ABOUT THE NEWSLETTER:
July 8, 2025 Mnt Goat News Brief
Guten Tag everyone:
I have some WOW news for you today. No RV yet, however there is reason to believe we are not that far off. I mean the “pressure” is building from all directions.
GIVE A GIFT TO MNT GOAT
I decided to allow everyone to give a Free-will GIFT to Mnt Goat on PayPal if you so desire. Here is the link below.
Since 2013, I have taken my own time from my gasthaus business to research and document findings about the revaluation and reinstatement of the Iraqi dinar. At this time more than ever I do not need to spend my time doing all this. My time is hard to find, as I have to hold down two formal jobs already due to COVID just to keep the business going. So, I do it out of charity and love for YOU with the understanding that all of us do NOT have the time to go do our own research. We are busy with our jobs, our daily lives and raising our children. I am saying this takes time and is like a third job.
I recommend $10-$15 dollars a month or whatever you can afford. Do you realize I write eight (8) Newsletters every month. I have to investigate the news and try to pull out the FACTS, then pull off the articles from Iraqi news channels, translate them, talk to my contact in Iraq and then write and publish the Newsletter. Do you think perhaps a little gift might show some appreciation for all this hard work? Just asking…. Still only a hand full of readers help out each month. Enough said….. The future of the Newsletter depends upon you.
Let’s all try to chip in!
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Proverbs 11:24-25
“One gives freely yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.“
More news….
IN OSLO, WITKOFF PLANS TO MEET ARAGHCHI TO RESUME NUCLEAR NEGOTIATIONS.
Axios reported that White House envoy Steve Witkoff plans to meet with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Oslo next week to resume nuclear talks.
Sources told the website, in a report published and translated by Shafaq News Agency, that no final date has yet been set, and neither country has publicly confirmed the meeting. However, if it takes place, it would be the first direct talks since US President Donald Trump ordered an unprecedented military strike on Iranian nuclear facilities last month .
More news….
KURDISH WARNING: BAGHDAD WILL TAKE CONTROL OF THE REGION’S OIL FIELDS WITHIN DAYS AND IMMEDIATELY RELEASE SALARIES.
Former Kurdistan Regional Parliament member and Kurdistan Islamic Union leader Sherko Jawdat warned on Saturday (July 5, 2025) of what he described as “dangerous” repercussions if an agreement is not reached between the regional government and the federal government regarding the resumption of oil exports.
More news….
HERE’S WHAT’S HAPPENING ON TUESDAY… THE BAGHDAD-ERBIL DIALOGUE IS REACHING ITS FINAL STAGES.
An informed source reported on Saturday that the talks between the central and regional governments have reached their final stages, while indicating that the two sides are close to drafting the final agreement.
The source said in a statement monitored by Al-Masry that “the supposed agreement stipulates the re-exportation of the region’s oil, the latter’s handing over its revenues to the federal government, and the commencement of the settlement of salaries.”
He added, “If a final agreement is reached on the draft agreement, it will be ratified by the Council of Ministers in its session next Tuesday, after which salaries for Kurdistan Region employees will be disbursed.”
More news….
CENTRAL BANK: INFLATION FELL BY 21% AND GOLD RESERVES ROSE BY 19% IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2025.
A report by the Central Bank of Iraq revealed that inflation in Iraq fell by 21% in the first quarter of this year, and that remittances abroad declined by 0.6%, while the value of gold reserves increased from 17.8 trillion dinars to 21.2 trillion dinars.
The Central Bank’s report stated that these statistics covered the first quarter of this year, specifically the months of January, February, and March.
The report stated that the volume of Iraqi currency transfers abroad by the Central Bank decreased by 0.6% in the first quarter of this year, reaching 99.9 trillion dinars. This comparison is with the fourth quarter of 2024, when the volume of foreign currency transferred abroad at that time was 100.5 trillion dinars.
Money transfers abroad in Iraq are linked to the conversion of Iraqi oil revenues into dollars, which the bank provides to importers at the official exchange rate.
The Central Bank of Iraq indicated in its report that this decline played a role in reducing inflation and maintaining the stability of the general price level in Iraq.
STATUS OF THE RV
I need everyone to go back to my last Newsletter and listen to the audio commentary when you click on it in the Archives. We can clearly see that Iraq is ready to reinstate their currency and go global with it. It could not be any clearer now. But first there is work to be done with Iran. So, today once again I am going to reinforce to you factors of what is holding this event from occurring.
Let’s dive right into this article about Trump’s policy towards Iraq. You might want to review the article titled “US NETWORK REVEALS TRUMP’S STRATEGY IN IRAQ – URGENT”. You can find all articles in the Articles Section of the Newsletter.
Let’s go deep as I promised you this U.S. foreign policy towards Iraq would eventually come out in the news. It has now come out now in multiple articles as to what the U.S. and the Trump administration is up to. However, these articles do not say anything really spectacular that, as followers of my blog, you should not already know. Right? What have I been telling you all along? I have been telling you exactly what my CBI contact has been relaying to me from my conference calls to Iraq and she was spot on! 😊
She said many times that, right now “it’s all about Iran”. Okay so let me say it again –” It is all about Iran.” Did you hear me?
The CBI has jumped through hoops to implement the much-needed banking reforms and even made the switch over to digital electronic payments in record time, something they have been trying to do since Dr Shabibi’s days more than a decade ago. They needed to ditch the dollar and that too we have been waiting so impatiently to see. It’s done! We are now also going to shortly see the Oil and Gas Law in parliament. This too is just about all done. Next the budget tables for 2025 will be passed on to parliament. We will see all of t his happen suddenly and seemingly all in a short time period.
😊Take a look at the article titled “THE GOVERNMENT IS ACCELERATING DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION. HISTORIC GROWTH IN ELECTRONIC PAYMENTS AND FINANCIAL INCLUSION IN IRAQ.” A government source revealed, on Monday (July 7, 2025), the steps taken by the Iraqi government in the field of developing and promoting electronic payments, noting that since the Iraqi government assumed its duties more than two and a half years ago, the importance of a strong and effective banking system has become clear to it, as developing electronic payments and increasing financial inclusion in the country are considered among its most prominent features.
😊Then there is also article titled “LOCALIZATION OF PRIVATE SECTOR SALARIES, RAPID PAYMENT, AND COLLECTION… AL-SUDANI ISSUES BANKING DECISIONS.” The number of bank accounts has reached approximately 20 million, compared to 8 million in 2022, a growth of more than 150%. “the digital transformation rate of Iraqi ministries and institutions has increased to approximately 32%, after it was less than 18% in 2022, with a growth rate of 78%.” “the number of bank cards increased to 21-22 million cards (of all types, including credit, debit, and prepaid), up from 16 million cards in 2022, representing a growth rate of 38%.” “ the number of point-of-sale devices reached approximately 62,000 devices, up from less than 10,000 devices in 2022, representing a growth rate of up to 520%. “data indicates that the financial inclusion rate in Iraq has reached approximately 40%, up from less than 10% in 2019.”
So now we see close to 40- 50% of the population have gone digital. We all know that there are about 47 million Iraqis in Iraq. Remember kids don’t carry debit cards or transact purchases, so Iraq is very close, if not on target. We read articles telling us that they are where they want to be with this digital transformation (or inclusion as they call it). Why else would they tell us this news over and over again? Remember that I told you this is an uphill battle for Iraq as the U.S. is using Iraq to get to Iran. The IMF, World Bank, the UN and many other global entities are telling us Iraq is ready to go global. They support Iraq going global. So why have they now yet reinstated the dinar back on FOREX?
Remember this if nothing else from today’s takeaway: Iraq was freed of all UN Chapter VII sanctions in December of 2022, then shortly afterwards the U.S. slapped on sanctions on major Iraq banks, thus controlling the dollar. Why? The U.S. needed to justify it’s stronghold on Iraq somehow. It just can’t let go, not yet with the Iranian situation looming. But Iraq is fighting back. Let’s see how.
THE NATIONAL CARD SCHEME PROJECT
The Central Bank of Iraq has decided to assert its sovereignty over electronic financial transactions within the country by launching the “National Card Scheme.” This is a positive step, but it is not without loopholes that raise more than one question mark.
According to the bank’s statement, the new system will not be linked to the Visa and MasterCard systems, but will use the same technologies as the Europay-MasterCard-Visa systems to ensure compliance with international standards and enhance security and efficiency. WOW! WOW! WOW! This is a breakaway for the U.S. led banking system. But can you blame Iraq for doing it? Just look at what the U.S. has been doing to Iraq.
😊We read in many articles that Iraq has gained it full sovereignty, but has it really? In the article today titled “THE END OF DOLLAR DEPENDENCE OR THE BEGINNING OF CENSORSHIP? THE NATIONAL PAYMENTS PROJECT RAISES THE QUESTION OF “FINANCIAL SOVEREIGNTY” we find contradictions to any of these statements as a country can not be free if its currency is also not liberated. So, what just happened to piss off the U.S. in this regard with Iraq?
In a pivotal step toward internal monetary independence, the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) issued an official circular to all banks and electronic payment service providers announcing the commencement of the implementation of the National Card Scheme project. This is a local payment system managed through the national switchboard, completely separate from international platforms such as MasterCard and Visa. WOW! WOW! WOW! Did you read this? Let’s go on….
According to a circular obtained by Baghdad Today , the Central Bank has ordered the launch of a local system for settling bank card payments within Iraq, without going through any international entity. The circular clarified the need to adopt national codes such as (BIN) and (AID) to identify payment cards and link them to the national switchboard, which implicitly means eliminating any reliance on global payment networks such as Visa and MasterCard in local transactions. The circular emphasized that this project is “exclusively local” and that it will be completed by the end of this year, in preparation for its official adoption starting early next year. “Iraq faces no legal or technical obstacles to establishing this type of system, and many countries have preceded us in this,” but he explained that “local systems remain limited and cannot be used outside the country’s borders.”
Economic researcher Ziad Al-Hashemi said on Friday that the Central Bank of Iraq’s launch of the “National Card Scheme” system is a step towards strengthening financial sovereignty and reducing reliance on international payment networks. However, the similarity of this system to the Russian “Mir” system, which is subject to sanctions, may expose Iraq to international accountability and raise American reservations. He pointed out that the lack of full commitment to security and compliance standards, and the lack of clarification of the nature of technical links with external systems, represents a potential loophole that could be exploited for suspicious financial activities.
So, is this just a monetary shift or financial isolation?
The new approach coincides with escalating tensions between Baghdad and Washington, and with the mounting pressure on major Iraqi banks accused of financing entities sanctioned by the US. In this context, the Central Bank appears to have decided to proceed with a project that protects the domestic market from any “potential political freeze.” However, this option, despite its importance in terms of sovereignty, raises questions:
- Is it possible to actually dispense with global payment systems?
- Is Iraq structurally prepared to operate a closed system capable of meeting domestic demand?
- Most importantly, does this project pave the way for a gradual financial decoupling from the dollar even the petro-dollar?
The National Card Scheme project is not merely a technical decision regarding banking infrastructure; it is a step with political, economic, and security dimensions. If completed by the end of the year as planned, Iraq will have taken its first steps toward “internal monetary independence.” WOW! WOW! WOW!
😊Please go the articles section and read the article titled “PROS, CONS, AND CONDITIONS… WHAT IS THE POSSIBILITY OF ESTABLISHING AN INTERNAL PAYMENTS SYSTEM IN IRAQ?” to get the full article and all the details. On Thursday, July 3, 2025, international economics professor Nawar Al-Saadi spoke about the possibility of establishing an internal payments system in Iraq, (which is the National Card Scheme Project I just talked about above) noting that the project’s “success” requires several conditions. I encourage everyone to go read all these article concerning this next move by the Central Bank concerning this National Card Scheme project. All of these articles are interconnected and are chock full of information, if you take the time to read them all and understand what is about to happen. It is all going to have a huge impact on the Iraqi financial system. Even though this system deals in the internal and not external monetary system directly, it may be a driving force for external monetary independence or at the minimum raise many questions about what the U.S. has been doing to prevent Iraqi sovereignty not help it.
But wait…there is more to this situation…..
☹If you read the news in the article titled “WASHINGTON IS “LURING” BAGHDAD INTO SANCTIONS. WHY IS THERE THIS SILENCE ON THE CENTRAL BANK CARDS”. So we find that it is not all as simple as it seems. Economic expert, Ziad Al-Hashemi, warned the Central Bank of Iraq against falling into the trap of US Treasury sanctions.
Now as investors we have to buckle down and ride the wave with the situation with Iran. We have no choice. We can write to our congress and senate reps asking they specific statements about the lack of Iraq sovereignty and why we fought the war to begin with, but please don’t make statements about the RV or reinstatement of the dinar. These events will just happen, almost automatically once full monetary independence is regained again. I believe that the National Card Scheme project is a major step in the right direction.
When I read all these articles dealing with the Iraq monetary sovereignty, I can’t help to vision that the U.S. is trying desperately to keep Iraq on the petro- dollar. Right now the petro-dollar backs up the U.S. dollar with these vast oil reserves of Iraq. is this why the Federal Reserve still maintains a stronghold on the Iraqi wealth by controlling the funds from the oil revenues by still mandating the petro-dollar even though the UN sanctions are relieved. Yes, the sale of oil should also be included in these changes resulting from the relieve from these UN Chapter VII sanctions. Why hasn’t this yet happened?
If you have been a faithful followers of the Mnt Goat Newsletter, you know about the articles we read the past articles about the Iraqi desire and a plan to get off the petro-dollar. So, it is in the mind of the CBI to do so and I believe eventually they will do it. This would truly be monetary independence for Iraq and it would force the reinstatement if it had not yet already occurred.
😊In this regard we look at article titled “AL-HASSAN FROM KARBALA: IRAQ IS NOT A POOR COUNTRY AND IS OPEN TO FOREIGN INVESTMENT.” Remember that this is the UN speaking here. In the news it states that: Iraq is not a poor country and is open to foreign investment. The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq, Mohammed Al-Hassan, praised Iraq’s policy of disassociation from recent conflicts in the region, stressing that the country is now open to foreign investment to improve the economic situation. In a joint press conference with the Governor of Karbala, Nassif Jassim Al-Khattabi, Al-Hassan said, “What I witnessed in Karbala today is a vivid image of a united Iraq. What we witnessed embodies the meaning of national belonging, and that this belonging is above all considerations.” He added, “The stability achieved in Iraq did not come by chance, but is the result of collective will and precious sacrifices.”
He stressed that “Iraq is not a poor country, but rather a country of goodness, with trained, educated and cultured human resources, not only at home but also abroad. Iraq has distinguished male and female scientists, even at NASA.” He added, “Iraq has distanced itself from the surrounding political problems, and in light of this, we expect to see nothing but a strong Iraq with a regional and global standing.”
😊Then we read about yet another revenue source in the very near future in article titled “IRAQ TO HALT GASOLINE IMPORTS IN 2025”. But there is much more to this effort by Iraq. Refinery upgrades in Maysan and Najaf are also underway, with officials projecting that completion of these projects will position Iraq to begin exporting refined fuels for the first time in decades. Although Iraq is a leading oil producer, years of underinvestment in refining infrastructure have forced reliance on fuel imports. However, al-Sudani pledged that the current strategy aims to convert 40% of crude production into domestic downstream products, reducing dependency and increasing revenue. Yes, Iraq is back with the right leadership.
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Can we end the terrorism threat once and for all?
The Islamic Republic of Iran is NOT going to be allowed to develop a nuclear bomb(s) to destroy Israel or any other nation. This would be like letting Nazi Germany WW2 have “the bomb”. It is that simple in principle, but a strategy of prevention is much harder without starting a war with Iran. Trumps policy towards Iran thus filters down to Iraq since they are such strong trading partners and next-door neighbors. Trump also says it is time to end this war on terrorism, and I totally agree. Aren’t you sick and tired already of this terrorism too? But you don’t end it with pacification. You end it with strength and power.
Define to Pacify:
The term “pacify” means to ease anger or agitation, calm someone down, or restore peace in a situation. It involves actions that reduce conflict or disorder. Synonyms include appease, soothe, and tranquilize.
If you read the definition, you can see that peace under a dictatorship is never accomplished through pacification. After over 20 years of this terrorist bullshit and what has it brought to the world? It is nothing but suffering and loss, not abundance and prosperity. So why would we want it to continue? At what point do we say – enough is enough! You must meet the threat head-on and deal with it. This is what has to be done. But today it is very political, and Trump certainly has shown he does not want another full-scale war with American involvement. So how do you do accomplish this goal without a war?
To accomplish this task against terrorism, we needed a very strong leader to lead the U.S. in the effort to deal with this threat of Iran. This leader could not be compromised by the global elitist that are manipulating the world to their liking. They have been using terrorism as their weapon against society to break it down. So, any leader with strong ties to them would not be able to the dirty work that needs to be done.
Trump is dealing with it and has a plan. Sure, we can have peace, and all Trump has to do is look the other way (like other presidents have through their passivity) while Israel gets blown off the map. So, who would be next? We already know the Iranian dictatorship hates the west and has said so. And so go figure who would be next. The weird part about all this is they actually rant and rave about killing innocent people and destroying our nations. So why wouldn’t we take them seriously?
Everyone needs to know and if you remember that it was through the past CIA efforts to train these terrorists that are now instigated these terrorist tactics on the world and even trained many of these terrorist leaders in a “School for Terrorism” in the U.S.
Yes, they were taking foreign radicals from the middle east and training them right in your own backyard in the state of Vermont. Hello Burnie Sanders? What? Yes, is this a surprise to you to learn? So, you think I am lying?
Check out this article in the link below. I know its recent but these same camps were converted then to civilian camps. Oh… but it goes much deeper than this. The CIA was actually running a terrorist training camp in southern Vermont in the 1990’s until enough outcry from the public shut it down. What was going on in this camp? As you drove interstate 91 through southern Vermont they even posted a sign on the side of the highway guiding attendees to the highway exit for the camp. Go figure the latitude and boldness of this effort back then.
More nonsense RV guru intel needs clarity
Again, all you TNT followers of these idiots Tony and Rayren, have to consider the news from Iraq and the situation between Iran and the US concerning the nuclear issue. Do you really believe, even for a second, that today or even next week can be our day for the RV? Please get off you fat butts and read the news. Stop being so brainwashed by these scammers and look at reality. I know it’s a wakeup call for many of you, but come ‘on after over 10 years of this nonsense bullshit and you still jump after each intel call? Here is their latest update to their puppet fans:
I quote: “SOME INTEL SOURCES “CLAIM” TODAY IS OUR DAY 😊. WE’LL KNOW FOR SURE IN A FEW HOURS. STAY ALERT STAY READY! “
“THEY “SAY” THE RATE IS, YET AGAIN, PROPAGATING AND SHOULD FULLY APPEAR IN A FEW HOURS. TIME WILL TELL!”
Look at his words. Did you ever read anything so foolish? How many more of these foolish updates must they give? How many more times will they tell you the same old bullshit without anything of substance to back it up. This is not FACTUAL this is fairy-tale land. How much more of this before you wake up and take control of your own mind and reality? I truly feel sorry for all you brain dead TNT puppet followers.
I bring this hypocrisy to you not to be rude or a downer. I bring it because this is why I established my blog in the first place. Given the FACTS then you can decide. You don’t need to be led like a puppet on a string. There are no “secret” sources trying to RV everyday / any day. Get it? Its’ all just fiction and made up new!
Their words not mine…..No Rumors, No Hype, No Opinions ,,,,,
Just the FACTS!
What can we as investors do right now?
- Pray and pray that nothing will mess this up….
- Be very patient….
- Do not sell your dinar….
- No more intel guru talk….
- No more NESARA / GESARA crazy talk
- Stop listening to all these idiots as they are only confusing you more and more (especially TNT and “The Big Call” idiots.)
- Don’t over speculate and set unjustified expectations
Their words not mine…..No Rumors, No Hype, No Opinions ,,,,,
Just the FACTS!
These prophecies are more important now more than ever. They give us the strength, perseverance and hope that a better time is coming and that God’s Hand is at work behind the scenes. If you just take a second even to look around you at these past three election cycles, how can you deny that God is at work? Are you sleeping or what?
It is amazing and there is no other way that these events could have happened the way they turned out. But there is more to come, much, much more, I assure you! Now that God has his biblical David re-elected, we need to pay attention to what He does next.
God told us it will be an “hypnotic November” and turbulent until June 2025 and so, isn’t it? June is here. Was He lying to us? Remember that these globalists satanic cult have had it too good for too long and are not just going to lay down and let themselves be destroyed. They are going to fight until the very end to maintain control over you. If all else fails, they will get more and more desperate to overcome the good trying to rebuild and free our nation.
NOTE: These prophecies just keep getting better and better, giving us HOPE of a bright future. But the real reason why I listen to them is that we can actually see what God says He will do is taking place right in front of our noses. It is a confirmation to me that God is real and is still with us forever just as in biblical times.
From God to the PROPHET: Julie Green
The prophetic words seem to be getting more powerful which usually means we are coming to a climatic period and intensity as to when events begin to happen.
“Justice Is Coming And The Innocent Will Be Vindicated”
The prophecy today can be found at the 19:31 minute mark on the video. This is the 2nd one from June 29th.
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About the prophetic word:
How do these people know these things? Is it God speaking to them of the future?
How is all these prophecies related to the IQD revaluation?
First I need to add that God has given multiple prophecies already about the IQD revaluation and His form of the global reset. In each He specifically talks about Iran, Iraq and Southern Asia (Vietnam).
With the prophecies, unlike the RV saga, we hardly ever get a firm timeline, but we must stay faithful and know that God will be faithful to us and provide what he promises to his prophets and promises to us. Like the clean out of SCOTUS now coming about so will the RV.
Remember that, like us listening to these prophecies, the dark side also listens to them and constructs obstacles in an attempt to overcome them and stop them. This is intentional and we will soon learn of the truths behind why the RV was halted in 2012, besides what we already know. There were some very dark elements involved.
We know the RV of the IQD is unstoppable but it can be delayed and was delayed by these dark elements in 2012. I firmly believe this is what happened in 2012 when the CBI has an “unprecedented opportunity”, according to Dr Shabibi in his 2015 interview before his passing, to get the Iraqi dinar back online in the foreign currency exchanges.
I have been trying to explain to everyone many time already that this is when the criteria all changed under the Obama administration, thus we sit for another 13 years waiting for Iraq to meet this new stringent criterion. They did this in a well-orchestrated, corrupt plan to hold it up, but only after these corrupt U.S. politicians exchanged their dinar and no longer cared about Iraq.
Folks it has been 13 years since! Are we now also approaching the other 2 prophecies by Kim Clement telling of the wealth transfer, the reset and the coming PEACE in the middle east. I have presented these prophecies to you also many times in the past. These are all connected together. All the signs show that this may very well be the time now for Iraq.
But today the prophecy we are looking at is about SCOTUS and the judges stepping down will also have huge implications on many things. Also, the impact on Federal and district court judges. Let’s just sit back and watch it all play out, knowing that God’s Hand is at work.
Kim Clement piece from 2014 prophecy
2 Supreme Court Justices will step down. This is going to happen shortly.
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HOW DO WE KILL THE GIANTS OF DEBT, SOCIALISM AND SECULARISM?
Please, please listen VERY carefully to this prophecy. I cannot emphasize enough to spend the time to watch this one – “The Big E”. I am not saying its going to take 6-7 years to get the RV, but that the RV is part of the process along the way and will happen in the process of the prophecy fulfillment.
Do you remember these prophecies from 2007? This is our time now to fulfill these prophecies. So, let’s take a step back and rewind to review them. Then watch to see if Trump does orchestrate their fulfillment. I also believe this wiping out the debt is related to the new energy sources that are coming. In the meantime, the US will work at bringing down the cost of energy. But I believe this will only be a temporary measure until these new sources come.
Folks, I know you may be having a hard time seeing this, but all of this goes hand-in-hand with what we are looking for… the RV of the Iraqi dinar.
This prophecy is especially important and coincides with the more recent Feb 9th prophecy from Julie Green. Did you listen to it? WOW!
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Pray, Pray, Pray & Pray some more!
Please try to remember to pray each and every day. In Hebrews 11:6, it underscores this principle of why we pray: “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”
You don’t have to be Catholic to pray….lol..lol.. As a Christian, praying the rosaries for me is my way to pray and has had a significant impact on my life and focus during this Easter season and throughout the year. I find it is good to remember the Stations of the Cross during lent and what our savior did for us. In know many of you may not be Catholics or even Christians but try to take a different approach this Easter. Try to see what all the fuss is about Christ. Put yourself in Christ shoes (or should I say sandals) as an ordinary person in today’s world. You can quickly see that the nature of man has not changed very much and if Christ were born today, many would probably try to crucify him. Have we not learned anything?
We all know something has gone terribly wrong with our nation. A supernatural battle is taking place to determine the fate of America. In just twelve minutes a day you help bring forth a divine intervention to save our country using this book. Let us not forget to fast, meditate and pray for the salvation of America. There is an organization that is taking on this endeavor through helpful prayer guidance. This is what I plan to do. How about you?
Anyone can join the hundreds of thousands already involved in this rapidly-growing prayer
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CHINA EXPERT WARNS SOMETHING IS ‘VERY, VERY WRONG IN BEIJING’.
THE FORMER ACTOR FOR JOE BIDEN BELIEVES HE IS STILL “ACTING” AS PRESIDENT
Really? The actor playing the role of Biden for the last 4 years, makes a stunning claim about relationship with world leaders. Do you want to know what I think this actor is now doing?
Of course, I firmly believe he is delusional, but I also believe he knows what is coming out of this intensive congressional probe as to who was actually running the Whitehouse in place of the real Biden the four year term. He knows this FAKE BIDEN is going to get exposed. This will be explosive!
We all need to be prepared as to the extent of what is about to come out of this intensive probe into the Biden era. It is not going to be pretty. Many who knowingly and intentionally covered for the FAKE BIDEN are going to be prosecuted. We must also consider all his autopen and real signatures on the executive orders and bills he has signed. Are they still valid? What will be the impact? Get ready, its coming….
Yes, the idiot is back!
TUCKER CARLSON INTERVIEWS PRESIDENT OF IRAN MASOUD PEZESHKIAN
On Iran’s nuclear agenda from this video, can we believe this? How can we believe it based on the past statements of threats and the Iranian missiles that fly into Israel. Why do they hate Israel so much? Is this passion like the passion of hate for Donald Trump. Why do they hate Donald Trump so much? What are the common denominators in all this hate?
I can sum up all this hate. It’s called their globalization plan and the hate for anyone who gets in their way.
Really now, is Pezeshkian being honest in this interview of just lies for the camera to get Americans on his side. He must try to show he is a passionate person and just wants peaceful nuclear development. Don’t believe it folks. I can assure you there is VERY STRONG evidence from Iran that their intent is much more than to generate electricity, which may also be a goal, but only a pretense to generate enough enriched uranium for a nuclear warhead aimed first at Israel and then at who else?
IT’S TIME THE TRUTH COMES OUT OVER USAID SHAKE-UP
Okay, so why the big push to continue USAID. DOGE has already exposed all the fraud and waste. Why don’t the democrats get it? Here is the propaganda that is being laid out to the public over this in an attempt to try to reinstate fraudulent aid packages.
Is this true? Watch this video first, then watch the second video on this subject matter as Tammy Bruce explains the real issues involved. Folks, this was their “slush” fund and most of this so-called aid never made it to the recipients it was meant for. Why don’t they get it? Do they want to get it? Are they involved in the slush money?
We must hear both sides to get to the TRUTH. Aren’t you sick and tired of the lies and propaganda in CNN fake news? Yes, TRUTH really does matter but are you willing to listen to the TRUTH?
GIVE ME A BREAK!
Now that you heard the lies, let’s hear the TRUTH. Did it ever occur to you that most of these FAKE news stations really don’t care to know the TRUTH and are only concerned about their stations ratings reflected in the questions they ask in these press room briefings. So here is a good one.
So why did news reporter Andrea Mitchell not do her research/homework prior to this press briefing? I will tell you why. It’s because they (the fake news) really don’t want the TRUTH but savor instead $$$ on headlines that buck the status quo which happens to be Trump’s reforms to which he was elected on to do. They would rather make money than tell the TRUTH. How many times must the Trump Administration explain what these cuts are doing?
TRUMP SIGNS “BIG, BEAUTIFUL BILL”
MIKE JOHNSON DROPS 5-WORD BOMBSHELL — DEMOCRATS STUNNED INTO SILENCE
WHO THE F__K WAS RUNNING THE WHITEHOUSE UNDER THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION?
Certainly, it was not Joe who sat on the beach in Delaware deciding his next ice cream cone flavor for most of his administration. Was this really Joe Biden anyhow or just an old man acting as a body double for Joe? How many millions was he paid? Follow the money $$$$$ …..
NO, I AM SORRY WE ARE GOING TO DIG AND DIG UNTIL WE GET TO THE TRUTH OF WHO WAS ACTUALLY RUNNING THE WHITEHOUSE DURING THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION. Mnt Goat
We now have proof of who this was but will anything be done about it? This should make every American absolutely in furious ( and really pissed off…) 😊 Did you vote for Joe.. Well if you did do you know your vote did not count!
“MR. SHIFTY SCHIFF’S” GRAND STANDING DOES NOT PAY OFF …..
Yes, his days are numbered too…. like all the rest of these bastard Marxists Communists democrats.
“NOBODY DARES SAY THIS ABOUT THE LEFT—EXCEPT VICTOR DAVIS HANSON!!”
SCOTUS IS UNDER FIRE FOR UNCONSTITUTIONAL RULINGS
Many supreme court justices are now ruling based on a Marxist construct ideology and not the US Constitution, as the rule of law. Did they not take an oath of office to follow the Constitution? These liberal justices are slowly being placed within SCOTUS one by one by liberal presidents from the democrat party. This is where our country gets into real trouble if you can’t have justice. Here we go again….more corruption!
SUPREME COURT JUSTICE ACCUSED OF HYPOCRISY ON INJUNCTIONS STANCE
EXPERT WARNS: IRAQ’S FINANCES ARE UNDER “AMERICAN PRESSURE”… AND THE GUARDIANSHIP ENDED IN 2022.
Economic expert Ahmed Abdel Rabbo called on the Iraqi government to review the international legal framework for depositing Iraq’s funds in the US Federal Reserve, stressing that continuing to work under Security Council Resolution No. 1483 issued in 2003 is no longer justified after the reasons for which the “Development Fund for Iraq” was established have ended.
In a statement to “Jarida Platform,” Abdul Rabbo said , “In 2021, Iraq paid the full $52.4 billion in compensation for the invasion of Kuwait, and in 2022, the Security Council approved Resolution 2621, which officially ended the international claims file and closed the United Nations Compensation Commission, which removes the main legal cover for keeping Iraq’s funds under direct American supervision.”
He added, “Despite this development, the United States continues to exert economic pressure by restricting dollar transfers from Iraq’s account in New York, causing disruptions in the foreign exchange market and unstable increases in the dollar’s exchange rate against the dinar.”
Abdul Rabbo stressed the need for the Iraqi government to “take the initiative to request a review of Security Council Resolution 1483 and work to diversify foreign reserves, as countries that rely on a currency basket are less vulnerable to the risks of dollar fluctuations.” He called for “the formation of a currency basket comprising no less than 20% of the total reserves, which exceed $100 billion.”
He pointed to the importance of “establishing a sovereign wealth fund to invest oil surpluses under independent and transparent management, similar to Norway’s experience, to achieve sustainability for future generations and reduce the need to hold cash abroad.” He explained that “developing the local financial system, accelerating digital transformation, strengthening the role of private banks, and activating financial hedging tools are urgent priorities.”
At the end of his remarks, Abdul Rabbo emphasized that “achieving Iraq’s economic sovereignty requires unity in political and diplomatic decision-making, and clear parliamentary support for the government in any international financial negotiations, particularly with the Security Council and the International Monetary Fund,” noting that “Iraq is not a poor country, but a rich one.”
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AN EXPERT WARNS OF THE US FEDERAL RESERVE’S RESTRICTIONS ON IRAQ’S FINANCIAL AUTONOMY
Economic expert, Diaa Mohsen, confirmed on Wednesday that Iraq still lacks independent economic decision-making due to the restrictions imposed by the US Federal Reserve on its funds, warning of the repercussions of the continuation of this situation on the country’s financial autonomy.
Mohsen said in a statement to Al-Maalouma Agency, “After Iraq was released from Chapter VII in 2011, the United States deposited its funds in the US Federal Reserve under the pretext of protecting them,” noting that “the returns resulting from these deposits are much less than what could have been achieved if these funds were invested by the Iraqi government directly or through partnerships with various countries.”
He explained that “Iraq’s continued exposure to these restrictions is unacceptable and deprives it of significant economic opportunities,” stressing that “Iraq’s liberation from the authority of the US Federal Reserve would revive the national economy and open broader horizons for financial development.”
He added that “Iraq remaining hostage to US decisions makes it vulnerable to financial sanctions in the event of any political dispute with Washington, as the latter can simply seize Iraq’s funds or prevent their disposal.”
(The pressure is building for “full” independence. Will Trump give it to them? All I can say now is “I told you so”.)
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US NETWORK REVEALS TRUMP’S STRATEGY IN IRAQ – URGENT
Oil Price Network revealed in a report published today, Sunday, July 6, 2025, that US President Donald Trump is “moving dynamically in Iraq” to implement a new strategy through which he is attempting to confront Chinese and Russian influence in the world.
The network said, as translated by Baghdad Today, that American involvement in Iraqi affairs “is now becoming increasingly deep,” stressing that “it appears that the American president has a strategy centered around two aspects:
1.Through the first, he is trying to force Iran to negotiate by imposing multiple pressures on it, and thus its influence in Iraq.”
2.”The second aspect of Trump’s strategy is an attempt to draw Iraq closer to the Western, and specifically American, sphere of influence, and to reduce Chinese and Russian influence in Iraq, thereby reducing the influence that is now growing in the region.”
The network concluded its report by noting that Trump is also attempting to achieve these goals by threatening economic sanctions against the government in Baghdad and using Iraq’s relationship with Iran as a means of pressuring the Iraqi government.
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THE GOVERNMENT IS ACCELERATING DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION. HISTORIC GROWTH IN ELECTRONIC PAYMENTS AND FINANCIAL INCLUSION IN IRAQ.
A government source revealed, on Monday (July 7, 2025), the steps taken by the Iraqi government in the field of developing and promoting electronic payments, noting that since the Iraqi government assumed its duties more than two and a half years ago, the importance of a strong and effective banking system has become clear to it, as developing electronic payments and increasing financial inclusion in the country are considered among its most prominent features.
The source added, speaking to Baghdad Today, that “the government and the prime minister considered this goal a top priority, as it is a key objective in the strategies of countries around the world, given its close connection to economic stability and growth.”
He continued, “The Iraqi government has taken a series of decisions and measures through the Council of Ministers and the Ministerial Council for the Economy, in addition to the committees emanating from them, which include representatives from the government, the Central Bank, and the private sector, to monitor this aspect.” He noted that “these committees include: the Electronic Payment Performance Monitoring Committee, the Electronic Payment and Financial Inclusion Stimulation Committee, the Digital Transformation Committee, and the Digital Transformation and Electronic Payment Process Evaluation Committee in Iraqi Ministries and Government Institutions.”
The source explained that “Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani had previously issued a set of decisions and directives based on reports from these committees, which led to significant progress on several indicators in this area during 2025. The digital transformation rate of Iraqi ministries and institutions rose to approximately 32%, up from less than 18% in 2022, representing a growth rate of 78%.”
He added, “The number of bank accounts reached approximately 20 million, compared to 8 million accounts in 2022, a growth exceeding 150%. The number of bank cards also increased to 21-22 million cards of all types, including credit, debit, and prepaid, up from 16 million cards in 2022, representing a growth rate of 38%.”
He pointed out that “the number of point-of-sale (POS) devices reached approximately 62,000, up from less than 10,000 in 2022, a growth rate of 520%. The number of ATMs also reached approximately 7,531, up from approximately 2,223 in 2022, a growth rate of 239%.”
He pointed out that “total electronic payments reached approximately 1.37 trillion dinars in May 2025, compared to less than 90 billion at the end of 2022, with a growth rate of up to 1,400%. Data indicates that the financial inclusion rate in Iraq has reached approximately 40%, after being less than 10% in 2019.”
The source confirmed that “the Prime Minister recently issued a number of future decisions related to a number of important projects in the field of electronic payments, stressing the need to complete them as soon as possible.”
He explained that “these projects include: activating the local card, expected to be completed by the end of 2025, activating the rapid payment project, activating the unified electronic collection application, localizing private sector salaries in line with the government sector, and establishing a unified center for complaints related to electronic payment transactions, headquartered at the National Data Center.”
The source expected that “these projects will be completed in less than a year, stressing that their implementation will contribute to moving Iraq to a new level among the advanced countries in this field.”
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GOVERNMENT ADVISOR: THE GOVERNMENT HAS SUCCEEDED IN MANAGING FISCAL POLICY.
The Prime Minister’s financial advisor, Mazhar Mohammed Salih, explained on Friday the reasons for the delay in submitting the budget schedules, while stressing that the government has succeeded in managing the country’s financial and economic policy.
Saleh said, “The financial compass reading, which required the submission of the 2025 budget tables for legal approval under Article 77/Second of the Budget Law, was truly delayed for two fundamental reasons:
1.The first was to await the amendment to the three-year general budget law regarding the value of the region’s oil contracts and the costs of transporting its oil, which were not approved until last February.
2.The other reason relates to the fluctuations that global energy markets were exposed to and the effects of global oil prices on the general budget, which also required rereading some financial constants and variables, whether revenues, expenditures, deficit financing and its sources, more than once due to international geopolitical and economic problems and the major issues that occurred in the global economy at a rapid pace, which led to the generation of volatile shocks in close periods of the current fiscal year, which necessitated hedging against external shocks.”
He added that “all these factors led to the delay in submitting budget schedules to review some of its inputs and outputs,” noting that “there is significant and ongoing cooperation between the legislative and executive authorities in monitoring and managing the country’s financial affairs, with understanding, interaction, and optimization of great importance to ensuring the economic stability the country is experiencing.”
Regarding the impact of delayed budget schedules on projects included in the investment section, Saleh pointed out that, “Based on the Federal General Budget Law No. 13 of 2023, the three-year budget, the federal financial policy was formed based on an approach called ‘fiscal space’, which gave it the high capacity to move dozens of approved and previously suspended strategic government projects forward into implementation. This is what distinguished it with a highly active development wheel in implementing service projects that the country is witnessing without interruption, and its results have become tangible thanks to the success of the three-year budget, in addition to the major projects approved in the 2023 and 2024 budget schedules, which are currently ongoing without interruption.”
He stressed that “the state’s investment approach is proceeding in line with the sustainability of economic development and in accordance with the high positive results currently achieved in growth rates and the great economic stability that the country is witnessing, whether in terms of declining unemployment rates, increasing economic growth, and price stability, in an active and compatible trilogy achieved as a result of the success of the country’s financial and economic policy without interruption in the wheels of public spending, including the current year 2025.”
He continued, “As far as the rights and entitlements acquired in the operational aspect of the general budget are concerned, but have not been disbursed and are contingent upon the submission of the 2025 financial schedules, these are legally protected rights reserved for their beneficiaries and are not subject to statute of limitations. They are merely a matter of timing and will be disbursed upon the approval of these schedules or any adjustment that does not conflict with the law.”
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THE PARLIAMENTARY FINANCE COMMITTEE DOES NOT KNOW THE REASONS FOR THE “GOVERNMENT AMBIGUITY” REGARDING THE BUDGET SCHEDULES FILE.
The Finance Committee of the Iraqi Parliament said on Thursday, July 3, 2025, that it does not know what lies behind the “ambiguity” of the government of Mohammed Shia al-Sudani regarding the 2025 budget schedules. This comes days after its head addressed the government and urged it to expedite the submission of the budget.
Committee member Mustafa Al-Karawi told Al-Jabal, “The parliamentary finance committee still doesn’t know anything about the 2025 budget schedules.”
He added, “A few days ago, the committee chairman officially contacted the government to ask for details of the schedules and when they would be sent to us. However, to date, there has been no government response and there is still ambiguity regarding this matter.”
Last Sunday, June 29, 2025, Parliamentary Finance Committee Chairman Atwan al-Atwani called on Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to “expedite” the submission of the 2025 budget schedules.
A document issued by Al-Atwani to the Prime Minister stated: “We reiterate our commitment to expediting the submission of the 2025 budget tables to the Iraqi Parliament for approval, signaling the start of legal government spending and disbursements, and enabling state institutions to fulfill their obligations, particularly with regard to releasing employee entitlements (bonuses, promotions, and transfers), and addressing the demands of segments awaiting inclusion of their rights in this budget.”
Al-Karawi explained that “the government is urgently required to send the schedules at the start of the legislative session at the end of next week for review and approval, as this requires time. We do not know the reasons for all this governmental ambiguity regarding these schedules.”
Parliamentary Finance Committee member Mustafa Al-Karawi previously told Al-Jabal that “the government, from the outset, was not serious about sending the 2025 budget tables to Parliament for a vote. This was due to a lack of funds to finance this budget through projects and other means, especially since it has not yet disbursed the 2023 and 2024 budget funds due to this shortfall.”
Prior to this, Iraqi parliament member Hadi Al-Salami announced filing a formal legal complaint against the government for delaying the submission of the 2025 state budget schedules.
In a video clip during a visit to a nursing home in Baghdad, he pointed to the poor living conditions of the elderly, their low income, and the budget’s cessation for 10 months due to the delay in submitting the budget. He explained that “there is negligence and neglect that the Council of Ministers and the Ministry of Finance are responsible for. We are proceeding with our oversight measures, and we have full hope in the Iraqi judiciary.”
An official letter addressed by the Public Prosecution Office of the Iraqi Supreme Judicial Council to the office of Finance Minister Taif Sami, dated June 3, 2025, and published on Monday, June 23, 2025, revealed a previous official complaint filed by MPs Hadi Al-Salami and Mohammed Jassim Al-Khafaji against the Ministry of Finance in this regard.
At the end of last May, Moeen Al-Kadhimi, a member of the Iraqi Parliament’s Finance Committee, revealed government efforts to submit the 2025 budget tables to Parliament. He expected the tables to be submitted to Parliament in mid-June.
Al-Kadhimi told the Al-Jabal platform, “We have received information that the Ministry of Finance, along with the Ministry of Planning, is preparing budget tables for 2025 based on recent financial and economic changes with the decline in oil prices. We expect these tables to be sent in mid-June,” which has not happened.
Prior to that, during a meeting with the head of the Parliamentary Finance Committee, Atwan Al-Atwani, Al-Sudani emphasized “the government’s commitment to ensuring that the budget includes its priorities in implementing its schedules, in order to complete the government program’s components, particularly those related to providing services and completing projects, to fulfill the aspirations of citizens in all Iraqi governorates.”
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IRAN PROVIDES 200,000 IRAQI DINARS TO EACH PILGRIM DURING THE ARBAEEN PILGRIMAGE.
The Central Bank of Iran announced on Thursday that it will provide 200,000 Iraqi dinars to every Iranian pilgrim traveling to Iraq for the Arbaeen pilgrimage.
(That comes to about not even 200 US dollars. The Iranian government is not giving them the dinars, they are only allowing this much to be taken out of the country for the trip. But the good part is it is dinars not dollars.)
The bank’s public relations director, Mustafa Qamariova, said in a statement reported by Tasnim News Agency that “the bank will soon begin distributing the Arbaeen currency, in accordance with the policies followed in recent years.”
Qamariova explained, “This year, the Central Bank will also, in accordance with its policy over the past years, provide local Iraqi currency to Arbaeen pilgrims.”
He confirmed that “the necessary preparations have been completed, and details and mechanisms for the exchange and sale of the currency (200,000 Iraqi dinars for each visitor) will be announced soon through the electronic systems of the designated banks.”
Every year, thousands of Iranians travel to Iraq to participate in the Arbaeen pilgrimage of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him), through land and air border crossings.
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COUNTERFEIT IRAQI DINARS: CENTRAL BANK HOSTS WORKSHOP
The Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) has held a three-day training workshop in Erbil on the “Core Standards for Detecting Counterfeit Currency,” in collaboration with its branch office in the Kurdistan Region.
Organised by the CBI’s Banking Studies Center, the workshop runs from 1st to 3rd July 2025 and includes participation from both public and private banks.
Key topics include procedures for handling and replacing banknotes, as well as counting and sorting mechanisms, in accordance with the amended Central Bank Law No. 56 of 2004.
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PROS, CONS, AND CONDITIONS… WHAT IS THE POSSIBILITY OF ESTABLISHING AN INTERNAL PAYMENTS SYSTEM IN IRAQ?
On Thursday, July 3, 2025, international economics professor Nawar Al-Saadi spoke about the possibility of establishing an internal payments system in Iraq, noting that the project’s “success” requires several conditions.
Amid the Popular Mobilization Forces’ salary crisis and the imposition of sanctions on several Iraqi banks, specialists have proposed “establishing an independent Iraqi national payments company,” aiming to “transcend reliance on foreign financial systems such as Visa and MasterCard, which often slow or restrict payment transactions due to factors beyond the state’s control.”
Proponents of the proposal believe that establishing such a platform could “constitute a step toward building an independent digital economy that strengthens the state’s control over its financial institutions, expands the horizons of national financial inclusion, and gradually paves the way for decoupling from foreign exchange instruments that impose their guardianship over our sovereign decisions.”
In this regard, Nawar Al-Saadi told Al-Jabal platform, “The step of establishing an internal payments system in Iraq will bring it closer to international standards in financial system management and enhance the credibility of the banking system with correspondent banks and international financial institutions. The existence of a reliable internal payments system means that Iraq is capable of managing its funds and transactions in a civilized and organized manner, which supports its position in international financial and trade relations.”
He added, “On the other hand, there are challenges and negatives if the project is not managed with a realistic vision, which are as follows:
First, Iraq’s technological and banking infrastructure remains weak in many areas, and there is a significant digital divide between major cities and rural areas. If this system is imposed without a ready environment, it could create social resistance or disrupt daily transactions.
Second, a large percentage of citizens are still unfamiliar with electronic payments or banking transactions. Therefore, imposing the system without awareness and gradual integration may strengthen the informal market and increase friction between the state and citizens.
Third, the system requires advanced cybersecurity protection, otherwise it will be vulnerable to breaches, especially in a fragile security and economic environment like Iraq’s. Any flaw in cybersecurity could erode citizens’ confidence in the new system and force them back to cash transactions.
The professor of international economics concluded by saying, “Establishing an internal payments system is a step in the right direction, serving the interests of the Iraqi banking system in terms of regulation, trust, and financial inclusion. It also strengthens Iraq’s image globally. However, its success depends on two fundamental factors:
- – Technical and banking infrastructure.
- – The degree of community acceptance of him.
- Both require time, effort and a clear strategy, not just administrative decisions or imported technologies.”
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WHERE DO IRAQ’S NON-OIL FUNDS GO? PORTS, TAXES, AND REAL ESTATE ARE EXAMPLES.
In a country known for its oil before any other resource, Iraq’s non-oil revenues stand on the margins, seemingly a mere figure that no one questions. However, they represent a significant portion of the public treasury, raising the question: Where does that money go?
With mounting warnings about the fragility of the oil-based economy, there is a need to examine the government’s seriousness in collecting and utilizing non-oil resources, amid indications of weak transparency and multiple beneficiaries.
91% Oil… and the rest has no clear impact.
Economic expert Haider Al-Sheikh confirmed to Baghdad Today that “total oil and non-oil revenues for 2024 amounted to 140 trillion and 774 billion dinars, of which 127 trillion and 536 billion dinars are from oil exports, representing 91% of the state’s general budget. “
Non-oil revenues, meanwhile, amounted to only 13 trillion and 237 billion dinars, representing 9% of the budget, reflecting the fragility of financial diversification and deepening the state’s dependence on crude oil revenues.
From the Federal Reserve to Iraq’s payments,
Sheikh points out that “oil export revenues are deposited into Iraq’s account at the US Federal Reserve and then transferred domestically in successive installments,” meaning that oil revenues pass through external channels subject to international oversight.
Non-oil revenues—such as port revenues and taxes—enter directly into the public treasury, giving local authorities greater discretion and raising questions about oversight and accountability mechanisms.
Taxes, levies, fees… and then what?
Non-oil revenues include taxes levied on companies, factories, merchants, and citizens, in addition to border crossing levies and fees imposed on services.
Despite this diversity, these funds remain without a real impact on the balance of services or development, raising serious doubts about their fate. These sums have not made a tangible difference in infrastructure or improved public services, reinforcing the hypothesis that they are being diverted into the political or administrative spending system without real transparency.
2025… The increase in revenues does not guarantee transparency
. According to Al-Sheikh, non-oil revenues for 2025 are expected to exceed 15 trillion dinars, as a result of:
Increasing taxes on goods and services.
Activating the electronic collection system for paying fees and fines.
Expanding the scope of collection from new sectors.
However, this expansion in collection is not matched by increased transparency, as the government has not yet announced precise mechanisms for tracking the amounts collected or the beneficiaries. This makes the potential increase a double-edged sword: an additional resource on the one hand, and an open door to corruption on the other.
A country without resources. Despite its resources,
the question remains open: If the Iraqi state imposes taxes, levies, and fees on virtually every sector, where do its non-oil funds go?
Do they end up in undisclosed spending items? Or are they used to plug chronic corruption loopholes?
If oil is subject to international oversight through the Federal Reserve, domestic funds seem more vulnerable to being lost within the state’s own mechanisms, especially given the multiplicity of actors and overlapping interests.
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IN OSLO, WITKOFF PLANS TO MEET ARAGHCHI TO RESUME NUCLEAR NEGOTIATIONS.
Axios reported that White House envoy Steve Witkoff plans to meet with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Oslo next week to resume nuclear talks.
Sources told the website, in a report published and translated by Shafaq News Agency, that no final date has yet been set, and neither country has publicly confirmed the meeting. However, if it takes place, it would be the first direct talks since US President Donald Trump ordered an unprecedented military strike on Iranian nuclear facilities last month .
A White House official told Axios, “We have no travel announcements at this time.” The Iranian mission to the United Nations declined to comment.
It is noteworthy that Witkoff and Araghchi were in direct contact during and after the 12-day war between Israel and Iran, which ended with a US-brokered ceasefire, according to the sources .
According to the website’s report, “The main issue in any future talks will be Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium, which includes 400 kilograms of 60% enriched uranium.”
Israeli and US officials say the materials are “currently sealed off from the outside world” inside the three nuclear sites attacked during the joint strikes, and that Iran is currently unable to access the stockpile due to damage from the strikes, but that it could be recovered once the rubble is cleared .
Iran announced earlier this week that it had begun implementing a new law passed by parliament suspending all cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency .
Araghchi wrote on Thursday that Iran remains committed to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and its safeguards agreement .
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WASHINGTON IS “LURING” BAGHDAD INTO SANCTIONS. WHY IS THERE THIS SILENCE ON THE CENTRAL BANK CARDS?
Ziad Al-Hashemi warns of a “trap”
Economic expert, Ziad Al-Hashemi, warned the Central Bank of Iraq against falling into the trap of US Treasury sanctions.
He expressed his belief that Washington’s silence and failure to express any position on the recently announced “National Card Scheme” project may be part of the “monitor and punish” policy that Washington has followed for years in dealing with the Iraqi financial system, which has led to the issuance of sanctions against many Iraqi entities and individuals. Al-Hashemi reviewed this in detail, while calling for “learning the lesson” and exercising caution, while raising the levels of compliance and internal control to the highest levels to fortify the new financial system, so that the Central Bank itself does not fall into trouble!
(Monitor and then punish) This is the tactic followed by the US Treasury when dealing with official and unofficial Iraqi parties involved in fraudulent and illegal operations taking place inside and outside Iraq, which tarnish the name of Iraq!
After what appears to have been years of monitoring, the US Treasury has sanctioned, through three executive orders, Iraqi and other shadow businessmen active in the black economy and in the smuggling of Iranian oil and petrochemical products, which are under US sanctions, using official Iraqi documents and in collaboration with parties in Iran, Malaysia, Syria, and Yemen.
This measure is not the first of its kind, and it will not be the last. Previously, Iraqi banks, companies, and individuals have been sanctioned for operating within vast and complex networks of fraudulent black market operations that generate billions for their owners and damage the reputation of Iraq and its economy.
Despite all the manipulation, camouflage, fraud, and concealment methods employed by fraudulent, smuggling, and money laundering networks inside Iraq, and despite all the quasi-political support provided behind the scenes and in complete secrecy, it becomes clearer day after day that most or all of these fraudulent activities are being monitored, tracked, and monitored by the Treasury through sensors that appear to be deeply embedded within these fraudulent systems!
The delay in the US Treasury’s sanctions on these businesses is clearly to allow sufficient time and opportunity to uncover the entire network, its full activities, the extent of its involvement, those dealing with it, the amount of its funds, and other details that would make the case complete and ready for the implementation of sanctions!
The problem with Iraqi fraud, smuggling, and money laundering networks is that they fail to learn lessons or take heed from the experiences of those who came before them and were subject to sanctions. This allows them to continue to become more involved, expand their operations, and inflate their wealth, without caring that everything is being monitored and hacked, and that sanctions are coming at any moment!
Iraq, as a country, has been suffering from numerous sanctions imposed on parties and funds affiliated with the country. These sanctions have increased in a scandalous manner, to the point that there is no Iraqi economic component that has not been subjected to direct or indirect American sanctions, placing Iraq on the list of countries with a bad reputation and lacking legal, financial, and economic discipline.
The National Electronic Payment Card System announced by the Central Bank of Iraq has not been rejected or opposed by the Treasury, as if the Treasury wants to open the door to monitoring how the new system will be used and who will attempt to exploit it to circumvent controls and subsequently fall into the trap of US sanctions.
Therefore, the Central Bank of Iraq must be more cautious this time, learn from what happened previously, fully fortify the new system, and raise the level of compliance and internal oversight to the highest levels, so that it does not fall into the trap of American (monitoring and punishment) as a result of the incorrect implementation or fraudulent exploitation of its new system!
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AMERICA IS TIGHTENING IRAQ’S FINANCIAL GRIP WITH THE SWIFT SYSTEM.
Economic expert, Faleh Al-Zubaidi, confirmed today, Thursday, that the United States of America is using the global financial transfer system “SWIFT” as a tool for political and economic blackmail, exploiting its dominance over the international financial system to impose pressure on countries that do not align with its interests, most notably Iraq.
Al-Zubaidi said in a statement to /Al-Maalouma/ Agency, that “the SWIFT system is used for global bank transfers, but it is actually subject to American control, which makes it an effective tool for punishing countries that deviate from the American line.”
He pointed out that “Iraq is now on the list of countries targeted by the policy of hidden financial sanctions, in order to impose American dictates on its government.”
He added that “the severe restrictions Baghdad is suffering from in international financial transactions fall within the policy of economic pressure, and it is a repetition of what happened with Russia, Iran and China.
” Al-Zubaidi warned that “the continued American control over SWIFT poses a direct threat to Iraq’s financial security and economic autonomy.”
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EXCLUSIVELY IN DINARS: A STATEMENT FROM THE CENTRAL BANK OF IRAQ REGARDING THE “NATIONAL CARD” FOR ELECTRONIC PAYMENT
Do not cancel Visa and MasterCard
On Friday, July 4, 2025, the Central Bank of Iraq issued a clarification regarding the National Electronic Payment Card Project, noting that the project does not cancel or restrict existing international cards.
In context: The suspension of Iraqi payment cards internationally comes into effect
The bank said in a statement received by Al-Jabal, “The National Electronic Payment Card Project is an additional local option used exclusively within Iraq and in Iraqi dinars. It does not cancel or restrict existing international cards such as Visa and Mastercard . There are also no plans to cancel these cards or prohibit transactions in dollars outside Iraq, as their holders can still use them inside and outside the country as is currently the case.”
He added, “The project aims to reduce payment costs, enhance financial inclusion, diversify options for the public, and provide national cards to all institutions and segments within Iraq, while international cards remain the primary means of spending in dollars or other currencies outside Iraq and for purchases via global websites.”
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US ANGER AT IRAQ IF IT USES RUSSIA’S PAYMENT SYSTEM
Details from Ziad Al-Hashemi
Economic researcher Ziad Al-Hashemi said on Friday that the Central Bank of Iraq’s launch of the “National Card Scheme” system is a step towards strengthening financial sovereignty and reducing reliance on international payment networks. However, the similarity of this system to the Russian “Mir” system, which is subject to sanctions, may expose Iraq to international accountability and raise American reservations. He pointed out that the lack of full commitment to security and compliance standards, and the lack of clarification of the nature of technical links with external systems, represents a potential loophole that could be exploited for suspicious financial activities. He called for enhancing transparency and raising the level of caution to avoid any external escalation or suspicions related to the use of this system.
Al-Hashemi stated in a post on the X platform:
🔴 The Central Bank of Iraq has decided to assert its sovereignty over electronic financial transactions within the country by launching the “National Card Scheme.” This is a positive step, but it is not without loopholes that raise more than one question mark.
🔴 According to the bank’s statement, the new system will not be linked to the Visa and MasterCard systems, but will use the same technologies as the Europay-MasterCard-Visa systems to ensure compliance with international standards and enhance security and efficiency.
🔴 The new system is somewhat similar to the Russian MIR system, which enhances national monetary sovereignty and significantly reduces reliance on global payment networks such as Visa and Mastercard, but at the same time, it is linked to some external domestic systems.
🔴 However, the Central Bank did not clarify whether the new electronic card system will adhere to security and compliance regulations such as PCI-DSS, or whether these regulations will be imposed on card users.
🔴 The lack of clear and full compliance with these standards may create future loopholes that could be exploited for innovative fraudulent operations, as has happened in the past.
🔴 The Central Bank of Iraq is also called upon to enhance the transparency of this system and raise the level of prudence to ensure there is no intention to bypass the global financial system. These measures are essential to enhancing the reliability, safety, and security of the new domestic system.
🔴 In the absence of these measures, the new local system will be subject to international scrutiny and accountability, especially if suspicious local transactions or direct or indirect ties to sanctioned payment systems such as Russia’s Mir and Iran’s Shtab emerge.
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THE END OF DOLLAR DEPENDENCE OR THE BEGINNING OF CENSORSHIP? THE NATIONAL PAYMENTS PROJECT RAISES THE QUESTION OF “FINANCIAL SOVEREIGNTY”
In a pivotal step toward internal monetary independence, the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) issued an official circular to all banks and electronic payment service providers announcing the commencement of the implementation of the National Card Scheme project. This is a local payment system managed through the national switchboard, completely separate from international platforms such as MasterCard and Visa. The decision comes at a particularly sensitive time, following the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) salary crisis and sanctions imposed on several banks, amid indications that Iraq is shifting to a relatively closed monetary environment in the face of external pressures.
A national system excludes international companies.
According to a circular obtained by Baghdad Today , the Central Bank has ordered the launch of a local system for settling bank card payments within Iraq, without going through any international entity. The circular clarified the need to adopt national codes such as (BIN) and (AID) to identify payment cards and link them to the national switchboard, which implicitly means eliminating any reliance on global payment networks such as Visa and MasterCard in local transactions. The circular emphasized that this project is “exclusively local” and that it will be completed by the end of this year, in preparation for its official adoption starting early next year.
Motives behind the decision: From sanctions to mobilization.
Banking expert and former Central Bank official Mahmoud Dagher told Baghdad Today that “the decision is partly linked to international sanctions and some pressure on Iraqi banks, so an alternative internal system is being considered.”
He added, “Iraq faces no legal or technical obstacles to establishing this type of system, and many countries have preceded us in this,” but he explained that “local systems remain limited and cannot be used outside the country’s borders.”
It’s worth noting that the decision came after the Popular Mobilization Forces’ salaries were frozen at some banks linked to international payment systems, opening a new door for the Central Bank to restructure its payments infrastructure away from international political influence.
Monetary shift or financial isolation?
The new approach coincides with escalating tensions between Baghdad and Washington, and with the mounting pressure on major Iraqi banks accused of financing entities sanctioned by the US. In this context, the Central Bank appears to have decided to proceed with a project that protects the domestic market from any “potential political freeze.” However, this option, despite its importance in terms of sovereignty, raises questions:
Is it possible to actually dispense with global payment systems?
Is Iraq structurally prepared to operate a closed system capable of meeting domestic demand?
Most importantly, does this project pave the way for a gradual financial decoupling from the dollar?
The National Card Scheme project is not merely a technical decision regarding banking infrastructure; it is a step with political, economic, and security dimensions. If completed by the end of the year as planned, Iraq will have taken its first steps toward “internal monetary independence.” However, this remains conditional on the state’s ability to ensure efficiency, prevent collapse, and build confidence in a system that has yet to be tested in a fragile economic reality.
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CENTRAL BANK: THE USE OF INTERNATIONAL CARDS CONTINUES INSIDE AND OUTSIDE IRAQ WITHOUT CHANGE.
The Central Bank of Iraq issued a clarification today, Friday (July 4, 2025), regarding the use of international cards, confirming their continued use inside and outside Iraq without change.
The bank stated in a statement received by Baghdad Today that “the National Electronic Payment Card Project is an additional local option used exclusively within Iraq and in Iraqi dinars. It does not cancel or restrict existing international cards such as Visa and Mastercard.”
The statement added, “There are no plans to cancel these cards or ban dollar transactions outside Iraq. Holders can still use them inside and outside the country as is currently the case.”
According to the statement, the bank indicated that “this project aims to reduce payment costs, enhance financial inclusion, diversify options for the public, and provide national cards for all institutions and segments within Iraq,” indicating that “international cards remain the primary means of spending in dollars or other currencies outside Iraq and for purchases via global websites.”
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SENIOR IRANIAN OFFICIALS ARE REITERATING RED LINES FOR IRAN’S NUCLEAR PROGRAM AHEAD OF PLANNED NUCLEAR NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE UNITED STATES.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi told NBC News on July 3 that Iran is open to resuming nuclear negotiations but “has no plans to stop uranium enrichment.” Ravanchi noted that the United States will have to “convince” Iran that it will not use force before Iran agrees to engage in talks. White House Envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to meet with Iranian Foreign Affairs Minister Abbas Araghchi in Oslo, Norway, next week, according to two unspecified sources familiar with the discussion cited by Axios. A Tehran-based Western news correspondent reported that preparations are underway for “indirect” negotiations between Witkoff and Araghchi’s meeting, but noted that the meeting has not been finalized.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated on July 3 that Israel must maintain its air superiority in Iranian airspace to prevent Iran from rebuilding its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. This statement does not appear to suggest imminent Israeli strikes because Iran would need to acquire new air defense systems to replace those lost to be able to deny Israel control of the air. It is improbable Iran could have acquired or built new systems since the ceasefire on June 24, though it is possible Iran could conduct some redeployments if there are surviving air defenses in the northeast. Katz announced on June 27 that he would pursue a policy of “enforcement” to prevent Iran from rebuilding its nuclear or ballistic missile programs. Araghchi warned on June 26 that Iran would respond to any Israeli violation of the ceasefire and noted that “Iran is not Lebanon.” Israel has conducted airstrikes on Hezbollah across Lebanon since November 2025 as part of a stated effort to prevent Hezbollah from reconstituting and threatening Israel under the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire agreement. Araghchi is suggesting that he believes Israel will attempt to conduct similar strikes in Iran to prevent Iran from reconstructing its nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
Key Takeaways:
- Senior Iranian leaders have continued to underscore that they will not stop uranium enrichment and that the United States will need to “convince” Iran that the United States will not resort to force with Iran again. It is unclear what will be required to “convince” Iran.
- Israel struck an Iranian facility on June 16 that is tied to Iran’s nuclear and chemical weapons programs. The Israeli strikes probably destroyed areas used for plastic explosives production.
- Likely Iranian-backed Iraqi militias launched one drone, probably targeting US forces at Erbil International Airport in Iraq. No militia has claimed the attack.
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IRANIAN OIL SOLD AS IRAQI OIL.” WASHINGTON’S SANCTIONS AGAINST TEHRAN AFFECT BAGHDAD.
A report by the American Oil Price website revealed that the Trump administration has escalated its pressure on the Iranian regime after the strikes on its nuclear facilities, announcing new designations for more than 30 tankers, entities, and individuals, including the Iraqi Salim Ahmed Saeed, owner of the VS Oil Terminal oil terminal in the Khor al-Zubair port.
The report indicates that the goal of these pressures is to push Iran back to the negotiating table, but it also notes that Iraq will be directly affected by these sanctions, as they include companies and operators operating within it and may hinder international investment in oil, gas, and ports.
It also indicated that Trump’s strategy in Iraq takes two paths:
1.the first is to pressure Tehran to negotiate,
2.while the second is to pull Baghdad further west to counter Chinese and Russian influence in the region.
The Trump administration has ratcheted up its pressure on the Iranian regime, just weeks after striking Tehran’s nuclear facilities. Washington has intensified its so-called “maximum pressure” sanctions, announcing new designations targeting more than 30 tankers, entities, and individuals. Once again, Iran’s nuclear fleet faces mounting pressure from US sanctions, with no sign of relief in sight for the regime in Tehran. As Trump and his advisors have indicated, Iran must return to the negotiating table to discuss its future; otherwise, as Trump and Steve Witkoff have stated, sanctions relief is out of the question.
“As President Trump has made clear, Iran’s behavior has completely destroyed it,” said U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Besant.
He added, “The Treasury Department will continue to target Tehran’s sources of revenue and intensify economic pressure on it to hinder the regime’s access to the financial resources that fuel its destabilizing activities.”
The US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) stated on Thursday that the targeted networks transported “billions of dollars’ worth of Iranian oil.” The OFAC designations include a list of companies linked to Iraqi-British national Salim Ahmed Saeed, who is accused of “selling Iranian oil falsely labeled as Iraqi oil since at least 2020.”
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AL-HASSAN FROM KARBALA: IRAQ IS NOT A POOR COUNTRY AND IS OPEN TO FOREIGN INVESTMENT.
Al-Hassan from Karbala: Iraq is not a poor country and is open to foreign investment.
The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq, Mohammed Al-Hassan, praised Iraq’s policy of disassociation from recent conflicts in the region, stressing that the country is now open to foreign investment to improve the economic situation.
In a joint press conference with the Governor of Karbala, Nassif Jassim Al-Khattabi, Al-Hassan said, “What I witnessed in Karbala today is a vivid image of a united Iraq. What we witnessed embodies the meaning of national belonging, and that this belonging is above all considerations.” He added, “The stability achieved in Iraq did not come by chance, but is the result of collective will and precious sacrifices.”
He stressed that “Iraq is not a poor country, but rather a country of goodness, with trained, educated and cultured human resources, not only at home but also abroad. Iraq has distinguished male and female scientists, even at NASA.” He added, “Iraq has distanced itself from the surrounding political problems, and in light of this, we expect to see nothing but a strong Iraq with a regional and global standing.”
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IRAQ TO HALT GASOLINE IMPORTS IN 2025
2025-07-07
Shafaq News – Baghdad
Iraq will end gasoline imports before the close of 2025, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani announced on Monday, citing expanded refining capacity and a transition toward fuel self-sufficiency.
Launching the implementation phase of the al-Diwaniyah Refinery expansion via video link, al-Sudani emphasized that Iraq now meets nearly all domestic fuel needs and is preparing to shift from importing to exporting refined petroleum products.
“The $800M project will raise Al-Diwaniyah’s refining capacity to 90,000 barrels per day (bpd) by adding 70,000 bpd in new units,” the Prime Minister stated, adding that facilities will also process 180 tons per day of liquefied gas and include a gasoline improvement unit (10,000 bpd), along with naphtha hydrotreating and isomerization components.
Refinery upgrades in Maysan and Najaf are also underway, with officials projecting that completion of these projects will position Iraq to begin exporting refined fuels for the first time in decades.
Although Iraq is a leading oil producer, years of underinvestment in refining infrastructure have forced reliance on fuel imports. However, al-Sudani pledged that the current strategy aims to convert 40% of crude production into domestic downstream products, reducing dependency and increasing revenue.
(Obviously Iraq is no longer purchasing refined fuels from Iran. This will hurt Iran. Next stop is LNG and electricity independence. Its coming….)
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Their words not mine…..No Rumors, No Hype, No Opinions ,,,,,
Just the FACTS!
Disclaimer: All information in this newsletter is not intended for investment decisions / purposes. Mnt Goat is not a financial analyst, planner, banker, attorney or associated in any role with giving out professional investment advice.
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