Media: Khamenei approves a "partial freeze" on uranium enrichment
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Sources revealed that Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has given the green light to the Iranian negotiating delegation with the United States to agree to a partial freeze on uranium enrichment, if the negotiations so require.
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This information, reported by Sky News, came after a fourth round of talks between Iran and the United States regarding the nuclear program .
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated on Sunday that his country would not give up its right to enrich uranium .
He stated that "enrichment capacity is one of the prides and achievements of the Iranian nation, and it is non-negotiable ."
Washington and Tehran held a fourth round of talks in Oman on Sunday, aiming to reach an agreement on Iran's nuclear activities in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions .
US Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff previously hinted at US flexibility regarding Iran's continued enrichment of uranium to levels intended exclusively for peaceful civilian uses .
But Witkoff stressed, in a media interview on Friday, that uranium enrichment is a "red line" for the United States .
Western countries, including the United States, have long accused Iran of seeking to develop nuclear weapons, a claim denied by Tehran, which asserts its right to nuclear technology and that its program is exclusively peaceful .
Asked Wednesday whether Iran would retain the ability to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes, Trump said the issue remains open.
The dollar declines in Iraqi markets, while the dinar rises. Will this trend continue?
The dollar exchange rate in the Iraqi market has witnessed a significant decline in recent days, sparking a wave of cautious optimism among economic observers. While this decline is viewed as a positive sign of potential market stability, several questions are being raised about the sustainability of this trend.
In local exchange markets, the dollar exchange rate fell to 142,000 dinars for every $100 on the Al-Kifah and Al-Harithiya stock exchanges, while the selling price reached 142,200 dinars.
These figures represent the lowest level the dollar has reached in months, leading some observers to believe that this is the result of a series of changes and measures introduced in monetary policy in Iraq.
Several experts link this decline to a number of intertwined internal and external factors, including direct interventions by the Central Bank of Iraq and regulatory measures aimed at curbing speculation in the market and narrowing the gap between the official and parallel rates.
Decisive Measures
: For his part, economic expert Dawood Al-Halfi emphasized that the recent decline in the dollar exchange rate "is directly linked to the precise measures adopted by the Central Bank of Iraq," noting that among the most prominent of these steps is "the closure of a number of outlets that were accused of smuggling dollars out of the country."
Al-Halfi explained in a statement to the Iraq Observer that “opening official government outlets to sell dollars directly to citizens, especially travelers and pilgrims, has contributed to reducing pressure on the parallel market.” He explained that each pilgrim received a $2,000 allocation, which reduced illicit demand for foreign currency.
The economic expert continued, saying, “The step has significantly contributed to reducing demand from unofficial outlets, creating a sense of temporary stability in the market.”
He added that international variables have also helped reduce pressure on the dollar, such as the ongoing negotiations between the United States and Iran, the increasing reliance on local currencies in trade between Russia and China, and US taxes on some goods. These factors have prompted some traders to reduce their reliance on the dollar.
On the other hand, citizens in Iraq are expressing some caution regarding this decline, fearing it will be temporary, especially given previous experiences in which the market witnessed sudden fluctuations that returned the dollar to high levels.
Despite popular support for the dinar's appreciation, many Iraqis doubt this improvement will be sustainable unless the government's steps are backed by deeper economic reforms and long-term strategies.
For its part, the Finance Committee of the House of Representatives described this decline as "not temporary," noting that the market is gradually moving towards complete stability.
Committee member Moeen Al-Kadhimi said in a press statement that "the decline in the dollar exchange rate in the parallel market is not temporary, as some imagine, but will continue until it reaches the official rate set by the Central Bank, which is 1,320 dinars per $100."
Al-Kadhimi explained that this decline came after a series of measures taken by the government, the Central Bank, and the monetary authority institutions in Iraq, particularly with regard to foreign transfers and regulating banking operations. He pointed out that "all these measures needed time to translate into tangible results, and therefore the decline will continue in the coming days."
The Prime Minister appreciates the International Monetary Fund's efforts in supporting Iraq and its financial and monetary institutions.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani praised the efforts of the International Monetary Fund in supporting Iraq and its financial and monetary institutions.
His media office said in a statement, "Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani received today, Monday, the head of the International Monetary Fund mission to Iraq, Jean-Guillaume Poulin, and the Fund's Resident Representative in Iraq, Mohammed Jaber.
Al-Sudani appreciated the efforts of the International Monetary Fund in supporting Iraq and its financial and monetary institutions, which would restore their vital role at the local and international levels, especially since the Fund is a key partner in Iraq's efforts to reform the economy and enhance its stability, stressing that the achievements made by the government in the financial, banking and economic fields represent positive steps towards achieving stability and sustainable development in the country.
Al-Sudani pointed out "the importance of continued support from international partners for the government in intensifying efforts to mitigate the impact of the challenges facing the region, which would facilitate the implementation of steps aimed at diversifying and sustaining the economy, through the investment environment it has provided that has attracted major development projects.
For his part, Polan praised the significant progress made by the Iraqi government in the field of economic reform, through the development of the tax and customs system, expressing the International Monetary Fund's readiness to increase coordination and joint work, and to provide the necessary advice in areas of enhancing non-oil revenues.
Iraqi PM to IMF: Be our strategic partner in economic overhaul
On Monday, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani called on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to expand its support for Iraq’s economic reform agenda.
During talks in Baghdad with IMF Iraq mission chief Jean-Guillaume Poulain and resident representative Mohammed Jaber, al-Sudani described the Fund as a “strategic partner” in restoring fiscal stability and advancing structural reforms.
“Iraq’s progress in financial and economic management reflects a move toward long-term stability and sustainable growth,” he stated, urging continued international backing to reinforce reforms and attract investment.
Meanwhile, Poulain acknowledged improvements in Iraq’s tax and customs systems and reaffirmed the IMF’s readiness to provide technical assistance, particularly to strengthen non-oil revenue generation.
The meeting followed the IMF’s assessment of Iraq’s economic outlook, which highlighted improved political stability and a recovery in the non-oil sector since late 2022.
However, the Fund warned of growing medium-term debt risks and emphasized the need for fiscal discipline and private-sector-led growth to reduce reliance on oil, which still accounts for over 90% of government revenues.
Iraq welcomes the PKK's decision to dissolve itself and cease armed conflict.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed, on Monday, Iraq's welcome of the decision of the Workers' Party to dissolve itself and cease armed conflict .
The Foreign Ministry said in a statement received by Mail that it "expresses the Republic of Iraq's welcome of the Kurdistan Workers' Party's decision to dissolve itself, cease armed conflict, and lay down its weapons, and considers it a positive and important step that contributes to strengthening security and stability in Iraq and the region ."
She added, "This announcement represents a real opportunity to advance peace efforts and end the protracted conflicts that have cast a shadow over the peoples of the region for decades. This development also constitutes a natural entry point for reconsidering the pretexts and justifications that have long been used to justify the presence of foreign forces on Iraqi soil ."
She affirmed her support for all efforts aimed at consolidating peace and stability, and stressed the importance of addressing security challenges through dialogue and understanding in order to achieve the aspirations of the peoples of the region for security and development .
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Iraq on Trump's agenda during his Middle East tour
/ US President Donald Trump is embarking on a tour of the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar. This visit is described as crucial given the profound changes taking place in the region .
The Saudi capital, Riyadh, is hosting the summit that will bring together Trump and the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries .
According to the White House, the visit's agenda will focus on enhancing investment and security cooperation, in addition to discussing hot regional issues. Specific agreements are expected to be signed, establishing a new phase of strategic partnership between the United States and the Gulf states .
The changes include events in Gaza, Lebanon, and regime change in Syria, in addition to relations between Iran and the United States, and Israeli attacks .
Regarding the situation in Iraq, despite the entry of pro-Iranian factions into the conflict, US pressure has forced these factions to surrender their weapons to the state, with Tehran's blessing, according to media reports .
Trump's upcoming visit is an opportunity to redefine America's role in the region and define Washington's interests in light of a new reality characterized by shifting alliances and balances of power .
Amidst the Gaza conflict and the changing maps of Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq, Trump is visiting the region carrying a new vision for American engagement in the Middle East .
President of the Republic: Iraq supports all initiatives that promote stability and regional partnership.
President of the Republic, Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid, discussed today, Monday, with the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Iraq, Muhammad Kazim Al-Sadiq, bilateral relations between the two countries and ways to enhance joint cooperation in various fields.
The President's media office said in a statement monitored by Al-Masry that President Abdul Latif Jamal received the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Iraq, Muhammad Kazim Al-Sadiq, at the Peace Palace in Baghdad, stressing that "during the meeting, the importance of developing areas of joint cooperation between the two countries and coordinating efforts to confront regional and international challenges was discussed."
He stressed "Iraq's support for all initiatives that promote stability and strengthen regional partnerships for the security and prosperity of the region's peoples."
For his part, the Iranian ambassador expressed his country's interest in expanding cooperation with Iraq, stressing Tehran's commitment to continuing coordination and consultation on various issues of mutual interest.
Economists: The Arab Summit is an opportunity to activate partnerships and investments.
The Arab economic arena is witnessing increasing momentum ahead of the Arab Summit in Baghdad, with economic experts and specialists unanimously agreeing that this event could mark the beginning of a new phase of joint Arab economic action, based on investing in the wealth and potential of Arab countries and redrawing the map of cooperation in light of regional and international changes. This vision comes within the context of a widespread belief that Baghdad now possesses the elements of stability and readiness to host major strategic projects that will benefit all Arab economies.
New prospects for cooperation
Economic expert Haider Karim al-Gharawi told Al-Sabah that holding the summit in Baghdad opens new horizons for cooperation between Iraq and its Arab brethren, given the common elements upon which fruitful economic partnerships can be built.
He explained that the presence of Arab leaders or their representatives in Baghdad and their direct exposure to the Iraqi reality could create new visions and strengthen the conviction that Iraq possesses an attractive work environment capable of accommodating bilateral partnership projects that achieve benefits for all parties. In various sectors.
Al-Gharawi added that the summit represents a rare opportunity to present Iraq's development plans directly to delegations without the need for intermediaries, which will help accelerate agreements and reach practical and effective cooperation formulas. He considered that the mere fact that the summit is being held in Baghdad sends a reassuring message to the world that Iraq has returned to the path of stability and economic openness. He also spoke about the possibility of creating common economic interests with major international companies that can leverage their expertise to support Arab-style production projects, making the summit a starting point for a formula for Arab industrial and production integration capable of competing in the global market.
The Summit and the Road to Development
For his part, economic expert Dr. Nabil Al-Marsoumi explained that the summit represents an opportunity to enhance economic cooperation between Iraq and Arab countries, particularly neighboring countries. He pointed out that Iraq has active economic relations with its regional surroundings, including the electrical connection with Jordan, which is close to completion, in addition to economic relations with Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, which can be activated through comprehensive economic agreements. He emphasized that the summit could contribute to reviving agreements related to the "Development Road" project, which is one of the largest strategic projects that serves not only Iraq, but also extends its benefits to other Arab countries, especially the UAE and Qatar, as it provides a potential corridor for Qatari gas to Europe. It is also a gateway to strengthening economic relations, diversifying trade exchange, and pursuing joint projects in the energy, contracting, and housing sectors, areas that usually constitute a key focus of major economic conferences, thus enhancing opportunities for sustainable development and Arab integration.
Iraq in the regional equation
Economic researcher Suhad Al-Shammari considered the holding of the Arab Summit in Baghdad a pivotal event at various levels, noting in her interview with Al-Sabah that the meeting of Arab leaders, kings and presidents in the Iraqi capital reflects the extent of Arab interest in Iraq's role and position in the new regional equation. She explained that discussing issues that have a direct impact on the region through the Baghdad Summit carries a clear message that Iraq has become secure and has a virgin economy that can accommodate the most important investment projects, which means that countries are now dealing with Iraq from a new economic perspective that charts the compass of political cooperation based on common interest. Al-Shammari indicated that the summit carries indications of Iraq's return to playing an influential geopolitical role in the region, and opens the horizon for bringing viewpoints closer between Arab countries. It also reflects the qualitative shift that Iraq has witnessed in terms of reconstruction and development, noting that the "Development Road" project represents an important economic gateway and is on its way to completion within the specified timeframe, at a time when Baghdad has regained its luster as a vibrant capital witnessing a major development movement, which enhances Iraq's position as a key player in the economic and And the Arab politician.
The summit and the elements of success
These intersecting visions reflect a firm belief among experts that the Baghdad Summit possesses all the ingredients for economic success, making it a strategic platform for launching comprehensive Arab initiatives based on integration in the fields of energy, transportation, and infrastructure. These initiatives contribute to building an Arab economic system capable of confronting challenges and exploiting available opportunities, within a path of sustainable cooperation that the region has always embraced. Much needed.
Al-Sudani inspects the "Heart of the World" hotel in preparation for receiving delegations participating in the Arab Summit.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani reviewed preparations for receiving delegations participating in the Arab Summit on Sunday.
The Prime Minister's media office said in a statement received by the Iraq Observer, "Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani visited the Heart of the World Hotel in the capital, Baghdad, today, Sunday, which is one of the hotels that will host the delegations participating in the Arab Summit in Baghdad."
The statement added, "During a tour of the hotel, which is one of the most prominent modern hotel projects in the capital, Baghdad, Al-Sudani viewed its halls, corridors, and tourist facilities, as well as the distinctive equipment and services it includes that are worthy of Iraq's guests."
He continued, "He also toured the press center dedicated to the Arab Summit to review the preparations for the work of journalists and media personnel at this center, which will constitute an integrated media platform for covering the Arab Summit."
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