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FYI: I am OLD TOO - that is no reason for @T B attitude and offensive posts. He is using it as an excuse and he is now on permanent Mod Review. He can still post but no one will see it unless the post is respectful. Sorry ---not sorry!

Interesting that this happened after the phone conversation between Trump and the president of the Kurdistan region Nechirvan Barzani. The pressure is ON. Go Oil exports Go HCL Go profit sharing Go stronger dinar

Here's an article of GCR interests... Exposing The real Gold Price. Treat as a rumor. Not verified. Your opine. FROM OTHER SOURCES: DOGE To Expose Real Gold Price. ARTICLE: In this week’s Live from the Vault, Andrew Maguire discusses how DOGE could help expose the true state of UST gold reserves, with a potential price reset prompting an overdue audit revealing multiple ownership claims & mismanagement. As physical demand rises & central banks rush to cover bullion leases, the balance of gold pricing power is shifting from West to East, with Asian buyers absorbing supply while Western institutions lose their grip on the market. Maguire argues that Musk’s penchant for efficiency & cost-cutting, coupled with the inherent opaqueness surrounding US gold reserves, could lead to a long overdue & potentially explosive audit. This audit, Maguire suggests, might reveal a complex web of multiple ownership claims and significant mismanagement within the UST, ultimately impacting the global gold price. The core issue lies in the lack of transparency surrounding US gold holdings. For years, speculation has persisted regarding the actual amount of physical gold underpinning official figures. A thorough, transparent audit – something that Musk’s DOGE could potentially trigger – would challenge the status quo. Imagine the potential consequences if such an audit revealed that the reported gold reserves are overstated, heavily leased, or subject to multiple claims from various entities. This revelation could trigger a significant price reset, forcing a market reckoning with potentially dramatic implications for global finance. But the potential exposure of the UST’s gold situation isn’t the only factor at play. Maguire highlights a critical shift in the balance of power within the gold market. For decades, Western institutions have largely dictated gold pricing. However, a rising tide of physical demand, particularly from Asia, is starting to change the game. Central banks, recognizing the inherent value & security of gold, are scrambling to cover bullion leases, further tightening the market. Simultaneously, Asian buyers, including China & India, are aggressively absorbing available gold supply. This escalating demand from the East is placing immense pressure on Western institutions, who are struggling to maintain their grip on price control. While Western entities may be losing their influence, the demand from the East isn’t just about investment; it’s about securing a tangible asset in an increasingly uncertain global landscape. This growing appetite from Asia positions them as the new custodians of the gold market, driving value & influencing price discovery. The confluence of these two factors – the potential for a US gold audit prompted by Musk’s DOGE & the burgeoning demand from the East – presents a compelling scenario for a potentially explosive shift in the gold market. If Maguire’s predictions hold true, we could be on the cusp of a significant price realignment, driven by a newfound transparency & a changing landscape of power.

Oil Ministry confirms: Kurdistan exports back on track - 2/22/2025 Oil Ministry confirms: Kurdistan exports back on track EconomyUS sanctionsoil exportsKurdistan region 2025-02-22 / 07:17 Shafaq News / Iraq’s Oil Ministry announced on Saturday the resumption of oil exports from the Kurdistan region. In an official statement, the Ministry said it had completed the necessary procedures to restart shipments through Turkiye’s Ceyhan port. It also confirmed that exports will resume in accordance with federal budget regulations and Iraq’s OPEC production quota. “We have completed the necessary procedures to restart exports from the Kurdistan region through Ceyhan in accordance with the agreed framework,” the statement read. The Ministry urged Kurdistan’s authorities to transfer crude oil from operating fields to the State Oil Marketing Organization (SOMO), facilitating its exports via the Iraq-Turkiye pipeline. “We call on the Regional authorities to deliver the produced quantities in line with signed contracts to ensure smooth operations,” it added. Notably, on Friday, Reuters reported that President Donald Trump’s administration had stepped up its pressure on Baghdad to fast-track the resumption of Kurdistan’s oil exports, warning of potential economic sanctions. However, Farhad Alaaldin, foreign affairs adviser to the Iraqi prime minister, dismissed these claims, stating that recent discussions with the US administration did not involve any threats or pressure on Baghdad. https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/Kurdistan-oil-Export-resumption-imminent

Can’t explain just how huge what the above article really means, globally.

I am so done with this kind of talk. Here's a novel idea...... JUST LOG OFF AND DON’T COME BACK. This conversation is over, no need to reply. pp

Step back from the keyboard @T B. Your not doing yourself any favors here. pp

Iraq advances in the fight against corruption.. a leap in the global ranking Time: 2025/02/23 17:11:47 Reading: 330 times {Local: Al Furat News} The head of the Strategic Center for Human Rights in Iraq, Fadhel Al Gharawi, confirmed today, Sunday, that Iraq ranked 148th globally in combating corruption. Useful summary.. In important news you can find it on Al Furat News channel on Telegram.. To subscribe click here Al-Gharawi said in a statement received by {Euphrates News} a copy of it, that: "Iraq witnessed remarkable progress in combating corruption during the period between August 2023 and July 2024, according to what was shown by the second report of the program to follow up on trials of major corruption cases, which was prepared by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in cooperation with the Supreme Judicial Council." He added, "The year 2024 witnessed the follow-up of 170 cases before the Central Criminal Court for Combating Corruption, compared to 150 cases in 2023, which reflects a 13% increase in the number of cases under consideration, and 80 rulings issued by the criminal and misdemeanor courts of integrity were reviewed, bringing the total number of cases followed up and reviewed to 250 cases." Regarding the number of convictions, Al-Gharawi said, “The number of convicted defendants increased from 231 defendants in 2023 to 371 defendants in 2024, an increase of 140 defendants, or 60.6%. The number of convictions also increased from 63 to 73, an increase of 10, or 15.9%.” He explained that “the number of cases returned to investigation decreased from 21 cases in 2023 to 19 cases in 2024, and the number of cases returned for retrial decreased from 10 cases to only 4 cases. In addition, trials in absentia witnessed a significant decrease, reaching 19 cases (11%) compared to 32 cases (21%) in 2023.” Al-Gharawi pointed out that "according to the report, the cases under consideration included a number of ministries and government agencies, with the Ministry of Industry and Minerals topping the list with 28 cases, followed by the Ministry of Finance with 17 cases, and the Baghdad Municipality with 14 cases, in addition to 12 cases in the Ministry of Justice, while 8 cases were registered against the Investment Authority." He explained that "65% of the cases were concentrated in Baghdad, where the number of cases increased from 72 cases in the first year to 111 cases in the second year. Anbar Governorate also entered the list of registered cases with 13 cases, while other governorates such as Babil, Nineveh, and Karbala witnessed an increase in registered cases. " Al-Gharawi praised "the measures taken by the government, the Judicial Council, the Integrity Commission, and the oversight bodies, calling for legislative reforms that include expanding the definition of corruption crimes to include influence peddling and bribery in the private sector, enhancing transparency and accountability in institutions that suffer from high rates of corruption, and implementing an electronic case management system to facilitate procedures and improve efficiency." https://alforatnews.iq/news/العراق-يتقدم-في-معركة-الفساد-قفزة-في-الترتيب-العالمي

REMEMBER, no one really knows what will happen, or when. They're simply stating their opinions based on what they perceive to be happening in Iraq... So, take everything with a grain of salt ... RON 2-22-2025 Clare Article: "Baghdad comments on Washington's threats not to resume Kurdistan oil exports" Quote: "The Iraqi government denied, on Saturday, all media reports that claimed that the United States threatened to impose sanctions on Iraq if oil exports from the Kurdistan Region were not resumed. Reuters quoted eight sources in Baghdad, Washington and Erbil, who have direct knowledge of the issue, as saying that “increasing pressure from the new US administration was a major driver behind the Iraqi oil minister’s announcement last Monday that exports from the region would resume next week" See article in reply - Kurdistan is back, up & running. 2-22-2025 Militia Man We haven't seen an exchange rate change. We haven't seen the oil pump and we haven't seen salaries [yet].

Granny, bringing the Hammer!!!

Thanks Ron. Can't hardly wait for the day you post saying "exchange rate is...." so I'm outta here 😃 pp

Iraq yield's to Trump's sanctions threats if Kurd oil does not flow. Go MAGA. Go RV.

Boo hoo for them. They’re both screwing over the US with big tariffs from what I remember hearing. What a bunch of cry baby’s.

oh hell....the goat too...!!!!.......damn it.....🤣

looking tonight at several youtube vids that Europe and Canada, not happy with Trump tariffs are ready to start a trade war. going to get interesting....

Just saying I do think that something is coming, how do they return to the gold standard? What will cause the collapse? Will an audit of the Fed cause a collapse? Have countries been lied too about gold? Who has it? Do we even need a collapse will trump just sign exectuive order? No doubt countries about to get hit are currency manipulators? Also what does this mean for Iraq? Just think if we don’t get it by end of April then it’s anytime between now and 2026 we hope! 😂I am praying for the now!🙏

Gold decides what a country’s currency is worth. Trump won’t take any shite from a country trying to cheat him on his tariffs.

REMEMBER, no one really knows what will happen, or when. They're simply stating their opinions based on what they perceive to be happening in Iraq... So, take everything with a grain of salt ... RON 2-22-2025 Fnu Lnu Article: "The Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) has announced General Tender No. (1/2025) for the supply, installation, and operation of 65 currency counting and sorting machines for its branches in Basra (35 units) and Mosul (30 units)." Here we have another example of Iraq spending billions to build out a state of the art banking system. The $64,000.00 question is, when do we get to profit from these infrastructure expenditures? 2-22-2025 Frank26 Article: "Expected visit of the Central Bank Governor to Sulaymaniyah" Are you serious? You're putting a new banking economic center? Why? You never have in the decades that I can remember. Why? Your rate of your currency is 1310. You don't need this banking economic center in Erbil. Why are you doing this? Because there is a change in the banking structure system of Iraq. 2-22-2025 Clare Article: "European Union to {Sabah}: We praise the reforms of the Sudanese government" Quote: "We support Iraq in joining the World Trade Organization (WTO), which is necessary, among other things, to harmonize Iraqi laws with international standards,” 2-22-2025 Samson Article: "Trump gives Baghdad a choice: Export Kurdistan’s oil or face sanctions like Iran" 2-22-2025 tishwash Article: "The Ministry of Oil announces the completion of procedures to resume the export of Kurdistan oil through the port of Ceyhan" This is good news...lots of good oil news out of Kurdistan so far today. I think they already have the rate but they will continue to keep it under wraps until the very last second but we need Turkey to confirm this news. 2-22-2025 Frank26 [Iraq boots-on-the-ground report] FIREFLY: Television says President Trump threatens Iraq to speed up transfer of oil pipeline or will suffer sanctions like Iran. FRANK: That is 100% correct. The reason my president is saying that to Iraq is because Iran threatened to attack you... Iraq is and my president is trying to speed things up so you Iraq can be in a position to be powerful over your enemies. If not we both lose and Iraqi citizens lose their purchasing power...There must be a date... 2-22-2025 MarkZ Article: “Optimism about the opening of Rafidan and Rasheed Bank branches in the region-to stimulate the economy and attract investors” they are talking about adding another 26-28 branches …They are closer and closer to their reforms.

well isn't april 1st date for reciprocal tariffs to start.....TRUMPS deadline you would think that around this time a few countries might me need to make some exchange rate changes or adjustments

Cut federal funding and throw the governor in jail

Oil Ministry confirms: Kurdistan exports back on track EconomyUS sanctionsoil exportsKurdistan region 2025-02-22 / 07:17 Shafaq News / Iraq’s Oil Ministry announced on Saturday the resumption of oil exports from the Kurdistan region. In an official statement, the Ministry said it had completed the necessary procedures to restart shipments through Turkiye’s Ceyhan port. It also confirmed that exports will resume in accordance with federal budget regulations and Iraq’s OPEC production quota. “We have completed the necessary procedures to restart exports from the Kurdistan region through Ceyhan in accordance with the agreed framework,” the statement read. The Ministry urged Kurdistan’s authorities to transfer crude oil from operating fields to the State Oil Marketing Organization (SOMO), facilitating its exports via the Iraq-Turkiye pipeline. “We call on the Regional authorities to deliver the produced quantities in line with signed contracts to ensure smooth operations,” it added. Notably, on Friday, Reuters reported that President Donald Trump’s administration had stepped up its pressure on Baghdad to fast-track the resumption of Kurdistan’s oil exports, warning of potential economic sanctions. However, Farhad Alaaldin, foreign affairs adviser to the Iraqi prime minister, dismissed these claims, stating that recent discussions with the US administration did not involve any threats or pressure on Baghdad. https://www.shafaq.com/en/Economy/Kurdistan-oil-Export-resumption-imminent

Well.... I ain't buying the BS of no threat of sanctions. It is a classic trump move. Funny how they suddenly resolved the mechanism to export..... hhhmmm.

March - April....my gut tells me TRUMP is forcing them to change their rate.....March could be interesting..

policy Parliamentary Committee: Lawsuit against the Prime Minister’s Office for Delaying Budget Schedules February 22 15:13 Information / Special.. Member of the Parliamentary Integrity Committee, Hadi Al-Salami, revealed today, Saturday, that a lawsuit has been filed against the Prime Minister's Office due to its delay in sending the budget tables, stressing that this delay is a serious legal and constitutional violation. Al-Salami said in a statement to / Al-Maalouma / agency, "An official complaint has been filed with the Public Prosecution Service against the Council of Ministers due to its violation of Article 62, first, of the Iraqi Constitution, which obliges it to send the budget tables before the end of the fiscal year, in addition to its violation of the Financial Management Law No. 6 of 2019, Article 11, and the Triennial Budget Law 2023-2025, Article 77, second." He stressed that "the fiscal year ended on December 31, 2024 without the Council of Ministers committing to sending the required tables, which constitutes a clear violation of the Constitution," explaining that "the complaint with the Public Prosecution Service represents the second procedure after contacting the Speaker of Parliament, who in turn formed the Legal and Financial Advisory Committee to follow up on the case and take the necessary measures against the executive authority." He also announced that "the Minister of Finance and the Prime Minister will soon be hosted in Parliament to question them about these violations." It is worth noting that the House of Representatives had previously voted on the budget amendment law and sent it to the government to send the budget tables. End 25 min https://almaalomah-me.translate.goog/news/91710/politics/لجنة-نيابية:-دعوى-قضائية-ضد-رئاسة-الوزراء-لتأخير-جداول-الموا?_x_tr_sl=ar&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc

IF Teump really did pressure them about the kurds oil , he needs to turn the thumb screws about their budget and an RV

IQD Market Rates - Sunday - 2/23/2025 Shafaq News: On Sunday, the exchange rates of the US dollar against the Iraqi dinar fell in both Baghdad and Erbil markets. According to Shafaq News Agency's survey, the dollar's rate dropped with the closure of the Al-Kifah and Al-Harithiya stock exchanges in Baghdad, settling at 149,250 dinars per 100 dollars, down from 149,900 dinars recorded this morning. In Baghdad, currency exchange stores recorded a selling rate of 150,000 dinars per 100 dollars and a buying rate of 148,000 dinars. Erbil's selling price reached 149,150 dinars for every 100 dollars, and the buying price was 149,050. Have a blessed Sunday - Almighty GOD is Faithful..! RON

TB, for the most part I have enjoyed your contributions and posts here on this site. We know you are old, a lot of us here are rounding 3rd base, headed for home in the ballgame of life. And you seem to be very strong in your faith which I admire very much, but my friend this last round of posts reeks of hypocrisy. As a Christian, we must find forgiveness for our fellow man. As my priest once told me, we must Love one another, but no where does it say we have to like them.

That will make their citizens happy, losing purchasing power

From WRAL-TV; Winning Powerball Numbers Saturday, February 22, 2025 07 18 22 50 65 PB 15 Power Player 2X Sorry; We had no winning matches.

Currency manipulation to get cheep tariff charges. Sounds like cheating to me. I wonder what vietnams currency is really worth.

Play nice now boys I hear there is a new sheriff in town 😁 Oh please and thankyou Come on HCL!!!! 👍 RJG and Kelsguy1113

budget tables are irrelevant at this point its more about resuming oil exports and being to make payments which comes back to exchange rate and currency manipulation...the squeeze is on.....budget tables will expose everything the are purposely hiding it.....

REMEMBER, no one really knows what will happen, or when. They're simply stating their opinions based on what they perceive to be happening in Iraq... So, take everything with a grain of salt ... RON 2-23-2025 Frank26 [Iraq boots-on-the-ground report] FIREFLY: There's an economic expert on the television...He's asking us Iraq citizens some questions regarding the exchange rate of our currency. He went on for 20 minutes talking about the pros and cons [of what we're about to do] and he reminded us that at one time the dinar was $3.30. Then we see new information commercials talking about the new national bonds...Mr Sammy says this is another way to get the citizens to bring in their 3 zero notes that many are hoarding in the their homes. FRANK: They are pushing the idea to buy the bonds. They'll use their 3-zero notes. The push to bring in as many 3-zero notes as possible is also another loud indicator of a change that's coming. 2-23-2025 Mnt Goat Some more good news is that ISSUE NO. (4814) OF THE IRAQI GAZETTE WAS PUBLISHED ON 2/17/2025. It included Law No. (4) of 2025 “First Amendment to the Federal General Budget Law of the Republic of Iraq for the Fiscal Years (2023-2024-2025) No. (13) of 2023.” Also they just told us the budget will not yet be open as there are technical issues yet to resolve with the Kurds. Like I told everyone that the RV rate will NOT EVER be in the budget...the law is passed and in the gazette and still no RV. I assure you with 1000% certainty that this event is NOT going to trigger the RV. 2-23-2025 MarkZ The new dinar rate was not in the Gazette on Saturday. The CBI has been showing some different rates lately…it even went to 1322 in the wee hours. But it is not staying there. There is a lot pointing to the fact they are working on it, but not a lot pointing to us going to the banks on Monday.

The "real conclusive audit" is already done. Everything is already done. We are watching the "show" to expose everything at a pace people can handle.. the results will be out as soon as we're ready to receive it. 👍

Trump can only apply pressure or suggest to RV. The final Decission to RV & at what rate is still in CBI's control. IMHO.

@RJG.... thanks for the original articles , sometimes threads run off the rails and thats to bad but it happens sometimes in every forum that I've ever been on .... all the best to us all

Perhaps so JV.... however these fools don't need anyone else to make them look bad: they do Bad very well All on their own...

Plus, we don’t just get Trump the CEO, we get all the CEO’s in his cabinet working together to meet our need. I love the Commerce Secretary btw.

Iraqi PM discusses lifting ban on 'Green Bird' with IATA Iraqiraqbreakingal-SudaniIATAIraq's Airlines 2025-02-23 06:56 Share font Shafaq News/ On Sunday, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani discussed with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) efforts to lift the European aviation ban imposed on Iraq's national airlines. According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s media office, Al-Sudani received a delegation from IATA led by the Regional Vice President, Kamil Al-Awadhi, and reviewed the progress made in implementing the action plan prepared by the committee responsible for meeting the requirements to lift the ban. Discussions also covered Iraq’s initiatives to enhance the operations of Iraqi Airways, including Implementing automation across all operational sectors, enhancing the airline’s operational capabilities, advancing staff expertise, and elevating the quality of services provided to passengers and cargo transport. Iraqi Airways has faced a significant challenge for nearly a decade, with the EU maintaining its ban on the airline’s flights due to non-compliance with international aviation safety standards established by IATA. Prime Minister Al-Sudani reiterated the government’s commitment to prioritizing this issue, ensuring continuous oversight of the committee tasked with lifting the ban and Providing all necessary facilitation to meet the requirements. The European aviation ban on Iraqi Airways dates back to 1991, following the invasion of Kuwait by the former Iraqi regime and the subsequent international sanctions on Iraq. It was briefly lifted in 2009 before being reinstated in 2015 due to continued safety violations. For his part, Al-Awadhi highlighted the significance of resolving this matter, noting that Iraq has achieved 56% progress in implementing the corrective action plan, indicating that the project is advancing as scheduled. On October 31, 2024, Iraqi Airways announced the modernization of its fleet with 13 new aircraft, including five Airbus planes, six Boeing 737s, and two Dreamliners. The airline plans to acquire additional aircraft, bringing the total to 31 by 2027. https://www.shafaq.com/en/Iraq/Iraqi-PM-discusses-lifting-ban-on-Green-Bird-with-IATA

I don't know about anyone else but this news sure makes me feel good! And it's about time! Freakin lyin, rascist b'yatch! MSNBC cancels Joy Reid’s show as part of programming shakeup at liberal network Final episode of ‘The ReidOut’ expected to air this week https://www.foxnews.com/media/msnbc-cancels-joy-reids-show-part-programming-overhaul-liberal-network

You know that’s exactly it!!!

It's sad to hear that the US has been getting tariff bullied. I wonder how it got this bad. I'm just glad it's getting straightened out with reciprocal tariffs. It doesn't seem intelligent for other country leaders to behave like they don't understand. I love Canada and the UK, and other countries also, but fair is fair.

https://am.jpmorgan.com/au/en/asset-management/adv/insights/market-insights/market-updates/on-the-minds-of-investors/which-markets-could-be-most-impacted-by-reciprocal-tariffs/

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/826032 ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The United States is intensifying its efforts to push Iraq into resuming Kurdish oil exports, warning Baghdad that failure to do so could result in sanctions, sources familiar with the matter told Reuters. This move is seen as part of Washington’s broader strategy to limit Iran’s oil revenues and curb its influence in Iraq and the region. U.S. Leverage on Baghdad The pressure from the U.S. comes as President Donald Trump's administration seeks to counter Iran’s oil exports by increasing global supply from alternative sources, including the Kurdistan Region. A resumption of Kurdish oil exports, which have been halted since 2023, could help balance global oil markets, especially amid Washington’s renewed "maximum pressure" campaign against Tehran. Earlier this month, the Iraqi Parliament has approved a critical amendment to the federal budget law, paving the way for the resumption of Kurdistan Region’s oil exports. Read More: Iraqi Parliament Approves Budget Amendment, Clearing Path for Kurdistan Oil Exports The session, held on Sunday, Feb. 2, saw 176 members in attendance, with a majority vote securing the amendment’s passage, particularly tackling Article 12, which regulates oil export agreements between Erbil and Baghdad. In a statement released on Monday, Hayan Abdulghani, Iraq's Minister of Oil, confirmed that no obstacles remain to the resumption of oil exports from the Kurdistan Region. Read More: Iraq's Oil Minister Signals Smooth Resumption of Kurdistan Oil Exports, Timeline Set for Early March 2025 He assured that within a few weeks, all measures for restarting the oil export process from the Kurdistan Region will be completed. The announcement comes as officials from Iraq’s Ministry of Oil prepare to visit Erbil to finalize the details of the plan. The decision follows mounting pressure from Washington, which has made it clear that Baghdad must ensure Kurdish crude reaches international markets. Geopolitical Ramifications Iraq finds itself in a precarious position, balancing its relations with both the U.S. and Iran. While Iran wields significant influence over Iraq through powerful Shia militias and political allies, Washington has ramped up diplomatic and financial measures to curb Iranian influence. Reuters wrote that Iraq’s central bank blocked several private banks last week from accessing U.S. dollars at the request of the U.S. Treasury. The renewed American focus on Iraq coincides with a weakening of Iran’s regional standing following Israeli strikes on its proxy groups. Washington appears keen to capitalize on this shift by pushing Baghdad into compliance with its oil and financial restrictions on Tehran. Hurdles to Resumption Despite Iraq’s announcement of the resumption of Kurdish oil exports, logistical and financial challenges remain unresolved. Key issues include ongoing disputes over payment mechanisms between the Iraqi federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), as well as concerns from international oil companies over their compensation for past and future oil deliveries. Executives from Norwegian energy firm DNO have voiced concerns over how they will be paid for future exports and how they will recover the $300 million owed for previous shipments before the pipeline closure. Turkey, which plays a crucial role in the export route, has also yet to receive concrete details from Iraq regarding the resumption timeline. Additionally, the reintroduction of Kurdish oil to global markets could create tension within OPEC+, as Iraq has been under pressure to comply with its pledged production cuts. Analysts suggest that while Kurdish crude may return to markets, Iraq is unlikely to exceed its OPEC+ production quotas. Future Implications While the U.S. is pushing for an expedited resolution, the technical and political hurdles mean that a swift restart is uncertain. The success of these negotiations will depend on Baghdad’s ability to manage competing pressures from Washington, Tehran, and internal factions within Iraq. According to Reuters, the broader impact on global oil markets will be limited, as Iraq is bound by OPEC+ agreements. However, as Reuters highlighted, the return of Kurdish exports could provide some relief to energy markets, particularly in the wake of disruptions elsewhere, such as the recent Ukrainian drone attack on a major Russian pipeline. As negotiations continue, all eyes remain on Iraq’s next steps, with potential implications for its political stability and economic trajectory.

Thanks Ron. And here we sit, still waiting. Have a great evening Ron, pp

The odds of "soon" continuing to have no meaning remain high (70-80% this week, 80-90% before month-end). 😆

Iraqi Ministry of Oil Finalizes Procedures for Resuming Kurdistan Oil Exports 22-02-2025 06:13 ShareFacebookTwitterWhatsAppTelegram Peregraf The Iraqi Ministry of Oil has confirmed that procedures have been completed to resume the export of oil produced in the Kurdistan Region through the Ceyhan Port. This move aligns with the mechanisms outlined in the Budget Law and its amendment, as well as within the production ceiling specified for Iraq by OPEC. In a press release issued today, the Ministry of Oil called on the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) to deliver the quantities produced from the operating fields to the Oil Marketing Company (SOMO) to begin exporting via the Iraqi-Turkish pipeline and the Ceyhan Port. The exports will be in accordance with contracts signed with the nominated companies. Meanwhile, Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani and Iraqi prime minister Mohammed Shia Sudani met in Baghdad today to discuss the export of oil from the Kurdistan Region. According to the Sudanese office, the Iraqi Prime Minister stressed the need to expedite the resumption of oil production by companies in the Kurdistan Region and the re-export of oil through the Turkish Ceyhan Port. The United States is exerting pressure on Iraq to recommence oil exports from the Kurdistan Region, citing concerns over the smuggling of oil to Iran. In light of the Trump administration's "maximum pressure" campaign against Tehran, the United States has been urging Iraq to resume Kurdish oil exports or face potential sanctions, according to eight sources familiar with the matter recently talked to Reuters. This move aims to offset a potential fall in Iranian oil exports as Washington seeks to reduce Iran's oil export revenues to zero. The closure of the pipeline carrying Kurdish crude to the Turkish port of Ceyhan since 2023 has led to a rise in smuggling of oil to Iran by truck under supervision of the Kurdistan Region authorities. Sources indicate that approximately 200,000 barrels per day of cut-price crude are being smuggled from Kurdistan Region to Iran and, to a lesser extent, Turkey. The U.S. is pressuring Baghdad to curb this smuggling and ensure Kurdistan Region crude is exported to global markets through Turkey. An Iraqi oil official, aware of the crude trucking shipments to Iran, noted that Washington wants Kurdistan Region crude to be exported globally rather than sold cheaply to Iran. This smuggling network is believed to generate at least $1 billion a year for Iran and its proxies. Furthermore, in recent years, the issue of oil smuggling has raised concerns about the proper allocation of oil revenues and their return to the public treasury of the KRG. Since 2023, smuggling of oil from the Kurdistan Region to Iran by truck has become a prevalent issue. This illegal trade not only undermines the Kurdistan region's legal oil exports but also diverts substantial revenue away from the KRG's public treasury. The smuggling operations generate significant revenue for those involved, including the ruling officials from Kurdistan Region and Iraq. As a result, the funds that should be contributing to the region's public treasury and supporting vital public services are instead being funneled into illicit channels. The impact of this diversion of oil revenue is profound. The Kurdistan Region has been grappling with a prolonged salary crisis, where civil servants frequently experience delays in their salary disbursements due to financial disputes between Erbil and Baghdad. The unresolved payment of salaries for government employees has led to widespread public discontent and protests. Oil exports from the Kurdistan Region were suspended in March 2023 after Turkey halted the flow of crude through the Ceyhan pipeline following an international arbitration ruling in Iraq’s favor. However, recent developments have paved the way for renewed exports, as the Iraqi parliament passed a budget amendment on February 2, 2025. The amendment was signed into law by the Iraqi president, signaling a positive shift for the oil industry. The amendment, proposed by the Iraqi government, sets the cost of production and transportation of Kurdistan’s oil at $16 per barrel, with the Iraqi Ministry of Finance covering the cost. Kurdish MP Dilan Ghafoor told Peregraf that this rate is temporary, as an independent company will conduct an assessment within 60 days to determine the actual costs. Both the KRG and oil companies operating in the region have welcomed the amendment, seeing it as a crucial step toward resuming exports. Observers emphasize the need for swift resolution of financial and logistical challenges, given the heavy reliance of both Baghdad and Erbil on oil revenues. The halt in oil sales has severely impacted the Kurdistan Region, causing financial strain and delays in salary payments and public services. The international market is closely monitoring these developments, as Iraq, one of OPEC’s largest oil producers, seeks to restore full export capacity amid fluctuating global oil prices. Iraqi Ministry of Oil Finalizes Procedures for Resuming Kurdistan Oil Exports - پەرەگراف