant violation of Iraq's sovereignty
Former member of the parliamentary finance committee, Mueen Al-Kadhemi, confirmed on Wednesday that the American threats to resort to imposing economic sanctions represent a clear act of blackmail against Iraq and a blatant interference in its internal affairs.
Al-Kadhimi told Al-Maalomah that “using the economic sanctions card to pressure Baghdad is a mechanism that violates all diplomatic norms and breaches the rules governing relations between countries in international law,” explaining that “such policies aim to impose dictates and deprive the national decision.”
He added that "Iraq is an independent and fully sovereign state, and no external party can be allowed to interfere in its internal affairs or attempt to blackmail it by threatening sanctions," stressing "the need to reject these threats and adhere to the independence of the Iraqi position and protect the country's economic resources from any external pressures."
Earlier, the Institute for the Study of War indicated that the administration of US President Donald Trump warned Baghdad of the possibility of suspending monthly dollar transfers if the Iraqi government did not hand over the Popular Mobilization Forces' weapons. This move reflects a clear attempt to pressure Iraqi sovereignty and target the Popular Mobilization Forces, which played a prominent role in confronting ISIS and defending Iraqi territory.
