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:
September 17, 2026 Mnt Goat News Brief
Guten Tag everyone:
More news today about disarming the Iranian-backed Factions operating inside Iraq. In fact, this is just about all the news there is and is a major concern now inside Iraq. Also how will Iraq defend themselves since the US is also pulling out but Sept 30th? Will they pull out and leave Iraq venerable to these factions? Will Washington give a slight delay for the factions and also then delay the US withdrawal to coiincide? Seems only fair to me. What do you think? Or will they hold fast to the Sept 30th deadline. What will happen if a delay is not granted?
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Proverbs 19:17
“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.”
STATUS OF THE RV
The news this period is light but still VERY important to our investment in the Iraqi dinar. Afterall, we had a very long Newsletter on Tuesday and so I am giving all my readers a break today in a shorter version…. Lol… lol… lol…. 😊
The news this week is mostly about the resistance of the Iranian factions inside Iraq that are resisting the disarmament process, as wanted by Washington and the citizens of Iraq. I need to first set the stage for what we are about to study today before going on with all the articles and then review the recent articles on this topic to show you proof of what is going on inside Iraq.
I can guess everyone may be getting a bit bored about this topic of disarming these militias and factions but this is an important topic to cover and a major obstacle to the reinstatement and one of those five (5) main issues that need resolution prior. Trust me I am bored too and wish it was all over and done with. It will get done but will there be delays? What did Washington say right from the start on July 14th about delays?
I believe when we read about the effort of the factions today, we will realize that there efforts by the Coordination Framework to postpone the disarmament process. They are doing this in the hope of helping Iran as the Iranian regime inside Iran is falling apart fast, now from the inside out.
UPDATE: On disarming the militias/factions:
Speaking about being a SECURE and SOVERIEGN Iraq, what about the Iranian militias and factions?
Washington said no bargaining on this subject matter…period! The factions are using the disarming issue saying the US must also leave as well as Iran to give back full sovereignty to Iraq. That ‘full’ sovereignty is needed for the factions to lay down their arms and go home. I recommend everyone go read the entire article in the Articles Section.
There are two pieces to this effort of disarmament issue we must understand clearly:
One piece is the militias. These are the Iranian Kud forces that came into Iraq in 2014 under Iranian general Soleimani to fight ISIS. Once the war was over they continue to occupy Iraq. I have to believe helping Iraq was just an excuse to remain in Iraq and control it since as a proxy state. We witnessed the corrupt Coordination Framework try to put the treasonous Nouri Al-Maliki back in as prime minister. Again Washington forbid it. These militias more or less have agreed to disarmament and are simulating into Iraq or returning back to Iran.
The second piece is the Hezbollah radical terrorist group that have infiltrated into Iraq blending in with the militias. These terrorists are the major concern now of Washington and so when Washington talks of serious sanctions against Iraq this is why. These radicals can not continue in Iraq if the investment arena president Trump is attempting to create can succeed. These terrorists are aware of what the U.S. is trying to do in Iraq and wants it for themselves as a proxy state for Iran. Once again Hezbollah is being funded by Iran through funds stolen from Iraq.
Let’s get to the news about this subject matter. Here is the stream of articles:
- “WASHINGTON BRANDISHES THE “DOLLAR CARD”… A WARNING TO BAGHDAD: DISARM THE FACTIONS OR FINANCIAL SHIPMENTS WILL BE HALTED”
It’s called leverage. At this point in time Iraq is NOT yet ready or mature enough to manage their own funds and end the petro dollar accounts with the US Treasury, and this article makes it a point to explain why. You think the banks have a problem now with liquidity, wait till these sanctions kick in, if they do!
“Informed government officials revealed to Kurdistan 24 today (Tuesday, September 15) that Washington has informed the Iraqi government of its intention to “stop dollar shipments” to Iraq if the factions do not adhere to the disarmament deadline.”
“The network, as reported by Baghdad Today, said that two Iraqi officials, who declined to reveal their identities, stated that Washington had informed Baghdad that it would “stop the monthly dollar shipments to Iraq if the factions do not comply with the disarmament deadline set for the 30th of this month.”
“She continued, “Officials confirmed that the first warning was delivered to al-Zaidi during his visit to Washington”
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- “AS THE LAST US TROOPS PACK UP IN IRAQ, MILITIAS SIGNAL THEIR WEAPONS WILL STAY”
BAGHDAD (AP) — Two deadlines are looming for Iraq at the end of the month: the end of a decades-long U.S. military presence and the disarmament of non-state armed groups.
“Two deadlines are looming for Iraq at the end of the month: the end of a decades-long U.S. military presence and the disarmament of non-state armed groups. The U.S. withdrawal is underway, and officials say the hundreds of troops remaining in northern Iraq will be out by the Sept. 30 deadline.”
“The Iraqi government has linked the U.S. withdrawal to an ultimatum for militias to lay down their weapons. But most have indicated they have no plans to do so.
That leaves major questions about what the day after will look like in Iraq.”
“Those include the bases of exiled Iranian Kurdish dissident groups, energy facilities, and even the office of the Kurdish region’s Prime Minister Masrour Barzani.
“The withdrawal will expose the Kurdistan region even further and make it an even easier target,” Salih said. Regional government officials declined to comment, but Barzani has publicly expressed anxiety that the removal of U.S. air defenses would leave the area more vulnerable.”
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- “THE ARMS CONTROL CAMPAIGN IN IRAQ ENTERS A CRUCIAL PHASE… AMERICAN MESSAGES AND PRESSURE ON AL-ZAIDI BEFORE SEPTEMBER 30TH”
“The issue of restricting weapons to the state in Iraq is entering a highly sensitive phase as the September 30 deadline approaches, coinciding with the end of the international coalition’s mission, amid clear differences regarding the timetable and mechanisms for dealing with armed factions, and talk of American pressures and messages urging Baghdad to take practical steps in this matter.”
“Despite the Iraqi government’s insistence on the principle of ensuring that no weapons remain outside state institutions, the deadline for completing this process remains undecided.”
“In parallel with the official position, Al Jazeera Net quoted a source within the coordination framework as saying that the American side sent two messages to Iraq regarding the file, one of which included criticism of what Washington considered insufficient measures to restrict weapons, while the second, according to the source, carried warnings of possible sanctions in the event that no real progress is made.”
“After September 30
“It appears that September 30th will not necessarily signify the complete closure of the file, but rather may mark a transition to a new phase of negotiations and procedures.”
Giving any kind of extension of course is not good for us investors as it will stall the entire process of the reinstatement if it is extended too long into the future.
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- “AMERICA PRESENTS AL-ZAIDI WITH TWO OPTIONS: RESTRICTING WEAPONS OR IMPOSING COMPREHENSIVE SANCTIONS THAT WILL TOPPLE THE GOVERNMENT AND ITS PRESIDENT.”
“Baghdad seems to have woken up to the most intense wave of American warnings since the formation of Ali al-Zaidi’s government.”
“Washington has completely lost patience with the policy of “buying time” regarding the factions and has decided to present the Prime Minister with two stark choices: either genuinely “restrict the factions’ weapons” or face comprehensive sanctions that would topple him and his government from the political scene and plunge the Iraqi economy into chaos, reminiscent of the aftermath of the invasion of Kuwait.”
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- “PARLIAMENTARY FINANCE COMMITTEE: THREAT OF SANCTIONS IS POLITICAL BLACKMAIL AND A BLATANT VIOLATION OF IRAQ’S SOVEREIGNTY”
“Former member of the parliamentary finance committee, Mueen Al-Kadhemi, confirmed on Wednesday that the American threats to resort to imposing economic sanctions represent a clear act of blackmail against Iraq and a blatant interference in its internal affairs.”
“Al-Kadhimi told Al-Maalomah that “using the economic sanctions card to pressure Baghdad is a mechanism that violates all diplomatic norms and breaches the rules governing relations between countries in international law,” explaining that “such policies aim to impose dictates and deprive the national decision.”
“He added that “Iraq is an independent and fully sovereign state, and no external party can be allowed to interfere in its internal affairs or attempt to blackmail it by threatening sanctions,“ stressing “the need to reject these threats and adhere to the independence of the Iraqi position and protect the country’s economic resources from any external pressures.”
I say really? Looks like another irony of Iraq to me. Of course, I do not agree with what is said in this article. Iraq has shown it is not yet ready to stand on its own fee. The US did fight a war to overthrow Saddam Heisen and then turn the country over to Iranian terrorists. When anyone says Iraq is an independent and ‘fully’ sovereign state they are wrong as long as Iranian influences the state as it does. So why not have US influence the state then too, as Iran can do it? What is the difference? The only difference is the one writing this article is an Iranian sympathizer. We know already the paid and suffering Iran inflicts upon any country it touches.
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- “(EXCLUSIVE) THE US STATE DEPARTMENT CONFIRMS ITS SUPPORT FOR AL-ZAIDI’S EFFORTS TO EXTEND SOVEREIGNTY, CONTROL WEAPONS, AND PREVENT ATTACKS.”
“The US State Department affirmed on Wednesday that the United States supports Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s efforts to extend state sovereignty and prevent attacks from being carried out inside or launched from Iraq, stressing Washington’s commitment to building a strong and mutually beneficial partnership with Baghdad.”
Economic news reports
This came in response to a question from Shafaq News Agency from a spokesperson for the US State Department, regarding reports that Washington had warned Baghdad of possible measures if efforts to curb armed factions failed, and whether President Donald Trump’s administration was threatening financial and economic sanctions or restrictions on dollar transactions and transfers.
The spokesman said, “President Trump made it clear, when he hosted Prime Minister al-Zaidi for a historic visit on July 14, that the United States strongly supports his vision to ensure a brighter future for all Iraqis, free from terrorism.” He added that this support includes “working to prevent any attacks from being launched from or within Iraqi territory, and building a strong and mutually beneficial US-Iraqi partnership.”
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UPDATE: Oil and Gas Law
Let’s now address another issue that we all should realize by now Iraq needs in order to reinstate the dinar. There are a few good articles that recently came out from Iraq explaining much to us.
Remember I said reinstate not remove the zeros, so pay close attention. Iraq could probably remove the zeros and delay the reinstatement until these other issues are addressed. But there would have to be an assurance they would not take very long to complete.
So, try to remember the news I presented on Tuesday on this topic. Relate all these articles today to what was said in the past. Note the contradictions. Seems today is not has positive but more negative. This shows to us at least they are working on the new law in parliament, even if still debating it. Let’s hope they don’t shelve it again and gets this completed this time, if even a bit longer. Can they do it for the 2027 budget?
I wanted to keep my readers updated on any developments about the Oil and Gas law. This one is titled “THE OIL AND GAS LAW: IRAQ’S WEALTH HELD HOSTAGE BY POLITICAL DISPUTES”
“The oil and gas law remains shrouded in dust after years spent in the halls of parliament, amidst ongoing political and technical disputes that have prevented its final approval.“
“This is despite the law’s crucial role in regulating the management of oil and gas resources and defining mechanisms for revenue distribution between the federal government, the regions, and the provinces. Among the contentious issues is the relationship between Baghdad and the Kurdistan Region regarding the management of oil fields, revenues, and constitutional powers.“
Al-Musalmawi stated that “there is a need to address the outstanding points of contention between the Kurdistan Region and the federal government, and to reach understandings that allow for the enactment of the law in a way that guarantees the rights of all parties and resolves the issues related to the management of oil wealth.”
The oil and gas law faces a postponed fate after being repeatedly postponed from one parliamentary session to the next, despite its direct link to the national wealth file, the management and distribution of oil revenues, and its impact on the lives of citizens and the Iraqi economy. This makes its resolution one of the legislative issues still awaiting political and technical consensus.
“For his part, MP and former minister Zuhair al-Jalabi revealed to Al-Maalomah that “the issue of annexing land from Nineveh Governorate for the benefit of the Kurdistan Region is practically settled, especially since the administrative boundaries of the governorates are defined within the Ministry of Planning and cannot be changed except by a decision of the Council of Representatives through a vote on a new administrative map of the governorates.”
“He added that “the issue of the oil and gas law, despite talk of obstacles related to shared lands and the ownership of oil fields, whether for Baghdad or the region, is a bigger problem because many countries are trying to ensure that such a law is not passed.”
The below paragraph explains it very clearly the real reason why the law has not yet passed. Most don’t want to air this dirty laundry, but it has to be said and this article says it. When vast amounts of future revenues are involved, corruption is rampant. ☹
“He explained that “the countries seeking to prevent the law’s passage benefit from oil smuggling, the rampant corruption in the relevant ministry, and the chaos associated with this file. Some countries are trying to ensure the continuation of this scenario to guarantee the achievement of their interests.”
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Would you believe this law was supposed to be passed in 2007 and in force within a few years of passing the new Iraq constitution? The article is titled “AL-MUSLAWI SPEAKS ABOUT THE OIL AND GAS LAW…ITS APPROVAL IS STILL FAR OFF”
“The spokesperson for the Reconstruction and Development parliamentary bloc, Firas al-Muslawi, confirmed on Wednesday that the oil and gas law continues to face numerous obstacles preventing its passage in the Council of Representatives.”
“He explained that the reasons for the delay are a mix of political and technical factors.
Speaking to Al-Maalomah, al-Muslawi stated, “The oil and gas law is among the most frequently postponed laws in the Iraqi parliament, most recently during the last parliamentary session. “
“He added, “Among the most prominent political reasons are the objections from the Kurdistan Region and the Kurdish blocs, despite the law’s importance and Iraq’s need for it, as it is a crucial piece of legislation that can contribute to achieving social justice in the distribution of wealth among the provinces.”
This statement about Kurdistan is simply NOT true. It used to be true but their issues have been worked out. There may be new disputes if they are changing what they agreed on about a year ago. Why change it if you already had agreements? Could it be intentional just so the corrupt delay it again and again?
This last statement is NOT entirely true since the Kurds have been operating off the version of the draft law now in parliament for over a year now. This should have been a slam dunk in parliament and passed by 2007. Articles 111 and 112 state that oil and gas are the property of all Iraqis. It gives until 2007 to pass a law putting in force the provisions of the new constitution. It is now 2026 that’s 19 years too late already. Why has not the U.S. been more involved in this effort too. This one surprises me. Will the Trump administration find a way to speed up the process in parliament?
The real reason it has not yet pass is all about ‘corruption’, corruption, corruption. Did I say corruption! ☹ The corrupt side of some politicians don’t want the wealth spread to improve peoples lives. Other countries too who enjoy the benefits of the smuggled out oil also don’t want the law to pass. This will cut them out of cheaper oil. There are other issues too like who owns the new oil wells, where this revenue goes (Kurdistan or Baghdad) and the disputed lands and their wells on them. It is not clearly stated and is ambiguous in the constitution about these other issues.
“The oil and gas law faces a postponed fate after being repeatedly deferred from one parliamentary session to the next, despite its direct link to the national wealth file, the management and distribution of oil revenues, and its impact on the lives of citizens and the Iraqi economy. This makes its resolution one of the legislative issues still awaiting political and technical consensus.”
I don’t believe Washington is going to extend out the timeframe too long if at all for the disarmament of the Iranian-backed terrorist factions in Iraq. They will probably be given a short time to present a plan to Trump and Al-Zaidi will have to justify the extension. Remember that if the Trump administration makes a threat of actions they will hold a country to it. This is a negotiation tactic used by Trump over and over again. Part of negotiations at times can extend but only for short periods with warnings this is the last or else. The ‘else’ in normally clearly spelled out.
Why has the US not gotten more involved in the Oil and Gas Law, especially if this is so important enough to hold up the reinstatement?
I also want to reiterate that by the end of September that we are supposed to also hear about the timeframe for removing the zeros from the large 3-zero notes and how it will all work. Will the disarmament interfere with this timetable. Oh… don’t let anyone fool you as there is a timetable and they are trying to meet it.
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SUMMARY:
I don’t believe Washington is going to extend out the timeframe too long if at all for the disarmament of the Iranian-backed terrorist factions in Iraq. They will probably be given a short time to present a plan to Trump and Al-Zaidi will have to justify the extension. Remember that if the Trump administration makes a threat of actions they will hold a country to it. This is a negotiation tactic used by Trump over and over again. Part of negotiations at times can extend but only for short periods with warnings this is the last or else. The ‘else’ in normally clearly spelled out.
Why has the US not gotten more involved in the Oil and Gas Law, especially if this is so important enough to hold up the reinstatement?
I also want to reiterate that by the end of September that we are supposed to also hear about the timeframe for removing the zeros from the large 3-zero notes and how it will all work. Will the disarmament interfere with this timetable. Oh… don’t let anyone fool you as there is a timetable and they are trying to meet it.
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What do you think will happen next? (Leave a comment)
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Their words not mine…..No Rumors, No Hype, No Opinions ,,,,,
Just the FACTS!
These prophecies are an important tool we have to lead us on our path. They are more important now 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. They seem to converge now closer and closer to seeing them come to fulfillment. WOW!
Prophetic Words from the prophets: Julie Green
“Time Is Running Short“
Go to the 10:59 mark on the video. Given on Sept 11th
Remember that we have not yet seen the Angle of Death pop his head up again since the exodus from Egypt. I fully expect these events prophesized to happen between now and election day in November or just afterwards. It all depends how severe based on the election results and who gets into office. God is going to clean house either way, through the ballot box or afterwards.
“A Total Govt Reset Is Taking Place“
Go to the 11:35 mark on the video. Given on Sept 13th.
Fr. DON BOSCO EXPOSED THE DARK SECRET BEHIND ISLAM
I keep this one out here to view. Everyone should take the time to watch it. It will awaken you about the Muslim so-called religion (or should we call it for it is — a ‘cult‘.)
— And the truth the world forgot about the so-called Muslim religion.
Fr.Don 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 lovekindness, 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.
TOTAL REVOLT! IRAN REGIME IN PANIC!
Iran’s Kurds Plan Complete Shutdown
TRUMP PROMISES FREE $5000 CASH TO EVERY AMERICAN CITIZEN
Trump Promises Free $5000 Cash To Every American Citizen On One Condition!
Republicans Set Midterm Agenda must win both houses in November. Is this just a hoax to get more votes? We are not talking about a $600 check but $5,000 and this much has NEVER been given directly to the American people before by any predecessor before Trump.
Here is the initial PROMISE speech at the RNC:
Then again he promises it will happen upon being interviewed after his visit to Ireland while still on the tarmac:
NATIONWIDE UPRISING IN IRAN! ISLAMIC REGIME & IRGC PANIC AS IRANIANS PLAN COMPLETE SHUTDOWN
THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU TAKE JOURNALISM SERIOUSLY
Maria Bartiromo OUSTED by Fox News After 12 Years, Erased From Network After Shocking Split. She was getting too close to too many conspiracies and they didn’t like it. In other words she ruffled too many feathers…. Then they oust you for telling the TRUTH!
MARIA BARTIROMO FINALLY SPEAKS OUT AFTER FOX NEWS FIRING
THE LARGEST SINGLE OIL RESERVE EVER DISCOVERED IN THE UNITED STATES
WASHINGTON BRANDISHES THE “DOLLAR CARD”… A WARNING TO BAGHDAD: DISARM THE FACTIONS OR FINANCIAL SHIPMENTS WILL BE HALTED
(Mnt Goat: It’s called leverage. At this point in time Iraq is NOT yet ready to manage their own funds and stop the petro dollar accounts with the US Treasury, and this is why.)
Informed government officials revealed to Kurdistan 24 today (Tuesday, September 15) that Washington has informed the Iraqi government of its intention to “stop dollar shipments” to Iraq if the factions do not adhere to the disarmament deadline.
The network, as reported by Baghdad Today, said that two Iraqi officials, who declined to reveal their identities, stated that Washington had informed Baghdad that it would “stop the monthly dollar shipments to Iraq if the factions do not comply with the disarmament deadline set for the 30th of this month.”
She continued, “Officials confirmed that the first warning was delivered to al-Zaidi during his visit to Washington, where the US administration confirmed to him that failure to contain the threat of armed factions to US interests and the interests of countries in the region would have dire consequences for relations between the two countries, including Iraq’s access to dollar liquidity.”
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AS THE LAST US TROOPS PACK UP IN IRAQ, MILITIAS SIGNAL THEIR WEAPONS WILL STAY
BAGHDAD (AP) — Two deadlines are looming for Iraq at the end of the month: the end of a decades-long U.S. military presence and the disarmament of non-state armed groups.
Two deadlines are looming for Iraq at the end of the month: the end of a decades-long U.S. military presence and the disarmament of non-state armed groups. The U.S. withdrawal is underway, and officials say the hundreds of troops remaining in northern Iraq will be out by the Sept. 30 deadline.
The Iraqi government has linked the U.S. withdrawal to an ultimatum for militias to lay down their weapons. But most have indicated they have no plans to do so.
That leaves major questions about what the day after will look like in Iraq.
Iranian-backed Iraqi militias have struck U.S.-linked targets both inside and outside of Iraq since the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on Feb. 28. They also have coordinated with Yemen’s Houthi rebels to attack Saudi Arabia.
With the war between the U.S. and Iran raging, Tehran is unlikely to give up the leverage it has in neighboring Iraq. U.S. officials are concerned about the militias’ ability to continue carrying out attacks — but not enough to delay their withdrawal.
The end of the US mission
U.S. troops invaded Iraq in 2003 to topple Saddam Hussein. They departed in 2011, but three years later, Iraqi authorities invited a smaller U.S.-led mission to fight the Islamic State group, which had rampaged across Iraq, seizing large swaths of territory.
With the extremist group now reduced to scattered sleeper cells — a result of the intervention of Iran-backed militias as well as the U.S.-led coalition — Washington and Baghdad agreed in 2024 to wind the mission down.
U.S. troops pulled out of bases in most areas of Iraq last year but maintained a presence in the semiautonomous northern Kurdish region. Bases there have regularly come under attack since the U.S. and Israel launched their war against Iran.
A U.S. military official said the withdrawal would be completed by Sept. 30, and the hundreds of troops still present in northern Iraq would mostly be redeployed to Jordan and other countries in the region. Military equipment, including air defense systems, will also be removed. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to comment publicly.
A “normal bilateral security cooperation” agreement could then be negotiated with the central government in Baghdad, he said, but it remains unclear what form that would take.
The official said that the counterterrorism base in Irbil had lost its importance for U.S. troops with the Islamic State threat receding. During the war with Iran, northern Iraq for the most part did not serve as an “offensive platform,” but U.S. forces there were frequently targeted by Iran and Iran-backed Iraqi militias, so pulling troops out “will reduce our risk,” he said.
But the U.S. military remains concerned about the ability of the Iraqi militias to launch attacks on targets elsewhere in the region, including in Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Israel, and about the presence of Houthi rebel forces in Iraq, he said. In the past, the U.S. has sometimes struck militia sites in Iraq in retaliation for attacks. Washington has slapped sanctions on some of the groups and could impose more.
Militias take a hard line on disarmament
Iraqi government officials have waffled over whether Sept. 30 is a hard deadline for disarmament of militias or merely the starting point for negotiations. “There will be no disarming of any groups by the 30th of September,” said Iraqi analyst Sajad Jiyad, speaking at a panel convened by the Atlantic Center think tank last week. “I think that’s probably clear to anybody who watches Iraqi politics.”
While a handful of less-influential militias have agreed to turn over their weapons, the most powerful groups — and closest to Iran — Kataib Hezbollah, Harakat al-Nujaba and Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada have rejected the prospect or set conditions for disarming that they know the government is unlikely to meet in the near future.
Those include bringing the Kurdish peshmerga security forces in northern Iraq under control of the central government’s military and expelling Iranian Kurdish dissident groups and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or PKK, that have bases in the region.
“After establishing these parameters, discussions will focus on regulating weapons, not surrendering them,” an official with one of the Iran-backed Iraqi militias said. “There is absolutely no decision among the factions to surrender weapons, and we have not surrendered any weapons.”
A government official said the government’s strategy currently focuses on bringing armed factions under the control of the Iraqi military. Already many of the militias are part of the Popular Mobilization Forces, a coalition of armed groups that is officially part of the Iraqi armed forces, although the individual militias often act on their own.
The official said the government wants the armed factions to hand over “dynamic weapons” including missiles and long-range aircraft, to the central leadership of the PMF and for the individual factions to be dissolved and placed under the command of the PMF and the Iraqi army.
The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly. Iraqi government spokesperson Sabah al-Numan said last week that “discussions and dialogues are ongoing, and the file will be resolved after the withdrawal of the international coalition forces.”
Kurds are anxious about the day after Sept. 30
While the withdrawal of U.S. troops removes one target from the Kurdish region, it may not halt the attacks. Mohammed A. Salih, a non-resident senior fellow at the U.S.-based Foreign Policy Research Institute, and an expert on Kurdish and Iraqi affairs, noted that Iran and affiliated groups “have targeted other locations in the Kurdistan region that have not been related to the U.S. troops’ presence.”
Those include the bases of exiled Iranian Kurdish dissident groups, energy facilities, and even the office of the Kurdish region’s Prime Minister Masrour Barzani.
“The withdrawal will expose the Kurdistan region even further and make it an even easier target,” Salih said. Regional government officials declined to comment, but Barzani has publicly expressed anxiety that the removal of U.S. air defenses would leave the area more vulnerable.
Numan said last week that the Iraqi government was close to procuring new air defense systems from South Korea, Turkey and the U.S.He told The Associated Press that the new systems “will be deployed according to carefully devised military plans to ensure the complete protection of Iraqi airspace, including the Kurdistan region.”
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THE ARMS CONTROL CAMPAIGN IN IRAQ ENTERS A CRUCIAL PHASE… AMERICAN MESSAGES AND PRESSURE ON AL-ZAIDI BEFORE SEPTEMBER 30TH
The issue of restricting weapons to the state in Iraq is entering a highly sensitive phase as the September 30 deadline approaches, coinciding with the end of the international coalition’s mission, amid clear differences regarding the timetable and mechanisms for dealing with armed factions, and talk of American pressures and messages urging Baghdad to take practical steps in this matter.
Despite the Iraqi government’s insistence on the principle of ensuring that no weapons remain outside state institutions, the deadline for completing this process remains undecided. On September 10, Sabah al-Nu’man, spokesman for the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, confirmed that no specific timeframe had been agreed upon with the factions, explaining that dialogue was ongoing and the process was proceeding according to the government’s vision.
Al-Nu’man also stated that discussions regarding the disarmament process are expected to accelerate after the international coalition’s mission ends on September 30, with the government affirming that the issue will remain among its sovereign and security priorities. Reports indicate that some factions have already begun taking steps to hand over their weapons, while others continue to link any broader action to the complete withdrawal of foreign military forces.
In parallel with the official position, Al Jazeera Net quoted a source within the coordination framework as saying that the American side sent two messages to Iraq regarding the file, one of which included criticism of what Washington considered insufficient measures to restrict weapons, while the second, according to the source, carried warnings of possible sanctions in the event that no real progress is made.
This information remains attributed to the source who spoke about it, and neither Washington nor Baghdad, according to what is officially published, has announced similar details regarding the content of those messages or any threat related to the future of Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi.
According to the same information, leaders of the armed factions held meetings with forces within the coordination framework, followed by the formation of a committee that includes the head of the State of Law Coalition, Nouri al-Maliki, the head of the Reconstruction and Development Coalition, Muhammad Shia al-Sudani, and the head of the Fatah Alliance, Hadi al-Amiri, to follow up on the discussions related to the file.
The data indicates a disagreement regarding the description of the next stage; while some parties have put forward the formula of “regulating weapons,” political and governmental forces adhere to the term “restricting weapons to the state,” as it is the expression that reflects the end of any armed presence operating independently of official institutions
.After September 30
It appears that September 30th will not necessarily signify the complete closure of the file, but rather may mark a transition to a new phase of negotiations and procedures. Al-Nu’man had previously stated that ending the international coalition’s mission would remove one of the main justifications used by the factions to retain their weapons, anticipating an accelerated resolution process after that date.
Political discussions have also taken place regarding the possibility of extending the weapons disarmament process until the end of the year, in order to avoid a direct military confrontation with the dissenting factions, a scenario that has been raised in political circles in recent weeks.
The article quotes Yasser Iskandar, a member of the parliamentary Security and Defense Committee, as saying that there is an understanding to grant an additional period of 90 days after September 30 to address weapons outside the framework of the state, but the government has not yet officially announced the adoption of a new deadline in this form.
In contrast, the government continues to emphasize that the ultimate goal remains unchanged, even if the timelines or implementation mechanisms change, which is to end the presence of weapons outside official security and military institutions.
The mobilization law enters the fray of the crisis
The issue of weapons is intertwined with the moves related to the Popular Mobilization Forces Law, as political forces seek to complete the legal framework regulating the work of the organization and its relationship with the state and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
The Speaker of Parliament had addressed the government last August regarding sending the draft law on the Popular Mobilization Forces to the Council for approval, at a time when political discussions were continuing regarding its articles and final wording.
Political forces believe that reorganizing the legal status of the Popular Mobilization Forces may help to separate the official institution from groups or formations that operate outside the state’s leadership hierarchy, while some aspects of the legislation remain subject to internal and external debate.
The coalition’s exit is a major obstacle.
Deputies and forces close to the factions insist on the need to ensure the implementation of the withdrawal of the international coalition forces before taking comprehensive steps regarding weapons, considering that the presence of foreign forces inside the country makes the issue more complicated from a security and political standpoint.
September 30, 2026 is the announced date for the end of the international coalition’s mission in Iraq, after which the relationship with its countries will move to different forms of security cooperation.
Members of the Security and Defense Committee also believe that the state needs to develop its military capabilities, particularly in the areas of air defense, drones, radars and modern weapons, so that official institutions can fully assume security and military tasks.
Internal and external pressures
On the political side, American pressure intersects with complex internal calculations within the coordination framework and the factions, where the dispute is not only about the principle of restricting weapons, but also about its timing, the way it will be implemented, and the extent to which the government is prepared to go to more stringent measures if the negotiations fail.
On September 6, the State Administration Coalition warned of the potential repercussions of US sanctions imposed on some countries and their impact on Iraq under the current financial circumstances, without directly naming Iran in its published statement.
Between American pressure, fears of internal escalation, and the conditions set by factions linked to the coalition’s withdrawal, Ali al-Zaidi’s government appears to be facing a delicate political and security test: proceeding towards restricting weapons without pushing the country into an internal armed confrontation, while at the same time taking concrete steps that prove the state’s ability to impose its authority on security decisions.
With less than two weeks until September 30, the issue does not appear to be heading towards a complete resolution in one day, but this date may mark the beginning of the most sensitive phase in the file, as the discussion shifts from the question of whether weapons will be restricted to the state to a more complex question concerning the implementation mechanisms and the time the government will need to accomplish this.
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AMERICA PRESENTS AL-ZAIDI WITH TWO OPTIONS: RESTRICTING WEAPONS OR IMPOSING COMPREHENSIVE SANCTIONS THAT WILL TOPPLE THE GOVERNMENT AND ITS PRESIDENT.
Baghdad seems to have woken up to the most intense wave of American warnings since the formation of Ali al-Zaidi’s government. Washington has completely lost patience with the policy of “buying time” regarding the factions and has decided to present the Prime Minister with two stark choices: either genuinely “restrict the factions’ weapons” or face comprehensive sanctions that would topple him and his government from the political scene and plunge the Iraqi economy into chaos, reminiscent of the aftermath of the invasion of Kuwait. A
l Jazeera Net, in a report reviewed by 964 Network on Wednesday (September 16, 2026), reveals that two extremely harsh American cables arrived at al-Zaidi’s office. The first nullified all previous government measures and deemed his efforts to “restrict weapons” a mere formality, while the second contained direct threats of isolation and crippling sanctions. While the factions sought a diplomatic way out by softening the language to “regulating weapons” or “gradually” disarming them, the leaders of the Coordination Framework rejected this maneuver, clinging to the term “restriction” unequivocally to avoid the consequences of a confrontation with Washington.
Al Jazeera Net report:
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PARLIAMENTARY FINANCE COMMITTEE: THREAT OF SANCTIONS IS POLITICAL BLACKMAIL AND A BLATANT VIOLATION OF IRAQ’S SOVEREIGNTY
Former member of the parliamentary finance committee, Mueen Al-Kadhemi, confirmed on Wednesday that the American threats to resort to imposing economic sanctions represent a clear act of blackmail against Iraq and a blatant interference in its internal affairs.
Al-Kadhimi told Al-Maalomah that “using the economic sanctions card to pressure Baghdad is a mechanism that violates all diplomatic norms and breaches the rules governing relations between countries in international law,” explaining that “such policies aim to impose dictates and deprive the national decision.”
He added that “Iraq is an independent and fully sovereign state, and no external party can be allowed to interfere in its internal affairs or attempt to blackmail it by threatening sanctions,” stressing “the need to reject these threats and adhere to the independence of the Iraqi position and protect the country’s economic resources from any external pressures.”
(Mnt Goat: When anyone says Iraq is an independent and fully sovereign state they are wrong as long as Iranian influences the state as it does. So why not have US influence the state then. What is the difference? The only difference is the one writing this article is an Iranian sympathizer. )
Earlier, the Institute for the Study of War indicated that the administration of US President Donald Trump warned Baghdad of the possibility of suspending monthly dollar transfers if the Iraqi government did not hand over the Popular Mobilization Forces’ weapons. This move reflects a clear attempt to pressure Iraqi sovereignty and target the Popular Mobilization Forces, which played a prominent role in confronting ISIS and defending Iraqi territory.
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(EXCLUSIVE) THE US STATE DEPARTMENT CONFIRMS ITS SUPPORT FOR AL-ZAIDI’S EFFORTS TO EXTEND SOVEREIGNTY, CONTROL WEAPONS, AND PREVENT ATTACKS.
The US State Department affirmed on Wednesday that the United States supports Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s efforts to extend state sovereignty and prevent attacks from being carried out inside or launched from Iraq, stressing Washington’s commitment to building a strong and mutually beneficial partnership with Baghdad.
Economic news reports
This came in response to a question from Shafaq News Agency from a spokesperson for the US State Department, regarding reports that Washington had warned Baghdad of possible measures if efforts to curb armed factions failed, and whether President Donald Trump’s administration was threatening financial and economic sanctions or restrictions on dollar transactions and transfers.
The spokesman said, “President Trump made it clear, when he hosted Prime Minister al-Zaidi for a historic visit on July 14, that the United States strongly supports his vision to ensure a brighter future for all Iraqis, free from terrorism.”
He added that this support includes “working to prevent any attacks from being launched from or within Iraqi territory, and building a strong and mutually beneficial US-Iraqi partnership.”
He continued: “We support Prime Minister al-Zaidi’s efforts to impose and exercise Iraqi sovereignty, at a time when Iraq is moving towards a new path under his leadership, and in full partnership with the United States.”
The spokesman did not address in his response the validity of reports concerning possible financial and economic sanctions or restrictions on dollar transactions, merely reiterating US support for measures to enforce sovereignty and prevent attacks.
The Foreign Ministry statement reinforces a position announced by a White House official to Shafaq News Agency, in which he affirmed the United States’ full support for disarming the factions and transferring their weapons to the federal government, stressing the importance of Baghdad’s transparency with Washington and regional partners regarding the mechanism for implementing the process.
Al-Zaydi also stressed that Iraq would not allow its territory to be turned into a base for launching threats against neighboring countries, and that placing weapons under state control does not represent a confrontation with any party, but rather a condition for building a unified state in which there are no multiple centers of power and decision-making.
The American position comes a day after MP Abu Turab al-Tamimi revealed to Shafaq News Agency al-Zaidi’s role in sparing Iraq from “almost certain” military strikes by Saudi Arabia and the United States that were scheduled for last Monday, attributing this to what he described as the “wisdom and policy” of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, without revealing further details.
The escalation stems from the targeting of facilities belonging to the Saudi “East-West” oil pipeline by drones that Riyadh and the Iraqi government said were launched from Iraqi territory, causing injuries and material damage and leading to the temporary shutdown of the pipeline.
Saudi Arabia announced that it would refrain from responding at the present time in response to Al-Zaidi’s request, while reserving the right to take the necessary measures to protect its sovereignty, security and vital facilities.
Following the attack, Al-Zaydi relieved the operations and police commanders in Maysan of their posts, transferred the directors of the security services in the province to the command and referred them for investigation, in addition to forming an urgent investigative council and tightening inspection and control procedures at the border crossings.
The Iraqi government also agreed to conduct a joint investigation with Iran regarding drone launch platforms found near the border strip, while a leader in the State of Law coalition stated that Tehran had handed over radar recordings to Baghdad that could help determine the drones’ trajectory, pending the completion of the government investigation committee’s report.
The “Islamic Resistance in Iraq” denied responsibility for the attack, announcing its readiness to cooperate with the investigation. The escalation brought the issue of restricting weapons to the state back to the forefront before September 30, coinciding with the end of the mission of the international coalition forces in Iraq.
After the date was initially presented as a deadline for handing over weapons outside official institutions, government officials later clarified that it relates to the end of the coalition’s mission and does not represent a date for the complete disarmament of factions.
In contrast, influential armed factions refuse to consider September 30 as a binding date for them, and link the discussion of the future of their weapons to the complete and permanent withdrawal of foreign forces, while the government affirms that the end of the coalition’s mission will remove the justifications for keeping weapons and accelerate their organization under the umbrella of the state.
Shafaq.com
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THE OIL AND GAS LAW: IRAQ’S WEALTH HELD HOSTAGE BY POLITICAL DISPUTES
The oil and gas law remains shrouded in dust after years spent in the halls of parliament, amidst ongoing political and technical disputes that have prevented its final approval. This is despite the law’s crucial role in regulating the management of oil and gas resources and defining mechanisms for revenue distribution between the federal government, the regions, and the provinces. Among the contentious issues is the relationship between Baghdad and the Kurdistan Region regarding the management of oil fields, revenues, and constitutional powers.
Al-Musalmawi stated that “there is a need to address the outstanding points of contention between the Kurdistan Region and the federal government, and to reach understandings that allow for the enactment of the law in a way that guarantees the rights of all parties and resolves the issues related to the management of oil wealth.”
The oil and gas law faces a postponed fate after being repeatedly postponed from one parliamentary session to the next, despite its direct link to the national wealth file, the management and distribution of oil revenues, and its impact on the lives of citizens and the Iraqi economy. This makes its resolution one of the legislative issues still awaiting political and technical consensus.
For his part, MP and former minister Zuhair al-Jalabi revealed to Al-Maalomah that “the issue of annexing land from Nineveh Governorate for the benefit of the Kurdistan Region is practically settled, especially since the administrative boundaries of the governorates are defined within the Ministry of Planning and cannot be changed except by a decision of the Council of Representatives through a vote on a new administrative map of the governorates.”
He added that “the issue of the oil and gas law, despite talk of obstacles related to shared lands and the ownership of oil fields, whether for Baghdad or the region, is a bigger problem because many countries are trying to ensure that such a law is not passed.”
He explained that “the countries seeking to prevent the law’s passage benefit from oil smuggling, the rampant corruption in the relevant ministry, and the chaos associated with this file. Some countries are trying to ensure the continuation of this scenario to guarantee the achievement of their interests.”
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AL-MUSLAWI SPEAKS ABOUT THE OIL AND GAS LAW…ITS APPROVAL IS STILL FAR OFF
The spokesperson for the Reconstruction and Development parliamentary bloc, Firas al-Muslawi, confirmed on Wednesday that the oil and gas law continues to face numerous obstacles preventing its passage in the Council of Representatives.
He explained that the reasons for the delay are a mix of political and technical factors.
Speaking to Al-Maalomah, al-Muslawi stated, “The oil and gas law is among the most frequently postponed laws in the Iraqi parliament, most recently during the last parliamentary session.
He added, “Among the most prominent political reasons are the objections from the Kurdistan Region and the Kurdish blocs, despite the law’s importance and Iraq’s need for it, as it is a crucial piece of legislation that can contribute to achieving social justice in the distribution of wealth among the provinces.”
The oil and gas law faces a postponed fate after being repeatedly deferred from one parliamentary session to the next, despite its direct link to the national wealth file, the management and distribution of oil revenues, and its impact on the lives of citizens and the Iraqi economy. This makes its resolution one of the legislative issues still awaiting political and technical consensus.
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A CURRENCY SPECULATION NETWORK WAS DISMANTLED AND ILLEGAL FUNDS AND MONEY TRANSFERS WERE SEIZED IN CENTRAL BAGHDAD
About the news
- Federal Intelligence and Investigations Agency: Dismantling a network involved in currency speculation and illegal money transfers.
- Local and international sums of money were seized in the center of Baghdad.
- Recording the statements of the accused, including their confessions, and having them legally ratified.
The Federal Intelligence and Investigations Agency stated in a statement on Wednesday that detachments of the Organized Crime Directorate in Rusafa, based on accurate intelligence information, were able to detect a fake office without a sign, which was being used to conduct money transfers and financial transactions in dollars outside the legal frameworks.
- The agency’s detachments carried out an operation that resulted in the seizure of the office and the arrest of three defendants caught in the act.
- These individuals were arrested while conducting financial transactions and local and international transfers outside of legal controls.
- The arrest operation came after the formation of an intelligence team, verification of information, and obtaining the necessary judicial approvals.
- The statements of the accused were recorded as confessions and were judicially ratified, before they were referred to the competent judicial authorities to take legal action against them.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Interior announced on Wednesday that the Baghdad/Rusafa Police Command carried out a security exercise and a preemptive search campaign in the Al-Nuairiyah area, with the participation of a number of security, intelligence and support formations.
She said that “the campaign targeted the pursuit of wanted individuals and the seizure of violations and unlicensed weapons, resulting in the arrest of a number of wanted individuals in accordance with Articles (28) of the Narcotics Law and (456) of the Penal Code, and (8) violators of residency conditions, and the seizure of a warehouse for selling alcoholic beverages in violation of instructions, and the arrest of (4) people in possession of unlicensed weapons, in addition to the seizure of two Kalashnikov rifles and two pistols.”
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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.
Auf Wiedersehen
Much love to ya all,
Mnt Goat
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