An Iraqi bank directs its branches to simplify account opening procedures.
Rafidain Bank directed its branches in Baghdad and the governorates on Friday to facilitate bank account opening procedures and eliminate any unnecessary requirements
that might hinder the provision of this vital service to citizens .
The My FX Buddies video for this blogpost is below here:
The bank said in a statement received by Al-Sa'a Network that "facilitating procedures represents a practical step towards attracting more customers and expanding the banking system's client base ."
He added, "This approach falls within the bank's comprehensive policy aimed at expanding the scope of financial services, enhancing transparency, and accelerating progress through advanced digital tools. This reflects its commitment to providing a modern and secure banking experience that meets the aspirations of individuals and institutions ."
He emphasized that "achieving financial inclusion is a strategic priority that contributes to supporting economic development, promoting a culture of savings, and integrating underserved groups into the financial system, as part of the digital transformation project the bank is adopting during the next phase ."
The bank called on citizens to "contact us via the short number (5788) to inquire about the mechanism for opening bank accounts, and to benefit from an integrated package of services that combine modernity, trust, and banking exp
Secret meeting in Istanbul: Washington threatens new financial sanctions on Iraq
An informed source revealed to Al-Mustaqilla that an unannounced meeting was held in Istanbul in recent days, bringing together the Assistant Chairman of the US Federal Reserve and a high-ranking delegation from the Central Bank of Iraq. The source stated that the meeting came at the urgent invitation of the US to discuss critical developments in the file of financial transfers and Iraqi banking transactions.
According to the source, the US side informed the Iraqi delegation that new financial sanctions are under preparation, to be imposed on a number of Iraqi banks and financial institutions, due to what the US side described as "continued violations" in international transfer systems and the failure of some Iraqi entities to comply with international guidelines to combat money laundering and terrorist financing.
Direct warnings
The source indicated that the Iraqi delegation received direct warnings of the possibility of freezing additional assets and imposing restrictions on dollar accounts if urgent measures are not taken to regulate the Iraqi financial system and prevent suspicious flows through some Iraqi banks and companies.
A new crisis is looming
These developments come amid escalating tensions between Baghdad and Washington over economic and security issues, most notably restrictions on dollar transfers and US accusations against some Iraqi entities of dealing with entities on sanctions lists.
Observers believe that the new sanctions, if implemented, will deal a severe blow to the Iraqi banking system and could lead to a further deterioration in the value of the dinar and increased pressure on the local market at a time when the Central Bank of Iraq is trying to revive investor confidence and stabilize the exchange rate.
No official comment yet
As of the time of writing this report, no official comment has been issued by the Central Bank of Iraq or the US Embassy in Baghdad regarding the content of the meeting or the content of the warnings contained therein.
The Iraqi economy suffers from "significant weaknesses." An expert identifies the reasons for the continued rise in commodity prices despite the dollar's decline.
On Friday, July 25, 2025, economic expert Ziad Al-Hashemi explained the reasons behind the decline in the dollar exchange rate in the Iraqi market. He also identified a number of reasons behind the continued rise in the prices of goods and services in Iraqi markets despite the decline in the dollar, linking the matter to what he described as "weak official Iraqi monitoring and accountability" in monitoring prices.
Al-Hashemi said in a blog post followed by Al-Jabal, "There are many reasons and factors that have contributed to the decline in the dollar exchange rate, perhaps the most important of which is the gradual shift in trade towards the use of direct foreign remittances (CBRs) , which has reduced demand for parallel cash dollars."
He added, "During the first half of this year, the Central Bank also contributed more than $820 million in cash dollars, in addition to nearly $3 billion via cards, which has generally enhanced the process of obtaining dollars, both legally and electronically, at the official rate."
He continued, "The other factor relates to the geopolitical changes witnessed by neighboring countries, including confrontations, regime changes, and border controls, which have greatly contributed to reducing the pressure on the withdrawal of Iraqi dollars from local markets."
He pointed out that "the decline in free dinar liquidity and the shift toward dinar transactions and electronic payments have also contributed to reducing the dollarization of the Iraqi economy. We must not forget the signs of recession and the decline in commercial activity in Iraqi markets, which have also cast a shadow over the dollar exchange rate."
Al-Hashemi said, "The problem today is that despite the weak trade activity and the improvement in the value of the dinar against the dollar, the prices of goods and services remain high and have not declined inversely with the rise in the value of the dinar. This confirms an economic reality related to the flexibility of price increases when the value of the dinar declines, and their inflexibility when the value of the dinar improves."
He pointed out that "the inflexibility or decline in prices for citizens may indicate that merchants lack confidence in the current improvement in the value of the dinar, and that they expect the dinar to collapse again against the dollar at any time. It also indicates a shortage in the commodity supply or monopolies not monitored by the government, which allow merchants to control prices and prevent their decline in order to maximize profits."
He explained that "the lack of price monitoring and the weakness of official Iraqi monitoring and accountability are among the major weaknesses of the Iraqi economy, allowing for price manipulation and price increases, the monopolization of goods, and the imposition of high prices on citizens without fear of oversight or accountability."
He concluded by saying, "With the dinar's value improving and approaching the official exchange rate, we should now see an official government campaign to carefully monitor market prices and hold accountable anyone proven to have been negligent or manipulated in this regard, to protect consumer rights and achieve a better level of social justice. Will we see this happen soon?"
Last Tuesday, financial and economic expert Haider Al-Sheikh identified five reasons behind the decline in the US dollar exchange rate against the Iraqi dinar.
In an interview with Al-Jabal, Sheikh said, "The increase in demand and decrease in foreign currency affects exchange rate fluctuations, especially since traders and investors have lost confidence in the dollar as a savings instrument, prompting many to exchange dollars and purchase gold as a safe haven."
According to the expert, "There are several other factors, including the public's preoccupation with the Ashura atmosphere, the approaching Arbaeen pilgrimage, increased taxes on imported cars, and a decline in the level of foreign currency smuggling (dollars) abroad."
These factors, according to Sheikh, have significantly contributed to the decline in the dollar's exchange rate against the Iraqi dinar, with the exchange rate for $100 now falling to less than 140,000 Iraqi dinars.
The expert emphasized that "the drop in exchange rates is temporary and not permanent, and the exchange rate of $100 will stabilize at 140,000 dinars. However, any political or economic crisis in Iraq will directly impact the parallel market, causing the dollar to rise again.
KRG Official Slams Critics of MyAccount Project, Citing Hypocrisy and Harm to Citizens
A KRG official accuses political figures of hypocrisy for publicly opposing the MyAccount system while privately using it, saying their misinformation campaign harmed citizens by delaying the service's adoption.
A senior official in the Kurdistan Regional Government has sharply criticized prominent political figures for what he termed a hypocritical campaign against the "MyAccount" electronic payment system, asserting that their spread of "debunked conspiracies" deliberately delayed the service's adoption and caused hardship for citizens, particularly in the Sulaimani region. The comments highlight a charged political debate over the modernization of salary payments, a system intended to prevent the very chaos recently witnessed at a bank in Halabja.
Aziz Ahmad, Deputy Chief of Staff to Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, made the accusations in a statement posted to his official account on the social media platform X. He directly named several political figures, alleging they engaged in a duplicitous campaign against the government's digital salary initiative.
"Political figures like Shaswar Abdalwahid Qadir [President of (New Generation) Political Movement], Srwa Abdulwahid [head of News Generation faction in the Iraqi parliament], and Ali Hama Saleh [head of Helwest (Stance) Movement] publicly campaigned against electronic payments through MyAccount," Ahmad wrote. "They promoted conspiracies that were later debunked."
He further stated that "Commentators like Ghalib Mohammed, Ahmed Haji Rashid and Hoshyar Abdullah amplified the misinformation."
The core of Ahmad’s criticism was the charge of hypocrisy. He claimed that despite their public opposition, many of these same figures and their associates privately embraced the system. "Yet many of them — and members of their political blocs — quietly registered and now benefit from the service," his statement continued.
According to the Deputy Chief of Staff, this public campaign had tangible negative consequences for citizens. "Their campaigns delayed adoption in Sulaimani, especially among pensioners, teachers, doctors and police — costing many citizens health, time and peace of mind," he wrote. "The public paid the price for a debate these figures never truly stood by."
there's a video here that is on twitter
https://x.com/zoomnewskrd/status/1948630313149542785
The criticism from the Prime Minister’s office comes in the wake of recent scenes of disorder in Halabja province, where crowds and chaos were reported outside a bank. The incident occurred as pensioners and civil servants, after nearly three months of non-payment, rushed to collect their long-delayed May salaries following the release of funds by the federal government in Baghdad. The "MyAccount" system is designed to streamline such payments and eliminate the need for large, chaotic gatherings to receive cash salaries.
Ahmad concluded his statement with a pointed question about accountability for the alleged misinformation and its impact on the public. "Who will hold them to account?” he asked.
Political expert Mohammed al-Dhari warned on Friday of a US-backed, Gulf-backed plot aimed at bringing popular demonstrations back to the streets of Baghdad and several other provinces in an attempt to topple the government.
Al-Dhari told Al-Maalouma News Agency, “There are moves on the horizon to prepare the Iraqi street for the launch of mass demonstrations, which are being promoted by external parties, led by the United States and Gulf states, with the aim of pressuring the government over its positions, particularly its support for the Popular Mobilization Forces.”
He added, "This plan falls within an American strategy to inflame the internal situation by inciting the street through social and economic slogans, such as improving salaries and providing job opportunities, with the aim of achieving political and economic gains that align with the interests of the Trump administration and its unlimited support for the Zionist entity."
Al-Dhari explained that “the American and Gulf actions do not target the government alone, but rather seek to undermine the security and stability of the country as a whole, as a prelude to reshaping the political landscape to serve regional and international agendas with clear objectives.”
Al-Dhari concluded his remarks by emphasizing that “what is being planned is being carried out in an organized manner and in coordination with some Gulf capitals, in an attempt to confuse the Iraqi scene and create a state of directed chaos.
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Sovereignty is a red line." Parliament rejects any foreign militarypresence without government approval.
The Parliamentary Security and Defense Committee affirmed Iraq's categorical rejection of any foreign military presence on its territory outside the framework of the Iraqi government's approval, emphasizing that national sovereignty is a red line that cannot be compromised.
The committee explained that Iraq is capable of protecting its internal security and stability without the need for foreign combat forces, while stressing that cooperation with the United States and other countries is limited to technical and advisory support, in accordance with strategic agreements that serve the national interest.
The Iraqi Parliament previously issued a resolution rejecting the continued presence of any foreign military presence in Iraq, especially after the declaration of victory over ISIS.
Yasser Iskandar Watout, a member of the Parliamentary Security and Defense Committee, emphasized Iraq's rejection of any foreign military presence on its territory without government approval, considering such moves an interference and an assault on national sovereignty.
"Iraq has the full capacity to shoulder its security responsibilities, protect its sovereignty, and achieve internal stability," Witout told Al-Mada, noting that "all foreign forces present on Iraqi soil must be fully subject to the authority of the Iraqi state."
Wattot pointed to "the importance of strategic relations with the United States," stressing that "this relationship must be built within the framework of the previously signed strategic cooperation agreement, in a way that serves Iraqi interests in the areas of security, defense, economy, and education."
He explained that "Iraq welcomes technical and military cooperation at the level of advisory and training, but rejects the presence of any combat forces on the ground outside the framework of coordination with the government, affirming respect for national sovereignty as an unwavering priority."
"The Iraqi decision on this issue is clear and decisive," he continued, citing "a previous decision issued by the House of Representatives defining Iraq's position on the foreign military presence."
For his part, another committee member, Mohammed Al-Shammari, stated that Iraq is in a strong and cohesive security position, and that there will be no chance for ISIS to return to the Iraqi scene, despite regional tensions, particularly in Syria.
Al-Shammari told Al-Mada, "Iraq has taken significant precautions and measures in response to developments in the Syrian situation, most notably the tight closure of the borders and complete control over them, which constitutes a solid security barrier against any potential external threat."
He pointed out that "intelligence efforts within Iraq are good and under control, with important proactive information available from both inside and outside, which is being handled accurately and effectively."
Al-Shammari explained that "despite the regional security interconnectedness and reciprocal repercussions, Iraq has demonstrated its ability to deal with these challenges with caution and high professionalism, and that the precautions taken so far are excellent for protecting national security."
He concluded by saying, "What is happening in Syria and the region cannot be separated from Iraq's security, but we are confident that the Iraqi environment today is sufficiently protected from any terrorist infiltration."
Iran in Iraq: Silent Dominance and Signs of Declining Influence
How will Iran reposition itself? Will it invest more in the Iraqi political arena? Can it maintain its influence in Iraq, or is it entering a countdown phase?
These are questions that have been raised with increasing intensity since the curtain fell, albeit temporarily, on the military confrontation between Israel and the United States and Iran, and the approaching parliamentary elections in Iraq, scheduled for next November.
Several Iranian proxies, particularly Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, suffered severe military blows at the hands of Israel in recent months, before Tehran faced the same fate in a 12-day war with Israel in June of this year.
The US and Israeli military strikes on Iran have raised a deeper question: Could the toll of war spill over into the political arena, especially in Iraq, where elections play a crucial role in shaping power?
“Yes,” says Imad Salameh, a professor of political science and international affairs at the Lebanese American University, “especially in Iraq, where Iranian influence has become a political challenge, not just a military one.”
“While Israeli strikes have weakened Iran’s proxies on the ground, the Iraqi elections could represent a semblance of a democratic response to the Iranian proxy model,” Salama adds.
"Silent Dominance"
In Iraq, Iranian influence is manifested through a broad network of armed factions within the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) and major political blocs that constitute an essential part of the political process and government.
This network has allowed Iran to influence Iraqi decision-making to secure its security and economic interests. However, this influence faces increasing challenges that could make the upcoming November elections a "critical turning point."
Repeated Israeli strikes against Iranian proxies, while primarily military, also have political ramifications.
These strikes could permanently weaken the military capabilities of proxies, and may also affect their prestige and ability to exert political pressure within their countries.
On the other hand, Ihsan Al-Shammari, head of the Iraqi Center for Political Thought, believes that Iran, after the decline of its regional project, "will focus more on Iraq."
Iran will resort to a “silent containment strategy at this time,” says Al-Shammari, as it “does not want to provoke the United States in Iraq at the moment.”
At the same time, Tehran is trying to ensure that "Iraq does not become a target for its allies, whether political or even affiliated with its armed factions," Al-Shammari added.
Shiite house division
The Shiite component in Iraq is not a single, homogeneous bloc.
There is a clear division between forces close to Iran (such as the Coordination Framework bloc) and Shiite nationalist and nationalist movements, most notably the Sadrist movement led by Muqtada al-Sadr.
The Sadrist movement, which has a broad popular base and the capacity to mobilize, explicitly opposes foreign intervention and calls for strengthening the sovereignty of the Iraqi state.
If the nationalist forces—Sadrist, secular, and civil—can unite into a strong electoral front, they could sweep the parliamentary elections and repeat the scenario of the 2021 elections, in which the Sadrist movement achieved a resounding victory.
Such a victory would represent a "political blow" to Iran's proxies, not in a military sense, but by reducing their parliamentary representation and marginalizing them politically, thus strengthening voices calling for sovereignty and the state's monopoly on arms.
Despite announcing his boycott of the elections, Muqtada al-Sadr left the door open to the possibility of indirect participation by supporting specific electoral lists.
According to Salama, "If the Sadrist movement and other nationalist factions succeed in uniting under a single political front, they could achieve a victory similar to that of the 2021 elections, especially in light of growing popular discontent with Iran-backed militias and the government's failure to provide services."
This victory would represent a “political blow” to Iran’s proxies, Salama says.
Challenges
Iran faces numerous challenges regarding the fate of its allies in the upcoming elections in Iraq.
The Iraqi arena is witnessing profound changes that may hinder its ambitions, including:
National sentiment has been on the rise, particularly among a large segment of the youth, who reject Iranian interference in Iraqi affairs and hold it partly responsible for the country's security and economic crises.
Despite its temporary withdrawal from parliament, the Sadrist movement still possesses a popular base capable of tipping the electoral scales.
In contrast, pro-Iran factions suffer from structural differences, weakening their ability to operate as a unified front.
Developments within Iraq are simultaneous with international interest, particularly from the United States, in supporting the integrity of the elections and countering any attempts at manipulation or fraud. This could limit Tehran's ability to exert influence.
The US approach to Iraq and Iran is becoming clearer.
Telephone diplomacy, specifically US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's conversation with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, revealed that "Washington is concerned and feels a growing Iranian influence within Iraq."
This American approach places Tehran's allies in Iraq in a difficult position. "Tehran's allies in Iraq are currently experiencing a moment of great political confusion. They sense the danger of confrontation with Washington or even fear an Israeli attack. Therefore, as a strategic and tactical move, they may at some point abandon Iran."
Al-Shammari believes that Tehran realizes that "the new Middle East project will pass through Iraq, and therefore may postpone to some extent the restructuring of its presence or influence within Iraq."
Therefore, the upcoming elections could be a real opportunity to bring about a political shift that reduces the influence of Iran's proxies, which could prompt Iran to increase its political investment, albeit within a more complex and resistant environment.
“If the United States decides to end this influence, Iran will no longer have much control over its allies,” Al-Shammari says.
Ansar Allah: We targeted four enemy (Israeli) targets with a ballistic missile and drones.
The Yemeni Armed Forces of the Ansar Allah group announced that they targeted four targets of the (Israeli) enemy with a hypersonic ballistic missile and drones.
The spokesman for the Yemeni Armed Forces, Brigadier General Yahya Saree, said in a statement, "We carried out a qualitative military operation on a sensitive target of the Zionist enemy in the occupied Beersheba area with a hypersonic ballistic missile of the "Palestine 2" type."
He added, "The drone air force carried out three military operations targeting three vital targets of the (Israeli) enemy in the areas of Umm al-Rashrash, Ashkelon and Hadera, south of occupied Haifa."
Agha: Washington is dissatisfied with the Iraqi government's performance
:
0:00
0:04
Today, there are problems there, I mean, everyone.
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He's talking, saying these disagreements are futile because...
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Some political figures are talking, I mean, he told you...
0:14
The Americans informed...
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political figures that the Popular Mobilization Law, which...
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will bring Parliament closer, will have repercussions for Iraq.
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I mean, did America really interfere with the law...
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Popular Mobilization? Did America really send messages to the blocs...
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and some political parties or political figures...
0:34
Is America really interfering in this matter?
0:34 0:39
Yes, thank you very much. Peace be upon you all.
0:43
Washington is dissatisfied with what is happening in Iraq.
0:47
In all its details, I mean the administration of the state, the parliament.
0:51
Relations between the federal government and the region.
0:56
Kurdistan, or the relationship between the government.
1:00
The federal government and the rest of the parties. America is noticing.
1:04
This means that what Iraq should have has deviated from.
1:07
Democracy to a very large extent. We know.
1:12
And the rest know that there is disagreement on
1:15
many issues, and this is a normal thing.
1:18
Agreement is normal, but it's not practical.
1:21
Agreement.
1:23
And I use force or drones and send this one
1:28
to that one and threaten. This issue is worrying because
1:33
The entire region must move towards a topic.
1:37
Peace means it's not possible. The world continues to... I mean...
1:43
Looking at this entire region...
1:47
It creates instability in the region and...
1:52
the world and trends... I mean, we are not able...
1:56
to understand what will happen tomorrow? I mean, always...
2:01
There are future interpretations for every event, but...
2:04
Unfortunately, in Iraq, I mean, through this regime...
2:09
that came after 2003, and up until now, we cannot...
2:12
which means that we cannot predict what will happen the day after tomorrow, or tomorrow...
2:18
or after a certain period, because there is...
2:23
an administration for this country that governs with extreme capriciousness...
2:26
and according to what you see, not according to the constitution...
2:30
The constitution is not respected in Iraq, and therefore...
2:34
the administration of this country has become a danger to Iraq...
2:38
and the Iraqis and to M.
AsraFLAK from Iraqi TV NO SOUND about 15 minutes
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