The Central Bank Governor discusses with Oliver Wyman ways to improve Iraq's sovereign and credit ratings.
The National Team and the Technical Committee for Sovereign Rating held a joint meeting with Oliver Wyman Consulting. The meeting was chaired by the head of the National Team, His Excellency the Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq, Mr. Ali Mohsen Al-Alaq, and attended by Dr. Mazhar Mohammed Saleh, Advisor to the Prime Minister and Head of the Technical Committee, along with a group of experts from relevant ministries and the private sector.
The video for this My FX Buddies Blog is below here:
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss mechanisms for improving the sovereign and credit ratings of the Republic of Iraq. During the meeting, the most prominent pillars and key issues requiring work in cooperation with international rating agencies S&P, Fitch, and Moody's were discussed. Emphasis was placed on the importance of applying the five pillars adopted in rating methodologies: institutional quality and financial strength, monetary strength, economic structure and growth prospects, political events and risks, and governance and overall stability.
The meeting also addressed the need to build a comprehensive economic and financial base for Iraq that reflects the reform process, institutional capacities, and future opportunities, ensuring its practical applicability. Furthermore, the importance of direct and continuous communication with international rating agencies was stressed to enhance mutual understanding and achieve sustainable positive results.
This meeting comes within the framework of the government’s efforts to improve the image of the Iraqi economy and enhance international confidence, as the Iraqi government had announced in September 2025 the formation of the National Team for Improving the Credit Rating, which includes a select group of experts and representatives of various economic sectors, with the aim of raising the sovereign rating and supporting financial and economic stability in the country.Central Bank of Iraq,
Media Office,
January 14, 2026
I still don't believe this but this is the latest ...
The secrets of "The Four Encounters"
The agreement between Sudan and Maliki is hampered by the "postponement" of the framework meeting: What happened before the "moment of announcement"?
The selection of the Shiite bloc's candidate for prime minister remains undecided, contrary to claims by some political circles that Nouri al-Maliki has already secured a third term. According to available information, the dream of a third term still faces several obstacles, beginning with a vote within the coordinating body, passing through the so-called "national consensus" for acceptance by other political groups, and ending with the level of regional support or reservations regarding any candidate for the premiership.
Abdul Hadi Al-Saadawi, a leader in the Reconstruction and Development Alliance, reveals to Baghdad Today how his coalition leader conceded to Maliki in order to form a government that would extend until 2030, saying that “there are two blocs from the Shiite component that have the right to nominate the prime minister, namely Reconstruction and Development and the State of Law, and therefore the framework informed the heads of the two coalitions, in addition to the head of the Victory Alliance, Haider Al-Abadi, that you are the framework’s candidates for one of you to be prime minister (Maliki, Sudani, Abadi), and you must discuss among yourselves to decide the matter.”
Al-Saadawi adds that “Al-Abadi, because he does not have a parliamentary bloc now, has withdrawn from the presidential race, and the matter remains confined to (Al-Sudani and Al-Maliki),” indicating that “the relationship between the latter two was experiencing a state of coolness, which made it a national duty for there to be a meeting between them, and indeed four meetings took place in which the ice of coolness was melted between yesterday’s friends.”
The leader in the Reconstruction and Development Alliance continues, “Those dialogues resulted in a conviction that no bloc from the Shiite component has the right to put forward a compromise candidate to form the government, and that the way forward is either for Maliki to concede to Sudani or for the latter to concede to Maliki,” noting that “the slogan of reconstruction is Iraq first, and therefore it was necessary to take a position consistent with this slogan,” as he put it.
In discussing the details of the four meetings, Al-Saadawi explains that “Al-Sudani did not withdraw from the race for a second term, but in order to advance the country’s interests, he is nominating, as a person and as a coalition, his colleague, the leader of the State of Law Coalition, Nouri al-Maliki, to form the next government. This matter was communicated to al-Maliki and the framework to end the deadlock and advance the interests of Iraq.”
Al-Saadawi points out that “Al-Maliki will go to the coordination framework as the candidate of the State of Law and the candidate of the Reconstruction and Development Alliance, and if he gets the framework’s vote, he will turn to the national option (other components), in addition to the external community,” explaining that “Najaf is the basis of acceptance, but the religious authority did not intervene, and left the choice to the political blocs.”
He also reveals that "the framework was scheduled to meet yesterday, Monday, to put al-Maliki's name on its agenda, but the meeting was postponed until further notice," noting that "if no agreement is reached on al-Maliki within the framework and with the national space, then the agreement will be to task al-Sudani with forming the next government."
These statements come at a time when, in recent days, political and media leaks have spoken of al-Maliki’s nomination within the corridors of the coordination framework as the first choice for the premiership, without any official announcement being issued so far regarding the selection of the candidate’s name or the adoption of a final formula for choosing the new prime minister.
This is not a real image in case you can't tell
Political source: Maliki's nomination as prime minister is a crime against Iraq and its people and evasion of justice
According to a political source, the nomination of Nuri al-Maliki as the head of the previous government is a crime against Iraq and its people, and added the source, that al-Maliki is Strong Iran in Iraq is the one that gave the third of Iraq to ISIS under Iranian command and as a result of the corruption and psychology that prevails today, such as Spiker's crime On Shiite youth voluntarily joining the battle front with ISIS without training and killing at least 1,300 Shab, he is the one who killed 220 Arabs on Sunday Al-Hawijah is the one that legitimizes corruption, sectarianism, theft of public property and much more! Instead of the judicial accountability and judgment against the execution of Zahab al-Ittar al-Iranian to Tarshiha to be assigned until the whole of Iraq is handed over to ISIS al-Iranian. Source Nawab al-Iraq confirmed this nomination and Source Judiciary demanded that the Maliki account and the files of crime, corruption and treason overcome the judicial process.
The region is on the brink and Iraq is at the heart of the storm... Is an American strike on Iran imminent?
he accelerating American escalation towards Iran has gone beyond the limits of tactical pressure, coinciding with a wave of internal protests. According to observers, an American strike is now expected, which puts the entire region in front of open repercussions that may redraw the balances of the region and make Iraq’s stability dependent on its ability to distance itself from the conflict of axes and build an internal equation less linked to the developments of the confrontation between Washington and Tehran.
Jordanian political researcher Hazem Ayad told Al-Alam Al-Jadeed that “the accelerating American escalation towards Iran reflects a clear strategic direction within Washington to go further in targeting the Iranian political system.”
Ayad points out that “the US administration believes that this path will lead to a long series of successive steps, beginning with limited and deliberate strikes, which may be cyber or military, while testing the ability of the United States to contain Iranian responses, before moving to deeper stages of pressure and destabilization.”
internal exhaustion
He explains that “this strategy is based on perpetuating a state of internal exhaustion in Iran by fueling chaos and protests and attempting to activate separatist groups, within a long-term framework that is not limited to any one specific issue.” In his view, “what is happening today suggests that Washington has made a major political decision to target the Iranian regime itself, making the battle for Tehran an existential one that affects both the state and the regime, and not merely a passing disagreement over a nuclear program or regional influence.”
Ayad affirms that “the nuclear agreement, if it returns to the forefront, will not be an ultimate goal in itself at this stage, but may turn into a tool among the tools for weakening the Iranian state, undermining its elements of power, and stripping it of its political legitimacy, within the framework of a broader strategy that is not satisfied with sitting at the negotiating table,” noting that “we are facing a complex and lengthy process, which begins with limited operations, and may later escalate to direct military attacks and American raids, in light of the absence of real indications of Washington’s readiness to back down from this approach.”
The researcher, who specializes in Middle Eastern affairs, points out that “what makes the situation more dangerous is that this campaign is no longer limited to the United States and Israel, but has gained growing European political support, translated into statements issued by officials in France, Germany and Britain, which means moving to a new stage of the conflict, the title of which is the open targeting of the Iranian regime. This shift raises the level of threat and puts the entire region in front of open scenarios that go beyond Iran to its regional periphery.”
He warns that “the repercussions of any large-scale strike on Iran will not remain confined within its borders, but will extend to the countries of the region, especially Iraq, the Gulf states, Turkey and Pakistan. In his view, destabilizing security in Iran will lead to strengthening Israeli hegemony in the region, which is a matter of deep concern to the Arab states, and at the same time undermines the influence of China and Russia in the Middle East and at the level of the international system.”
Trump's speech
In his reading of the recent speech by US President Donald Trump via the “Truth Social” platform, Ayad believes that it “falls within the framework of media and incitement escalation aimed at preparing the political and popular climate, inside and outside the United States, for the possibility of taking new military or security steps against Iran, including sending additional military assets to the region.”
However, he notes that “this escalation has, in turn, raised clear concerns among the countries of the region, particularly Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman, which have begun to exert pressure on Washington to reduce tensions and avoid an open confrontation with uncertain outcomes.”
In contrast, he explains that “Iran is trying to manage this complex situation by combining deterrence with opening avenues for de-escalation. It has declared its readiness for confrontation through official statements, but at the same time has been careful not to close the door to negotiations, indicating the existence of communication channels that can be used to reduce tensions.” He believes that Tehran is thus trying to “remove pretexts” from the American side and provide a political way out that would allow for avoiding a full-blown conflict.
Ayad concludes that “the region is still living in a pre-confrontation phase, where the media and psychological battle takes precedence over any direct military clash, amid increasing regional pressures to avoid the worst. However, the danger of the moment lies in the fact that moving the conflict to the level of directly targeting the Iranian regime makes any miscalculation capable of igniting a wide confrontation, the repercussions of which will not be limited to Iran alone, but will affect the entire region, and at its heart Iraq.”
The US president again threatened the use of force against Tehran, saying Tuesday evening that he would return to the White House and review the entire situation in Iran, which he described as "very bad." He added, "Iran is on my mind when I see this kind of death happening there," emphasizing that "the scale of the killing in Iran is significant, but we don't know for sure. I'll know in 20 minutes, and we will act accordingly."
NBC News quoted a White House official as saying that Trump listens to a wide range of opinions but ultimately makes the decision he deems best. The official explained that all options are on the table for President Trump to address the situation in Iran.
Earlier yesterday, a statement from the virtual US Embassy in Tehran urged its citizens to leave Iran immediately, advising them to consider leaving by land for Turkey or Armenia. The statement read, “US citizens should leave Iran now. We advise them to consider leaving Iran by land for Turkey or Armenia, if it is safe to do so.”
Expected strike
For his part, Ahmed Al-Yassiri, director of the Arab Australian Center for Studies, told Al-Alam Al-Jadeed that “an American strike against Iran would not be surprising if it happened, but rather expected for a long time, even before the outbreak of internal protests. However, the popular movement contributed to postponing its implementation. This strike was prepared with American-Israeli coordination, within an approach aimed at weakening the Iranian regime, not overthrowing it completely, by striking sensitive centers that affect the core of its power.”
Al-Yassiri explains that “Washington’s objectives are focused on oil infrastructure and energy export sites, in addition to missile cities and the regime’s sovereign sites, in an attempt to demonstrate the Iranian state’s inability to defend itself and to shatter the image of strength that the regime promotes both domestically and internationally.” In his view, “the most prominent goal is to push the Iranian public to lose faith in the regime’s capabilities, similar to what happened in the 1991 uprising in Iraq, when the myth of power surrounding Saddam Hussein’s regime collapsed.”
He asserts that “US President Trump does not give real importance to the human rights aspect in this battle, but rather deals with it from the perspective of power and hard management. He does not seek to overthrow the Iranian regime in a way that leads to comprehensive regional chaos, but rather to weaken it, strip it of its teeth, and make it a regime with limited influence.”
a risky investment
The popular movement inside Iran was exploited by the Americans in a dangerous propaganda way, and contributed to pushing the regime to use excessive security solutions, which led to the fall of large numbers of victims,” according to Al-Yassiri, who considered this a “strategic mistake committed by the Iranian leadership.”
He believes that “Tehran’s resort to violence against the demonstrators has widened the gap between the regime and society, and strengthened the revolutionary and vengeful tendencies within the street, which practically serves American goals. Instead of political containment, society has been divided into loyalists and traitors, a path that does not serve the stability of Iran, but rather makes it more vulnerable to any external targeting, and deepens the internal division with every new blow.”
Iran is currently witnessing its largest anti-government demonstrations in years, as the Trump administration considers how to deal with the situation. These protests began last December in Tehran's main market, with shop owners and students from several universities participating, expressing their discontent with the measures amid a sharp decline in the value of the currency and a significant rise in prices. The protests then spread to cities throughout the country, resulting in thousands of deaths and injuries, without an accurate count of the victims.
Al-Yassiri believes that “the anticipated American strike will remain contingent on developments within Iran. If the unrest spreads or cities fall to internal movements, this will facilitate the execution of the strike.” He emphasizes that “what Trump does not want is for Iranians to unite against an external attack, as happened in previous rounds of conflict, because any national rallying around the regime could undermine the narrative of weakening it and give it political and popular momentum.”
Iraq in the eye of the storm
Regarding the implications of this path for Iraq, Al-Yassiri points out that “the impact will largely depend on the nature of the political elite produced by the forces of the coordination framework,” noting that “some forces have begun to sense the danger of being targeted, which has prompted them to engage in political maneuvers, including the reintroduction of controversial figures, such as Nouri al-Maliki, who may be a pressure tactic against the factions, or the nomination may be a maneuver that ends with the reproduction of a less confrontational option, such as a second term for Mohammed Shia al-Sudani.”
He warns against “the continued association of the ruling elite in Iraq with the Iranian vision, because this poses a strategic danger to the country, as any weakening or collapse of Iran will automatically reflect on its allies in the region,” believing that “Iraq, if it does not take the initiative to produce political forces with an independent national project, and reformulate its balances through broader participation of Sunnis, Kurds and liberal Shiite currents, will be the next target of American pressure.”
He concludes that “sparing Iraq the repercussions of the strike and its aftermath requires building a governing structure that is more in harmony with regional and international transformations, and dealing realistically with the American discourse, especially under the Trump administration, because Iraq’s continued presence within the axis of crises will make it vulnerable to political, security and economic shocks no less dangerous than what Iran is facing today.”
The Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday evening that Saudi Arabia is leading efforts to persuade Trump not to strike Iran. The American newspaper explained that Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman warned the Trump administration against attacking Iran, noting that Riyadh assured Tehran that it would not allow the United States to use Saudi airspace to strike Iran.
Complex calculations
Furthermore, researcher and academic Majashaa Al-Tamimi believes that “the recent threats made by Trump towards Iran cannot be treated as empty threats or for media consumption, but at the same time they do not express a decisive direction towards a comprehensive and long-term war. Trump’s statements regarding Washington’s readiness to intervene if Tehran crosses the red line by suppressing protests came within the context of a calculated verbal escalation, without meaning a final decision on the military option so far, especially with the US administration’s confirmation that diplomacy remains its first option, despite keeping all alternatives open, including airstrikes or harsher economic sanctions.”
Al-Tamimi points out that “this position reflects the logic of multi-dimensional pressure adopted by the Trump administration, which is based, on the one hand, on using the threat of force as a deterrent against what Washington considers serious violations by the Iranian regime against civilians, and on the other hand, on employing this pressure to push Tehran towards the negotiating table on files that the United States considers essential, foremost among them the nuclear program, missile capabilities, and the file of supporting regional arms.”
According to Al-Tamimi, the “maximum pressure” strategy that Trump reactivated is based primarily on “avoiding involvement in long and costly wars, whether at the financial or human level, and focusing instead on economic and diplomatic tools, while being prepared to use limited and targeted force if necessary, in order to modify the enemy’s behavior without sliding into a comprehensive confrontation.”
Regarding the possibility of Iran signing any new nuclear or political agreement, Al-Tamimi explains that “the matter remains contingent on the internal calculations of the Iranian regime, which is simultaneously facing widespread popular protests, a crippling economic crisis, and a decline in its legitimacy.” However, he emphasizes that “Tehran does not appear ready to make fundamental strategic concessions without a clear quid pro quo, particularly on the nuclear issue, which it views as a matter of national sovereignty that cannot be easily relinquished.”
Al-Tamimi concludes that “Iran, despite being aware of the magnitude of the pressures and threats, is not about to surrender or accept a direct strike without a strong response, which means that the scene is still governed by the equation of escalation and mutual pressure, interspersed with opening windows of negotiation when needed, without this reaching, at the present stage, the level of a comprehensive war, but rather a crisis management conflict open on more than one track.”
The US-based human rights organization HRANA reported on Wednesday that the death toll from the protests in Iran had reached 2,571, as the Iranian regime sought to suppress the largest wave of dissent the country has seen in years, prompting threats of US intervention.
Central Bank of Iraq: Foreign currency reserves decline to $97.5 billion
The Central Bank of Iraq announced on Wednesday that its foreign currency reserves had decreased by the end of October 2025.
The bank stated in an official statistic followed by “Al-Sa’a” that “reserves until October 31st amounted to $97.582 billion, equivalent to 126.857 trillion dinars, registering a decline from September, in which they were $98.155 billion, equivalent to 127.601 trillion dinars.”
He explained that "these reserves increased compared to last August, when they reached $94.641 billion (123.033 trillion dinars), but they decreased significantly compared to the level of reserves in 2024, which amounted to $100.267 billion, and in 2023, in which they recorded $111.736 billion."
This decline reflects the ongoing financial pressures on the Iraqi economy and the challenges of managing foreign currency amid fluctuating revenues and expenditures.
Ayandeh Bank's collapse highlights breakdown of Iran’s financial system - WSJ
Ayandeh Bank, which was run by individuals connected to the Iranian regime, failed after accumulating nearly $5 billion in losses from bad loans.
The collapse of Ayandeh Bank late last year exposed deep weaknesses in Iran’s financial system and intensified an economic crisis that later fueled nationwide protests, according to a report published on Tuesday by The Wall Street Journal.
Ayandeh Bank, which was run by individuals affiliated with the Iranian regime, failed after incurring nearly $5 billion in losses from bad loans.
The government merged the bank into a state-owned lender and printed large amounts of money to cover its debts. The move addressed immediate liabilities but did not resolve broader financial problems, economists told WSJ.
The bank’s failure underscored vulnerabilities in Iran’s banking sector, which has been under pressure from years of international sanctions, weak lending practices, and reliance on money creation. WSJ reported that five other Iranian banks are believed to be in similarly fragile condition.
The crisis unfolded amid mounting political and economic pressure on the government. Iran’s credibility had already been weakened following the 12-day war with Israel and the United States in June, which officials acknowledged showed the country was unable to fully protect its population from attack, the report noted.
Nuclear negotiations remained stalled, leaving sanctions relief out of reach, while Israel and the US warned of further military action if Iran expanded its missile or nuclear programs.
At the same time, the Iranian rial entered a sharp decline. US enforcement actions restricted Iran’s access to dollars from Iraq, reduced foreign currency earnings from oil sales, and limited access to overseas reserves. Longstanding financial workarounds became less effective, leaving the government with fewer options to stabilize the economy.
Public dissatisfaction grew as conditions worsened. Hundreds of merchants in Tehran, a group that has historically avoided protests, joined demonstrations demanding economic relief.
“This was a very well-connected bank, corrupt et cetera, which underscored that the banking system in itself is a channel for enrichment of the well-connected,” Adnan Mazarei, a former deputy director of the Middle East and Central Asia Department at the International Monetary Fund, told the WSJ.
He added that the failure contributed to “a crescendo of the loss of legitimacy of the regime following the Israeli attack.”
Ayandeh Bank was founded in 2013 by Iranian businessman Ali Ansari, who merged two state-owned banks with another institution he had previously established. Ansari, who is considered close to former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, was sanctioned by the United Kingdom shortly after the bank’s collapse.
Britain: Ayandeh founder was 'corrupt Iranian banker, businessman'
British authorities described him as a “corrupt Iranian banker and businessman” who helped finance the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Ansari said the bank’s failure was due to “decisions and policies made beyond the bank’s control.”
Ayandeh attracted millions of depositors by offering the highest interest rates in Iran and relied heavily on borrowing from the central bank, which printed money to support the institution, economists said.
The bank held a large volume of nonperforming loans. Its largest investment was the Iran Mall, a major commercial complex opened in 2018. Iranian officials said more than 90% of the bank’s resources were tied up in projects under its own management.
Calls to close Ayandeh intensified in October after Iran’s judiciary chief publicly urged the central bank to intervene. The central bank announced the bank’s dissolution the following day and merged it into Bank Melli, Iran’s largest state-owned lender. Officials later said several other banks, including Bank Sepah, could face similar action.
The collapse occurred amid a broader financial crisis that intensified after the reimposition of US sanctions in 2018. Lacking funding, Iranian banks increasingly borrowed from the central bank through emergency facilities and invested the money in speculative projects, often involving politically connected borrowers.
By 2019, the government effectively controlled about 70% of Iran’s banking system, according to an analysis cited by WSJ.
“Ayandeh’s collapse set off alarm bells,” Mazarei said. “If something goes wrong, it will come back to the public purse.”
Economic conditions deteriorated rapidly in recent months. In 2025, the rial lost 84% of its value against the dollar, while food prices rose at an annual rate of 72%.
Iran also faced prolonged power outages and water shortages. Then-president Masoud Pezeshkian proposed relocating the capital away from Tehran in response to the severity of the energy and water crisis.
“The Iranian middle class has been destroyed,” said a 43-year-old artist in Tehran. “When you can no longer even try to obtain food, you have nothing left to lose.”
While absorbing Ayandeh’s debts, the government introduced austerity measures that reduced subsidies and public support. Analysts estimated that the proposed cuts totaled $10 billion.
The measures were announced as sanctions tightened further, oil exports increasingly relied on an international “shadow fleet,” and access to dollars through Iraqi banks was curtailed.
Capital flight accelerated during and after last year’s conflict with Israel. Djavad Salehi-Isfahani, an economist at Virginia Tech, estimated that between $10 billion and $20 billion left the country last year.
The government attempted to contain unrest by offering monthly cash subsidies and replacing the central bank governor in late December. Protests nevertheless expanded to dozens of cities, despite internet blackouts and a security crackdown in which hundreds of people were killed, according to human rights groups.
“If they could spend their way out of it, they would have done that before,” Erik Meyersson, chief emerging markets strategist at SEB, told the WSJ. “That really makes things more difficult for the regime."
Maliki to Harris: The need to "control weapons" and complete constitutional requirements
On Wednesday, Nouri al-Maliki, head of the State of Law Coalition, stressed to Joshua Harris, the acting US ambassador to Iraq, the need to restrict weapons, and also discussed with him the issue of constitutional entitlements.
This came during Al-Maliki’s reception of Harris at his office today. According to a statement from his office received by Shafaq News Agency, the meeting included “discussions on ways to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries, with the aim of serving the interests of the two friendly peoples. The two sides also reviewed developments in regional and international affairs.”
According to the statement, Maliki expressed "Iraq's desire to continue cooperation and establish strong relations and a partnership with the United States by activating the Strategic Framework Agreement concluded between the two countries."
Al-Maliki stated that "the national forces are determined to complete the constitutional requirements within their constitutional timeframes," stressing that "building a strong and stable state requires restricting weapons to the state and strengthening the rule of law."
For his part, Joshua Harris expressed his hope to "work on strengthening cooperation between Baghdad and Washington in a way that contributes to supporting security and stability in Iraq and the region."
Zuhair al-Jalabi, a member of the State of Law Coalition, told Shafaq News Agency on December 3, 2025, that his leader, Nouri al-Maliki, was the only person capable of disarming the armed factions of their "heavy" weapons, due to their trust in him.
Al-Jalabi explained that "the armed factions, as well as the Popular Mobilization Forces, trust al-Maliki, and when al-Maliki assumes the premiership, he can negotiate the withdrawal of heavy weapons by the factions."
He pointed out that "the factions trust Maliki and do not trust anyone else, which enables him to succeed in this matter, unlike all the heads of government who did not succeed in it, and this point can help Maliki in supporting his obtaining a third term."
For years, the Iraqi government has been grappling with the issue of "weapons outside the framework of the state," asserting that the proliferation of medium and heavy weapons among some factions poses a challenge to strengthening stability and establishing the rule of law.
The outgoing Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, believes that disarming the armed factions is linked to the presence of the international coalition in Iraq, which some factions consider an occupying force.
He explained, during an interview with Reuters, that Iraq is committed to putting all weapons under state control, and that the future program will include integrating factions into the security forces or politics by surrendering their weapons.
Meanwhile, Nouri al-Maliki, leader of the State of Law Coalition, says that "the armed factions have expressed their desire to integrate into state institutions and hand over their heavy weapons."
For its part, the United States continues its repeated calls to Baghdad to ensure that armed factions are controlled and that attacks targeting US forces or interests are reduced, while affirming its support for the government’s efforts to strengthen security institutions.
Mark Kimmitt suggests US targets in Iran
Former US Assistant Secretary of Defense and Secretary of State, Mark Kimmitt, suggested on Wednesday evening that the United States would target leaders of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard and the Basij.
Kimmit told Shafaq News Agency: "I expect President Trump to use targeted airstrikes against regime elements who are killing protesters. The targets will most likely be the leadership of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard."
He added: "As well as the leaders of the Quds Force of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, and the Basij forces."
This comes as US President Donald Trump escalates his threatening rhetoric towards Tehran over protests that have been taking place in Iranian cities for several days.
Earlier today, the Axios news website reported that the United States had begun evacuating a number of its soldiers from Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar and several other bases in the region, in anticipation of a possible military conflict with Iran over the protests within the country.
The website indicated that US President Donald Trump is considering the option of launching strikes against Iran in response to what US sources described as the "mass killing" of protesters. In turn, Iran threatened to retaliate by targeting US forces deployed in the region.
The White House held a series of high-level meetings on Tuesday to discuss the Iranian issue.
According to an Axios report translated by Shafaq News Agency, Trump received a briefing on the latest developments. Shortly before the meeting, Trump told reporters he wanted "accurate figures" on the number of casualties in Iran before deciding on any potential US response.
The report stated that protests continued on Wednesday in several cities inside Iran.
A US-based human rights organization known as HRANA said it had confirmed 2,571 deaths since the protests began two weeks ago. In contrast, a US official said Israel had shared an assessment with Washington that the death toll was at least 5,000 protesters.
On the Iranian side, the commander of the Revolutionary Guard's Aerospace Force told state television that his forces were at "the highest level of readiness" to respond to any attack.
US officials: Attack on Iran is imminent
The United States began evacuating an unspecified number of non-essential personnel from Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar on Wednesday, a move reflecting escalating tensions with Iran, as US President Donald Trump considers possible military options in response to protests within the country.
The New York Times quoted US military officials as saying that the Pentagon had begun moving some of its personnel from Al Udeid Air Base due to the rising tensions between the United States and Iran, amid the Iranian government's crackdown on protesters.
For its part, Qatar confirmed in an official statement that such measures are usually taken during periods of regional tension, as part of standard precautionary measures.
This move comes after a post by Trump on social media in which he addressed a message to Iranian protesters, saying that “help is on the way,” a phrase that observers interpreted as a sign of support and the possibility of imminent American intervention, increasing fears of the situation sliding towards a direct military confrontation in the region.
Dr. Mahmoud Dagher: The current stage requires the adoption of advanced banking methods and applications.
Financial and economic expert, Dr. Mahmoud Dagher, stressed that the current stage requires a serious shift from traditional methods to adopting advanced banking application models that include all operations and services without exception, stressing that it is no longer useful to continue working on traditional banking systems, but rather it is necessary to move to newer systems that are able to keep pace with the rapid developments in the banking sector.
Dagher said that this transformation requires, in parallel, competent human resources who possess the technical expertise and ability to manage and operate systems and applications with high efficiency.
He pointed out that fulfilling these requirements will open the way for providing integrated banking services without the need for direct interaction, in line with the nature of modern banking products, whether Islamic or traditional, which are managed today via mobile phone or computer, and will contribute to improving the quality of services and enhancing customer confidence in the banking sector.
Axios: Washington is withdrawing troops from bases in the Middle East amid a possible strike on Iran.
The United States has begun evacuating some of its troops from Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar and several other bases in the region, in anticipation of a possible military conflict with Iran over protests within the country, according to two sources familiar with the matter who spoke to Axios .
The move comes as US President Donald Trump considers the option of launching strikes against Iran in response to what US sources have described as the "mass killing" of protesters. In turn, Iran has threatened to retaliate by targeting US forces deployed in the region.
The White House held a series of high-level meetings on Tuesday to discuss the Iranian issue.
According to an Axios report translated by Shafaq News Agency, citing an informed source, Trump was briefed on the latest developments.
Shortly before the meeting, Trump told reporters he wanted to get "accurate numbers" of deaths in Iran before making a decision on any possible US response.
The report stated that protests continued on Wednesday in several cities inside Iran.
A US-based human rights organization known as HRANA said it had confirmed 2,571 deaths since the protests began two weeks ago. In contrast, a US official said Israel had shared an assessment with Washington that the death toll was at least 5,000 protesters.
On the Iranian side, the commander of the Revolutionary Guard's Aerospace Force told state television that his forces were at "the highest level of readiness" to respond to any attack.
As Ali Shamkhani, an advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader who was wounded in an Israeli assassination attempt during the “12-Day War” last June, wrote on the XN platform, Trump should remember the Iranian response to the American forces at Al Udeid base after the United States bombed Iranian nuclear facilities.
A US official confirmed that some troops had already begun evacuating from Al Udeid Air Base, which is the largest US base in the region.
The Qatari International Media Office also confirmed in a statement that the base was undergoing evacuations, saying that "measures are being taken in response to regional tensions."
Reuters first reported the evacuation of troops from the base, while a source familiar with the matter told Axios that the evacuation included US forces from several other bases in the Gulf.
The White House, the U.S. Department of Defense, and the State Department declined to comment.
Behind the scenes, US and Israeli officials said that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke by phone on Monday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the situation in Iran and US response options, with another call scheduled for Wednesday.
Officially, Qatar announces the departure of "personnel" from the US "Al Udeid" base
The International Media Office of the State of Qatar confirmed on Wednesday evening that the departure of some individuals from the US “Al Udeid” air base is a measure being taken in light of the tensions in the region.
The office stated in a statement received by Shafaq News Agency that "with reference to the media reports circulating regarding the departure of some individuals from Al-Udeid Air Base, the International Media Office states that such measures are being taken in light of the tensions in the region."
He explained that "the State of Qatar continues to take all necessary measures to ensure the security and safety of its citizens and residents on its territory as a top priority, including measures related to protecting its vital and military facilities."
The International Media Office noted that any updates will be announced through official channels.
A Reuters report, translated by Shafaq News, quoted three diplomats as saying that some individuals had been advised to leave the Al Udeid US base in Qatar by Wednesday evening, although there were no indications yet of a large-scale evacuation of troops similar to what happened in the hours before an Iranian missile attack in June 2015.
One diplomat added that the recommendation was to leave by this evening, describing the move as "a change of position, not an orderly evacuation."
According to the report, there were no indications of a large troop movement from Al Udeid Air Base to a nearby football stadium and shopping center, as had occurred last year before Iran targeted the base with missiles in response to US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
The report quoted a senior Iranian official as saying that his country had warned its neighbors who host US forces that they would be targeted if the United States launched attacks on Tehran.
According to the same official, "Tehran has informed countries in the region, from Saudi Arabia and the UAE to Türkiye, that American bases in those countries will be attacked" if the United States attacks Iran.
The Iranian official noted that direct contacts between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and US Special Envoy Steve Wittkopf have been suspended, reflecting escalating tensions.
This comes in the wake of threats by US President Donald Trump to intervene amid anti-government protests across Iran.
Al Udeid Air Base is the largest US base in the Middle East, housing approximately 10,000 troops. Prior to the US airstrikes on Iran in June 2015, some personnel were relocated from US bases in the Middle East.
Yesterday, US President Donald Trump announced that he had cancelled all meetings with Iranian officials "until the killing of protesters stops," calling on those participating in the protests to continue demonstrating, and assuring them that "help is coming."
The United States and other countries had urged their citizens to leave Iran as soon as possible.
The Wall Street Journal, citing officials in Gulf states, revealed that the administration of US President Donald Trump informed its allies that an attack on Iran had become "more likely than not."
The American newspaper reported yesterday that Saudi Arabia is leading a Gulf front that includes Qatar and the Sultanate of Oman, in order to dissuade the White House from launching a strike against Iran, fearing the repercussions of this step on the stability of the region.
The Speaker of Parliament announces the names of the candidates qualified for the presidency.
The names are as follows:
Shwan Hawiz, Namiq Team
Ahmed Abdullah Tawfiq Ahmed
Hussein Taha Hassan Mohammed Sinjari
Najm al-Din Abdul Karim Hama Karim Nasrallah
Asu Faridun Ali
Saman Ali Ismail Shali
Sabah Saleh Saeed
Abdullah Muhammad Ali Zahir
Abdul Latif Muhammad Jamal Rashid Sheikh Muhammad
Iqbal Abdullah Amin Haliwi
Nizar Mohammed Saeed Mohammed Kanji
Sardar Abdullah Mahmood Times
Fouad Mohamed Hussein Baki
Muthanna Amin Nader
Nawzad Hadi Mouloud
The Speaker of Parliament explained, "Those whose names do not appear among the candidates who meet the legal requirements and who have submitted their candidacy for the position of President of the Republic have the right to object to the Federal Supreme Court by submitting a written request exempt from legal fees within a period not exceeding three days from the date of this announcement."
Baghdad and Washington stress the importance of prioritizing dialogue in resolving conflicts to establish security and stability in the region.
Official statement…
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani received Joshua Harris, the acting US ambassador to Iraq, on Wednesday.
The meeting witnessed discussions on prospects for cooperation between the two countries and ways to develop and expand bilateral relations in all fields, especially economic, investment and development, in a way that serves the interests of the two friendly peoples.
The developments in the regional and international situation were also reviewed, with emphasis on the importance of joint coordination to confront existing challenges, and working to prioritize dialogue in resolving conflicts in order to impose security and stability throughout the region.
•••••
Media Office of the Prime Minister
January 14, 2026
Want to Support My FX Buddies?
.png)
Support My FX Buddies Big or Small I appreciate it all
BuyMeACoffee CashApp:$tishwash
https://paypal.me/tishwash
.jpeg)
Central Bank of Iraq: Foreign currency reserves decline to $97.5 billion
The Central Bank of Iraq announced on Wednesday that its foreign currency reserves had decreased by the end of October 2025.
The bank stated in an official statistic followed by “Al-Sa’a” that “reserves until October 31st amounted to $97.582 billion, equivalent to 126.857 trillion dinars, registering a decline from September, in which they were $98.155 billion, equivalent to 127.601 trillion dinars.”
He explained that "these reserves increased compared to last August, when they reached $94.641 billion (123.033 trillion dinars), but they decreased significantly compared to the level of reserves in 2024, which amounted to $100.267 billion, and in 2023, in which they recorded $111.736 billion."
This decline reflects the ongoing financial pressures on the Iraqi economy and the challenges of managing foreign currency amid fluctuating revenues and expenditures.
New statement from the Ministry of Finance
: The Ministry of Finance announced on Tuesday (January 13, 2026) that Iraq achieved the second highest improvement score globally in the World Governance Indicators (WGI), noting that the Government Efficiency Index recorded the highest gains in evaluation within these indicators.
The ministry stated in a statement received by “Baghdad Today”, that “based on official data issued by global indicators, Iraq’s international governance scores have witnessed a tangible improvement, as they rose from 29.5 points in 2023 to 32.5 points in 2024, in a development that reflects clear progress in institutional and administrative performance.”
The ministry affirmed that "this increase is a positive indicator of the effectiveness of the financial and administrative policies followed, especially those aimed at promoting the principles of transparency, raising the efficiency of public resource management, and improving the quality of government services."
She explained that "this progress came as a result of the commitment to implementing the economic reform program, along with continuous work on automating financial procedures and expanding e-governance applications, which contributes to improving the government work environment and enhancing confidence in the state's financial and administrative institutions."
The ministry indicated that "the continuation of these reforms represents a government priority to support financial stability and achieve sustainable development," stressing "the continuation of work on developing systems and procedures in line with approved international standards."
The Ministry of Interior announces the arrest of 91 individuals manipulating the dollar exchange rate.
The Ministry of Interior announced on Tuesday the arrest of 91 people manipulating dollar prices.
Ministry spokesman Miqdad Miri told Al-Eqtisad News that "security forces were able to arrest 91 people on charges of manipulating dollar prices."
He pointed out that "the ministry was also able to arrest 147 people manipulating the prices of food and medicine," indicating that "the Ministry of Interior has contracted for 100 fixed and mobile radars to monitor external roads."
An economist explains the budget and spending mechanism (1/12) under the caretaker government.
Nouri pointed out in his statement to Al-Furat News Agency that “Article (11) of the Federal Financial Management Law No. (6) of 2019 stipulated that the draft federal general budget law be submitted by the Council of Ministers to the House of Representatives before the middle of October of each year.”
He explained that “Article (13), Paragraph Three, dealt with the situation of the House of Representatives not approving the draft budget law until 12/31 of the fiscal year, as the final financial statements for the previous year are considered the basis for the financial statements for the current year, and are submitted to the House of Representatives for the purpose of approving them.”
He added that "the current situation is that the government is a caretaker government, and therefore paragraph one of Article (13) is applied, which allows spending at a rate of 1/12 of the total actual expenditures of the previous year, after excluding non-recurring expenditures for the current and investment budgets."
The 2026 budget: an early test of the seriousness of government performance.
The 2026 budget is one of the most important tests on the table of the new government after its formation, as submitting the budget early helps to give ministries and governorates a clear vision for implementing their annual plans.
As the Iraqi public awaits the direction of the new government, the federal budget stands out as one of the most important early tests of the government’s seriousness and its ability to manage the next phase, given its direct impact on financial stability, project implementation, and economic growth, in addition to its political and administrative repercussions on state institutions and citizens alike.
2026 Budget Project
In this regard, Ali Karim Idhaib, a member of the Tigris Center for Strategic Planning, stressed that the submission of the draft federal budget for 2026 by the new Iraqi government during February, or at the latest in March, is a very important step on both the financial and political levels, especially if the government is formed in the first month of the same year.
Idheeb explained that this timing reflects the government’s ability to act quickly in managing sovereign files, foremost among them the financial file.
He pointed out that submitting the budget early helps to avoid operational gaps and gives ministries and governorates a clear vision for implementing their annual plans.
Impact on projects
He added that adhering to the timeframe for submitting the budget sends reassuring messages to employees, contractors and project owners, and enhances the confidence of the Iraqi public in the new government’s ability to manage public resources efficiently, as well as being a positive indicator for economic and financial institutions at home and abroad.
He pointed out that the delay in the budget often has a negative impact on the launch of service and investment projects, while submitting it in February or March contributes to accelerating the spending cycle and stimulating the local economy from the first months of the fiscal year.
Idheeb concluded his remarks by stressing that the speed of submitting the budget is no less important than its content, calling for it to include clear priorities related to services, job opportunities, and economic stability, in line with the aspirations of citizens in the next stage.
official exchange rate
The Central Bank of Iraq had addressed the Ministry of Finance regarding the draft federal general budget law for the year 2026, while indicating that the official exchange rate would be 1300 dinars per dollar in the current year’s budget.
The Central Bank stated that “the official exchange rate to be adopted in 2026 is 1,300 dinars to the dollar, which is the rate adopted since February 2023.”
Sources revealed that “the Central Bank of Iraq will buy dollars at a price of 1300 dinars from the Ministry of Finance and sell them at a price of 1310 dinars to banks, which will sell them at 1320 dinars to traders and foreign transfers.”
Reducing government spending
Earlier, the Iraqi government announced its plan to implement new measures to increase financial revenues and reduce government spending while increasing support for the most needy groups.
The Iraqi government said in a statement that “the possibility of issuing the necessary decisions and recommendations to control spending and increase financial resources was discussed, while emphasizing the need to preserve the interests of citizens and not to harm their purchasing power and living standards, especially for the most vulnerable groups.”
The statement indicated that “tax reform steps will be completed, as well as supporting and developing the work of mixed, public and joint-stock companies to strengthen the Iraqi economy.”
Captured liquidity
There is increasing talk in the economic sphere about the scarcity of cash liquidity, to the point that this term has become a daily source of concern for many citizens and merchants alike. Although the concern is understandable in light of the sensitivity of living conditions, approaching this issue requires a degree of accuracy and calmness, far from exaggeration or misleading simplification.
The truth is that what is being circulated today as a “liquidity crisis” does not, in its essence, amount to a monetary crisis in the known technical sense, as much as it reflects a clear defect in the completion of the economic cycle of the available monetary mass. Liquidity exists, but it does not perform its natural role in the market, because it has partially left the circulation path. The data indicates that the size of the money supply in Iraq ranges between 170-173 trillion dinars.
But a large part of this cash supply is kept inside homes and outside banking channels. Some reports estimate that more than 50% of the money supply is outside the banking system. In other words, we are talking about no less than 40 trillion dinars hidden behind the scenes. This has caused a clear disruption to the movement of money and weakened its economic effectiveness. When money is not circulated, it loses its basic function as a medium of exchange and turns from a tool of production and market activity into a stagnant mass that does not add value, but rather contributes to disrupting economic activity!
The behavior of hoarding or keeping cash, although often driven by psychological factors, past experiences, or a lack of confidence in the banking system, has consequences that extend beyond individuals to affect the entire market. When actual circulating liquidity decreases, buying and selling activity declines, the margin of initiative for traders and investors narrows, and a general conviction is formed that there is a shortage of cash, even though the money has not disappeared, but has been frozen.
The problem, then, is not so much the size of the money supply as its behavior and trajectory. An economy without an active circulation of money is like a body in which the blood flow slows down; the size may be sufficient, but the movement is irregular.
Hence, the need arises for clear reassuring policies that restore confidence in the banking sector and encourage individuals to reintegrate their funds into the economic cycle, whether through structured savings, investment, or safe banking practices. Furthermore, enhancing transparency and monetary stability is a prerequisite for breaking the cycle of negative hoarding. With criticism.
On this basis, the real challenge lies not in searching for lost liquidity, but in releasing the held liquidity and restoring it to its natural role in stimulating the market and supporting economic growth. When money regains its movement, the economy recovers, and reassurance returns to society. Release requires guarantees, security, incentives, and reassurance.
Trump praises his envoy to Iraq: an exceptional negotiator on a complex issue
US President Donald Trump praised Special Envoy to Iraq Mark Savaya on Tuesday (January 13, 2026) during a press conference held in Washington.
Trump told Savaya, "Great job you've done. This guy negotiates better than anybody else," referring to his role in managing files related to Iraq.
The US president added: "You need that. With Iraq you need that. You have to be a good negotiator, Mark," stressing the importance of negotiating skills in dealing with "complex Iraqi issues."
Trump’s praise for the special envoy to Iraq comes at a sensitive time in US-Iraqi relations, in which complex political, security and economic issues are intertwined.
During this period, Washington is intensifying its diplomatic efforts to maintain its influence in Iraq and manage the balance in its relations with the Iraqi government amidst escalating regional challenges, highlighting the importance of the negotiating role of American envoys in Baghdad.
Al-Taif Islamic Bank announces its intention to merge with another bank.
The 2026 budget under scrutiny: The new government's first financial test to avoid early collapse
As the Iraqi public awaits the new government's direction, the federal budget stands out as one of the most important early tests of the government's seriousness and its ability to manage the next phase. This is due to its direct impact on financial stability, project implementation, and economic growth, in addition to its political and administrative repercussions on state institutions and citizens alike.
In this regard, Ali Karim Idhaib, a member of the Tigris Center for Strategic Planning, emphasized that the submission of the 2026 federal budget by the new Iraqi government in February, or at the latest in March, is a crucial step on both the financial and political levels, especially if the government is formed in the first month of the same year.
Idhaib explained to Iraq Observer that this timing reflects the government's ability to act swiftly in managing sovereign matters, foremost among them the financial file. He pointed out that submitting the budget early helps avoid operational vacuums and provides ministries and governorates with a clear vision for implementing their annual plans.
He added that adhering to the budget submission timeframe sends reassuring messages to employees, contractors, and project owners, and strengthens public confidence in the new government's ability to manage public resources efficiently. It also serves as a positive indicator for economic and financial institutions both domestically and internationally.
He explained that budget delays often negatively impact the launch of service and investment projects, while submitting the budget in February or March accelerates the spending cycle and stimulates the local economy from the early months of the fiscal year.
He concluded by emphasizing that the speed of budget submission is no less important than its content, calling for it to include clear priorities related to services, job opportunities, and economic stability, in line with citizens' aspirations for the coming period.
The Central Bank of Iraq had previously addressed the Ministry of Finance regarding the draft federal budget law for 2026, noting that the official exchange rate would be 1,300 dinars to the dollar in the current year's budget.
The Central Bank stated that "the official exchange rate to be adopted in 2026 is 1,300 dinars to the dollar, the rate adopted since February 2023."
Sources revealed that the Central Bank of Iraq will purchase dollars from the Ministry of Finance at a rate of 1,300 dinars and sell them at 1,310 dinars to banks, which will then sell them at 1,320 dinars to merchants and for international transfers.
Earlier, the Iraqi government announced its plan to implement new measures to increase revenue and reduce government spending while increasing support for the most vulnerable groups.
In a statement, the Iraqi government said that it had discussed the possibility of issuing the necessary decisions and recommendations to control spending and increase financial resources, while emphasizing the need to protect citizens' interests and avoid harming their purchasing power and living standards, especially for the most vulnerable groups.
The statement also indicated that tax reform measures would be completed, and that support and development would be provided to mixed and public companies to strengthen the Iraqi economy.
World Bank: Global economy to continue growing in 2026 despite tariff pressures
The World Bank predicted on Tuesday that the global economy will continue to grow in 2026, emphasizing that global economic performance has demonstrated greater resilience than previously estimated, despite challenges related to tariffs and trade disruptions.
At the same time, the bank cautioned that this growth will remain primarily concentrated in advanced economies, with very limited impact on reducing extreme poverty worldwide.
In its semi-annual World Economic Outlook report, the bank explained that global GDP growth is expected to slow slightly to 2.6% this year, compared to 2.7% in 2025, before rebounding to 2.7% in 2027.
The report indicated that the 2026 growth forecast is about two-tenths of a percentage point higher than the June estimates, while the 2025 growth forecast exceeded previous projections by about four-tenths of a percentage point, reflecting a relative improvement in global economic performance.
The World Bank stated that nearly two-thirds of this upward revision is due to the US economy performing better than expected, despite trade disruptions caused by tariffs.
US GDP growth is projected to reach 2.2% in 2026, compared to 2.1% in 2025.
The shadow withdrawal... Americans completely evacuate Ain al-Asad and redeploy to Erbil
Informed security sources revealed on Tuesday that US forces had begun a withdrawal from Ain al-Assad Air Base in Anbar province, as part of well-organized logistical arrangements that took place quietly and without an official announcement.
A senior security source told Al-Maalomah that "the American side contracted with local Iraqi companies to undertake the tasks of transporting heavy equipment and supplies, which were dismantled and loaded into designated containers in preparation for their transfer to the Harir base in Erbil, in a move that reflects a redeployment rather than a traditional declared withdrawal."
He confirmed that "the American forces did not leave any equipment, vehicles or weapons to the Iraqi forces, whether they were military vehicles, combat equipment or logistical equipment, as the base was completely evacuated from all people and their property."
He noted that "an official committee from the Iraqi Ministry of Defense will take over the task of receiving the base after the complete transfer of all American belongings, provided that a comprehensive technical and security inventory of the base's facilities and infrastructure is conducted before handing it over to the competent authorities."
The source added that "the withdrawal process took place amid tight security measures, with a noticeable reduction in air traffic within the base during the past few days, which reinforced indications that it was close to being completely evacuated."
This development comes amid uncertainty surrounding the US military presence in Iraq, and growing questions about the nature of the next phase, and whether it will witness further withdrawals or a redeployment of forces within Iraq.
Secret meeting in Washington: Trump's envoy meets with Reza Pahlavi to discuss the future of the Iranian regime.
The American news website Axios confirmed on Tuesday that White House envoy Steve Wittkopf secretly met over the weekend with exiled former Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi to discuss the escalating protests in Iran, according to a senior US official.
This meeting marks the first high-level contact between the US administration and the Iranian opposition since the protests erupted about 15 days ago, at a time when Pahlavi is trying to present himself as an option to lead a transitional phase if the regime collapses.
In Washington, White House spokeswoman Carolyn Leavitt said the national security team held a meeting Tuesday morning to discuss options for dealing with the developments in the protests, without the participation of President Donald Trump.
Protests continued on Tuesday in several Iranian cities, amid conflicting estimates of the death toll and growing talk of a widespread crackdown and communications disruptions.
The Axios report quoted a US official as saying that Israel shared an assessment with the United States that “at least 5,000” protesters had been killed, a figure that could not be independently verified.
In a message via his “Truth Social” platform, Trump called on Iranians to continue the protests and “take control of institutions,” saying that “help is on the way,” without specifying its nature.
Pahlavi is the son of the Shah of Iran, who was overthrown in the 1979 revolution, and leads an opposition movement from his exile in the United States. Over the past two weeks, he has intensified his appearances on American television, calling on Washington to support the protests.
The report indicated that the Trump administration did not initially view Pahlavi as an influential political player, but was surprised to hear chants in his name during demonstrations in more than one city, according to a US official.
Axios quoted Karim Sadjadpour of the Carnegie Endowment as saying that Pahlavi could be a rallying point for nationalist sentiments among some protesters, in contrast to what he described as the extremism of the Islamic regime.
Raz Zimmt of the Israeli Institute for National Security Studies said that the repetition of Pahlavi’s name in the protests is “notable,” but it is difficult to say for certain whether it reflects broad popular support within Iranian society.
According to opinion polls conducted over the past years, up to November 2025, about a third of Iranians support Pahlavi, while another third strongly oppose him.
Look at the currency auction right now — this customs tariff every day, Iraq is losing on it!
And when we start to criticize and speak out, you [the authorities/interlocutor] take a stance like 'What? No big deal!' — these are millions going out daily!
The country is in an economic maze, and the economy is the foundation of the renaissance of any country, any people.
Its stability is the economy!Now, the Iraqi's only concern is to receive his salary. Okay, fine — these funds that come to Iraqis every year, you say the budget goes to salaries.
Alright, Iraqi employees receive them — so where do these salaries go? Where do they disappear to?
Billions of dollars that employees receive — okay, fine.
But besides that, aren't they supposed to be spent inside the country?Aren't we supposed to see results? Where do they go? Where do they vanish?
Whoever you ask, you won't get an answer — instead, you'll find armies of people trying to shut you up and demonize you, because you want to speak with questions!
All we have is the question — the word.
No comments:
Post a Comment