Iraq Says the Dollar Will Fall Further — What Happens to the Dinar?

Parliamentary Finance Committee: The value of the dollar will decrease further.

link

 

confirmedFinance CommitteeParliamentarians said on Monday that the value of the dollar will decrease further.

The committee chairman saidAdy AwadforAlsumaria News“Lifting sanctions on a number of banks will affect the price of the dollar, its flow, and the parallel market,” he said, adding that “this measure will serve the Iraqi market.”

  The video for this My FX Buddies Blogpost is below here:

He added that "this will reduce the value of the dollar," noting that "we will host the Central Bank Governor in the committee to clarify the vision and mechanisms he will adopt regarding this matter."
He stated that "banks will resume dealing in dollars."
Regarding the budget, he explainedAwad"The government has begun preparing the 2027 budget, which will reach parliament in October," he noted, adding that "the budget will be approved before the end of the year."

 

 better formatted version

The Parliamentary Finance Committee confirmed on Monday that the value of the dollar will decrease further.
Committee Chairman Uday Awad stated in a statement reported by Mawazin News that "lifting sanctions on a number of banks will affect the dollar's price, its flow, and the parallel market," explaining that "this measure will benefit the Iraqi market."
He added that "this will reduce the dollar's value," noting that "we will host the Central Bank Governor in the committee to clarify the vision and mechanisms he will adopt regarding this matter."
He mentioned that "banks will resume dealing in dollars."
Regarding the budget, Awad indicated that "the government has begun preparing the 2027 budget, which will reach Parliament in October," pointing out that "the budget will be approved before the end of the year."

Bzchkyan: We are in an 'total war' with America

Iranian President Massoud Bizchkian said on Monday that his country is in an “all-out war” with the United States and that Tehran must bear its repercussions, while mediators proposed a 10-day cessation of attacks. 

ArabsAnd the peoples of the Middle East

“The truth is that the Islamic Republic of Iran is engaged in an all-out war,” he said in a statement, adding, “We have to be realistic and accept the natural repercussions of this resistance.”

He added: “We did not back down from any of our rights, interests and principles in the terms of the memorandum of understanding

The mastermind behind the arms smuggling operation to Syria in Anbar has been arrested.

link

A security source reported on Monday that the mastermind behind the arms smuggling operation into Syria in Anbar province had been arrested.

The source told Al-Rasheed that “the security forces were able to arrest the accused, Ahmed Zeidan Khalaf, the mastermind behind the operation to smuggle weapons shipments to Syria,” noting that “the arrest took place in Anbar province.”

He added, “The relevant authorities have begun completing the legal procedures in preparation for referring the accused to the judiciary.”

he armed groups are betting on the Americans staying... and do not recognize the September 30 deadline!

How will the state disarm the factions when it needed tanks to track down the MPs?

likn

The problem in Baghdad is no longer whether the factions will surrender their weapons, but whether they consider what they have surrendered in the past two months to be the last.

As Prime Minister Ali al-Zubaidi returned from Washington, reiterating the September 30th deadline as the final date for the removal of all weapons outside state control, the armed groups were sending a different message.

The weapons stop there

. Informed sources told Al-Mada that the factions have indirectly informed the government in recent weeks that they will not surrender any further weapons until they are certain of a complete US withdrawal from Iraq, not merely a redeployment or relocation of forces.

According to the sources, the major factions, which may number up to 10 at most, continue to refuse to hand over heavy

 weapons, contrary to previous government estimates that spoke of a smaller number of groups refusing to surrender.

This stance, the sources say, is based on the conviction of these factions that the US military presence in Iraq will not end by the end of September.

During his recent visit to Washington, Prime Minister Ali al-Zubaidi reiterated his commitment to the September 30th deadline for disarming the factions, coinciding with the end of the international coalition's mission. This is

a deadline the factions themselves do not believe in.

Sources say the factions "do not believe, under any circumstances, that the United States will leave Iraq by that date," adding that "there is a misunderstanding regarding the troop withdrawal."

The sources quote leaders within these groups as saying that "the United States will stall on September 30th and will not withdraw from all of Iraqi territory according to the conditions set by the factions," noting that "there are no guarantees, written documents, or agreements confirming a complete American withdrawal from Iraq; what will happen is a redeployment, not a withdrawal."

Consequently, the factions informed the government, according to the sources, that they "will not hand over any additional weapons, especially heavy weapons," and that what Baghdad received during the past two months "is all it will receive."

These groups believe this stance might alleviate pressure on al-Zaidi to fulfill his promises, as he "will not be able to disarm them by force, since that requires military capabilities they do not possess."

The sources cite the arrest of a limited number of parliamentarians, during which the government deployed tanks to Baghdad, asking: "If the state needed tanks in that operation, what force will it use to confront the factions if they decide to disarm?"

"Trump wants a trap."

Within the so-called "Islamic Resistance," which comprises between seven and ten factions, information had leaked about some groups' willingness to surrender their weapons, before they retracted this, declaring that the decision to hand them over could only be made "with the approval of the Hidden Imam Mahdi," considering the weapons to belong to him.

Sources close to these factions say that the armed groups "feel that Trump wants to trap us through the disarmament issue."

They add that these groups believe "Trump wants to expedite our disarmament as part of a larger plan to topple the Iranian regime."

According to the sources, this belief is pushing the factions to keep "their finger on the trigger," especially with the return of military confrontation between the United States and Iran.

Last year, the government of Mohammed Shia al-Sudani held negotiations with the factions regarding the disarmament of the militias, announcing at the time that only four or five factions were still refusing. However, to date, only two factions have announced the dissolution of their formations. The only practical example of a complete handover of positions has been that of the Peace Brigades, affiliated with the Sadrist Movement, which surrendered its positions in Samarra to the regular forces. Sources indicate that al

-

Zaydi's plan is based on the surrender of all weapons used outside the framework of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), while leaks suggest that American demands may exceed this.

Sources who spoke earlier to Al-Mada described the weapons received by the government as "scrap," while Washington, according to these sources, insists that the factions still possess heavy weapons and ballistic missiles obtained from Iran, and refuse to hand them over except by order of Tehran.

Therefore, al-Zaidi's anticipated visit to Tehran next Thursday appears to be part of an effort to persuade the Iranians to help convince the factions to lay down their arms—a mission that seems more complex than his talks in Washington.

"Baghdad is more important than Qatar and Pakistan,"

a leader within the coordination framework told Al-Mada, adding that al-Zaidi's visit to Tehran "was supposed to be on Tuesday, but Iran did not agree due to internal arrangements."

He added that al-Zaidi, who is now described within the Shiite establishment as "imaginative," believes that Baghdad is capable of playing a larger role in mediating between Iran and the United States.

The leader said that Shiite circles received the Washington visit with "coolness" and did not see any real achievements in it, adding that al-Zaidi "is not convinced of the role that Qatar or Pakistan are playing in de-escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran, and believes that Baghdad is more important and more capable of performing this role."

However, the leader expressed doubt about the chances of success for this approach, saying that "the United States will obstruct any mediation role for Iraq, and may even kill the mediators, as it did in the Baghdad airport incident in 2020." He points out that the assassination of Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, deputy head of the Popular Mobilization Forces, and Qassem Soleimani, commander of the Iranian Quds Force, occurred, according to his account, at a time when arrangements were being made to deliver a message from Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei to the Saudi monarch via former Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi.

He believes that every new prime minister undertakes such foreign tours to present himself as a different model, but he thinks that al-Zaidi will be more focused on his upcoming stops in Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Syria—visits that "do not seem conducive to coordination."

Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi returned to Baghdad on Sunday, concluding his official visit to the United States, before rearranging the stops on his foreign tour.

After Washington, al-Zaidi traveled to Qatar to offer condolences on the death of the Emir's father. He is scheduled to visit Tehran next Thursday, then Turkey on July 28, with a possible visit to Saudi Arabia.

The initial program stipulated that the tour would include Turkey and then Saudi Arabia immediately after Washington, as part of an economic and investment initiative. However, the inclusion of Tehran between the two stops brought back memories of a path followed by most Iraqi prime ministers, where the Iranian capital was often the first stop after any visit to the United States.

Messages of fire preceded al-Zaidi's return

While the Prime Minister was holding meetings in Washington, the security situation inside Iraq was escalating, a development that political circles considered a preemptive message against any understandings al-Zaidi might have reached with the American administration.

The Kurdistan Region witnessed a series of attacks targeting, according to security reports, the vicinity of the American consulate in Erbil and the American forces' camp near the city's airport.

The strikes extended to military depots belonging to the Peshmerga forces in the Tasluja area of Sulaimaniyah Governorate, as well as to Counter-Terrorism Service depots in the Qala Golan area, in addition to headquarters and camps of the Iranian Kurdish opposition in Erbil and Sulaimaniyah.

Dismantling Influence Before Disarming:

Ahmed al-Yasiri, head of the Arab-Australian Center for Strategic Studies, believes that al-Zaidi committed himself to finding solutions for the issue of armed factions, but did not commit to the option of military confrontation.

Al-Yasiri told Al-Mada that many expect the issue of weapons to lead to a direct confrontation, "but practically speaking, there is no talk of military solutions."

He believes the Prime Minister presented general outlines, focusing on combating corruption and prosecuting corrupt individuals. He considers a fundamental part of this project to be restricting the movement of factions through the law and the judiciary, and targeting the economic and administrative networks that provide them with protection. These networks, he describes as "corruption networks linked to the factions, securing their sources of power and influence."

He adds that weakening these networks represents a first step in a larger project to reduce the factions' ability to exert influence, before reaching the stage of disarming them—a step that, in his view, requires military and political capabilities that do not appear to be currently available.

On June 28, al-Zaidi took an unprecedented step when he deployed tanks into the Green Zone as part of a campaign targeting officials and members of parliament accused of corruption, and tracking funds believed to be linked to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. Al

-

Yassiri believes that the recent military escalation revealed another equally important indicator: the factions have not yet targeted American bases inside Iraq. This, he argues, opens the door to the possibility of an undeclared understanding with the government.

He argues that al-Zaidi's success in dismantling the political cover under which the factions operate would effectively mean he has begun a project to reduce their influence, even if he hasn't officially declared it.

He adds that preventing attacks on American interests could, in turn, be evidence of an agreement, or at least a state of partial and undeclared harmony, between Baghdad and Washington.

However, al-Yassiri asserts that al-Zaidi "has not yet violated any agreement with the Americans," considering what is happening in Iraq to be consistent with the strategy adopted by US President Donald Trump, which is based on making Iraq a neutral state, or at least keeping it neutral in the region's conflicts.

The coordination framework is holding its meeting in the presence of the Prime Minister.

link

 

The Coordination Framework expressed its support on Monday for the results of the Prime Minister's recent visit to the United States, while affirming that it provides political cover for anyone proven by the judiciary to be involved in corruption cases.

The Coordination Framework's media office stated in a press release received by Mawazin News that "the Coordination Framework held its 284th regular meeting on Monday evening at the office of Nouri al-Maliki, head of the State of Law Coalition, in the presence of Prime Minister Ali al-Zubaidi and leaders of the Coordination Framework. The attendees listened to a detailed presentation by the Prime Minister regarding the results of his recent official visit to the United States, the meetings he held with American officials, and the understandings and agreements reached in several sectors that serve Iraq's best interests."

The statement added that "the Coordination Framework expressed its support for the visit's outcomes and its backing of the government in implementing the agreements and understandings reached, thereby strengthening Iraq's international standing, preserving its sovereignty and the independence of its national decision-making, contributing to the development of its economic and security capabilities, attracting investments, achieving sustainable development, and providing job opportunities for citizens."

The media office added, "The Coordination Framework also discussed the government's anti-corruption measures, affirming its continued full support for the government, the judiciary, and the Integrity Commission in pursuing corruption, protecting public funds, recovering stolen assets, and holding those involved accountable under the law. It stressed that the Framework will not provide political cover for anyone proven by the competent judicial authorities to be involved in corruption cases."

According to the statement, the Coordination Framework emphasized the importance of adhering to legal and judicial procedures and ensuring that all those involved, regardless of their affiliation, are included in the investigation to guarantee the integrity of the anti-corruption campaign.

The Framework also discussed the overall situation in the country, strengthening political and security stability, improving the level of services, and addressing economic and social challenges in a way that meets the aspirations of citizens.

Al-Baldawi: The stability of Iraq and the region depends on the withdrawal of US forces.

link

 

MP Mohammed al-Baldawi affirmed on Monday that stability in Iraq and the region will not be achieved while US forces remain present, calling for their complete withdrawal.

Al-Baldawi told the Information Agency, "Achieving security and political stability in Iraq and the region is contingent upon the withdrawal of US forces, as their presence is one of the primary causes of continued tension and crises."

He added, "Iraq possesses the security and military capabilities to protect its territory and sovereignty, and there is no need for any foreign forces to remain on its soil."

Al-Baldawi stressed "the necessity of respecting Iraq's sovereignty and implementing the resolutions calling for the end of the US military presence."

 

 

National Security Advisor: Iraq is looking to expand its relationship with

NATO

link

 

National Security Advisor Qasim al-Aboudi confirmed on Monday that Iraq is looking to expand its relationship with NATO, while noting that controlling weapons and building balanced relations is a priority for the Iraqi government.

 

The media office of the National Security Advisor stated in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA) that “National Security Advisor, Qasim Al-Aboudi, discussed via video conference with the commander of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Lieutenant General Ramon Armada, expanding and developing the relationship with the alliance in the areas of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, training, consulting and information exchange, while the NATO commander congratulated Al-Aboudi on assuming the position of National Security Advisor.”

Al-Aboudi affirmed to the NATO commander that “Iraq is looking forward to expanding its relationship with the alliance, in accordance with its security strategy,” noting that “Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi has a clear vision through the government program that state institutions are working on.”

He stated that "restricting weapons to the state, building balanced relations, and opening Iraq up to all countries of the world with regard to security and the economy are priorities for the Iraqi government." 

For his part, the NATO commander expressed “continued support for the Iraqi government in the areas of training, advice, and everything that enhances the security and stability of Iraq, in accordance with the vision of the Iraqi government, and through the National Security Advisory.”

Al-Zaydi presents the results of his Washington visit to the coordination framework.

link

 

The Coordination Framework announced its support for the results of the Prime Minister's recent visit to the United States of America.

The media office of the Coordination Framework stated in a statement that "the Coordination Framework held its regular meeting 284 this evening, Monday, at the office of the head of the State of Law Coalition, Nouri al-Maliki, in the presence of the Prime Minister, Ali al-Zubaidi, and the leaders of the Coordination Framework. The attendees listened to a detailed presentation by the Prime Minister regarding the results of his recent official visit to the United States of America, the meetings he held with American officials, and the understandings and agreements that resulted from the visit in a number of sectors that serve the higher interests of Iraq."

She added that "the Coordination Framework expressed its support for the results of the visit and its support for the government in implementing the agreements and understandings that were reached, which enhances Iraq's international standing, preserves its sovereignty and independence of national decision, contributes to developing its economic and security capabilities, attracts investments, achieves sustainable development and provides job opportunities for citizens."

The media department continued, "The coordination framework also discussed the government measures taken in the field of combating corruption, stressing its continued full support for the government, the judiciary and the Integrity Commission in pursuing corruption, protecting public funds, recovering looted funds and holding those involved accountable in accordance with the law, stressing that the framework will not provide political cover for any person proven by the competent judicial authorities to be involved in corruption cases."

The coordination framework, according to the statement, stressed the importance of adhering to legal and judicial contexts and including all those involved, regardless of their affiliation, to ensure the integrity of the anti-corruption campaign.

The framework discussed the overall situation in the country, strengthening political and security stability, improving the level of services, and addressing economic and social challenges, in order to meet the aspirations of citizens.

Borrowing bill to replace Iraq’s 2026 budget

link

A new borrowing, grants, and subsidies bill is set to serve in place of Iraq’s 2026 federal budget after the Parliamentary Finance Committee approved referring it to Parliament, committee chairman Uday Awad told Shafaq News on Monday.

Awad said the committee reviewed the bill with Finance Minister Faleh Al-Sari before voting by majority to place it on the agenda of upcoming parliamentary sessions.

The draft allows domestic and foreign borrowing without setting a specific amount or financial ceiling, grants individual ministers defined spending powers, and gives the Council of Ministers additional authority under the law.

The government began preparing the 2027 budget after two years without an enforceable federal budget. Although Iraq enacted a three-year budget law covering 2023, 2024, and 2025 under former Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, Parliament failed to approve the 2025 spending schedules before the fiscal year ended, preventing implementation of that year's budget. No budget law was passed for 2026.

Want to Support My FX Buddies?

Fr$$ to You:    Hit the thumbs up, subscribe, click the share button

Or consider a Youtube 

Thanks

Support My FX Buddies  

 BuyMeACoffee                              CashApp:$tishwash

https://paypal.me/tishwash

Big or Small I appreciate it all  Thank you in advance for your generosity! 🙏

                                                    

$2.99

GOD HAS THE ANSWERS by Park Parish Project

Qaani affirms the continuation of the resistance front's path under the leadership of Mr. Khamenei

link

 

The commander of the Iranian Quds Force, General Esmail Qaani, announced on Sunday the continuation of the glorious and honorable path of resistance under the leadership of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei.

In a statement, Qaani said, "The commanders and fighters of the resistance fronts, while expressing their appreciation and gratitude for the Supreme Leader's generosity and kindness towards the resistance front, reaffirm their unwavering commitment to the pledge they made to the Imam of the Nation."

He added, "The resistance fronts will continue the path under the leadership of Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, a path he has repeatedly endorsed." 

Mohammed al-Halbousi receives the Turkish ambassador to Iraq

link

The head of the Progress Party, President Mohammed al-Halbousi, received the Turkish Ambassador to Iraq, Mr. Anil Bora Inan, on Sunday.

During the meeting, bilateral relations between the two countries were discussed, as well as ways to enhance cooperation in all fields, in addition to a number of topics of common interest.

 

Mohammed al-Halbousi discusses strengthening bilateral relations with the French ambassador

link

 

The head of the Progress Party, Mohammed al-Halbousi, received the French Ambassador, Patrick Durel, on Sunday, on the occasion of the end of his mission in Iraq.

A statement from the Progress Party office indicated that the meeting addressed bilateral relations between the two countries, ways to enhance joint cooperation and support for the Iraqi government in all fields, as well as developments in the regional situation.

 

 

 

Sudanese official receives Russian ambassador, affirms depth of bilateral relations and strengthens joint cooperation.

link

The head of the Reconstruction and Development Coalition, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, received the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Iraq, Yabrus Kryachev, on Sunday.

During the meeting, they reviewed the bilateral relations between the two friendly countries. Al-Sudani emphasized the strength of the historical ties with Russia, noting the importance of enhancing prospects for joint cooperation in various fields, particularly economic and investment sectors, in a way that serves the mutual interests of Baghdad and Moscow.

He stressed the importance of building genuine partnerships that contribute to supporting reconstruction efforts and sustainable development in the country, pointing out that Iraq always seeks to strengthen its ties with the international community on the basis of mutual respect and shared interests.

For his part, the Russian Ambassador expressed his country's support for Iraq's stability and the steps aimed at achieving development and economic prosperity, affirming the desire of Russian companies to continue their active contribution to reconstruction and infrastructure projects.

 

zchkyan: We are in an 'total war' with America

link

 

 

 

I know his name is spelled differently but that is what happens with different translations

 

 

Iranian President Massoud Bizchkian said on Monday that his country is in an “all-out war” with the United States and that Tehran must bear its repercussions, while mediators proposed a 10-day cessation of attacks. 

ArabsAnd the peoples of the Middle East

“The truth is that the Islamic Republic of Iran is engaged in an all-out war,” he said in a statement, adding, “We have to be realistic and accept the natural repercussions of this resistance.”

He added: “We did not back down from any of our rights, interests and principles in the terms of the memorandum of understanding

 

translation

Wall Street: Iran's war brokers seek new ceasefire

link

 

A report in The Wall Street
Journal on Monday confirmed that mediators are working to urge the United States and Iran to reach a new ceasefire, fearing that the two sides might settle for a pattern that keeps the conflict below the level of all-out war but indefinitely disrupts regional economies and exposes them to the risk of miscalculation leading to an escalation of fighting.
The report, translated by Al-Maalomah News Agency, stated that "these efforts come after the United States launched an attack for the ninth consecutive night, and Iran retaliated against America's Arab allies, including Kuwait and Bahrain. Another ship in the Strait of Hormuz was also hit by a missile, causing a fire and forcing its crew to abandon ship."
It added that "adding to the risks is the announcement by the Yemeni Ansar Allah movement on Monday of a blockade on Saudi shipping amid tensions with the kingdom. Saudi Arabia and its maritime security agencies are taking this threat seriously, as it could lead to the closure of the Red Sea route used by the kingdom to transport oil through the Strait of Hormuz."
Mediators said that Qatar had proposed a ten-day ceasefire and an end to restrictions on navigation in the Strait of Hormuz to de-escalate tensions. They added that it was still unclear whether either side was prepared to accept a new cessation of hostilities after the collapse of the initial peace agreement they signed in mid-June.
Diplomats face a difficult situation given the conflicting demands of the United States and Iran regarding the Strait of Hormuz. Iran insists that the memorandum of understanding it signed with Trump a month ago gives it the right to manage the reopening of the waterway, while the United States, in turn, is assisting ships in using a channel outside of Iranian control, running along the coast of Oman.

The framework supports the results of Al-Zaidi's visit to Washington and affirms: There is no protection for the corrupt.

link

The Coordination Framework announced on Monday its full support for the results of the official visit made by Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi to the United States, stressing that it will not provide any political cover for those involved in corruption cases .

The media office of the Coordination Framework stated in a statement received by Al-Sa’a Network that “the Framework held its meeting in Nouri al-Maliki’s office, in the presence of Prime Minister Ali al-Zidi and the leaders of the Framework, where the attendees listened to a detailed presentation given by al-Zidi regarding the results of his recent official visit to the United States, the meetings he held with American officials, and the understandings and agreements that resulted from the visit in a number of sectors that serve the higher interests of Iraq .”

The statement added that "the framework expressed its support for the results of the visit, and its support for the government in implementing the agreements and understandings that were reached, in a way that enhances Iraq's international standing, preserves its sovereignty and independence of national decision, contributes to developing its economic and security capabilities, attracts investments, achieves sustainable development, and provides job opportunities for citizens ."

He explained that "the framework discussed the government measures taken in the field of combating corruption," stressing "its continued full support for the government, the judiciary and the Integrity Commission in pursuing corruption, protecting public funds, recovering looted funds and holding those involved accountable in accordance with the law ."

He stressed that "the framework will not provide political cover for anyone proven by the competent judicial authorities to be involved in corruption cases," emphasizing "the importance of adhering to legal and judicial contexts, and including all those involved, regardless of their affiliation, to ensure the integrity of the anti-corruption campaign ."

The statement continued, "The framework discussed the overall situation in the country, ways to enhance political and security stability, improve the level of services, and address economic and social challenges, in order to meet the aspirations of citizens

The coordinating framework is holding a meeting in Maliki's office.

 

link

The Coordination Framework held its regular meeting on Monday evening (July 20, 2026), at the office of the head of the State of Law Coalition, Nouri al-Maliki, in the presence of Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi and the leaders of the Coordination Framework.

A statement issued by the Coordination Framework, received by Baghdad Today, indicated that "the attendees listened to a detailed presentation by the Prime Minister regarding the results of his recent official visit to the United States, the meetings he held with American officials, and the understandings and agreements reached in several sectors that serve Iraq's best interests."

The Coordination Framework expressed its "support for the visit's outcomes and its backing of the government in implementing the agreements and understandings reached, thereby strengthening Iraq's international standing, preserving its sovereignty and national decision-making independence, contributing to the development of its economic and security capabilities, attracting investments, achieving sustainable development, and providing job opportunities for its citizens."

The statement added that "the framework discussed the government measures taken in the field of combating corruption, stressing its continued full support for the government, the judiciary and the Integrity Commission in pursuing corruption, protecting public funds, recovering looted funds and holding those involved accountable in accordance with the law."

The framework stressed that "it will not provide political cover for anyone proven by the competent judicial authorities to be involved in corruption cases, and the importance of adhering to legal and judicial contexts and including all those involved, regardless of their affiliation, to ensure the integrity of the anti-corruption campaign."

The framework, according to the statement, discussed "the overall situation in the country, strengthening political and security stability, improving the level of services, and addressing economic and social challenges, in a way that meets the aspirations of citizens." 

 

The framework supports the results of Al-Zaidi's visit to Washington and affirms: There is no protection for the corrupt.

link

The Coordination Framework announced on Monday its full support for the results of the official visit made by Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi to the United States, stressing that it will not provide any political cover for those involved in corruption cases .

The media office of the Coordination Framework stated in a statement received by Al-Sa’a Network that “the Framework held its meeting in Nouri al-Maliki’s office, in the presence of Prime Minister Ali al-Zidi and the leaders of the Framework, where the attendees listened to a detailed presentation given by al-Zidi regarding the results of his recent official visit to the United States, the meetings he held with American officials, and the understandings and agreements that resulted from the visit in a number of sectors that serve the higher interests of Iraq .”

The statement added that "the framework expressed its support for the results of the visit, and its support for the government in implementing the agreements and understandings that were reached, in a way that enhances Iraq's international standing, preserves its sovereignty and independence of national decision, contributes to developing its economic and security capabilities, attracts investments, achieves sustainable development, and provides job opportunities for citizens ."

He explained that "the framework discussed the government measures taken in the field of combating corruption," stressing "its continued full support for the government, the judiciary and the Integrity Commission in pursuing corruption, protecting public funds, recovering looted funds and holding those involved accountable in accordance with the law ."

He stressed that "the framework will not provide political cover for anyone proven by the competent judicial authorities to be involved in corruption cases," emphasizing "the importance of adhering to legal and judicial contexts, and including all those involved, regardless of their affiliation, to ensure the integrity of the anti-corruption campaign ."

The statement continued, "The framework discussed the overall situation in the country, ways to enhance political and security stability, improve the level of services, and address economic and social challenges, in order to meet the aspirations of citizens

The coordinating framework is holding a meeting in Maliki's office.

 

link

The Coordination Framework held its regular meeting on Monday evening (July 20, 2026), at the office of the head of the State of Law Coalition, Nouri al-Maliki, in the presence of Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi and the leaders of the Coordination Framework.

A statement issued by the Coordination Framework, received by Baghdad Today, indicated that "the attendees listened to a detailed presentation by the Prime Minister regarding the results of his recent official visit to the United States, the meetings he held with American officials, and the understandings and agreements reached in several sectors that serve Iraq's best interests."
The Coordination Framework expressed its "support for the visit's outcomes and its backing of the government in implementing the agreements and understandings reached, thereby strengthening Iraq's international standing, preserving its sovereignty and national decision-making independence, contributing to the development of its economic and security capabilities, attracting investments, achieving sustainable development, and providing job opportunities for its citizens."

The statement added that "the framework discussed the government measures taken in the field of combating corruption, stressing its continued full support for the government, the judiciary and the Integrity Commission in pursuing corruption, protecting public funds, recovering looted funds and holding those involved accountable in accordance with the law."

The framework stressed that "it will not provide political cover for anyone proven by the competent judicial authorities to be involved in corruption cases, and the importance of adhering to legal and judicial contexts and including all those involved, regardless of their affiliation, to ensure the integrity of the anti-corruption campaign."

The framework, according to the statement, discussed "the overall situation in the country, strengthening political and security stability, improving the level of services, and addressing economic and social challenges, in a way that meets the aspirations of citizens." 

 

Finance Minister: Financial allocations for local governments will be released in the coming days.

link

Finance Minister Faleh al-Sari stated on Monday that the financial allocations for local governments will be released in the coming days.

The Minister of Finance explained during a parliamentary oversight hearing to discuss security and service plans for the Arbaeen pilgrimage that "the financial situation is facing challenges as a result of declining oil revenues."

He confirmed that "a schedule of the needs of the governorates concerned with the visit has been sent to the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament and the Parliamentary Committee," pledging "to release the financial allocations to the local governments in the coming days according to the available resources."

Countering economic recession

link

 

 

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a significant role in achieving sustainable development across all economic systems. Global experiences provide examples, most notably those of social market economies, state-run economies, and even liberal economic systems that allow capital to manage the affairs of life.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) did not offer anything new when it predicted a 6.8 percent contraction in Iraq's GDP during the second half of this year. It had previously indicated this expected contraction in an earlier report, based on the ongoing war in the region, which has had numerous negative repercussions due to the decline in oil exports in a country whose federal budget is financed by approximately 90 percent of its revenues. 

From oil revenues.

Economic contraction means a significant decline in economic activity, which usually leads to a decrease in consumer spending, and consequently a decrease in demand for goods and services and a surplus in supply that leads to a drop in prices, and possibly to higher unemployment rates.

Initially, economic contraction mostly leads to a decline in living standards due to a shortage of liquidity and a decrease in production rates, thus increasing financial pressures on individuals. In our country, this may extend to the rate of non-oil revenues, given the decline in oil revenues, which pushes the government to borrow to support public spending and cover the budget deficit.

 On the other hand, as a result of the scarcity of liquidity, there may be a rise in the short term in the purchasing power of the local currency and an increase in its strength against other currencies, as a result of the decline in prices of goods and services and the increase in demand for cash. Here, an opportunity arises to confront deflation by supporting small and medium enterprises in a scientific and well-thought-out manner, under the supervision of the relevant authorities, led by the Central Bank and the banking sector, provided that there is a serious partnership between them and the private sector.

Small and medium enterprises play a major role in achieving sustainable development in all economic systems. We have examples in global experiences, foremost among them the experiences of social market economies, state economies, and even liberal economic systems that leave the management of life’s affairs to capital.  

Studies indicate that these projects contribute to expanding the production base and increasing exports by about 46 percent of the global total output. In the United States, the most powerful capitalist system in the world, the production of these projects constitutes about 50 percent of the GDP, and their contribution is estimated at about 65 percent of the total GDP in the European Union countries. In Japan, they provide about 81 percent of jobs. Such projects, in all major industrial countries, receive special care and continuous support from governments, as they are the main engine of the economy and the guarantor of national will in the face of political and economic fluctuations. So, is it time to launch a serious national program to support such projects in light of the economic recession?

Hundreds of hidden marches as well

Al-Zaidi travels to Tehran seeking eight ballistic missiles belonging to the factions... and Trump is watching.

 

link

In a true test of his promises to US President Donald Trump and his return to the country yesterday, Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is preparing to visit Tehran on July 23, a trip reminiscent of his predecessors' (as Tehran has traditionally been the next stop for any prime minister after Washington). According to Al-Mada newspaper, information indicates that al-Zaidi will ask the Iranian side to exert pressure on armed factions (groups outside state control that refuse to disarm) to release what is known as the "ballistic missile card" and hand over the hidden missiles (estimated at about 8 ballistic missiles and hundreds of drones) before September 30, the deadline set by the government to resolve the issue of uncontrolled weapons.

 

This move comes in coordination with the diplomatic arrangements witnessed in Baghdad yesterday, Sunday, through the meeting of the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Muhammad Hussein Bahr al-Uloom, with the Iranian Ambassador, Kazem Al-Sadiq, to discuss the agenda of the visit, at a time when political circles warn that any failure of Al-Zaidi to dismantle this weapon will negatively affect the overall great gains he brought back from Washington, which included the signing of 48 agreements and memoranda of understanding in the energy, finance and technology sectors, as well as the return of Iraqi banks to the global correspondent network.

Statement

After five busy days in Washington, Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi returns to the destination that has traditionally been the next stop for any Iraqi prime minister: Tehran.

But this time the visit does not appear to be an extension of protocol, but rather a test of whether the promises he brought from the American capital will hold up at the first Iranian turn.

Informed political sources told Al-Mada that Al-Zaidi will request, during his visit to Iran scheduled for July 23, that Tehran exert pressure on the armed factions to release what the sources describe as the “ballistic card,” and hand over the missiles in their possession before September 30, the date set by the government to end the issue of weapons outside the state.

The sources add that the meetings in Tehran will focus primarily on the groups that are now described within government circles as “rebels,” who refuse to disarm, while estimates indicate that they are hiding hundreds of drones, in addition to at least “8 ballistic missiles,” which they obtained from Iran, and refuse to hand them over at the instigation of Tehran.

The sources believe that the government is now facing a crucial test. If al-Zaidi is unable to fulfill his pledge to disarm the militias by the end of September, many of the gains he brought back from Washington will be threatened.

The second stop is always Tehran!

Al-Zaidi had changed the course of his foreign tour. After concluding his official visit to the United States, he headed to Qatar to offer condolences on the death of the father of its Emir, then to Tehran at the end of this week, and Turkey on July 28, with a possible visit to Saudi Arabia.

The initial program was to visit Turkey and then Saudi Arabia after Washington, as part of an economic and investment tour, but including Tehran between the two stops brought back memories of the rule that accompanied most Iraqi prime ministers, where the Iranian capital was the next stop immediately after any visit to Washington.

In Washington, Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein announced that the Prime Minister would visit Iran a few days after his visit to the United States, stressing that Baghdad would present an initiative during the visit calling for a ceasefire and creating an atmosphere conducive to dialogue, with Iraq ready to play the role of mediator between Tehran and Washington, particularly on economic issues.

In a press interview, Hussein explained that al-Zaidi’s tour also includes Turkey, with a possible visit to Saudi Arabia, stressing that Iraq is not carrying American messages to Iran, but will convey the impressions he heard in Washington, along with the Iraqi position.

He added that the war had caused direct damage to Iraq, especially to the oil sector as a result of its dependence on the Strait of Hormuz, stressing that ending the war and returning to dialogue were Iraqi priorities.

Is Al-Zaydi following in the footsteps of his ancestors?

On Saturday evening, Al-Zaidi concluded a five-day official visit to the United States, which focused on strengthening the economic and investment partnership, as well as expanding security and financial cooperation.

The visit included meetings with US President Donald Trump, senior officials in the White House, Congress, the Department of Defense and the Treasury, as well as meetings with the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and major US companies in the fields of energy, technology and finance.

He also oversaw the signing of 48 agreements and memoranda of understanding between Iraqi and American institutions, covering the oil, energy, industry, technology and financial sectors, as well as an agreement to reinstate seven Iraqi banks to the foreign correspondent banking network, and the signing of a memorandum of understanding to establish a pipeline to export Iraqi oil through Syrian ports, in addition to announcing investment projects, most notably the “Energy City” in Faw.

But analysts believe that al-Zaidi's real test will not be in Washington, but in Baghdad. The understandings and agreements he secured will not be measured by the image of his handshake with Donald Trump or by the total number of 48 agreements, but by what he does when he returns home.

Iraq has known prime ministers who returned from Washington speaking in a language no less enthusiastic than that of the democrats and secularists, before they ended up appeasing the factions, favoring Tehran, and submitting to the equations of corruption.

Therefore, al-Zaidi’s journey to the United States is not tested there, but begins the moment his plane lands in Baghdad, where it will be decided whether he will fulfill his pledge, or join the list of his predecessors who were changed more by internal calculations than by external promises.

“Preemptive rejection letters”

Ihsan al-Shammari, a professor of strategic and international politics at the University of Baghdad, says that al-Zaydi will face rejection from within his political base, represented by the Coordination Framework and some influential forces, despite popular support and cautious optimism about the possibility of implementing agreements in a way that will reflect on the lives of citizens.

Al-Shammari adds to (Al-Mada) that it is a mistake to interpret the recent attacks on the Kurdistan Region as being only part of the American-Iranian conflict, considering that they also represent “messages of acceptance and rejection of Ali al-Zaidi’s policies,” suggesting that they will be followed by other escalatory steps.

He believes that the pressures will not be limited to the security aspect, but will include attempts to confuse the government politically, whether through completing the ministerial cabinet, disrupting the quorum within the Council of Ministers, or seeking to replace some ministers, as well as obstructing the implementation of the government’s commitments in the file of dismantling weapons and reducing Iranian influence, in addition to pressure to stop the anti-corruption campaign and arrest what is known as “corruption hotspots”.

Al-Shammari warns that al-Zaidi may face a “complex political and security crisis,” especially if attacks on the region continue, or if the clash between Iran and the United States escalates, which could turn Iraq into an arena of conflict and a target for American interests.

He concludes that what comes after the Washington visit represents the biggest challenge for al-Zaidi, and is a test of the state’s ability to implement what it has committed to.

“Founding visit”

Al-Shammari describes the visit to Washington as a “foundational visit,” considering that it redefines the relationship between Baghdad and Washington after a period of stagnation that included security, political, diplomatic and economic cooperation.

He says that the warm reception that accompanied the visit, along with the signing of 48 agreements and memoranda of understanding, establishes a new phase in bilateral relations and represents a shift in the philosophy of Iraqi foreign policy, adding that the Prime Minister realizes that the relationship with the United States must be different in light of international transformations.

He believes that the government’s success in implementing the agreements could make this visit a pivotal moment similar to 2003, especially in light of what he considers an American insistence on bringing Iraq back from the Iranian sphere of influence, and therefore he describes it as a “turning point visit between two phases.”

“An opportunity to get rid of Iran’s influence”

For his part, former diplomat Ghazi Faisal believes that al-Zaidi’s visit represents a qualitative shift in Iraqi-American relations after years of stagnation, noting that relations were affected by the failure to appoint an American ambassador in Baghdad, the continuation of rocket attacks on the American embassy and the Kurdistan Region, and more than 600 attacks targeting American interests and attributed to factions allied with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard.

Faisal tells Al-Mada that Iraq has suffered in recent years from the difficulty of achieving a balance between its relations with Tehran and Washington, and that Iranian influence has been strongly present in political decision-making. He adds that the current visit gives Baghdad a wider opportunity for political, economic and security independence.

The signed agreements, valued at approximately $60 billion, particularly in the energy sector, are considered to provide Iraq with an opportunity to achieve greater independence in electricity production and oil and gas investment, as well as to enhance economic integration with Syria and Turkey within a new regional project that reduces dependence on the Strait of Hormuz for energy exports.

He adds that the visit could open the door to rebuilding the industrial and agricultural base, improving services, and creating job opportunities through American investments, while calling, at the same time, for stopping the smuggling of oil and money, ending the influence of mafias and organized crime, and stopping support for armed factions, in order to allow for the building of a stable state based on development and the rule of law.

Faisal concludes by saying that al-Zaidi’s visit “could constitute a turning point,” not only in Iraqi-American relations, but also in rebuilding internal Iraqi relations, strengthening stability, and opening up to the region and Europe.

more article

Al-Mada newspaper, citing its sources, revealed yesterday, Sunday (July 19, 2026), that Baghdad is nearing the implementation of a "decisive operation" against those responsible for the recent attacks on the Kurdistan Region. The newspaper asserts that the perpetrators are "not unknown" and that the decision to arrest them has been "finalized." It also suggests that the names of the accused will be revealed and presented to the public—a rare step if implemented. The newspaper further reported that some factions under surveillance have begun preparing to mobilize, but emphasized that any new attempt will be met with a direct response or preemptive arrests. Sources anticipate that any future escalation will target diplomatic missions, Iraqi military bases, or foreign companies operating in the oil sector.

For the first time since 2025, Iraq's SOMO requests to purchase gas oil.

link

Reuters reported on Monday that Iraq's state oil marketing company SOMO has requested to purchase shipments of gas oil during August and September, in its first such purchase since January 2025.

The document showed that SOMO is seeking to purchase 127,500 tons (about 949,875 barrels) of gas oil with a sulfur content of 2,500 parts per million, with the first shipment of 40,000 tons to be loaded by August 1.

According to the document, the application period for the tender will close on July 22, and the submitted bids will remain valid for 20 days.

 

Reuters quoted two trade sources as saying that SOMO had sought in January to sell quantities of 1,000 parts per million sulfur gas oil for shipment during the period from February to April, via the port of Khor Al-Zubair or the port of Umm Qasr.

I just thought this was interesting  iti was uploaded today

Calls in Baghdad to mint 250- and 500-dinar coins; the small-change crisis is turning into a daily issue in most transactions.

This video report from *Alsharqiya News* discusses the ongoing crisis in **Baghdad** regarding the shortage of small-denomination currency, specifically the **250 and 500 Iraqi Dinar** notes (0:00 - 0:15).

**Key takeaways from the report:** provided by Gemini
* **Daily struggle:** Citizens and merchants are finding it increasingly difficult to complete daily transactions because these small denominations are effectively missing from the market (0:26 - 0:41).
* **Impact on trade:** The shortage affects everyone from local grocers and barbers to public transportation drivers (*costers*). When change is unavailable, sellers often provide items like snacks (chips or gum) instead of actual currency to settle the difference (0:36 - 0:46).
* **Calls for action:** There are growing public demands for the central authorities to mint or reissue these smaller denominations to resolve the daily inconvenience faced by the public (1:29 - 1:42).
* **Market behavior:** Because of the scarcity, some vendors are now actively seeking out 1,000 Dinar notes to compensate for the lack of smaller change, adding further pressure to the cash flow in local markets (1:29 - 1:38).