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.
ABOUT THE NEWSLETTER:
January 8, 2026 Mnt Goat News Brief
Guten Tag everyone:
Bringing you more news. Oh Boy…. Oh Boy, have I got news to sort out today. Huge announcement by the CBI just happened. But what does it all mean? It may not be what you think it is.
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. Please show your appreciation for all the hard work I do.
I recommend $15-$20 dollars a month or whatever you can afford. Do you realize I write up to eight (8) Newsletters every month. This is like a second job to me. The only way I know that people are reading and appreciating all the FACTUAL news I bring is through their appreciation. If I do not receive equal appreciation for all the hard work I do, I will simply end the Newsletter and save myself endless hours at the computer. You do want to get paid for your job, don’t you? What makes my job any different? Tell me….. I am tired of this RV saga just as you are. We are now down to addressing the Iranian militia in Iraq. This is a very good thing and had to happen sooner or later. The RV will not happen as long as Iraq is a proxy state of Iran.
Let’s all try to chip in!
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Psalm 37:4
“Delight yourself in the Lord; And He will give you the desires of your heart.”
STATUS OF THE RV
So, I want to get right to it and review what this extra-ordinary news from the CBI means. It’s got all the RV intel gurus baffled. Have you listened to any of their nonsense about it? So much for the new RV rate we all wanted in the past budgets. Yep, it was always based on 1300 (1/6 penny) not $4.00. So, who was lying to you for over a decade now? Yes, TNT I am referring to YOU! ☹
😊The article I want to comment on today is titled “THE CENTRAL BANK ADDRESSES THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE REGARDING THE OFFICIAL DOLLAR EXCHANGE RATE IN THE 2026 BUDGET”.
Read my lips- THIS IS NOT A REVALUATION OF THE IRAQI DINAR!
“The Central Bank of Iraq addressed the Ministry of Finance regarding the official exchange rate of the dollar to be adopted in the draft federal general budget law for 2026. A document issued by the bank, which was received by “Baghdad Today”, stated that “the official exchange rate that will be adopted in 2026 is (1300) dinars per dollar.”
The document explained that “this price has been in effect since February 2023,” noting that “determining the price falls within the scope of the work of the Central Bank of Iraq.”
But here’s the real juicy part “Sources revealed that the Central Bank will buy dollars at a rate of 1300 dinars from the Ministry of Finance and sell them at a rate of 1310 to banks, which will then sell them at 1320 to traders and for foreign transfers.”
Let’s not go off half-cocked and start saying the CBI official rate just changed to 1300 because it didn’t. Here is evidence in the recent article titled “CENTRAL BANK CONFIRMS OFFICIAL DOLLAR RATE REMAINS STEADY AT 1,320 DINARS”. I quote from the article – “Haider Ghazi, Media Officer at the Central Bank of Iraq, has affirmed that the official exchange rate of the US dollar against the Iraqi dinar remains unchanged at 1,320 dinars per dollar. He explained that the rates circulating in the media reflect demand in the unofficial market, outside the banking system, authorised to conduct international transfers through correspondent banks.
So, what did the CBI announce to us was the ‘official” rate? They said 1320. Can you see what they are doing? The CBI is paying much more for the dollars than their official rate even at 1300. They are using leverage to calm the market for dollars. In other words, they discounted the dollars rather than devalue the official rate. The CBI took the loss and not the economy. So, the TRUTH finally comes out. They created stability in the market.
What is really so amazing about this news from the CBI is that they are coming out of the closet now and telling what they have been doing all along. This is not bad or good news but just news. Get it? The 1300 is not a revaluation, as it is a much better rate than the 1320. But they explained to us what they have been doing and will continue to use the 1320 as the official rate. The 1300 will be the budgeted rate as it has been for the last three years. Weren’t they supposed to revalue, reinstate and use the new rate on FOREX as we were told should be around $4+? So what happened to our 2026 RV?
This is all tied closely to the militia issue. This is the CBI way of telling us the RV was stalled and now postponed until these issues that the envoy Mark Savoya has outlined. Remember his 18 points in the article I presented in my Jan 6th Newsletter?
The other part about this news is that we must consider that this process is once again evidence that Iraq is moving out of the sanctioned mode since December 2022 that was previously all based and evolved around oil. Yes, dollars for oil is going to be a thing of the past. It is coming…. It won’t be long before they also are able to trade with corresponding currencies from the foreign countries of origin for the goods or services rendered and not a sole (mandated) reliance on US dollars. Oh… did I use the term “corresponding” like in “correspondent” banks that they already tide to for the conversion of dollars to other foreign currencies. Remember last December they made this move.
I have to tell everyone today that the proverbial straw that will break the camels back in this issue of going back to the regular global trade using corresponding currencies is also coming as the dollar is losing is weight as the “forced” standard for trade on Iraq. I am not saying the U.S. dollar will not remain a dominant player in “the global medium of exchange” between countries, as this will last long after we are all dead and gone. What I am saying is the dollar is being phased out as a “forced use under UN sanctions” meaning they sell oil in dollars and then pay debts in dollars. Yes, it used to be all in dollars. Please keep in the back of you minds that the non-oil revenue streams will begin to gush in these revenues are much differently controlled than oil revenues.
So now we see, even though the sanctions have been released now since December 2022 there is still a lag in getting out of this dollar craze for mandates with Iraq. But after 30 years of sanctions and all the Iranian influence how can you get investors to to trust Iraqi markets and flock to Iraq and invest their money unless you clean it all up and heighten the level of stability? Oil today is still sold in only dollars and the dollars are stored in US banks. The U.S. treasury still has leverage over Iraq because they hold a large part of their reserves, in dollars. Oh, is this why they are buying so much GOLD. Just saying, it could all be part of it but not the entire story. Yes, protecting their oil revenues does give them creditor predator protection but it is also leverage and so come ‘on folks this is more of an excuse now for the US to continue its stronghold in Iraq than anything else. Maybe it was a very good thing too right now for president Trump to renew the executive order 13303, as he did last May and we can see why with his mandates for eliminating the Iranian militia influence in Iraq. We will cover this news next…. it all ties together. We all need to pay attention to next May and watch for the renewal or not of exec order 13303. If it is not renewed this will be a VERY GOOD sign for us investors.
Okay so here is the end of year again. This kind of stuff pops up again. They seem to make these changes at the end of the year. Did you notice. This is also when they announced the devaluation of the dinar in 2021 effective in January 2022 till 2023 when they revalued to 1320, as they continue to sell at 1320 but actually subsidized the dinar from 1300 the rate the CBI obtains it. In the key articles on this subject matter the CBI talks about using the 1300 already since 2023 for the budget. Really? I quote from the article – “Sources revealed that the Central Bank will buy dollars at a rate of 1300 dinars from the Ministry of Finance and sell them at a rate of 1310 to banks, which will then sell them at 1320 to traders and for foreign transfers.”
So, I ask you what is the real rate of the dinar then? Is it 1320 or 1300? We see it trading on ISX at 1310. The black market is selling dollars for 1450 but buying it at 1320 from dubious sources. If the CBI used 1300 in this case it would raise and freely sold to the black market the dollar would go way over 1450 even as the dollars would get very scares since they cost more and the black market would just mark them up every more.
So, in conclusion I also have to ask you – Are there multiple rates being used by the CBI depending where on the chain they use them? The answer is NO! Absolutely not. What the article is telling us is just about “spreads”. At each level someone is making money. The banks mark up from 1310 to sell for 1320 (official rate) for commission.
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Removal of Iranian Militia Factions at Top of US list:
Are these events I will review today coincidental or all interconnected? Let’s move on to another hot and I mean really HOT topic. This covers the question of the Iranian militia in Iraq. Will the U.S. use its military force to either remove these militia groups or force then to capitulate?
We have a series of important articles today to use in analysis of this situation. I want to tell everyone today that these actions taken by all parties that I am about to describe are deliberate and not coincidental. They all connected to the mandates by the U.S. under the Trump administration to get Iran out of Iraq. Remember that Trump means business and when he mandates something he is not afraid to use military force to make change. He would rather have a peaceful negotiated settlement but in some issues, there is really no second-hand terms of leaving them intact only options leading to the same result of capitulation. This last sentence in terms of the Iranian militia is very important.
So, what just happened in this regard? Let’s take a look at two main articles today on this subject matter. First article is titled “QAANI MAKES A “LIGHTNING” VISIT TO BAGHDAD” and in the article titled “QAANI IN BAGHDAD: THE ISSUE OF FOREIGN PRESENCE IS AT THE TOP OF THE TABLE.”
So why did QAANI come and what did he do when in Iraq?
Informed Iraqi political sources revealed on Thursday a “lightning” visit by the commander of the Quds Force in the Iranian Revolutionary Guard to the Iraqi capital, Baghdad. Sources told Shafaq News Agency that “the commander of the Quds Force in the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, Major General Ismail Qaani, made a quick, unannounced visit to the capital, Baghdad, during the past 48 hours,
What did he do in Iraq? The visit only “lasted for a few hours, during which he met with a number of leaders of armed factions.”
😊What message did QAANI relay to these armed factions in Iraq?
In the article the author explained that “the main part of Qaani’s visit was about the issue of the factions’ weapons and their organization, within the framework of efforts aimed at containing any potential disagreements between those factions regarding the mechanisms for dealing with this issue, and ensuring that it does not turn into a source of internal tension or conflict between the concerned parties.”
I quote more from the article – “The sources confirmed that “Qani’s meeting with the faction leaders emphasized the unity of position and the prevention of any internal differences or escalation, while stressing the importance of addressing the issue within coordinated frameworks that ensure security stability and avoid negative repercussions on the general situation in Iraq.”
😊 Why did Qaani have to hold this meeting with the factions? What was the attitude of the factions in the recent past about giving up their arms as to why he made his recent visit?
From the past: In contrast, prominent factions respond that the root of the problem is the foreign military presence, and they place any discussion about their weapons within the condition of full sovereignty and the withdrawal of foreign forces. This was confirmed by a statement issued by what is known as the “Iraqi Resistance Coordination” on Sunday evening, January 4, 2026, representing six factions, as it described its weapons as “sacred” and refused to discuss withdrawing them before what it calls the end of the “occupation” in all its forms.
However, the statement itself opened the door to internal disputes, after information leaked about objections to some of its contents and wording, leading to Asaib Ahl al-Haq declaring that the statement did not represent them, in an indication of differences within the armed scene.
Overall, Ismail Qaani is seen as one of the most prominent links between Tehran and its Iraqi allies, not only at the level of armed factions but also within the political forces close to Iran, especially in moments of internal division or increased risks of escalation with Washington.
So, remember we must also put Qaani’s visit in the context of what is now happening in Iran with the riots seeking a regime change. Does Iran want an escalation in Iraq at this time? Remember I said what is needed is an event to discourage the factions from resisting the effort of disarmament. I believe Qaani told these faction groups to disarm and not cause an escalation.
😊 Now let’s look at what else happened just prior to Qaani’s visit to Iraq. It is all in a recent article titled “U.S. 101ST AIRBORNE BRIGADE DEPLOYS TO ERBIL, RAISING CONCERNS IN IRAQ”. Is this landing of more US Troops connected to the disarmament of the factions? Is this a show of US force to encourage them to do so or else? Does Trump mean business in his mandate of no Iranian proxy state of Iraq? Remember Trump is not asking Iraq to do anything that is not already in their constitution to adhere to. So, is Qaani’s recent visit coincidental? You decide…. 😊
The U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division has been deployed to Erbil in northern Iraq, prompting concern among some Iraqi analysts about the implications of the move.
For years following the 2003 invasion of Iraq, forces from the 101st Airborne were stationed at Ain al-Asad Air Base. After the base was closed, the unit was transferred to Al-Harir Air Base in northern Iraq.
I believe these series of recent events will cause all the Iranian factions to finally capitulate. If they don’t? Iran will disconnect from them and announce they have and sanction their behavior going forward. This will then lead to an open door for the US military to take action if they still do not capitulate. Either way these militia in Iraq will be neutralized. This is good news for us investors if this all works out. All we can do is sit tight and watch the drama. Remember this action is also directly tied to what is happening on the streets in Iran.
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What else is in the news? (glass is half full)
😊Finally, we are seeing a seriousness from parliament (the newly elected parliament) for dealing with future non-oil revenues in the article titled “PARLIAMENT OPENS THE FILE ON NON-OIL REVENUES”. I quote from the article – “With mounting pressure on the public budget and a growing need for long-term economic stability, Iraq is entering a pivotal phase in managing its financial resources. All eyes are on the parliamentary session next Saturday to discuss non-oil revenues. This step comes at a time when policymakers are increasingly aware of the importance of reducing overall dependence on oil and strengthening alternative sources of funding.”
If you noticed over the past four years it was al-Sudani’s as prime minister who took the role of pushing constantly for non-oil revenue sources. His big plan is the Development Road Project and the Port of Faw. Now we see parliament taking a role in this effort too. This is all a good sign and Iraq is now going to pick up the pace in generation of producing revenues from outside of the oil industry since they will have to pass legislation concerning these efforts.
😊 Next we see in the article titled “PORTS DIRECTOR: OPERATIONS AT THE GRAND FAW PORT WILL BEGIN THIS YEAR, 2026.” The Director General of Iraqi Ports, Farhan Al-Fartousi, announced today, Monday, that Iraqi ports ended 2025 with advanced operational and financial indicators, stressing the company’s readiness to enter 2026 with economic and commercial change plans, while indicating the start of operations during 2026 for the Grand Faw Port.
😊 What does the UN have to say about the progress in Iraq over these last four years of al-Sudani as prime minister and all the CBI reforms. Take a peek at the article titled “UN ASSESSMENT: IRAQ TODAY IS UNRECOGNIZABLE COMPARED TO YEARS AGO”. The UN coordinator in Iraq, Ghulam Ishaq Zai, gave an optimistic assessment of the situation in the country, stressing that Iraq has strengthened confidence in its institutions and is moving steadily towards stability, while noting that the country has become “remarkable and unrecognizable” compared to what it was years ago. The United Nations website, in a report seen by Shafaq News Agency, stated that Isaac Ze spoke about the transition from the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), whose mandate officially ended last December, to a new partnership with the Iraqi authorities focused on development.
What will this new year bring?
More than ever, we need to tune into the prophets during this new year! This is said to be the great year of the breakthrough in many aspects. Many of these past prophecies have yet to come to reality. They are now being repeated time and time again, which we are told means they are very close. Let’s see what the new year brings. God uses his prophets in time of trouble. If you don’t think this nation and the world is in trouble – THINK AGAIN! If you can discern the fake from the good prophets, you can tie into something wonderful to guide you. Prayer too helps as it lets God know you are affirming as a human being what he is doing. You are essentially saying THANK YOU and please continue! This gives us hope and comfort to know some higher power is looking after us. I have tried to bring you what I believe are some of the legitimate prophets for clarity. I hope they are giving you encouragement to stay focused on the TRUTH of cleaning up the corruption and moving ahead with this investment in the Iraqi dinar as well as many other returns of the fortunes taken from us over decades of corruption. In today’s news I encourage everyone to go listen to Julie Green’s latest prophetic words in the Prophecy Section of the Newsletter. WOW!
We pray-
- Let it be a year of more EXPOSURE of corruption and just as important, ACCOUNTABLITY for those involved. God says JUSTICE will triumph.
- Let it bring a truly sovereign Iraq, United States and all other nations who embrace freedom, liberty and justice.
- Let it bring the great Wealth Transfer, with Happiness, Abundance and Prosperity.
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Their words not mine…..No Rumors, No Hype, No Opinions ,,,,,
Just the FACTS!
PRAYING WITH SINCERITY
Many may ask why their prayers are not being answered. Our new Shepard in Rome Pope Leo XIV has given us some direction.
You can purchase a nice pair of Rosary Beads here to pray:
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.
NOTE: These prophecies just keep getting better and better, giving us HOPE of a brighter 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.
Prophetic Words from prophet: Julie Green
“More Political and Church Leaders Are Being Removed”
Gosh… I wonder why…. Lol..lol… 😊 God says the change has to happen in the church and in the politics.
At 15:35 mark from Dec 28th
“THINGS WILL BEGIN TO CHANGE RAPIDLY IN THE UNITED STATES”
At 21:42 mark from Dec 28th
“World Changing Events Will Intensify”
At 14:16 mark from Jan 3rd.
- What happened in Venezuela is just the beginning of what is going to happen in other governments of other countries to clean out the established globalists order. Venezuela is not the end. My take on this prophecy is for us to watch for Cuba, Columbia, Canada and Greenland changes.
- Former FBI and CIA directors will be tried and convicted of Treason on what they have done to your nation.
DOM BOSCO EXPOSED THE DARK SECRET BEHIND ISLAM
— And the Truth the World Forgot about the so-called Muslim religion.
Dom Bosco, also known as John Bosco, was an Italian Catholic priest and educator, born on August 16, 1815. He founded the Salesian Society in 1859 to help disadvantaged
youth, particularly boys, through education and community service. His teachings
emphasized love, kindness, and the importance of education for young people, making
him a beloved figure in Catholicism and a patron saint of youth. Don Bosco was
canonized in 1934.
THE GREAT RESET IS HERE… BUT IT’S NOT THE ONE THE GLOBAL ELITES PLANNED!
MULLAHS FLEEING TO MOSCOW. WILL THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN FINALLY COLLAPSE?
What is different in this current revolution from other attempts in years past?
THE IRAN–VENEZUELA SHAKEDOWN NOBODY CONNECTED UNTIL NOW
THE INDICTMENT AGAINST MADURO IS CRUSHING
The democrats are trying everything to keep the scheme with Venezuela going using the dictator Maduro as their puppet. We also have an Iranian connection discovered and so there is much more to this recent action to arrest Maduro that most know.
WHY GREENLAND SHOULD BE PART OF THE UNITED STATES
Trump calls to take over Greenland, cites 2 national security threats.
VENEZUELA, IRAN, AND CUBA: WHAT NEXT?
Folks, this is prophecies being fulfilled. I know it is sudden but what did God tell us many times about 2026? Is the Iraqi dinar RV next too once Iran is taken down? Remember those two prophecies about the dinar by Kim Clement a decade ago? Is 2026 also the time for this to occur?
EMBARRASSING DEMOCRATS HUMILIATED AFTER BEGGING TO RELEASE MADURO
Why is it the what is wrong suddenly becomes right in the eyes of democrats? Oh.. but remember it was not so long ago they too agreed with the conservative party that is was wrong. Is it Trump hatred syndrome all over again?
WHY WOULD DEMOCRATS BE SO AGAINST STOPPING THE VENEZUELAN DRUG CARTEL?
If you notice every time Trump does something to clean up the corruption the democrats are found out to be in the middle of it somehow. Now we also see the kickbacks from Venezuela to clean out their prisons and send the illegals here. But wait, there is much, much more….. Please you have to watch this one!
WHY THE WEST FELL FOR THE PALESTINIAN LIE
THE SMARTMATIC VOTING MACHINE FRAUD FOR 2020 ELECTIONS: REAL OR JUST A FIGMENT OF YOUR IMAGINATION (says Democrats)?
You be the judge, but let’s first look at the FACTS. Is Venezuela involved? Are democrat senators getting kickbacks to Venezuela to change U.S. elections? What the democrats did is put all the focus on Russian Collusion hoax while this was going on in Venezuela with the voting machines right in front of our noses.
Maine Governor: JANET MILLS FACILITATED THE SOMALI FRAUD SCHEME
Please focus in on what is said in this video. This corruption is wide spread among almost all democrat-run states. You can see how they funnel money around for various purposes.
SAUDI LEADER “NO ONE IS PREPARED FOR WHAT’S ABOUT TO HAPPEN IN IRAN…”
ANTI-ISLAM PROTESTS CONTINUE IN IRAN. Regime change is coming…
LOOK WHAT GOD IS DOING TO PUNISH IRAN. IT IS TIME TO END THIS TERRORIST MOVEMENT ALTOGETHER.
Freedom is finally coming full circle for the Iranian people and Iraqis too. They desperately want out of this Iranian Islamic dictatorship regime. I honestly did not think it would happen this quick but here we are. Do you see now why the Iranian backed militia within Iraq do not really anymore have a choice but to throw down their weapons and either leave Iraq or pledge allegiance to the state. There is no big brother Iran or funding to back them up their puppet state within Iraq anymore.
“DEATH TO THE DICTATOR”: Mass Protests Sweep Iran as Currency Reaches Historic Collapse
God’s hand at work. The prophets told us this was coming and now it is here – “regime change”. Will we finally have peace in the middle east? Will the next generation ask what the word ‘terrorism’ even means?
I have created a brand-new “Post RV Workshop” page in the blog. I included my own personal tips on investing post-RV and also organizing and protecting your estate. Here is the LINK. Going forward I will only post new and exciting information and opportunities here on the Latest Newsletter as they come along. Later I will transfer it to the ‘Post RV Workshop’ page in subsequent Newsletters for your future reference.
Just so you know I absolutely DO NOT adhere to high-risk investments where you can lose it all in a flash. Look at it this way – you are going to have all this money. Most of us investors waited decades for this RV to happen and so why would you even think about pissing is all away in some high-risk gamble of an investment. Yes, there are going to be scammers out there but let’s talk about legitimate investment opportunities only. These scammers can suck you dry and there is not a damned thing you can do about it. Go to a legitimate wealth manager associated with your bank. Let the licensed experts advise you. Please, please stay away from idiots like MarkZ, TNT Tony, Bruce on the Big Stupid Call, etc. , etc.
Here are a few of the topics covered:
* TRUMP FLOATS ZERO INCOME TAX PLAN STARTING WITH BIGGEST REFUNDS EVER
*HOW MUCH MONEY CAN YOU GIFT WITHOUT PAYING TAXES?
*SILVER VAULTS RUN DRY AS SHORTAGE TRIGGERS PANIC. Physical silver not available to meet demand.
*15 THINGS TO DO IF YOU GET RICH ALL OF A SUDDEN
*15 ASSETS THAT ARE MAKING PEOPLE RICH/RICHER
*HERE’S HOW TO MAKE YOUR ASSETS INVISIBLE FROM CREDITORS
*HOW TO LOOK PENNILESS IN THE PUBLIC RECORD
*5 STATES CUTTING PROPERTY TAXES TO ZERO. WILL YOUR STATE BE NEXT?
*TRUMP REVEALS WHEN AMERICANS MIGHT EXPECT TO GET A TARIFF RELIEF $2,000 CHECK
QAANI IN BAGHDAD: THE ISSUE OF FOREIGN PRESENCE IS AT THE TOP OF THE TABLE.
A source close to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard revealed on Tuesday (January 6, 2026) that the commander of the Quds Force in the Revolutionary Guard, Major General Ismail Qaani, arrived in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, on an unannounced visit.
The source told Baghdad Today in an exclusive interview that “Qaani arrived in Baghdad on a private plane, in a surprise visit that was not officially announced by either the Iraqi or Iranian sides,” indicating that “the visit’s program includes holding a series of meetings with political leaders and prominent figures in armed factions, to discuss the issue of the foreign military presence, and arrangements for the next phase on the Iraqi and regional scene.”
The source added that “Qaani’s meetings are focused on assessing recent security developments, the issue of regulating the relationship between the factions and the state, as well as discussing the ongoing dialogue between Baghdad, Tehran and Washington, and the possibilities of escalation or de-escalation in the coming months,” noting that “the visit is intended to remain out of the spotlight, given the sensitivity of the issues being discussed.”
Ismail Qaani is the current commander of the Quds Force in the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, and he is directly responsible for managing relations with a number of Iraqi factions. He has made several visits to Baghdad in recent years, most of which were related to pivotal security and political developments in Iraq and the region.
(Mnt Goat: Why do you think he arrived in Baghdad on a private plane, in a surprise visit that was not officially announced by either the Iraqi or Iranian sides? He is fearful for his life and of being assassinated like his predecessor Solimoni. His days are numbered.)
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QAANI MAKES A “LIGHTNING” VISIT TO BAGHDAD
Informed Iraqi political sources revealed on Thursday a “lightning” visit by the commander of the Quds Force in the Iranian Revolutionary Guard to the Iraqi capital, Baghdad.
Sources told Shafaq News Agency that “the commander of the Quds Force in the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, Major General Ismail Qaani, made a quick, unannounced visit to the capital, Baghdad, during the past 48 hours, which lasted for a few hours, during which he met with a number of leaders of armed factions.”
(Mnt Goat: What message did he relay to these armed factions in Iraq? SEE BELOW…)
She explained that “the main part of Qaani’s visit was about the issue of the factions’ weapons and their organization, within the framework of efforts aimed at containing any potential disagreements between those factions regarding the mechanisms for dealing with this issue, and ensuring that it does not turn into a source of internal tension or conflict between the concerned parties.”
The sources confirmed that “Qani’s meeting with the faction leaders emphasized the unity of position and the prevention of any internal differences or escalation, while stressing the importance of addressing the issue within coordinated frameworks that ensure security stability and avoid negative repercussions on the general situation in Iraq.”
The issue of restricting weapons to the state tops the political and security debate in Iraq, especially with the escalation of messages from Washington linking stability and bilateral relations to ending the phenomenon of weapons outside official institutions, or integrating armed formations within the regular frameworks with clear state controls.
In this context, at the end of December 2025, initial indications emerged from some forces associated with the factions towards adopting the principle of exclusivity, including the Sadiqun Movement as the political front of Asaib Ahl al-Haq, before the tone quickly changed with the intensification of the debate within the “axis of resistance” regarding the meaning of exclusivity, its limits, and its relationship to the foreign presence.
In contrast, prominent factions respond that the root of the problem is the foreign military presence, and they place any discussion about their weapons within the condition of full sovereignty and the withdrawal of foreign forces. This was confirmed by a statement issued by what is known as the “Iraqi Resistance Coordination” on Sunday evening, January 4, 2026, representing six factions, as it described its weapons as “sacred” and refused to discuss withdrawing them before what it calls the end of the “occupation” in all its forms.
However, the statement itself opened the door to internal disputes, after information leaked about objections to some of its contents and wording, leading to Asaib Ahl al-Haq declaring that the statement did not represent them, in an indication of differences within the armed scene.
Overall, Ismail Qaani is seen as one of the most prominent links between Tehran and its Iraqi allies, not only at the level of armed factions but also within the political forces close to Iran, especially in moments of internal division or increased risks of escalation with Washington.
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EXPERTS: THE RISE IN THE DOLLAR EXCHANGE RATE IS TEMPORARY.
The dollar exchange rate has recorded a limited increase in the parallel market over the past few days, amid fluctuations in supply and demand, while the Central Bank of Iraq has confirmed the stability of the official exchange rate and the absence of any change in the adopted monetary policy.
Economic and financial expert Dr. Nabil Al-Abadi stated that the rise in the parallel market exchange rate is due to three factors: internal structural issues related to a single-sector economy dependent on oil, market behavior and speculation, and external restrictions on bank transfers. He added to Al-Sabah newspaper that customs complexities through the ASYCUDA system have driven some demand to the parallel market, while speculation and rumors fuel short-term fluctuations.
For his part, Haider Ghazi, the media officer of the Central Bank of Iraq, confirmed that the official price is fixed at (1320) dinars per dollar, and that any increase in the parallel market is due to demand outside the banking system, especially transfers related to customs duties.
Al-Abadi and other experts indicated that the optimal solution requires structural reforms that include diversifying income sources, stimulating local production, and restructuring the financial sector, while reform measures by customs and the central bank will begin to alleviate pressure on the parallel market during the period. Next.
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PORTS DIRECTOR: OPERATIONS AT THE GRAND FAW PORT WILL BEGIN THIS YEAR, 2026.
The Director General of Iraqi Ports, Farhan Al-Fartousi, announced today, Monday, that Iraqi ports ended 2025 with advanced operational and financial indicators, stressing the company’s readiness to enter 2026 with economic and commercial change plans, while indicating the start of operations during 2026 for the Grand Faw Port.
Al-Fartousi said during a press conference that “the total weight capacity of the ports reached about (43.32) million tons in 2025, compared to (39.20) million tons in 2024, while the operational capacity of oil derivatives increased to (15.593) million tons compared to (13.741) million tons in the previous year.”
He added that “the total container handling during 2025 reached about (2.094) million containers, compared to about (1.080) million containers in 2024, which reflects growth in commercial activity and import movement.”
He pointed out that “the company’s revenues in 2025 amounted to about 1.25 trillion Iraqi dinars, compared to 1.063 trillion dinars in 2024,” noting that “the results reflect an improvement in operational efficiency and financial stability.”
In the energy sector, he indicated that “the company has made significant progress in preparing the navigation channel and the docks for the floating gas station (FSRU),” explaining that “the company undertook the preparation of the designs and financed the project with approximately (133) million dollars, in coordination with the relevant government agencies.”
Regarding the Grand Faw Port, Al-Fartousi confirmed “the start of initial operational steps that included receiving ships and opening shipping lines, with continued work on connection and infrastructure projects, including the connecting road, in preparation for starting operations during 2026.”
He concluded by saying that “the company seeks to enhance regional and international connectivity and integrate Iraqi ports into global supply chains, with 2026 being a turning point in commercial and operational performance.”
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INTENSIFYING EFFORTS TO RAISE IRAQ’S CREDIT RATING
The government has intensified its efforts to achieve the highest international credit rating, given the importance of this step in gaining the confidence of international investors, facilitating the attraction of foreign investments, reducing borrowing costs, and enhancing confidence in the national economy.
The process of raising the credit rating contributes to supporting structural reforms and enhancing the ability to obtain financing from international institutions. It is an important indicator of the state’s ability to meet its obligations, which encourages sustainable economic development.
A few days ago, Fitch Ratings confirmed in its latest report that it had maintained Iraq’s sovereign rating at “B-” with a stable outlook, reflecting international confidence in the Iraqi economy’s ability to maintain its financial and credit stability despite current global and regional challenges.
In this regard, economic expert Alaa Fahd believes that the country needs investment, especially foreign investment, at the present stage, to carry out infrastructure projects and major projects, stressing the need to create a suitable environment for investment, whether legal, legislative, economic, or financial, by providing financial and banking facilities.
Government efforts
In an interview with Al-Sabah, Fahd expressed his hope that investment contracts would be free from corruption, as this would raise Iraq’s credit rating. He noted that the country is currently rated B- according to the latest report from the international credit rating agency Fitch, which confirmed that Iraq is a “stable environment.”
He explained that stability paves the way for a higher rating by creating a conducive financial environment, combating corruption, and establishing a suitable legislative framework to support investments. He emphasized that the steps taken by the government and the Central Bank, in cooperation with international financial institutions, to attract investment, particularly in sectors that generate profits and economic savings, such as the Development Road, the Faw Port, and also investment in the oil sector and manufacturing industries, as well as investment in the housing sector, economic cities, smart cities, and the banking sector, have contributed to achieving this rating.
Ways of cooperation
The spokesperson added that many countries have greatly benefited from foreign investment, emphasizing the importance of providing government support and finding avenues for cooperation to ensure investment becomes a driving force in Iraq, as many other countries have achieved, creating an attractive investment environment by eliminating bureaucracy. In this context, Dr. Maitham Adham Al-Zubaidi, Vice President of the Competition and Monopoly Council, stated that attracting investment to Iraq requires addressing the structural factors that influence investor decisions, primarily reforming the banking system, ensuring exchange rate stability, and establishing clear monetary policy. He noted that these factors play a crucial role in building trust and providing a predictable financial environment.
Al-Zubaidi told Al-Sabah that reform remains incomplete unless it is complemented by strengthening governance and transparency, especially in the Iraq Stock Exchange, by protecting shareholders’ rights, ensuring disclosure, and transforming the market into a real tool for financing companies and not just a limited trading platform with an economic concentration in the banking sector to the exclusion of other sectors. He pointed out that simplifying administrative procedures is a necessity of no less importance, as the multiplicity of granting bodies and licensing committees and the conflict of classifications of economic activities constitute a burden on the investor.
Pivotal steps
He added that unifying activity classification systems among licensing and business registration bodies and regulatory authorities, such as the ISIC4 system, is a pivotal step toward reducing overlaps, preventing conflicting interpretations, and building a unified government economic data portal accessible to the public. This portal will accurately serve investors and feasibility study makers. He emphasized that infrastructure, particularly in communications and transportation networks, forms the foundation upon which any economic activity rests, and its development requires liberalizing competition and preventing monopolies, along with effective regulation that ensures a level playing field. By linking these three paths within a clear governance framework, Iraq can transition from an economy that repels investment to one that is attractive and sustainable.
Alsabaah.iq
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U.S. 101ST AIRBORNE BRIGADE DEPLOYS TO ERBIL, RAISING CONCERNS IN IRAQ
The U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division has been deployed to Erbil in northern Iraq, prompting concern among some Iraqi analysts about the implications of the move.
For years following the 2003 invasion of Iraq, forces from the 101st Airborne were stationed at Ain al-Asad Air Base. After the base was closed, the unit was transferred to Al-Harir Air Base in northern Iraq.
The presence of the airborne unit in Erbil has drawn increased scrutiny following a recent U.S. operation in Venezuela that Iraqi commentators have described as a kidnapping operation. Critics say the deployment has revived concerns about the role of U.S. forces in Iraq, pointing to what they describe as a history of similar operations over the past two decades.
Iraqi political analyst Athir al-Sharaa said in an interview with an Iranian media outlet that the deployment could have serious consequences. “The presence of this brigade in Erbil carries dangerous implications,” he said, adding that the government in Baghdad should respond to the issue and that the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) should provide transparency, describing the situation as a threat to all parties.
Al-Sharaa said the 101st Airborne’s operational role is, in his view, comparable to that of U.S. Delta Force units involved in the operation in Caracas, arguing that the brigade has offensive capabilities. He said the unit entered Iraq during the 2003 invasion of Baghdad and was responsible for numerous arrest operations during that period.
In recent months, officials from the 101st Airborne have held several meetings with senior KRG officials, some of which were reported by local media. Analysts say such engagements could be interpreted as a signal, noting that the brigade is known for air assault operations and helicopter-borne missions rather than routine duties.
Some Iraqi observers interpret the deployment as part of a broader U.S. effort to strengthen its military presence in Iraqi Kurdistan, potentially turning the region into an advanced base in line with what they describe as Washington’s regional security strategy, particularly amid heightened regional tensions.
Another Iraqi political analyst, Ibrahim al-Sarraj, said the United States could carry out actions against figures opposed to its policies. “We must consider the possibility that the United States may undertake actions against individuals who oppose Washington’s policymaking,” he said.
(Folks, president Trump is preparing to oust the Iranian militia in Iraq if they aren’t dismantled by the Iraqi forces. Could it be any clearer? We also just witnessed the Iranian Revolutionary Guard revealed on Tuesday (January 6, 2026) that the commander of the Quds Force in the Revolutionary Guard, Major General Ismail Qaani, arrived in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, on an unannounced visit. Why do you think he arrived?)
Al-Sarraj described what he called U.S. behavior outside established norms as recurring, citing the Venezuela operation as an example. He said Washington shows little regard for national sovereignty or international law, adding that similar actions could occur elsewhere, including in Iraq.
He further warned that such operations might not be limited to Iraq, suggesting they could also take place in other countries in the region, including Saudi Arabia and Gulf states.
Some analysts have also criticized the Kurdistan Regional Government for what they describe as silence over U.S. military movements, arguing that this could undermine Iraq’s sovereignty at a time when there are warnings that the country could be drawn into broader regional conflict.
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CENTRAL BANK CONFIRMS OFFICIAL DOLLAR RATE REMAINS STEADY AT 1,320 DINARS
Haider Ghazi, Media Officer at the Central Bank of Iraq, has affirmed that the official exchange rate of the US dollar against the Iraqi dinar remains unchanged at 1,320 dinars per dollar. He explained that the rates circulating in the media reflect demand in the unofficial market, outside the banking system, authorised to conduct international transfers through correspondent banks.
In an interview with Al-Sabah newspaper, Ghazi said that the rise in the parallel market rate is largely due to customs duties imposed on transactions outside the formal banking system. He noted that the requirement to pay pre-transfer customs charges has increased pressure on those seeking cash dollars, driving up demand for the currency in local markets.
Ghazi also highlighted that traders must present a customs declaration from the ASYCUDA system before completing bank transfers. He reiterated the Central Bank’s guidance that there are two official methods for obtaining dollars:
1-External Transfers via Banks – carried out systematically with all required documentation.
2-Traveller’s Dollars – obtained by depositing Iraqi dinars with licensed companies (categories A and B) and collecting the funds at airport outlets, with the monthly limit set at $3,000.
The Central Bank continues to stress that these channels are the only authorised means of acquiring US dollars in Iraq, ensuring transparency and stability in the official market.
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OFFICIALLY, THE EXCHANGE RATE IN THE 2026 BUDGET IS 1300 IRAQI DINARS.
The Central Bank of Iraq has decided to adopt an exchange rate of 1,300 dinars for the US dollar in the 2026 budget, according to an official document revealed on Thursday.
The Central Bank of Iraq sent an official letter to the Ministry of Finance/Budget Department/Current Budget Preparation Section, regarding the determination of the official exchange rate adopted in the draft Federal General Budget Law of the Republic of Iraq for the year 2026.
According to a book issued by the Statistics and Research Department of the Central Bank of Iraq, obtained by Shafaq News Agency, the bank clarified in its book that the official exchange rate that will be adopted in the 2026 budget is 1300 dinars per dollar.
The book indicated that this price has been in effect since February 2023, explaining that it is related to the work of the Central Bank of Iraq.
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THE CENTRAL BANK ADDRESSES THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE REGARDING THE OFFICIAL DOLLAR EXCHANGE RATE IN THE 2026 BUDGET.
The Central Bank of Iraq addressed the Ministry of Finance regarding the official exchange rate of the dollar to be adopted in the draft federal general budget law for 2026.
A document issued by the bank, which was received by “Baghdad Today”, stated that “the official exchange rate that will be adopted in 2026 is (1300) dinars per dollar.”
The document explained that “this price has been in effect since February 2023,” noting that “determining the price falls within the scope of the work of the Central Bank of Iraq.”
Sources revealed that the Central Bank will buy dollars at a rate of 1300 dinars from the Ministry of Finance and sell them at a rate of 1310 to banks, which will then sell them at 1320 to traders and for foreign transfers.
The announcement by the Central Bank of Iraq comes in conjunction with a rise in the local stock exchange markets for selling foreign currency, where the dollar recorded today, Thursday, January 8, 2026, in Baghdad 147.850 dinars per 100 dollars.
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FIRST GOVERNMENT COMMENT ON ADOPTING 1300 DINARS TO THE DOLLAR: A CALCULATED MONETARY MOVE
The economic advisor to the Iraqi government, Mazhar Muhammad Saleh, confirmed on Thursday that the move to adopt the exchange rate of the US dollar at 1300 dinars and to raise the value of the Iraqi dinar in a limited way comes within a calculated coordination between the fiscal and monetary policies.
Saleh told Shafaq News Agency that the decision gives economic prospects a positive signal, reflecting the strength of the country’s foreign exchange reserves and the ability of monetary policy to confidently manage stability.
He explained that this step indicates that fiscal policy is moving towards the correct adjustment in maximizing its real revenues, away from resorting to what is known as “monetary adjustment,” i.e., using the exchange rate as an indirect financing tool, instead of achieving public finance goals through its original tools in mobilizing resources and controlling spending.
He added that this calculated monetary signal sends a clear message that economic stability and containing inflationary expectations remain a priority, and that the independence of monetary policy is still in place and effective, while at the same time providing an incentive for fiscal policy to activate its tools efficiently and responsibly, in order to ensure the sustainability of the macroeconomy.
The Central Bank of Iraq had decided to adopt the exchange rate of the US dollar at 1300 dinars within the 2026 budget, according to an official document revealed on Thursday.
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AN ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT OF THE CENTRAL BANK’S DECISION TO FIX THE DOLLAR EXCHANGE RATE IN THE 2026 BUDGET.
Economic expert, Nabil Al-Marsoumi, described the decision of the Central Bank of Iraq to fix the exchange rate of the dollar in the 2026 budget as an expected step aimed at strengthening monetary stability and supporting the investment climate in the country.
Al-Marsoumi told Al-Furat News Agency that: “The Central Bank has always sought to stabilize the dinar against foreign currencies,” considering that “any change in the official exchange rate could lead to widespread negative consequences at the financial and social levels.”
He explained that “reducing the exchange rate of the dinar is not a quick solution to the problems of the economy,” noting that “any decrease in the currency must be preceded by comprehensive reform steps that include financial, tax, customs, trade and investment policies.”
He added, “The financial benefits of lowering the exchange rate are limited compared to the significant social and economic impacts that may result from this step.”
The economist explained that “the Central Bank’s decision reflects the desire to maintain stability; however, it faces challenges due to the large gap between the official price and the parallel market, which is exacerbated by the application of the Skoda system to all goods imported into Iraq.”
He stressed that “it would have been better to implement the system gradually on a specific set of goods while working to resolve coordination issues with the Kurdistan Region to mitigate the impact of the measures on traders and markets.”
Al-Marsoumi concluded by saying that “stabilizing the exchange rate is a positive signal for investors and citizens, but it requires parallel steps to ensure reducing the price gap and achieving actual monetary stability in local markets.”
The Central Bank of Iraq addressed the Ministry of Finance on Wednesday, confirming that the official exchange rate adopted in the 2026 budget will be 1,300 dinars per dollar.
(Mnt Goat: So for the first time I have been in this investment the CBI has told us they fixed the budget to an exchange rate. It has been normal practice for the Finance Committee to fix the budget to the market price of oil or a little less for market variations in future. Why is this very good news for us today? Let me explain. This shows us the country is slowly moving away from oil as the sole source of revenue and now even the budget is no longer evolving around oil. WOW! They are moving to general terms of overall economic stability which means all revenue, including revenues from non-oil sources. WOW! They are truly moving away from the sanctioned rules of everything evolving around oil. WOW!)
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PARLIAMENT OPENS THE FILE ON NON-OIL REVENUES
With mounting pressure on the public budget and a growing need for long-term economic stability, Iraq is entering a pivotal phase in managing its financial resources.
All eyes are on the parliamentary session next Saturday to discuss non-oil revenues. This step comes at a time when policymakers are increasingly aware of the importance of reducing overall dependence on oil and strengthening alternative sources of funding that support public services and protect purchasing power. For the citizens.
MP Dr. Ali Saber Al-Kinani told Al-Sabah: “Opening the file on non-oil revenues is a national necessity,” noting that focusing on these revenues contributes to reducing dependence on oil, which alleviates pressure on monetary policy and strengthens purchasing power. For the citizens.
He added that the parliamentary debate will provide an opportunity to evaluate the performance of the relevant authorities, improve collection mechanisms, and expand the revenue base from various sources. Diverse.
In this context, MP Alaa Al-Haidari pointed out that boosting non-oil revenues is an important step to address financial imbalances in the general budget, support productive sectors, revitalize industry and agriculture, as well as improve the investment environment and create additional job opportunities, which contributes to strengthening economic and social stability.
As part of the government’s efforts to increase non-oil revenues, Mazhar Muhammad Salih, the Prime Minister’s advisor on financial affairs, explained that the government program to maximize non-oil revenues contributed to a significant increase in their share last year, as a result of adopting digital governance in the tax and customs sectors. Salih told Al-Sabah newspaper that non-oil revenues rose to approximately 12% of the total 2025 budget, compared to about 7% in previous years. This reflects the government’s efforts to improve tax and customs collection and achieve greater financial stability, moving away from total dependence on oil.
Saleh added that this improvement includes multiple categories of revenues, most notably commodity taxes, public sector profits, and customs duties, stressing that the government seeks to raise the percentage of non-oil revenues to about (20%) of the total general budget in the coming years by diversifying sources, improving collection mechanisms, and combating financial evasion.
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UN ASSESSMENT: IRAQ TODAY IS UNRECOGNIZABLE COMPARED TO YEARS AGO
The UN coordinator in Iraq, Ghulam Ishaq Zai, gave an optimistic assessment of the situation in the country, stressing that Iraq has strengthened confidence in its institutions and is moving steadily towards stability, while noting that the country has become “remarkable and unrecognizable” compared to what it was years ago.
The United Nations website, in a report seen by Shafaq News Agency, stated that Isaac Ze spoke about the transition from the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), whose mandate officially ended last December, to a new partnership with the Iraqi authorities focused on development.
The report quoted the UN envoy as saying that “Iraq today is unrecognizable and wonderful, especially for those who lived through the turbulent early years of the transition,” noting that a country devastated by war after the 2003 invasion has now succeeded in building confidence in its institutions and is moving towards greater stability.
Ishaq Zee explained that poverty rates in Iraq have decreased from 20% in 2018 to 17.5% during the period 2024-2025, noting that preliminary reports indicate that Iraq now occupies an advanced position in the Human Development Index, which measures life expectancy, education levels and living standards.
The report indicated that the improved security environment helped about 5 million internally displaced people return to their areas, while those who remained in the camps were mostly due to housing or civil identity issues.
The UN envoy also touched on what he described as an “important milestone,” namely the parliamentary elections held last year, in which the participation rate reached 56%, an increase of 12% over the previous elections, with a wide participation of women who constituted about a third of the candidates.
According to the report, the UNAMI mission was established in 2003 to assist Iraq in its transitional phase after the fall of Saddam Hussein’s regime. It went through difficult phases that culminated with the control of large areas of the country by ISIS before its defeat at the end of 2017. The mission ended its work on December 31, 2025, while the United Nations will continue its activities in Iraq under the leadership of Isaac Ze.
The report noted that the new phase of cooperation is based on a five-year development agreement, signed with the Iraqi government on December 25, which constitutes a roadmap to support national priorities, including education, health, economic growth, environmental protection and good governance.
The report also quoted Isaac Zee as saying that the current goal of the United Nations is “to support the social and economic needs of Iraq and to build on what has been achieved over the past two decades,” noting that Iraq will contribute to financing the implementation of these programs, in an indication of the development of the partnership and the government’s shift from the role of aid recipient to partner and supporter.
The report concluded by noting that the United Nations team in Iraq currently includes 26 agencies, funds and programs of the international organization.
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.
Auf Wiedersehen
Much love to ya all,
Mnt Goat
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