The Iraqi economy is in a new test: the decline of the dinar and the
challenges of oil hegemony
The Iraqi dinar is suffering from increasing pressures, represented recently by its loss of about 5% of its value in late 2024, in light of internal and external challenges, most notably the decline in cash reserves, the rise in demand for the dollar in parallel markets, and excessive reliance on oil revenues.
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In this regard, Sadiq Al-Rikabi, Director of Economic Research at the World Center for Development Studies in the United Kingdom, believes that the decline of the dinar is partly linked to the failure of some banks to adhere to regulatory rules, in addition to the strict American restrictions on foreign transfers, especially towards Iran.
He pointed out that dollar smuggling and leniency in dealing with the sanctions imposed on Tehran reduced the availability of the dollar in the Iraqi market, which led to an increase in its value against the dinar.
A parallel market destroys confidence
The crisis has worsened with parallel market activity, with the dollar dominating transactions and the dinar gradually weakening in value. Al-Rikabi explained that chronic dependence on oil and weak local production keep the dinar vulnerable to decline, without a real production support to support it.
Al-Rikabi highlighted another dilemma, which is the lack of trust between citizens and the banking system, noting that about 98 trillion Iraqi dinars are traded outside the banking system, which reflects the lack of trust in the banking sector, in addition to the lack of banking development to attract depositors.
Worrying future repercussions
Al-Rikabi warned that the continued decline of the dinar could lead to inflation and rising prices, which would push the private sector to refrain from investing or expanding, and delay the wheel of development.
However, he expressed optimism about the existence of large reserves and the government's intention to diversify the economy, which may support stability in the long term.
For his part, the Prime Minister's Advisor for Financial Affairs, Mazhar Mohammed Saleh, stressed that currency stability requires coordination between the Central Bank and the government, with greater openness to international institutions, and activating economic policy tools according to a comprehensive development vision.
He pointed out the success of monetary policy in curbing inflation to less than 3%, supported by foreign reserves amounting to $100 billion, and a fixed official exchange rate of 1,320 dinars per dollar.
He added that diversifying non-oil revenues through reforming the tax system and developing customs control is a pillar for achieving a sustainable economic balance.
He also stressed the importance of the shift towards a digital economy and expanding financial inclusion, as the percentage of adults with bank accounts rose to 40% in just one year.
Transparency is the key to stability
As for economic expert Ahmed Abd Rabbo, he called for an integrated package to control the market, including controlling public spending, expanding the production base, and regulating the movement of the dollar.
He stressed the importance of transparency in currency auctions and tightening control over external transfers, with the need to use cash reserves with caution.
He also considered political stability a crucial factor in protecting the value of the dinar, noting that any unrest would boost demand for the dollar as a safe haven and put pressure on the local currency.
At the conclusion of his speech, Abd Rabbo stressed that building a diversified economy capable of generating hard currency from non-oil sectors is the only way to protect the dinar from market and political fluctuations.
Monetary policy and financial stability in the archive of the writings of the Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq
ince its establishment in 1947 until 2025, the Central Bank of Iraq has gone through stages of phenomena, challenges and achievements. These years, whichS amounted to 78 years, witnessed major transformations in objectives, tools, functions and mechanisms, especially the transformation of monetary policy from a traditional policy to an unconventional policy aimed at stimulating the economy and moving it quickly towards economic growth Enhancing financial stability in accordance with new international standards, regularizing the global financial system, achieving the digital transformation methodology, and shifting from a monetary economy to a digital economy.
What distinguished the Central Bank's journey were the pillars and basic rules that were built during the years (2015-2020), and the applications of these pillars bore fruit in the years (2023-2025).By implementing the new policies, initiatives and programmes adopted by the Central Bank, the important thing here is to read the past, analyse it and build on it in drawing a picture of the future This is achieved when there are real economic leaders who examine reality and look to the future with keen eyes that look with great hope at building a strong and solid national economy based on clear foundations for achieving comprehensive and radical reform and a solid, modern, comprehensive and flexible banking sector while revolutionizing the basic productive sectors such as agriculture and industry, diversifying sources of national income other than oil, and moving from rentier to productive.
In light of my review of the archive of what was written about the Central Bank, I found that the most prominent thing in the archive is what was written by the Governor of the Central Bank, Dr. Ali Mohsen Al-Alaq, in his books entitled (Writings on Monetary Policy and Financial Stability) issued in 2021 and the book (Central Bank Management from the Margin of the Past to the Text of the Future) issued in 2022 In the first book and in 10 chapters, he explained the role of the Central Bank in confronting the economic and security challenges and shocks in (2015-2016), presented the challenges of the general budget, reconsidered the structure and presentation of the budget within the framework of the macroeconomy and stability of public finances (2017-2021), reduced the exchange rate of the Iraqi dinar, determinants and alternatives, and concluded them with the components of the desired economic development.
The second book discussed, in a scientific, realistic, and analytical manner, an important stage of the challenges that the Central Bank of Iraq experienced in the darkest and most exceptional circumstances that Iraq suffered from. The Central Bank endured the crises facing our national economy and filled the deficit in the general budgets by re-deducting treasury transfers issued by the government and the effects of this on the decline in foreign cash reserves to 43 billion dinars in 2016.
The book includes nine chapters that deal with strategic planning and change management, as the new goals in central banks are to shift from rules-based control to risk-based control and move from the goal of combating inflation to stimulating economic growth and offering jobs, tools, programs and standards that aim to achieve the above two goals and applying precautionary control standards and managing the central bank's foreign reserves that lead to a set of basic goals in enhancing confidence in Monetary policy and the exchange rate also included the features, determinants and indicators of the independence of the Central Bank, in addition to the issue of selling foreign currency through the Central Bank window, as well as the justifications, facts and economic, legal, financial, commercial and monetary phenomena that stand behind the currency sale window. The difficult circumstances experienced by the Central Bank administration in liquidating the observations of the FATF Financial Action Task Force.
Chapter Seven dealt with a general presentation of the banking sector in Iraq as the basic component of the financial system and subject to the supervision and control of the Central Bank. The chapter also dealt with the strategic projects completed to organize and stimulate the sector and the mechanisms for enhancing financial stability, and a clear reference to bank credit and its utmost importance in achieving economic and banking reform. It presented the narratives and programs of the banking reform process that we are currently witnessing.
The book presented a presentation of the great efforts and what was achieved within the framework of economic reform and financial discipline, and showed with high transparency the features of Iraq's money before and after 2003 in its total form. The chapter also included Iraq's debts before and after 2003, which is a proactive prediction of what the Central Bank has currently announced about the position of external and internal debt. Through my reading very carefully of what was included in the two books, I was certain that Professor Al-Alaq had made a great intellectual and economic effort in presenting an accurate diagnosis of the most prominent The challenges, achievements and structural and technical developments in the management of the Central Bank, which played a fundamental and important role in drawing the roadmap for the new fifth era of the Central Bank, which began in 2015 and is still ongoing with a fixed approach and steps to achieve the goals of monetary policy, support and stimulate the national economy and achieve complete financial stability, which is the central goal of economic, banking and financial reform.
The Central Bank develops the structure of external financial transfers: a decisive step against manipulation and smuggling
In a new effort to limit foreign currency smuggling and regulate foreign trade, the Central Bank of Iraq has taken a decisive step by issuing binding instructions to regulate the mechanism for dealing with commercial invoices in all licensed banks, in coordination with the Ministry of Finance and the General Authority of Customs, within the framework of implementing Cabinet Resolution No. (569) of 2025.
These measures come within the framework of the national project to automate and modernize customs, and aim to enhance transparency and control over external financial transfer operations, at a time when Iraq is witnessing increasing challenges in controlling the movement of funds and intensifying control measures to reduce manipulation and smuggling.
As of Wednesday, January 1, 2025, the Central Bank of Iraq suspended the approved electronic platform for selling dollars to banks and companies at the official rate of 1,320 dinars per dollar.
Deputy Governor of the Central Bank, Ammar Khalaf, said in statements to reporters that work on the electronic platform related to the dollar has stopped, but financing foreign trade continues through banks in accordance with parallel mechanisms in force in countries around the world.
In a related statement, the Central Bank of Iraq explained earlier that this transition went through multiple stages that the external transfer process went through, which began with the window for buying and selling foreign currency and moved to the stage of the electronic platform for external transfers, and ended with the processes of gradually strengthening balances during the year 2024 and was fully achieved in the last week of that year.
The Central Bank of Iraq recently issued a new circular to all licensed banks, which included detailed instructions regarding commercial invoices whose assets are required to be transferred abroad, based on the directives of the Ministry of Finance and the General Authority of Customs, and within the framework of facilitating the implementation of Cabinet Resolution No. (569) of 2025.
According to the circular, it was decided to include in the commercial invoice a set of basic information, most notably: the invoice number and date, payment and shipping terms, currency and value, and the global Harmonized Customs Code (HS Code), provided that it is not less than six digits, in addition to the exporter and importer's data, and an accurate description of the goods, their origin, brand, quantity, unit of measurement, unit price, and total price.
The circular also indicated the adoption of one of two types of invoices: either the final commercial invoice, or the initial invoice attached to the sales contract, provided that the final invoice contains all the data contained in the initial invoice.
The Central Bank confirmed that these instructions will be officially adopted in financial transfer and customs clearance operations starting from November 1, 2025.
In addition, the Prime Minister's Advisor for Financial and Economic Affairs, Mazhar Muhammad Saleh, said that the new measures announced by the Central Bank of Iraq with the aim of preventing dollar smuggling, which will be implemented starting next month, "look good now".
Saleh added during his interview with Al-Eqtisad News, "It is a fact that we can wait for its effectiveness, but it seems good now", referring to the possibility of evaluating the results of these measures after they actually begin to be implemented.
In turn, the Eco Iraq Observatory commented on the new instructions issued by the Central Bank of Iraq regarding regulating commercial invoices for financial transfer and customs clearance operations, considering that they represent an important step towards enhancing transparency and controlling financial procedures.
The Observatory said that Circular No. (267/4/9) dated October 15, 2025, directed licensed banks to include in commercial invoices basic information related to payment and shipping terms, value and currency of the invoice, and the global customs harmonized code, in addition to the addresses of the importer and exporter, a description of the goods, their origin and brand, in addition to the quantity, unit price and total price.
Eco Iraq explained that the Central Bank stipulated the adoption of one of two types of invoices: either the final commercial invoice, or the initial invoice attached to the sales contract, provided that the final invoice contains all the data of the initial invoice.
The Observatory confirmed that implementation of these instructions will begin on November 1, 2025, noting that the decision falls within the National Automation Project, which seeks to regulate external transfer operations more precisely and reduce loopholes that may be exploited in manipulation or evasion operations.
Eco Iraq considered that the new instructions represent a positive step towards unifying banking and customs procedures, and contribute to reducing errors and improving the level of control over commercial transactions, which supports the project to modernize customs and financial governance in Iraq.
Securities: Approval of membership requirements for the "Tabadul" platform between the Iraqi and Abu Dhabi markets
The Securities Commission announced today, Tuesday, the approval of the requirements for trading membership via the "Tabadul" platform between the Iraqi and Abu Dhabi Securities Markets.
A statement by the Authority stated: "The Securities Commission announced its approval of the membership requirements for Iraqi brokerage companies to enter trading via the "Tadawul" platform in the Abu Dhabi Securities Market, as well as the membership for foreign brokerage companies to enter trading via the platform in the Iraqi Securities Market, within the framework of the strategic linkage project between the two markets."
The Chairman of the Securities Commission, Faisal Al-Haimas, stressed - according to the statement - that "this step represents a new stage in the path of developing Iraqi financial markets and enhancing their regional integration," noting that "the "Tabadul" platform will contribute to expanding investment opportunities, increasing liquidity, raising trading efficiency, and attracting foreign investments to the Iraqi market."
He added, "The Authority is continuing to implement its vision to modernize the financial market environment and strengthen partnerships with Arab and global markets, in line with the government's goals of supporting the national economy and diversifying sources of growth".
He pointed out that "this approval comes within a series of strategic steps that enhance the position of the Iraqi Stock Exchange as a promising investment destination".
Private banks will be made more difficult to renew their licenses for the new year
The Central Bank of Iraq has tightened the conditions for authorizing and renewing the licenses of private banks for 2026; Banks are required to have a capital size of more than 350 billion dinars and not less than 400 billion dinars by
The big picture: Due to tough US demands and conditions, the Iraqi central bank has announced a comprehensive banking reform process. US financial advisory firm Oliver Wyman is overseeing the process, under the direct supervision of the US Treasury Department, the Federal Reserve and JPMorgan.
Official letter: According to a letter from the Central Bank of Iraq, which has been received by Ava Media, in which it responded to a letter from the Association of Iraqi Private Banks on taking practical steps to reform the banking sector.
More information: The central bank has made it clear to private and commercial banks that it cannot lift the restrictions imposed by the Foreign Authority (OFAC), especially on the issue of suspending banks from paying dollars.
Strategic issue: According to the heavy conditions set for the renewal of licenses of private and commercial banks, some banks are likely to withdraw from the process and liquidate themselves, as; The capital of each bank should be 350 billion dinars in the new year and 400 billion dinars in 2027, while in previous years the banks were required to have 250 billion dinars and this year the amount was increased to 300 billion dinars.
What are the main requirements:
- The capital level of each bank in 2026 should be above 350 billion dinars.
- Each bank shall submit its annual financial statements to the Central Bank by the middle of the next year; The banks' proposal to report in the third quarter of 2026 has been rejected.
- Banks that are of the type of investment and development of investment projects, the chances of renewing their licenses and authorizations than other competing banks, it is better to have relationships with foreign investors and investors as a reliable Iraqi pocket, trust.
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Parliamentary Finance criticizes the statements of the Prime Minister's Advisor: Talk about the 2026 budget is "imaginary"
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The Finance Committee of the House of Representatives responded today, Tuesday, to the statements of the Financial Advisor to the Prime Minister, Mazhar Mohammed Saleh, regarding the Federal Ministry of Finance's commencement of preparing the 2026 budget, in accordance with the Federal Financial Management Law No. 6 of 2019, as amended.
Member of the Parliamentary Finance Committee, Moeen Al-Kadhimi, said in a press statement followed by (Al-Mada), "Talk about the Ministry of Finance starting to work on preparing the budget law for the year 2026 is not realistic, especially with nothing remaining in the government's life, and the approaching date of holding elections".
Al-Kadhimi explained that "the next government is the one that will work on preparing the budget law according to the economic vision and measuring the size of oil and non-oil financial revenues, in addition to the size of actual expenditures and expenses in the budget," stressing that "the next government is the one that will send the budget law for the year 2026 to the new House of Representatives for approval."
Transportation: More than 150 international shipments were recorded passing through Iraq
The Ministry of Transport announced today, Tuesday, the successful and safe passage of more than 150 international shipments through Iraq during the past period, while confirming its efforts to expand land transport at all border crossings and ports.
The Director General of the General Company for Land Transport in the Ministry, Mortada Al-Shahmani, told the Iraqi News Agency (INA): "Iraq has joined the Tyr International Transport Agreement, and implementing the development road will be the cornerstone in a smooth rise process and facilitating the entry of shipments through Iraq".
He added, "The implementation of the Tyr Agreement began in March 2025, with increasing increases in the entry of shipments, as the passage of more than 150 to 200 shipments through Iraq was recorded safely and successfully".
Al-Shahmani explained, "The ministry seeks to expand this work to include all border crossings and outlets such as Ibrahim Al-Khalil, Safwan, Trebil, Arar, in addition to ports and all outlets, whether eastern, western, southern, or northern."
He pointed out that "there is a close relationship between the local guarantor of land transport and the private sector of trucks, as we have more than 52 thousand trucks for the private sector, supervised by the General Company for Land Transport, and there are also good relations with the International Land Transport Federation, which facilitated the process of implementing the TIR agreements in Iraq."
Al-Sudani calls on Washington not to take unilateral action after Rubio's comments about militias.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudlani offered a different account of what transpired in his phone call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio tonight. The Iraqi statement omitted any mention of "disarming militias" in the next phase, contrary to what the US statement contained. However, al-Sudlani used a suggestive phrase when he called on Washington not to take any unilateral action outside the framework of communication and consultation.
Statement from Al-Sudani's office:
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani received a phone call from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
During the call, they discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations between the Republic of Iraq and the United States of America, and continued joint efforts aimed at consolidating the deep and multidimensional partnership between the two countries in the political, economic, cultural, security, and military fields.
The Prime Minister reiterated the Iraqi government's commitment to continuing the momentum of bilateral cooperation and moving forward with implementing the agreements and understandings reached over the past months, particularly those related to expanding economic ties, developing an attractive investment environment for business, and creating a climate for American investments and companies in Iraq, in a way that embodies the shared vision between the two countries.
Mr. Al-Sudani emphasized that the friendly relations between Baghdad and Washington are based on constructive dialogue and continuous communication through multiple channels, which enhances common interests and consolidates mutual trust, within a framework of ongoing consultation and coordination to achieve common goals. He emphasized the need to avoid any unilateral steps outside the framework of communication and consultation.
The two sides also discussed the constitutional requirements for the upcoming elections in Iraq, with the Prime Minister affirming the government's commitment to strengthening the democratic process to consolidate political stability and sustainable development in Iraq.
US State Department statement:
The US Secretary of State discussed efforts to complete US trade deals in Iraq in a call with the Iraqi Prime Minister.
– Iran-backed militias in Iraq threaten the lives and businesses of Americans and Iraqis.
US Secretary of State Rubio stressed the need to disarm Iranian-backed militias that undermine Iraq's sovereignty.
The US Secretary of State affirmed Washington's commitment to working closely with Iraqis to advance common interests.
Al-Sudani and the US Secretary of State discuss completing US trade deals in Iraq
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Tuesday that armed factions must be disarmed.
The US State Department said, "Secretary Rubio discussed, in contact with the Prime Minister of Iraq, efforts to complete US trade deals in Iraq".
According to the US State Department, Secretary Rubio stressed "the need to disarm the Iranian-backed factions that undermine Iraq's sovereignty."
He continued, "The armed factions supported by Iran in Iraq threaten the lives and businesses of Americans and Iraqis".
He added, "The Iraqi factions are plundering Iraqi resources for the benefit of Iran".
Minister Rubio stressed "Washington's commitment to working closely with the Iraqis to promote common interests".
Sudanese to US Secretary of State: Any unilateral steps outside the framework of communication and consultation must be avoided
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani warned during a phone call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio of unilateral steps outside the framework of communication and consultation.
His media office stated, in a statement it received (IQ), "Al-Sudani received a phone call from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and they discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations between the Republic of Iraq and the United States of America, and continue joint efforts aimed at consolidating the deep and multidimensional partnership between the two countries, in the political, economic, cultural, security and military fields".
Al-Sudani reiterated, "The Iraqi government is keen to continue the momentum of bilateral cooperation and move forward in implementing the agreements and understandings reached during the past months, especially those related to expanding economic ties, developing an investment environment that attracts business, and creating a climate for American investments and companies in Iraq, in a way that embodies the common vision between the two countries."
He stressed that "the friendly relations between Baghdad and Washington are based on constructive dialogue and continuous communication through multiple channels, which enhances common interests and establishes mutual trust, within a framework of continuous consultation and coordination to achieve common goals," stressing "the need to avoid any unilateral steps outside the framework of communication and consultation."
The two sides discussed the constitutional entitlement in the upcoming elections in Iraq, where Al-Sudani stressed "the government's keenness to strengthen the democratic path in a way that consolidates political stability and sustainable development in Iraq".
Rubio to Al-Sudani: The factions are plundering state resources for the benefit of Iran and must be disarmed
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio informed Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani on Tuesday evening of the need to expedite the disarmament of pro-Iranian armed factions in the country.
During the call, Rubio discussed with Al-Sudani efforts to complete American trade deals in Iraq, stressing the need to disarm Iranian-backed militias that undermine Iraq's sovereignty.
The US Secretary of State added, "Iranian-backed militias in Iraq threaten the lives and businesses of Americans and Iraqis alike, and plunder Iraqi resources for the benefit of Tehran".
At the end of his phone call with Al-Sudani, Minister Rubio stressed Washington's commitment to "working closely with the Iraqis to promote common interests."
Exclusive: An Iraqi association in Michigan reveals the agenda of Trump's envoy to Baghdad.
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On Monday, Muthanna Obaida Hussein, head of the cultural and social committees at the Iraqi Society in Michigan, revealed part of the agenda of the new special envoy to Iraq, Mark Savaya, who was appointed by US President Donald Trump on Sunday.
Hussein told Shafaq News Agency, "The nature of Savaya's work in cannabis and marijuana is permitted in Michigan and some other US states."
He added, "The appointment of Mark Savaya as US envoy to Iraq underscores the particular importance of this country to the United States' perspective and foreign policy," noting that "the appointment of a US envoy to Iraq may be intended to speed up the flow of information and directives from the White House."
He pointed out that "the Iraqi issue is thorny and involves numerous economic and political issues and numerous problems, including loose weapons and militias. Even President Donald Trump himself has said that Iraq has a lot going for it, but Iraqis don't know how to capitalize on it."
Hussein continued, "In addition to the human rights issue, including the missing persons and the problem of displaced persons who have not returned to their areas for a long time."
He stressed that "America is striving to make the Iraqi experience a success, given that it created this experience in 2003, and therefore it is trying to support Iraq in order to improve its situation in the future."
Hussein noted that "the US Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on a number of Iraqi individuals and banks, demonstrating that the United States is deeply involved in Iraq's political landscape, even if it is not playing a military role."
He stressed, "America also wants to preserve its own interests because it wants to present Iraq as a model to be emulated," adding, "Iraq needs aid and assistance from America and the international community after the entry of groups like Al-Qaeda and ISIS, the state's lack of control over militias, and Iranian influence."
On Sunday evening, US President Donald Trump appointed Mark Savaya as special envoy to Iraq.
Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, which was followed by Shafaq News Agency, that "Mark's deep understanding of the relationship between Iraq and the United States, and his extensive connections in the region, will contribute to advancing the interests of the American people."
He explained that Savaya was a "prominent figure" in Trump's campaign in Michigan and contributed to a record number of Muslim American voters
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Warning, congratulations, then envoy.. Trump reopens the Iraqi file in his own way
It wasn't Someone expects Iraq to return to Trump's rhetoric in this way, after years of absence from the circle American light. However, the sentence, despite its brevity, seemed as if it were a reference to a new phase, or A reminder from a president who knows exactly how to throw a small stone into stagnant water so that circles can move around it.
After For just two days, Trump sent official congratulations to Baghdad on the occasion of National Day, in which he spoke about "relationships" Historic and a renewed partnership. At the end of the same week, he announced the appointment of the American businessman Of Iraqi origin, Mark Savaya is a special envoy to Iraq.
It seemed The sequence of events is more like a tight narrative than a political coincidence, from a warning, congratulations, and then an envoy. Three successive signals are enough to revive a file that has remained dormant in the drawers of American politics since the withdrawal Its forces more than a decade ago.
At home White, no additional statements were made explaining what Trump meant by his statement at the summit. But many They read in his words what went beyond a passing rebuke.
"His statement "The importance of responsible resource management and cooperation between the two countries is highlighted," he says Frank Mismar, Republican Party member and chairman of the advisory board at the University of Maryland, told the agency Twilight News.
For To him, what Trump said is not an attack, but rather a call to redefine the relationship with Baghdad from an economic perspective Perhaps also an indirect message to Tehran that Washington still has cards nearby.
But Paul Sullivan, a professor of energy security at Johns Hopkins University, saw something different: "From It is sometimes difficult to know what Trump means, but it can be understood as urging Iraq to use His oil is to build stability, not to fuel chaos.
And he points out Sullivan said that Trump views Iraq as a potential alternative to Russian oil in some markets But he does not trust Baghdad's relationship with Tehran, especially in the energy sector.
"Sanctions Immediacy makes the scene complicated, and if Iraq uses its energy to support Washington's enemies, it may bring "He has trouble," the university professor says in a realistic tone that indicates long experience in reading American signals.
In Baghdad, Officials received these signals with apparent caution. Savaya's appointment was for the man who spoke Arabic, He knows the natures of Iraqis, and has roots in Old Mosul, a step that was repeated in Trump's diplomacy, where He previously assigned the envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkaf, and the envoy to Syria and Lebanon, Thomas Barak They come from a background far from political work.
In Washington, Savaya has been described as a "special phase envoy," and his mission will focus on the oil files Financial reform while curbing the power of armed factions near Tehran. In Baghdad, the interpretation was More simply, "Trump wants an eye to watch".
while Reflecting on the entire scene, Washington appears to be testing a new approach to dealing with Iraq. Instead of the familiar security rhetoric, today it seeks to reframe the relationship on the basis of "Oil and Governance".
He didn't come back The question is how Iraq fights terrorism, and even how it manages its wealth. This shift in tone may be More dangerous than any political warning, because managing resources in a country like Iraq means managing balance Between loyalties, corruption, foreign influence, and a fragile economy that lives on oil revenues Alone.
Now, With a new envoy sitting on the "Iraqi file" bench, and with a president regaining his vocabulary Loud, Iraq returns to the forefront of the American scene not as a forgotten war, but as an open field of opportunities And anxiety together.
All of that It started with a short sentence, which Trump said in a hall lit up with Middle Eastern flags, but its echo extended Directly to Baghdad, and to every oil well whose story has yet to be decided.
And in Exclusive interview with Shafaq News Agency, US Chargé d'Affaires Joshua Harris says that Iraq "It still holds a central place in US politics," he added It is not a retreat, but a reformulation of interests. The United States is also led by the President Trump puts America's interests first, and this is an effective principle that is applied here and around the world.
It seemed As if he wanted to say that Iraq is still within the circle, but the nature of the role has changed, from guardianship To partnership, from military presence to economic influence.
And since At the beginning of Trump's second term, Washington did not appoint a new ambassador to Baghdad, which sparked controversy in Among Iraqi researchers and politicians, there are questions about the significance of this vacuum. However, Harris downplayed This is important, noting that management "works through a team of professionals" that focuses To make America "safer, stronger, and more prosperous," a vision reflected in "partnerships." A bilateral agreement that meets the needs of both countries.
It seemed It is clear that he is speaking in thoughtful terms, to confirm that Washington is not withdrawing from Iraq, but rather changing its tools Just.
And he adds Harris said the United States wants to see "a future, sovereign, safe Iraq within" Its borders contribute to the stability of the region, and it is more prosperous through development and economic participation.
sentence The latter seemed an indirect extension of Trump's own warning in Sharm El-Sheikh. If the president has He hinted at mismanagement of oil wealth, and his diplomats in Baghdad are now trying to translate that Note to plan.
Hadith About the common interest, it seemed on the surface a continuation of the old American approach, but it carries in its depth Something new, as Washington no longer sees Iraq only as a security file, but as an economic equation in The heart of the new Middle East that Trump is trying to engineer through peace and energy agreements.
And in As the US military presence declines, other tools are stepping up as the Special Envoy Mark Savaya, Economic Mission, and overlapping investment networks to fill the political vacuum with arrangements tighter financial and commercial.
And since The fall of the former regime in 2003, Washington's relationship with Baghdad changed like a pendulum swinging between immersion And withdrawal.
Bush Obama made Iraq the first testing ground for the "Democratic Middle East" He left it and then returned to it in the wake of ISIS expansion, and Biden was content with an advisory mission that ensured the presence remained American without noise. Today, under Trump II, Washington appears to be testing a concentrated fourth formula On influence without a full embassy, presence without soldiers, influence from behind the curtain of economy and energy.
In this Context: Trump's statement about oil becomes less spontaneous than it seemed in its first moment. It's an opening For a new chapter in a turbulent relationship, in which the US President wants to redraw the boundaries between He owns oil and knows how to use it. As for Baghdad, which at the same time heard Eid congratulations National and a veiled warning, as it finds itself once again between two phrases from Washington: partnership.. And accountability.
Trump: We have peace in the Middle East now and we look forward to further success
US President Donald Trump stressed that there is peace in the Middle East, expressing his aspiration for more success.
Trump said in press statements that he "discussed in a phone call with the Indian Prime Minister the issue of trade relations between the two countries," noting that "India will not buy large quantities of Russian oil and is interested in ending the war in Ukraine."
He added, "There is still a real opportunity to stop the war in Ukraine", stressing that he has not yet decided whether he will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin, adding: "I do not want to hold an useless meeting".
The US President continued, "We have peace in the Middle East now and we look forward to further success," noting that "Hamas is a bad organization and can be quickly eliminated if it does not abide by the agreement."
Nechirvan Barzani discusses border security and relations with Washington with the Iraqi army leadership
urdistan Regional President Nechirvan Barzani discussed with Iraqi Army Chief of Staff Abdul Amir Rashid Yarallah the security of Iraq's borders and military relations with the United States of America, stressing "the continued threat of ISIS to the country and the need to support international coalition forces".
The Iraqi Army Chief of Staff arrived in Erbil on Tuesday morning. He was received by Nechirvan Barzani, along with an accompanying delegation that included a number of senior Iraqi military and security officers.
A statement issued by the Kurdistan Presidency stated that "during the meeting, they discussed joint cooperation between the Iraqi army and the Peshmerga and the international coalition, Iraqi military and security relations with America within the framework of the bilateral security agreement between them, the dangers of terrorism and the situation in Syria," noting that "the two sides agreed that ISIS still represents a real danger and threat to the security and stability of Iraq and Syria."
In this context, Nechirvan Barzani stressed that Iraq and the Kurdistan Region still need the assistance and support of the international coalition to confront the threats and dangers of terrorism, within the framework of Iraqi security agreements, praising "the role of the Iraqi army in establishing security and stability in the country".
Nechirvan Barzani saw "the necessity of consolidating joint cooperation between the Peshmerga and the Iraqi army", while the Chief of Staff of the Iraqi Army confirmed that "the current cooperation between the army and the Peshmerga is at its best", praising in this area "the role of the Chief of Staff of the Peshmerga".
The topics of "maintaining border security, the conditions of border crossings, especially those on the border between Iraq and Syria, and ending the tasks of the international coalition in Iraq in September 2026" embodied the main topics discussed at the meeting.
Al-Sarraj: The Coordination Framework is the one that determines the next prime minister.
Political analyst Ibrahim Al-Sarraj said on Monday that the premiership for the next phase will be determined by the parties forming the Coordination Framework, and will not depend on the number of parliamentary seats won by each candidate or leader.
Al-Sarraj told Al-Maalouma, “The Coordination Framework refuses for Al-Sudani to be in power for a second term, even if he wins a majority of parliamentary seats in the next phase.”
He added, "The Coordination Framework has a political tradition that does not depend on the number of parliamentary seats in granting the premiership, but rather on consensus between the political parties, which is something that has been worked on in the past parliamentary sessions."
He explained that "the premiership for the next phase will be determined exclusively by the parties forming the Coordination Framework, as it does not depend on the number of seats, but rather on the state of acceptance within the framework."
Elections and the "second term".. Qani intervenes to contain a heated dispute between the framework leaders
On Tuesday, political sources revealed escalating differences within the coordination framework related to the use of state resources and political influence in electoral propaganda for a number of lists within the framework, at a time when Iranian parties entered the mediation line to contain tension.
One of the sources told Shafaq News Agency, "A disagreement emerged between some of the main forces within the coordination framework regarding the employment of state institutions and their capabilities to serve election campaigns, in addition to other differences regarding the management of the electoral file and financing, which prompted external parties to intervene to humidify the atmosphere and emphasize the unity of the Shiite ranks."
According to the source, "The commander of the Quds Force of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, Ismail Qaani, during his recent visit to Iraq to offer condolences on the death of the wife of the highest religious authority, held individual meetings with the leaders of the Coordination Framework forces, during which he stressed the need to preserve the unity of the Shiite position and leave differences aside before the upcoming elections."
In this context, the representative of the Badr bloc, Madiha Al-Moussawi, downplayed the importance of this news, and said in her interview with Shafaq News Agency, "What is happening within the framework is a difference in visions and not a political disagreement, and this situation is healthy in any political process".
Regarding talk about renewing the second term of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, al-Moussawi confirmed that "talk about this is very early, and the issue of naming the next prime minister remains subject to the understandings of all political forces after the elections."
After being the main political support framework for the Sudanese government since its formation in October 2022, the internal competition between its forces has come to light as the elections approach, especially over who has the greatest government influence and resources to employ in the next vote.
During the past few months, Qaani's interventions to contain the Shiite division have increased, especially between the parties within the framework who are considered Tehran's political allies, in the hope of keeping them in the same alliance after the announcement of the results of the upcoming elections.
On an "unannounced" visit.. Qaani meets with political and armed leaders in Baghdad
Revealed An informed political source said on Tuesday evening that the commander of the Quds Force of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, General Ismail Qaani arrived in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, on a visit "other than Announcing, he met with a number of leaders.
And he said The source told Shafaq News Agency, "Qaani arrived in Baghdad today and met with a number of leaders there." Shiite political forces and armed factions, on a visit whose nature is unknown, as well None of the leaders mentioned that Qaani held his meetings.
And in Earlier today, political sources revealed escalating disagreements within the coordination framework related to the use of State resources and political influence in electoral propaganda for a number of affiliated lists Within the framework, at a time when Iranian parties entered the mediation line to contain the tension.
And tell One of the sources, Shafaq News Agency, said, "The commander of the Quds Force in the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, Ismail Qaani, during his recent visit to Iraq to offer condolences on the death of the wife of the highest religious authority, He held individual meetings with the leaders of the Coordination Framework forces, during which he stressed the need to maintain Unifying the Shiite position and leaving differences aside before the next elections.
And during In recent months, Qaani's interventions to contain the Shiite division have increased, especially between The parties within the framework who are considered Tehran's political allies, hoping to keep them in the same alliance After announcing the results of the upcoming elections.
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